Sossusvlei Region

Internationally known as a photographer's dream, is Sossusvlei, with its monumental dunes, the highest of which has been measured from its base as being 325m! When it has rained sufficiently the Tsauchab River fills the main pan, drawing flamingos and other aquatic birds to the area. At the entry to Sossusvlei is Sesriem Canyon, where centuries of erosion have incised a narrow gorge of about 1km in length. At the foot of the gorge, which plunges down 30m to 40m, are pools of water that become replenished after good rains. Give yourself approximately two nights in Sesriem, so you can make a dawn start into the Namib Naukluft Park to be able to see Sossusvlei before the heat of the day and allow time to stop along the road through the dunes to Sossusvlei. The hot, but hugely worthwhile walk to Dead Vlei allows you to experience the stark lunar landscape of the bone-dry vlei, spiked with dead trees. Or if adventure and style are what you're after, enjoy the ultimate Sossusvlei treat - a hot air balloon trip at dawn floating over the dunes, ending with a champagne breakfast wherever you land!