Sossusvlei is a salt pan in the central Namib Desert, lying within the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Fed by the Tsauchab River, it is known for the high, red sand dunes which surround it, forming a major sand sea. This is one of the most spectacular sights in the world.

One of the most incredible experiences is to witness the changing colours of these dunes at sunrise, and night skies which count amongst some of the clearest on the planet.

The sand owes its ochre colour to its age. Iron in the sand oxidises over time (like rusty metal) and the older the dune, the deeper the colour.

Undoubtedly the main attraction at Sossusvlei is the Dead Vlei. This is a clay pan surrounded dunes which rest on a sandstone terrace. The clay pan was formed after rainfall which caused the river to flood. This created temporary shallow pools where the abundance of water allowed Camel Thorn trees to grow. When the climate changed, drought hit the area, and sand dunes encroached on the pan, which blocked the river and the trees died. Some ‘skeletons’ of these old trees still remain, and many are believed to be roughly 900 years old. What remains of the trees has been scorched black by the sun, and the wood has not decomposed because the area is so dry.

There are some species of plants which are found on the dunes, such as ‘Salsola’ and clumps of ‘!Nara’. These have adapted to surviving off of the morning mist and very rare rainfall.

The contrast between the deep red sand dunes and the blue sky lends itself to some truly breathtaking photography opportunities - and climbing the easily accessible dunes to get a view over the spectacular dune sea, is something not to be missed.