| Sossusvlei
Enclosed by the waves of a sea of red sand a lake
glistens deep down in the valley of dunes –
this is where the seasonal Tsauchab River ends which,
lined by trees, meanders through the dunes from the
east. At Sossusvlei the river's course to the sea
is blocked by the highest dunes on earth. It rarely
happens - only after abundant rainfalls - that the
clay pan of Sossusvlei fills with water. In neighbouring
Dead Vlei, however, the dry branches of dead camel
thorn trees rise towards the sky.
Sesriem
The Sesriem Canyon further east is so narrow that
it gives shade even at midday. This gorge, which is
up to 30 m deep, was dug by the Tsauchab River at
a time when a more humid climate prevailed. Located
near the gate to Namib Naukluft Park on the road to
Sossusvlei, the canyon is well worth the short detour
en route to or from the vlei.
FURTHER DETAILS: www.gondwana-namib-park.com
ACCOMMODATION: Namib
Desert Lodge
TOURS: Gondwana
Four Deserts Tour |