Sossusvlei
Situated in the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei is an enormous clay pan surrounded by huge, red sand dunes. Through the desert, the Tsauchab River flows. Its rare flooding waters the vegetation that survives in the clay soil.
The colors of the sand dunes are constantly changing during sunrise and sunset and provide a rare opportunity for some unbelievable photography. The mighty desert winds constantly alter the shape and texture of the dunes, providing an ever-changing desert landscape.
Sossusvlei literally translates to “dead-end marsh”, as it is the place where the dunes come together preventing the Tsauchab River to flow any further, some 60km east of the Atlantic Ocean. However, due to the dry conditions in the Namib Desert the River seldom flows this far and the pan remains bone-dry most years. During an exceptional rainy season the Tsauchab fills the pan, drawing visitors from all over the world to witness this spectacular site. Photographic enthusiasts are spoilt with a glassy “lake” holding reflections of the surrounding dunes. When the pan fills it can hold water for as long as a year.
Despite the harsh desert conditions in the area, one can find a wide variety of plants and animals that have adapted to survive.
