After an amazing Day 3 and 4, I was so enthralled with Namibia’s beauty that I didn’t think it could get any better. Little did I know that Day 5 would reveal a landscape so magical that it was like a scene from a movie. We left our lodge around 7:00 am and about an hour later arrived at Sesriem gate, the entrance to the Sossuvlei area of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. We were amazed by the enormous red sand dunes surrounding us at every turn.

Sand dunes at Namib-Naukluft Park

We drove along the paved road for about 30 minutes before finally arriving at Dune 45, one of the most famous dunes, so named because it is located 45 km past the Sesriem gate. Dune 45 is 80 meters (262 feet) high and believed to be composed of 5 million year old sand. We stopped and climbed to the top to enjoy the mind-blowing views. The slippery sand made the hike up quite strenuous and by the time we made it back down, we had worked up a serious appetite. Lucky for us, our guides had prepared breakfast on the truck and it was ready and waiting for us.

Dune 45

Me on top of Dune 45

After breakfast we continued on the paved road to Sossuvlei and Deadvlei, large salt-clay pans which are completely surrounded by some of the largest sand dunes in the world. The largest dune, named Big Daddy, measures 325 meters (1066 feet) high. Since Sossuvlei and Deadvlei are encircled, you must hike the dunes to get there. By then it was late-morning and the desert sun beamed on us like fire. We walked for about a mile to Deadvlei and when we finally arrived the view was surreal.

The trail to Deadvlei

Deadvlei

Deadvlei

Deadvlei is marked by blackened dead acacia trees, which stand as a stark contrast to the white salt-clay pan and the red sand dunes. The trees, which are believed to have died 600-700 years ago, were scorched by the intense sun. They don’t decompose because it is so dry. We were living witnesses to the harshness of the environment and after walking back from Deadvlei, we were happy to see living trees with leaves, which we excitedly used for shade from the sun. Luckily, we were able to ride over to Sossuvlei in a covered 4×4 truck.

4×4 park shuttle truck

Sossuvlei

Next we stopped for lunch, then headed to the Sesriem Canyon, a natural canyon of sedimentary rock carved by the Tsauchab River. It measures approximately one kilometer (0.6 miles) long and up to 30 meters (100 feet) deep and is one of the few places in the area that holds water year round. Because it was dry season, we were able to climb down into the canyon to explore and examine the different rock formations.

Sesriem Canyon

Inside Sesriem Canyon

It was late afternoon by the time we left Sesriem Canyon and we were hot, sweaty and tired. We returned to our lodge and once again I was able to sit on my patio and revel in the fascinating views of the Tsaris mountains. I even caught a glimpse of mountain zebras racing through the mountains. Life was good. Next up was Day 6. 

The view from my patio

Have you seen the sand dunes in Namibia?  Share your comments below.

The post Namibia Overland: Namib-Naukluft Park first appeared on The Travel Sista.

1. Fish River Canyon

Located in southern Namibia, the Fish River Canyon is Africa’s largest canyon and second in size only to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Unlike the Grand Canyon which was formed by water erosion,  the Fish River Canyon was formed by the collapse of the valley bottom due to movements in the earth’s crust. The canyon offers magnificent views and photo opportunities. For the adventurist traveler, the Fish River Canyon hiking trail offers a challenging hike which covers a distance of 54 miles over 5 days in the base of the canyon. Since there are no facilities, hikers must carry all supplies on their back and find water in semi-permanent pools. Because of its arduous nature, a medical certificate of fitness is required before hikers can commence the hike.

Fish River Canyon

2. Namib-Naukluft National Park

The Namib-Naukluft National Park encompasses part of the Namib Desert (considered the world’s oldest desert) and the Naukluft mountain range. The most well-known and visited area of the park is Sossuvlei, a salt and clay pan surrounded by massive red sand dunes. Other landmarks in the park include Deadvlei, Hiddenvlei, Sesriem, the petrified dunes, Dune 45, and Big Daddy (the largest sand dune in the area at 1066 feet). The desert scenery is stunning and the area provides the perfect backdrop for amateur and professional photographers alike.

Deadvlei

3. Swakopmund

Swakopmund is known as Namibia’s adventure capital and for good reason. Popular extreme sport activities include sand boarding, quad-biking, hot air ballooning, dune skiing, skydiving, kite surfing, paragliding, and power kiting, among others. In the city, German buildings adorn the palm-tree lined streets and serve as a stark reminder of the city’s colonial past. The feel is more like a German village rather than an African city.  Popular landmarks in the seaside town include the Swakopmund lighthouse and the jetty, which houses two waterfront restaurants.

4. Walvis Bay

Walvis Bay is Namibia’s main harbor town and is best known for the colony of flamingos that make their home on the city’s lagoon. Other attractions include Bird Island, a man-made structure inhabited by 200,00 birds and used for the production of guano, and Dune 7, the highest sand dune in the area. A unique experience is the 30 mile drive over sand dunes to Sandwich Harbor, a freshwater lagoon is surrounded by dunes. Sandwich Harbor is a sanctuary for large numbers of coastal and fresh water birds. A four-wheel drive vehicle and entry permit is required.

Flamingos in Walvis Bay

5. Etosha National Park

Located in northwestern Namibia and spanning an area of 8,600 square miles, Etosha National Park is Namibia’s prime wildlife location. Etosha, which means “great white place” in the language of the Ovambo tribe, is dominated by a massive salt pan which covers about 25% of the park. Etosha is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds and reptiles, including elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalo, leopards, zebras, cheetahs, and the endangered black rhinoceros. The abundant wildlife gives you almost guaranteed game sightings. The park has several lodges and camping facilities, all of which have game-proof fencing. An added plus is that the park is malaria-free.

Bird watching

6. Kunene region/The Himba Tribe

The Himba are an ancient tribe of semi-nomadic herders who live in the Kunene region, in the barren northwest region of Namibia. Because of the harsh desert climate and their seclusion from outside influences, the Himba have managed to preserve much of their culture and traditional lifestyle. Himba men and woman typically wear only a loin cloth or goat skinned mini-skirt. Himba women are known for their use of otjize, a paste of butter, fat and red ochre which they apply to their hair and skin, and which gives their appearance a distinctive red hue. Due to their secluded location and lifestyle, the Himba are best visited with a local guide who can communicate in their OtjiHimba language.

Himba Woman

7. Windhoek

Windhoek is the capital and largest city in Namibia. The city is clean and modern, albeit small as far as capital cities go. Due to its close proximity to Hosea Kutako International Airport, most tourists will begin or end their visit in Windhoek. Notable landmarks include Zoo Park, the National Library of Namibia, the Supreme Court of Namibia, the three castles of Windhoek, Tintenpalast (German for Ink Palace and the seat of both chambers of the legislature), and the National Museum of Namibia (which has interesting displays on Namibia’s independence movement and anti-apartheid struggle). Windhoek is also home to Namibia’s brewing industry and several shopping malls.

Have you visited Namibia? What was your favorite thing to see or do?  Share your comments below.

The post The Top 7 Things to See and Do in Namibia first appeared on The Travel Sista.