Namib Sand Sea
Location: South West Namibia
Year of Inscription: 2013
Criteria: (vii) be outstanding examples representing major stages of Earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Namib Sand Sea is a vast area of sand dunes and gravel plains in the Namib Desert, located along the Atlantic coast of Namibia. It is considered one of the oldest and most arid deserts in the world, with some of the dunes reaching heights of over 300 meters. The Namib Sand Sea is also home to a unique array of desert-adapted flora and fauna, including the Welwitschia plant and the desert elephant.
Prominent Features: The Namib Sand Sea is characterized by its towering sand dunes, some of which are among the tallest in the world. Some of the most notable sites include:
Sossusvlei: A salt and clay pan surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world, including the famous "Big Daddy" dune.
Deadvlei: A white clay pan surrounded by towering red sand dunes, with the skeletal remains of ancient camel thorn trees.
Sandwich Harbour: A lagoon and wetland area surrounded by towering sand dunes, home to a variety of migratory birds and other wildlife.
History: The Namib Sand Sea has a long and complex geological history, with the oldest dunes estimated to be over 5 million years old. The region has been inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Himba and Herero people, for thousands of years. The area was also an important trading center for the Portuguese and Dutch during the colonial era.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the towering sand dunes and salt pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, go on a desert safari to see the unique desert wildlife, or take a hot air balloon ride over the desert for a stunning aerial view.
Fun Fact: The Namib Sand Sea is that it is home to some of the oldest and most unique desert-adapted wildlife in the world, including the Welwitschia plant which can live for over 2,000 years, and the Namib Desert beetle which has adapted to collect water from fog in the air by standing on its head and letting droplets roll down its body into its mouth.
Entry Fees:NAD 200 (approximately USD 13.80) per non-Namibian adult per day
NAD 30 (approximately USD 2.10) per non-Namibian child per day
How to Reach It: The Namib Sand Sea is located in a remote area of Namibia, and is most easily accessed by car or organized tour. The closest major city is Windhoek, which is serviced by an international airport with flights from several major cities in Africa and Europe.
Public transport to Sossusvlei is limited, and it is not the most convenient option. The best way to reach Sossusvlei is by renting a car or booking a guided tour. However, it is possible to reach Sossusvlei by public transport, albeit with some effort.
The nearest town to Sossusvlei with regular public transport is Sesriem, which is about 65 km away. From Windhoek, there are daily buses to Mariental, and from there, you can take a minibus taxi to Sesriem. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Solitaire, which is closer to Sossusvlei, and arrange a transfer from there.
Once you reach Sesriem, you can hire a taxi or join a guided tour to Sossusvlei. There is also a shuttle bus service that operates between Sesriem and Sossusvlei.
Where to Stay: There are a variety of accommodations available near the Namib Sand Sea, including luxury lodges and campsites. Some popular options include Sossusvlei Lodge, Kulala Desert Lodge, and Desert Camp.
Articles: No.1 on my Africa wishlist
Next Stop: Twyfelfontein, /Ui-//aes
Year of Inscription: 2013
Criteria: (vii) be outstanding examples representing major stages of Earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Namib Sand Sea is a vast area of sand dunes and gravel plains in the Namib Desert, located along the Atlantic coast of Namibia. It is considered one of the oldest and most arid deserts in the world, with some of the dunes reaching heights of over 300 meters. The Namib Sand Sea is also home to a unique array of desert-adapted flora and fauna, including the Welwitschia plant and the desert elephant.
Prominent Features: The Namib Sand Sea is characterized by its towering sand dunes, some of which are among the tallest in the world. Some of the most notable sites include:
Sossusvlei: A salt and clay pan surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world, including the famous "Big Daddy" dune.
Deadvlei: A white clay pan surrounded by towering red sand dunes, with the skeletal remains of ancient camel thorn trees.
Sandwich Harbour: A lagoon and wetland area surrounded by towering sand dunes, home to a variety of migratory birds and other wildlife.
History: The Namib Sand Sea has a long and complex geological history, with the oldest dunes estimated to be over 5 million years old. The region has been inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Himba and Herero people, for thousands of years. The area was also an important trading center for the Portuguese and Dutch during the colonial era.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the towering sand dunes and salt pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, go on a desert safari to see the unique desert wildlife, or take a hot air balloon ride over the desert for a stunning aerial view.
Fun Fact: The Namib Sand Sea is that it is home to some of the oldest and most unique desert-adapted wildlife in the world, including the Welwitschia plant which can live for over 2,000 years, and the Namib Desert beetle which has adapted to collect water from fog in the air by standing on its head and letting droplets roll down its body into its mouth.
Entry Fees:NAD 200 (approximately USD 13.80) per non-Namibian adult per day
NAD 30 (approximately USD 2.10) per non-Namibian child per day
How to Reach It: The Namib Sand Sea is located in a remote area of Namibia, and is most easily accessed by car or organized tour. The closest major city is Windhoek, which is serviced by an international airport with flights from several major cities in Africa and Europe.
Public transport to Sossusvlei is limited, and it is not the most convenient option. The best way to reach Sossusvlei is by renting a car or booking a guided tour. However, it is possible to reach Sossusvlei by public transport, albeit with some effort.
The nearest town to Sossusvlei with regular public transport is Sesriem, which is about 65 km away. From Windhoek, there are daily buses to Mariental, and from there, you can take a minibus taxi to Sesriem. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Solitaire, which is closer to Sossusvlei, and arrange a transfer from there.
Once you reach Sesriem, you can hire a taxi or join a guided tour to Sossusvlei. There is also a shuttle bus service that operates between Sesriem and Sossusvlei.
Where to Stay: There are a variety of accommodations available near the Namib Sand Sea, including luxury lodges and campsites. Some popular options include Sossusvlei Lodge, Kulala Desert Lodge, and Desert Camp.
Articles: No.1 on my Africa wishlist
Next Stop: Twyfelfontein, /Ui-//aes