Sossusvlei, Namibia
Sossusvlei is located on the west of Namibia within the confines of the Namib Desert which in turn forms part of the Namib Naukluft National Park. Sossusvlei is surrounded by what is said to be the highest known dunes in the world, obtaining heights that excede 300m.
Sossus means "place where the water gathers" and vlei means "marsh or wetland" in English. This is believed to have got its name from the original indiginous people, the bushman. Sossusvlei is fact a shallow depression in the desert which gathers and then prevents the waters of the Tsauchab River from flowing any further.
Today Sossusvlei is spoken of in a greater and larger way taking in more than just the small "vlei". One of these areas is known as Sesriem Canyon. The name Sesriem is Afrikaans in origin and came from the fact that the farmers had to use "ses", meaning six "riems" meaning leather strip or thong, to lower a bucket into a well to obtain water.
Both Sossusvlei and Sesriem can be reached as part of a day trip. The first part of the trip can be accessed by a regular vehicle and then the final part to Sossusvlei and The Deadvlei requires a 4x4 or by walking. There are a few selected desert lodges and luxury tented camps such as Desert Camp and Le Mirage Desert Lodge and Spa available.
Accommodation options for Sossusvlei
- Desert Lodges - Sossusvlei, Namibia
