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For other destinations and types of holiday, visit Kuoni
For other destinations and types of holiday, visit Kuoni 

Things to do in Namibia

Discover soaring sand dunes and skeletal trees in Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei is home to some of the tallest sand dunes on the planet and Namibia’s most iconic landmark: Deadvlei….

By Dagmar Marrocco
Programme Manager for Alfred&

Sossusvlei lies deep in the Namib Desert and is home to Namibia’s most iconic landmark: Deadvlei. Everyone wants to capture that perfect photo of Deadvlei’s black, skeletal camelthorn trees stuck in a carpet of white clay, backed by tangerine-coloured dunes and a blue sky. It’s like a Salvador Dali painting – there’s nowhere else on earth where you’ll find a phenomenon like that.

Just driving into the Namib Desert is a surreal experience. You’re surrounded by rippling sands that stretch from Angola all the way down to South Africa. The Namib is the world’s oldest desert and recognised by UNESCO for its shifting sand sea, which is unique because fog from the Atlantic provides moisture for plants and animals to thrive. Look out for desert-adapted animals as well as Namibia’s national animal, the elegant oryx.

Stay in a lodge near Sesriem Gate so that you can head into the park before the sun comes up. Although you could drive yourself, taking a tour means you can travel with a local guide, who’ll take you to the best spots in Sossusvlei. This former riverbed – Sossusvlei means “where the river ends” in the indigenous San language – features some of the tallest sand dunes on the planet. These include the 340-metre-tall Big Daddy, Dune 45 and Elim.  

As the sun rises, watch shadows flicker over these towering dunes, the light painting them shades of orange, red, turmeric and gold. If you’re feeling active, scale one of the dunes for aerial desert views; at that time of day the sand is cool enough to trek up to the top, it’s quite a workout. If hiking isn’t your thing, take a dawn hot air balloon flight over Sossusvlei instead. The vast scale of the desert and its endless sands will render you speechless.

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Alfred & Dagmar Marrocco

Growing up in an adventurous South African family, Dagmar was always destined to travel. Beginning with camping trips all over her native country, she soon spread her wings to explore further afield. With over 60 destinations under her belt, including extensive first-hand experience throughout Africa, Dagmar is one of the most knowledgeable members of the Alfred& team. The vibrant culture, colours, sounds, and smells continue to draw her back to this incredible continent.      

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Contact us and one of our UK team will help shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. Someone like Malcolm who's travelled extensively in Namibia. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the expert guides who can help you spot rare animals or the fat bike enthusiasts who can take you on a cycling adventure through the Namib Desert. Give us a call, set up and appointment or enquire online to start planning your tailor-made Namibia holiday.

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