11/12/2024
Hello from Sossusvlei, Namibia home of Deadvlei and the largest sand dunes in the world.
Did you know the Namibian desert is the oldest desert in the world at roughly 55 million years old? In contrast the Sahara desert is believed to only be about 2-7 million years old.
We climbed Dune 45 but Sossusvlei is also home to Big Daddy Dune which is 325 meters tall (1,066ft). We decided to admire it from the path below after climbing Dune 45.
Deadvlei, where the first photo was taken was formed after rainfall, when the Tsauchab river flooded, creating temporary shallow pools where the abundance of water allowed camel thorn trees to grow, basically a miracle in this area.
The trees are estimated to be 900 years old, but they haven’t decomposed because the area has become too dry for that to even happen.
To get here you have to climb Big Daddy dune or walk nearly a mile in the sand, parallel to Big Daddy Dune.
Either option you choose be sure to bring water and climb early on the morning (the park opens at 6am). By 9am it was BLAZING and the temps were 102 degrees by noon. You MUST wear closed toe shoes for the hike because if not the sand with burn your feet by 10am. I just wore sandals for the pictures but hiked here in boots.
We stayed at Sossuvlei Lodge which is 2 minutes from the entrance of the park Swipe through and you’ll see some of the animals that walked through the lodge daily.
Seriously add Namibia to your travel list, it’s one of the most beautiful countries I’ve visited! Still have more to share so hope y’all ain’t tired of me yet!
