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These immense rich ochre sand dunes are one of the most wondrous sights in the world. Their feminine curves rise to an astonishing 300m, (100m higher than their nearest rivals in Arabia) and they just begged to be climbed barefoot. Geologists say that this supreme desert covering most of the Namib Naukluft Park could be the oldest in the world. The older the dune, the brighter the colour from slow iron oxidisation and a zillion minute fragments of garnets. Dwarfed by the sheer size of the dunes, your footprints look like insect trails and each step forward forms a mini sand-slide. The solitude is immeasurable and your place in the great scheme of life, takes on a curious insignificance.
Visiting this remote region takes some perseverance, as it is 300km from any main highway, but well worth the effort. Permits are necessary to enter the park which is open from sunup to sundown and your vehicle is registered in and out. They get very cross with latecomers exiting the park, probably because they would have to come and search for you if you did not appear. Being lost in the desert is no joke so stick to the tracks and never go walking aimlessly (see Lost Amongst the Worlds Highest Sand Dunes article on this website). If you are really lucky you might see a spiralled-horned Gemsbok (Oryx) - upon which they must have modelled the unicorn - standing by a lone thorny acacia tree with a backdrop of orange dunes, just like in the picture postcard.
About 1km away from Sossusvlei is the Dead Vlei – a salt encrusted dry lake – that is worth the stroll. Not far from the entry gate to the park you will see Dune 45, a much photographed and climbed dune well worth the effort of getting to the top. Take my advice and discard your shoes to feel the sand between your toes, and descend by heading down the steepest part, allowing the deep sliding sand to slow your pace.
