Each Namibia trip should make a stop at the highest dunes in the world. These red dunes are the most spectacular at sunrise and sunset. The interplay, between the the light of dawn on one side of the dunes and the dark shadow on the other is simply magnificent. Sossusvlei derives from the language of the Nama and means "Blind River", since the Tsauchab river is trickling away in the dunes.

These masses of sand dunes which are up to 380 meters high and are spread over an area of 38,000 square kilometers, actually originate from the Kalahari. The Orange river takes the sand into the Atlantic ocean, the Benguela Current northward and the wind back into the inland. On the way from the ocean to the inland, this ferruginous sand is coated with a layer of rust. Therefore, the red color of the dunes.

Not far from Sossusvlei is the Dead Vlei. A white clay area, which is surrounded by red dunes and is decorated with 800 year old, dead acacia trees. These colors, these contrasts are of pure madness!

My Recommendation regarding accommodation near the Sossusvlei:
Namib Desert Lodge
Solitaire Guest Farm
Little Sossus Lodge