- Address: Namib-Naukluft National Park ,, Sesriem, Namibia
In the central part of Namib Desert there is a unique clay plateau called Sossusvlei. It is located in the Namib-Naukluft National Park and is considered one of the most popular attractions on the planet.
general information
Sossusflei in Namibia is a dried up riverbed of the Tsokhab River. It is filled with water for a short time in February, and in the rest of the period there is a complete drought. From the tectonic point of view, this part of the desert is very old, its age exceeds 80 million years. Once upon a time, dinosaurs inhabited the area. The temperature of sand in the day can reach + 75 ° C, and air - + 45 ° C.
Tourists are attracted to the Valley of Death (Dead Vlei), which is one of the main attractions on the plateau. It is famous for the skeletons of dead trees, their age reaches several centuries. Plants have fancy shapes and create a unique lifeless landscape. This area was formed 900 thousand years ago, when sand dunes limited the flow of water.
Dunes in Sossusflei
The plateau is known all over the world for the huge sand dunes of red color, which is due to iron oxides. They are 90% quartz sand. Their average size is 240 m, and the highest peak reaches 383 m.
The main feature of barkhans is their harmonious arrangement and the fact that they are not similar to each other. They lined up in orderly rows in the valley of the river, and each has a name or number, for example:
- barkhan No. 1 is located on the observation deck, he meets all guests at the entrance to Sossusflei;
- The dune number 45 is considered the most beautiful, you can find it by parking lot for cars;
- The hills of Big Daddy and Big Mummy are majestic hills that lie opposite each other, they attract visitors in bright contrast.
These barkhans can climb, sit on the edge or even move away from it, but not everyone can overcome them. On the south side of Sossusflei in Namibia are monumental dunes. They have the form of stars and inspire artists for real masterpieces. The highest of these dunes reaches a height of 325 m.
These hills were formed by winds blowing from all sides. The colors here vary from burgundy and bright red to orange and peach. At the bottom of the barkhans lie white solonchak hollows, which stand out clearly against the background of the desert. In total, you can see 16 different shades.
By the way, not to all dunes tourists have free access. Observe the rules in the desert is necessary, because their violation can be deadly, and also punishable by heavy fines.
Flora and fauna of Sossusflei
There is practically no vegetation on the plateau. Most often you can see the trees of camel acacia (Acacia erioloba). At the water's edge there are lilies of gloriosa and tribulus flowers.
In Sossusflei there are herds of ostriches, oryxes, miniature weavers, various lizards, snakes and spiders. Sometimes there are jackals with hyenas, zebras and springboks.
Features of visit
Moving through the desert is best in closed shoes on all-wheel drive cars. Come to Sossusflei preferably at dawn or dusk, when the plateau changes like frames in a movie, and the sun does not damage the skin so much. In order to avoid burns, local residents cover the body with a mixture of ocher, ash and fat.
There are places for camping and hotels that are divided into budget and luxury. At night, it's very cold in the desert, so take warm clothes, repellents and drinking water with you.
How to get there?
From the capital of the country, the city of Windhoek , you can reach the sights by car along the routes B1, C26 and C19. The distance is about 400 km.