Sossusvlei also called as Sossus Vlei meaning ‘dead end marsh’- a clay and salt pan that is encircled by large sand dunes which are probably the biggest one of the world. They are situated in Namib Naukluft National Park in the southern region of Namib Desert (Namibia) and are one of the most visited tourists destination. They are the greatest conservation area of Africa and are declared as fourth-largest of the world. With the passage of time they are gaining fame and visitors are always eager to take cheap flights to Namibia to view these amazing sand dunes which allow you the best photo capturing opportunities during the sunset and sunrise times when they magically change the colours.
The Sossusvlei covers the land area of about 32 square kilometres stretching between the rivers of Kuiseb and Koichab. The sand dunes are characterized by orange and vivid pink colour while the old dunes have the reddish colour because of the high amount of iron, found in the sand. These dunes are declared to be the highest of the world with the elevation of about 200 metres and the largest one is as tall as 380 metres. The dunes which are stable and very high are blanketed with plenteous vegetation which is irrigated by ephemeral and underground rivers. When these pans are dry they appear white because of the high percentage of salt. You will love to spot some of the small animals like jackals, rodents, reptiles , arthropods and many other mammals such as ostriches, springboks and oryxes .
Elim Dune– This is an isolated dune which is located on a distance of 5 kilometres from the Sesriem gate, which is the main entrance of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, situated in the suburbs of the great dunes. This dune has named after a farm that was located here before the establishment of the national park.
Dune 45– The dune has given this name because it is located on the distance of 45 kilometres from Sesriem and because of its unique and alluring shape it is also known as ‘the most photographed dune in the world’. It has the height of about 80 metres and can easily be climbed.
Big Daddy– It is the highest sand dune of the Sossusvlei region which is elevated at the height of about 325 metres. This great dune also faces another high sand dune which is called as Big Mama.
Dead Vlei– It is located on the distance of about 2 kilometres from Sossusvlei and is highly notable as it was once the oasis of many acacia trees. With the passage of time the water changed its route and now it is the home of dead and blackened trees of acacia. The salty flour and shinning white pan creates a surrealistic and bewitching landscape that has been used for many picturesque scenes in several videos and films.
Petrified Dunes– They are scattered in various places and of Sossusvlei region and has a history of about billions of years. They are the final representation of the life cycle of dunes as they are the solidified forms of the red sand dunes.
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