Namib Desert & Sossusvlei Safaris

The towering orange dunes of the Namib Desert are among Namibia‘s most iconic sights. “Namib” means “vast place” in the Nama language, aptly describing this sprawling, arid landscape. As one of the world’s oldest and largest deserts, it features a sweeping expanse of shifting sand and stark, rocky terrains.

The flora and fauna of the Namib Desert have adapted to the harsh conditions, deriving moisture from the early morning fog that rolls in from the ocean along the Skeleton Coast. Unique endemic species, such as the alien-looking Welwitschia plant, thrive here alongside hardy animals like ostriches, kudus, gemsboks, springboks, and, in some areas, desert-adapted elephants.

A large portion of the Namib Desert is protected by the Namib-Naukluft National Park. While most regions are inaccessible, popular areas include the Moon Landscape, the dramatic Sesriem Canyon, and Sossusvlei. The Sossusvlei dunes, with their spectacular red and burnt orange colors due to high iron content, are among the highest in the world, reaching up to 380 meters. Dune 45, one of the most photographed and accessible dunes, offers stunning views from the top. Nearby Deadvlei features a shimmering salt pan with blackened, dead acacia trees standing in stark contrast to the white salt pan and burnt orange dunes.