The Namib Desert and its surrounding areas are one of the best destinations in Namibia. It offers a variety of fascinating attractions that range from the natural spectacle of sand dunes, exciting seaside adventures, and a quaint German village in the middle of the desert.
The sand dunes in Sossusvlei are one of the most famous attractions in the country. This seemingly endless expanse of rolling and shifting sea of sand is a spectacular sight to behold. Watch in fascination the never-ending transformation of the landscape right before your very eyes.
When the sun is up, the heat in the area can be unbearable. So, time your visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. It is much better if you are already in the area just before sunrise or sunset to witness the magnificent display of color in the sky and its reflection on the animated sand. Photographers whether beginners or experts, will find that every angle they see is worth more than a few clicks of their camera. Visitors are advised to take a 4x4 vehicle for easy navigation of the area.
Technically speaking, “vlei” is a term for basin or depression on the ground. So, the word Sossusvlei only refers to that one huge basin in the area where the dunes are closing in. However, due to the immense popularity of the attraction, the entire site is now collectively referred to as the Sossusvlei.
This "pan" in the middle of the desert looks like nothing more than a circular jigsaw puzzle of dry cracked mud. Despite the seeming nothingness, the landscape inspires the imagination and makes one feels like a curious visitor to an unknown planet. During heavy rains, which rarely happen, the cracked pan catches just enough water to transform it into a thriving waterhole for desert wildlife and vegetation – a different yet equally splendid view of the area.
Another must visit attraction in the Namib Desert region is the charming seaside town of Swakopmund. After a few days of traveling through vast emptiness of the Namibian wilderness, the sight of the beautiful village is both enchanting and enthralling. With the palm-lined beaches at its foreground and the exciting sand dunes at its background, there is no shortage of exciting things to do and see in the area.
For those who want to take in the contrasting landscape of Swakopmund, the best place to do it is in the sky onboard a hot air balloon. If you want a more exciting, adrenalin-pumping adventure, parachuting is another way of taking in the view. To take advantage of the sea, you can go beach angling or deep sea fishing. For some dune action, rent some gear and try the exciting escapades of sandboarding, dune carting and quad biking. Or, you can just sit back and relax right in the village and enjoy its quaint atmosphere at its cafes, museums or art galleries.
Not far away from Swakopmund are several attractions that you may be interested in. For wild life watching you can visit Cape Cross and its colony of seals, or the thousands of flamingo at the Swakopmund Salt Works and the Walvis Bay Lagoon. You can also take a short tour of the Welwitschia drive and get a good glimpse of the desert plant and animal inhabitants.
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