Sossusvlei's towering sand dunes and clay pans form one of Namibia's most iconic landscapes. Located in the vast Namib-Naukluft National Park, this rippling sand sea of towering dunes has been shaped by the wind, and the underground Tsauchab River. While seemingly barren due to its status as one of the oldest and driest ecosystems, the clay 'vleis' (pans or valleys) feature a mosaic pattern where green camelthorn trees grow, and oryx and ostrich can be seen. Solitary dead acacia trees mark the river's old routes, some centuries old. During the rainy season (January to April), the pans bloom with yellow devil thorn flowers, and the dunes turn green in places.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Immense sand dunes such as Big Daddy and Dune 45.
• Clay pans like Dead Vlei.
• Hiking, hot air balloon rides, scenic flights, and quad biking on offer.
• Desert-adapted wildlife and plants.