Sossusvlei

Most people travel by 4×4 with a guide, although self-driving is popular in Namibia and there are generally good roads between locations. In amongst the huge, red dunes are white clay pans – ancient lake beds lost to time. Deadvlei or ‘Dead Valley’ is one of these, made even more surreal by the petrified remains of 900-year-old camelthorn trees, which still cling to the earth! It is a strange and astonishing place. You can also visit Sesriem Canyon, which has been carved out by the Tsauchab River over millennia. Walks in this area are great for getting a closer look. This steep and narrow canyon reveals the passing of time through its many sedimentary rock layers.

While this is not a big game viewing location, there is some interesting wildlife to be found. The activities here will usually involve 4×4 excursions with your guide, who will always be on the lookout for desert flora and fauna. Ostrich, oryx, springbok, black-backed jackal, and many different types of lizard and gecko can be seen. Another way to get around is quad biking! Although it’s a lot less subtle and you certainly won’t see much wildlife, it is a fun way to get to the top of the dunes and move fast in this difficult terrain. Of course, the best way to see local wildlife is on a guided walk. You’ll encounter smaller desert creatures and learn about the local flora and insects, as well as some basic tracking insights. Horse-riding is also possible at certain lodges.

If a hot air balloon flight is only as good as the terrain you fly over, prepare to be awe-struck! A vast sea of dunes catches the light as the sun rises over the horizon. The serenity of the desert and the calm of a balloon flight go together perfectly, making this a highly memorable experience. An early start and coffee before first light are essential, to make sure your ride coincides perfectly with sunrise over the desert. The flight lasts approximately an hour, before you settle down again and enjoy a private champagne breakfast somewhere with stunning views. Balloon trips come at an extra cost and need to be booked in advance.

The deserts of Namibia have the best light for photography and zero light pollution for stargazing, simultaneously. Some lodges offer special stargazing classes, and there are always special ‘star-viewing’ locations from your lodge. At some properties, you even have your own star-bed on the roof! The night sky in the desert will be the clearest and most spectacular you’ve ever witnessed.

Photographers will also be in heaven here, due to the sunrises and sunsets in these magnificent landscapes. Dramatic changes in light, lengthening shadows, and the ever-shifting red dunes make Sossusvlei a first-rate photography destination.