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In southern Namibia at Sesriem, the Tsauchab River has carved a wide path into the dunes toward the coast.

The river never reaches the sea as it’s blocked by mountains of sand. It spreads into pans, surrounded by curving dunes.

'Vleis' (valleys or pans) of Sossusvlei

This area is known as Sossusvlei with towering dunes that are apricot at sunrise, crimson at sunset and all colours of the spectrum between. Near Sossusvlei are other ‘vleis’ (valleys or pans) — Deadvlei with a silver floor and skeletal trees and Hidden Vlei with dusty acacias. It’s superb for photography and a place of spectacular beauty.

Wildlife

Many think deserts are lifeless, but walk among the dunes and you will soon realise this is not so. The tracks of tok tokkie beetles criss-cross the sand, shovel-snouted lizards dart into nara bushes and you may even see a wildcat in the distance.

There are two small roads leading to Sossusvlei. The first is a public road and starts from Sesriem where there’s a small settlement and the deep Sesriem Canyon. The second is accessible only by 4x4 and leads from the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve.