Glide The Sands Of Time - Visit and Surf the Namibia Desert at Sossusvlei
If you want to experience and view the power of nature, visit the Namibia Desert where you will see, feel, and ride the largest sand dunes in the world. The sun drenched sands of the Namibian Desert has a fine red, golden, and yellow color to it. You seem to see more colors than in the Sahara. It is a must see in your lifetime if you can muster the energy and time to get there.
Today we are taking a journey to Sossusvlei, a reserve area at the southern end of the Namibian Desert.
The Road to Sossusvlei
Fly into Windhoek, the capital, or Walvis Bay. Windhoek is the capital and it takes about 6 hours to reach the dunes we are headed to. Walvis Bay is closer but often requires an extra stop over. Many flights will require you to stop at Johannesburg, South Africa, first. Note that a passport is required for all international visitors with at least 6 months validation.
There are a variety of guided tours and even safaris you can choose from. Otherwise, there is a shuttle bus there or you can rent your own car.
When To Go
Remember a key fact, Namibia is in the Southern Hemisphere even though it is relatively close to the equator. The best time to go is during our summer which is June and July. May, June, August and September are relatively mild. October starts to get really warm and by December it is scorching hot through March. Being t he desert it can also get chilly at night if you are going during our summer months.
Accommodations
You can stay at the nearby village or an interesting choice could be a desert hotel such as the ones pictured below. Soak in the morning desert sun and bask in the afterglow of the desert evening from the comfort of your room. Step outside to see the vastness of space with thousands of stars and the center of the Milky Way gazing at you.
Summary
During your trip, find a spot where there is no one around and you can see the surrounding area. The Namibian desert is a site to behold. Just stand there for a few minutes to hear sweet nothingness. When there is no wind blowing and no one near by it is magnificent to see the desert sun before you.
Today we are taking a journey to Sossusvlei, a reserve area at the southern end of the Namibian Desert.
The Road to Sossusvlei
Fly into Windhoek, the capital, or Walvis Bay. Windhoek is the capital and it takes about 6 hours to reach the dunes we are headed to. Walvis Bay is closer but often requires an extra stop over. Many flights will require you to stop at Johannesburg, South Africa, first. Note that a passport is required for all international visitors with at least 6 months validation.
There are a variety of guided tours and even safaris you can choose from. Otherwise, there is a shuttle bus there or you can rent your own car.
The actual road to Sossusvlei is quite majestic and worth every minute of camera shots.
You will arrive at a town called Seisriem. This village is the gateway to Sossusvlei.
Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is the crown jewel of Namibia attractions. Although you will not be the lonely traveler that we are accustomed to Secluded Glen, there will be many places you will be able to see the vastness of the desert with not a soul around.
Big Daddy Dune
Get up early and climb Big Daddy, one of the largest sand dunes in the world. This one is popular but it is worth it. Get started early as the mid day sun is really hot. It can take an hour to 1.5 hours to get to the summit. The ridge near the top is often only one person wide. Once you get up it will be quite a view. Snap your pictures and then head down. It will be really fast and fun to go down, approximately only 5 minutes or so.
Big Mama Dune
For those who want a more secluded experience, climb Big Mama instead. Not as tall but much less people. Plus it will be faster to climb and requie less time as you race the sun and its mid day heat.
Desert and Ocean
The Namibian Desert is one of the most amazing places not just because of its incredible sand dunes but also because it a huge desert that runs up and all along an ocean!
Remember a key fact, Namibia is in the Southern Hemisphere even though it is relatively close to the equator. The best time to go is during our summer which is June and July. May, June, August and September are relatively mild. October starts to get really warm and by December it is scorching hot through March. Being t he desert it can also get chilly at night if you are going during our summer months.
Accommodations
You can stay at the nearby village or an interesting choice could be a desert hotel such as the ones pictured below. Soak in the morning desert sun and bask in the afterglow of the desert evening from the comfort of your room. Step outside to see the vastness of space with thousands of stars and the center of the Milky Way gazing at you.
Summary
During your trip, find a spot where there is no one around and you can see the surrounding area. The Namibian desert is a site to behold. Just stand there for a few minutes to hear sweet nothingness. When there is no wind blowing and no one near by it is magnificent to see the desert sun before you.
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