The highlight of your Sossusvlei excursion is the view from atop the dunes! “Big Daddy”, one of the world’s tallest dunes, can be climbed for incredible views of Dead Vlei below and the entire area for miles. Aside from the spectacular scenery and geological fascinations at Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon, the area is ideal for observing some of the dune life for which the Namib is so well known. Geologists believe that this magnificent desert, that covers most of the Namib Naukluft National Park, is the oldest desert in the world. The older the dune the brighter the colour from slow iron oxidisation and a zillion tiny fragments of garnets. These dunes refract spectacular colours with the changing light and turn from burnt orange through reds to deepest mauve. At the foot of the dunes, a beautiful continental breakfast is served, before the tour proceeds to the Sesriem Canyon.
Sesriem Canyon, a deep chasm carved through the rocks by water, is a striking natural feature of the area that is best explored on foot. Stony walls rise up sharply on both sides of the canyon, while birds roost in its crags and lizards dart along the ledges. The canyon’s name was coined when early settlers used it as a water source, using six lengths of leather (‘ses riem – six thongs) tied together to lower buckets into the water at the base of canyon.
Accommodations: The Desert Grace Gondwana Collection Namibia (Breakfast, Dinner)