Africa is the world’s second largest continent and it’s getting increasingly popular with tourists. It’s easy to see why. Visitors always rave about the beauty of Mauritius or Zanzibar as well as other nations on the mainland. One of those is often Namibia. There are many reasons to visit the country, but one of the biggest is Sossusvlei.
Famous for its otherworldly desert scenery, Sossusvlei is home to some of the highest sand dunes in the world, with peaks reaching around 1,000ft. The red dunes form part of the Namib Desert and sit inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, one of the largest protected areas in Africa.
According to Visit Sossusvlei Namibia, the area is about 400km (250 miles) southwest of the capital Windhoek and accessed through Sesriem gate.
A 60km (37-mile) paved road leads to a 4×4-only sand track that takes tourists to the main dunes and pans.
The area is famous for its stunning orange and red colours caused by iron oxide in the sand.
Over time, the colour intensifies, creating surreal views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
One of the most popular dunes is Big Daddy, which stands at roughly 325m (1,066ft) and overlooks the white clay pan of Deadvlei, dotted with ancient dead trees.
Also nearby is Dune 45, which rises 170m (557ft) and is believed to be one of the most photographed dunes in the world.
According to The Common Wanderer, it’s easy to climb and offers stunning views.
Aside from dune climbing, visitors can also explore Sesriem Canyon, a 30m (100ft) deep natural gorge carved by the Tsauchab River, or go on a hot air balloon ride for views across the red desert.
The area lies within the Namib Sand Sea, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only coastal desert in the world shaped mainly by fog.
The unique environment supports desert wildlife such as oryx, jackals and hardy insects, making it one of the most unusual landscapes on the planet.
Travel experts recommend visiting between April and October, when temperatures are cooler.
Permits are required to enter the park and can be bought at the Sesriem gate.
Accommodation ranges from budget campsites to luxury lodges like Sossusvlei Lodge and Dead Valley Lodge, many of which offer guided tours.
Another place worth visiting in Africa is São Tomé and Príncipe.