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; lined by trees it 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
Sesriem Canyon 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.