Namib Desert
The world‘s oldest desert stretches over a length of 1300 kilometres along Namibia’s coast and has an average width of about 120 km. This fascinating natural area is home to oryx, springbuck, ostriches, bat eared foxes, mountain zebras, desert foxes, jackals, hyenas, cheetahs and an amazing, diverse amount of birds. Part of this amazing diversity is, amongst others, the ancient “fossil plant” Welwitschia Mirabilis, the Nara melon, the Bushmen candle and different acacia trees.
Main attractions for tourists are the dunes of Sossusvlei including the ragged Sesriem Canyon, the Naukluft Mountains, as well as the desert area between the Kuiseb and the Swakop River. The area from Sesriem to the Sossusvlei offers the visitor the rare chance to explore the dune world of the Namib intensively with all its forms and colours.
The Sossusvlei is a large clay pan, which marks the end of the Tsauchab River. 4x4 vehicles are only essential for the last four kilometres through thick dune sand. The rest of the road from the park entrance to the 2x4 parking spot is tarred. Visitors travelling without a 4x4 can make use of a shuttle service for the last four kilometres. Huge camelthorn trees offer much desired shade for men and animal alike. This pastel coloured spectacular landscape is known as one of Namibia’s absolute highlights and is a paradise for photographers.
Numerous guest farms and lodges offer accommodation in the area outside of the park like Weltevrede Guestfarm, Büllsport, Agama River Camp, Namib Desert Lodge, Little Sossus Lodge, Hammerstein, Desert Homestead, Wolwedans, Kulala. At the entrance to Sesriem, Sossusvlei Lodge and Desert Camp are found and the only lodge inside the park is the Sossus Dunes Lodge run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts.
