Namib Naukluft-Sossusvlei
The best of the Namib Desert, is found in Namib-Naukluft National Park. The most famous dunes are around Sossusvlei, but also seek out Sesriem Canyon and the excellent hiking in the Naukluft Mountains.
The Namib-Naukluft Park covers 19,215 square miles of desert savannah grasslands, gypsum and quartz plains, granite mountains, an estuarine lagoon, a canyon and huge, drifting apricot-colored dunes. The five main regions of the park are the Namib, Sandvis, Naukluft, Sesriem and Sossusvlei areas. The Kuiseb River runs through the center of the park from east to west and acts as a natural boundary separating the northern grayish-white gravel plains from the southern deserts. Herds of mountain zebra, gemsbok, springbok and flocks of ostrich roam the region.
Sossusvlei, in the southern region, has the highest sand dunes in the world, exceeding 1,000 feet. The base of the second highest sand dune in the world can be closely approached by vehicle. The hike along the knife-edge rim to the top is strenuous, requiring 60–90 minutes of taking two steps up and sliding one step down. The view from the top into other valleys and of the mountains beyond is marvelous. Sunrise on these magnificent and colorful dunes is spectacular. Ballooning safaris are offered.
