The different types of dunes in Namibia
The sand dunes of the Namib Desert are famous for their fascinating geometric shape. There are several different types.
The barkhanes are formed by the accumulation of sand deposits pushed by the wind. The wind pushes the sand until it creates small avalanches that occur at the crest of a dune. The dune then retains its mass although the sand that constitutes it is constantly moving in the desert. This migration phenomenon is more easily observed at the top of these dunes where the sand reaches a higher speed (where the sand meets the least resistance to the wind), hence the lines left by the sand on the dunes. The barkhanes can reach a speed of 50 m per year. For a dune of 3 m, it is not less than 15 m covered per year.
The seifs (from Arabic, which can be translated as "sword") are linear dunes, somewhat sinuous. They are easily recognized by their two slippery slopes that form a point at the top. These dunes are the result of crosswinds that strike the sand from the side, creating dunes of this type, in contrast to the softer shapes of the barkhanes.
Other types of dunes can be found in the Namib Desert, such as star dunes (or ghourds) which are the result of multidirectional winds hitting the dunes from all sides. This type of three-sided (or more) formation is found in the vicinity of Sossusvlei.
Parabolic dunes can also form in the Namib Desert, due to its proximity to the sea. They are typical of coastal deserts and are recognizable by the appearance of vegetation at the ends of the sandy formation, which then breaks its homogeneity (a part of the dune is retained by the vegetation formation while another part continues its progression, pushed by a wind blowing in a dominant direction).
Sossusvlei
The Sossusvlei dunes alone represent the perfect example of the African desert untouched by man, left as it is, in a wild state, demonstrating all its indomitable beauty. It is one of the most spectacular and most visited places in Southern Africa, and for good reason, in this 55 million year old desert, the highest dunes in Africa with their red colors (due to the presence of iron oxide in the sand) and their stunning topology give the impression of being on another planet. The contrast with the huge salt and clay expanses in the Naukluft National Park, south of the Namib Desert, is immediately obvious to the traveler. This impressive sand formation occupies a sixty kilometer long strip from east to west, right in the heart of Sesriem. It is the dream of every lover of beautiful landscapes and physical challenges.
Sossusvlei remains one of the main attractions of Namibia. In addition, the Namib Desert is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to the highest dunes in the world, formed by the accumulation of sand grains carried by the wind from the center of the African continent. The name "Sossusvlei" comes from a mixture of two languages, Nama and Afrikaans, which could be translated as "dead end"(sossus in Nama) and "marsh"(vlei in Afrikaans). This is a direct reference to the salt and clay expanses that cover the end of the Tsauchab River's course (which we will discuss below). The river also ends its course because of the huge dunes that block its passage.
In the heart of the national park, we recommend two of the most famous dunes of the area:
Big Daddy.
Also nicknamed "Crazy Daddy", it is not only the highest dune of Sossusvlei but also one of the highest in the world with no less than 325 m on the meter (but not the biggest in the area, for that you have to turn to Dune 7 which culminates at 388 m!) Be prepared to wake up at dawn because the idea is to watch a magnificent sunrise from its summit. It takes a few minutes to walk to the top, but it's worth it: a breathtaking view awaits you at the top, where the colors blend in an incredible palette like nowhere else. The golden reflections on the dark orange sand, the white of the salt that covers the basins and the chiseled dunes as far as the eye can see will bring you a deep feeling of serenity. A change of scenery guaranteed!Dune 45.
Located 45 km from the entrance of the Sossusvlei Park, this dune is by far the most popular with visitors, and it is easy to understand why it is photographed so much by them. With its spectacular colors, it remains the ideal option for a peaceful sunset. At only 300 m from the road, it remains one of the easiest to climb, which makes it particularly attractive. From the top of its 170 m, it offers an enchanting panorama for all travelers who embark on its ascent. A gigantic sandy ridge separates its two sides (one bathed in a warm light and the other plunged in the shadow) and offers a lunar scenery, unique in its kind.The hidden treasure of the Sossusvlei.
In addition to the fantastic red dunes that contribute to the magic of the place, another phenomenon is worth noting and worth a detour if you are hiking in the area. 60 km east of the Atlantic Ocean is the Tsauchab River. Small problem: the Namib desert prevents any progress of the river and prevents it from flowing. However, the rainy season allows the river to reach this area of the desert and offers to the spectators a superb phenomenon to contemplate. If you travel at the right time of the year, you can observe a whole part of the desert that is under water, sometimes for a whole year!Deadvlei.
In the heart of the Sossusvlei, after having descended the summit of the "Big Daddy", the Deadvlei reveals itself as a reward to the curious traveler. It is nothing less than a must-see in the Namib Desert, due to its breathtaking scenery and the enchanting atmosphere of the place. Sossusvlei could be translated as "dead swamp" in Afrikaans, and for good reason: the highest dunes in the world have formed this basin of cracked white clay and salt, a panorama composed mostly of acacia trees, dried out by the enclave they have been trapped in for years. It was once a marsh where this type of vegetation could have developed more than nine hundred years ago. The formation of dunes around the area very quickly prevented the water from circulating and thus dried up the marsh. The result is this unique and deadly looking area. The Deadvlei has since become a popular destination in Namibia, famous for its incredible colors and contrasts. The white ground, the blue sky, the black trees, the glowing dunes offer a striking view. A real little piece of paradise for budding photographers! If this type of scenery reminds you of something, it's normal because it has inspired many advertisers and filmmakers who have integrated it in many films (especially The Cell and The Fall, both directed by Tarsem Singh). It is also often used as a default background on our computers!The Deadvlei impresses by its beauty and its surrealistic aura, but it remains above all a place that must be earned. Fortunately, to contemplate this difficult to access place, a few options are available, depending on the budget and the motivation of the traveler:
- a 4 km walk around the Big Daddy by the right side;
- a hike directly on the Big Daddy, the most sportive option but which hides a nice surprise once at the top: the fact of running down the slope to reach the dried swamp below;
- a 4 x 4 tour, the least difficult option but still worth the detour.
Whichever option you choose, a breathtakingly beautiful scenery awaits you on the other side.
Sesriem Canyon
There are not only dunes in life! Indeed, if you take the time to take your eyes off these imposing sandy buildings, you may come across a nice surprise. Dug by the Tsauchab River several million years ago, the Tsauchab Canyon remains a really impressive place although it is much less visited than the two famous dunes mentioned above. And for good reason, this place is not the one that jumps out at the traveler who enters the park for the first time and follows the stream of curious people who gather around Dune 45 and the "Big Daddy". However, it manages to impress us with its size: the kilometer long and 30 m deep canyon deserves all your attention as it is easy to explore. The observation of the rock formations remains fascinating once you take the time to venture in. Located only 5 km from the entrance to Naukluft National Park, the canyon remains an interesting stop, to be made while the sun is not too strong during the day, or in the late afternoon, at an off-peak hour, while waiting for the sun to run behind one of the famous dunes.
Note that the canyon gets its name from the early Afrikaans explorers who had to use six leather strips(riem) braided together to create a long rope to lower their buckets deep enough to draw water from the bottom of the canyon gorge.
