Sossusvlei Plateau in Namibia should be put on the bucket list of every traveller around the African continent. The Beloc editors prepared some strong arguments in favour of visiting this natural marvel!
Iconic Sand Dunes
The Sossusvlei Plateau is located inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, one of Africa’s largest conservation areas. The Plateau is known for its beautiful scenery, which include towering sand dunes, enormous salt pans and old camel thorn trees. The vibrant red colour of the dunes is caused by the high iron oxide content in the sand, which gives them their distinctive hue. The shifting sands create ever-changing patterns and shapes, making each visit to Sossusvlei a unique experience.
The park is home to the world’s tallest dunes, some reaching heights of more than 300 meters. The most notable of these dunes is “Big Daddy” a giant with panoramic views of the surrounding desert environment. Climbing to the top of “Big Daddy” is a difficult but rewarding experience, with breathtaking views of the wide, lonely desert spread out before you.
Another popular dune in Sossusvlei is known as ‘Dune 45” named after its location 45 kilometers from the park entrance. This one is a favourite among photographers, as it offers stunning sunrise and sunset views with the colours of the red sand against the clear blue sky.
The contrast of colours, textures and forms in this desert area produces an overwhelming and strange backdrop that is unlike any other on Earth.
Deadvlei
A remarkable and captivating experience awaits travellers to Deadvlei, a bizarre and eerie terrain. Devoid of any flora, the broken white clay pan contrasts sharply with the surrounding towering red dunes. The pan is dotted with old dead camel thorn trees, which add to the eerie ambiance. With their bleached white skeletons striking a dramatic contrast with the deep red of the dunes and the vivid blue of the sky, these trees, which are said to be over 900 years old, stand like ghostly sentinels in the desolate terrain.
The interplay of light and shadow at Deadvlei is always shifting, producing a dynamic and compelling sight that photographers and nature lovers alike will find appealing. The early morning and late afternoon light created lengthy shadows over the pan, highlighting the landscape’s textures and hues and contributing to its ethereal appeal.
Visiting Deadvlei is a visual and sensual experience at once. The desert’s solitude, broken only by the odd flutter of the wind or the sound of a faraway bird, heightens the impression of isolation and timelessness in this ancient area.
Meeting the thousand-year-old culture
For ages, the San people, sometimes known as the Bushmen, have lived in the region. They are deeply connected to the nature and have acquired detailed knowledge and abilities to live in the harsh desert climate. The San people live in tiny nomadic bands, make temporary homes out of natural materials and feed themselves by hunting and gathering.
Their culture is recognized for the rock art, which depicts scenes from daily life as well as spiritual creatures. Deeply ingrained in the spiritual beliefs of the San people is the idea that all living things have the energy known as “num” or “n/um” connecting everyone. Their own language, dance, music and storytelling traditions are still vital to their cultural identity even nowadays in our modern world. You may learn about the San people’s rich history and customs through guided tours, storytelling sessions and encounters with locals.
To pay a visit to the San community – contact Africa Brut!
How to explore?
Those who want a more active experience may discover the region by foot, going across the tall sand dunes and admiring the panoramic views from the summit. Guided walks are provided for people interested in learning more about the unusual flora and creatures that have evolved to live in this harsh climate.
A common method of navigating the sandy terrain and getting to more isolated parts of the plateau for those seeking a more daring experience is 4×4 vehicle trips. Experienced Africa Brut guides will show you the hidden gems and explain the region’s geology and history.
Take a hot air balloon flight over Sossusvlei to see the huge desert landscape from above the dunes, an experience that some people find really unforgettable. This tranquil and serene trip provides stunning vistas and a fresh perspective on the area’s splendour.
Staying in the lodge beneath the bright desert sky of the Sossusvlei Plateau not only allows you to connect with nature, but it also creates a profound sense of wonder and amazement in the broadness of the universe. With little light pollution in this secluded spot, the night sky above Sossusvlei is awe-inspiring to see. The desert air’s purity makes celestial things more visible, allowing tourists to easily observe constellations, planets, and even shooting stars.
Outstanding service and meticulous attention to detail are hallmarks of the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. Each room is attractively equipped, with huge windows providing panoramic views of the desert, thatched roofs, and stone walls that mirror the colors of the terrain.
Sossusvlei Plateau is not just a natural wonder but also a place where visitors can connect with the land and its inhabitants on a deeper level!