The different types of dunes in Namibia
The sand dunes of the Namib Desert are renowned for their fascinating geometric shapes. There are several different types.
Barkhanes are formed by the accumulation of wind-driven sand deposits. The wind pushes the sand away, creating small avalanches at the crest of a dune. The dune retains its mass, even though the sand is constantly moving across the desert. This migration phenomenon is more easily observed at the top of these dunes, where the sand reaches a higher speed (where it meets the least resistance to the wind), hence the lines left by the sand on the dunes. Barkhanes can reach speeds of up to 50 metres per year. For a 3-metre dune, that's no less than 15 metres per year.
Seifs (Arabic for "sword") are linear, somewhat sinuous dunes. They are easily recognized by their two slippery slopes, which 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 gentler forms 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 striking the dunes from all sides. This type of three-sided (or more) formation can be found on the outskirts 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 can be recognized by the appearance of vegetation at the ends of the sandy formation, thus breaking its homogeneity (part of the dune is held back by the vegetation, 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 an African desert untouched by man, left as it is, in its wild state, demonstrating all its indomitable beauty. This is one of the most spectacular and most visited places in southern Africa, and with good reason: in this 55-million-year-old desert, the highest dunes in Africa, with their reddish hues (due to the presence of iron oxide in the sand) and stunning topology, give the impression of being on another planet. The contrast with the vast expanses of salt and clay in Naukluft National Park, south of the Namib Desert, is immediately obvious. This impressive sand formation stretches for sixty kilometers from east to west, right in the heart of Sesriem. A dream come true for lovers of beautiful landscapes and physical challenges.
Sossusvlei remains one of Namibia's main attractions. The Namib Desert is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to the world's highest dunes, formed by the accumulation of sand grains carried by the wind from the center of the African continent. The name "Sossusvlei" derives from a mixture of two languages, Nama and Afrikaans, which can be translated as "dead end"(sossus in Nama) and "marsh"(vlei in Afrikaans). A direct reference to the expanses of salt and clay that cover the end of the Tsauchab River's course (to which we'll return below). The river ends its course because of the immense dunes that block its path.
In the heart of the national park, we recommend two of the most famous dunes in the area:
Big Daddy. Also nicknamed "Crazy Daddy", it's not only the highest dune in Sossusvlei, but also one of the highest in the world at 325 meters (but not the tallest in the area, that's for Dune 7 at 388 meters!). Be prepared to wake up at the crack of dawn, as the idea is to witness a magnificent sunrise from its summit. It's only a few minutes' walk to reach its craggy tip, but it's well worth the effort: a breathtaking view awaits you at the very top, where 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 chiselled dunes as far as the eye can see will bring you a deep sense of serenity. A change of scenery guaranteed!
Dune 45. Located 45 km from the entrance to Sossusvlei Park, this dune is by far the most popular with visitors, and it's easy to see why it's so much photographed. With its particularly spectacular colors, it's the ideal option for a peaceful sunset. Only 300 metres from the road, it remains one of the easiest to climb, making it particularly attractive. At a height of 170 metres, it offers an enchanting panorama for all those who set out to climb it. A gigantic sand ridge separates its two sides (one bathed in warm light, the other plunged into shadow) and offers a lunar setting, unique in its kind.
The hidden treasure of the Sossusvlei. In addition to the fantastic red dunes that add to the magic of the place, there's another phenomenon worth noting if you're hiking in the area. 60 km east of the Atlantic Ocean lies the Tsauchab River. A small problem: the Namib desert prevents the river from flowing. However, the rainy season allows the river to reach this area of the desert, offering spectators a superb phenomenon to contemplate. If you travel at the right time of year, you can observe a whole swathe of desert under water, sometimes for an entire year!
Deadvlei. In the heart of the Sossusvlei, after descending the summit of "Big Daddy", the Deadvlei reveals itself as a reward to the curious traveller. It's nothing less than a must-see in the Namib Desert, with its breathtakingly grandiose scenery and captivating ambience. Sossusvlei could be translated as "dead swamp" in Afrikaans, and for good reason: the world's highest dunes have formed this basin of cracked white clay and salt, a panorama composed mainly of acacia trees, parched by the enclave they've been trapped in for years. This was once a marshland in which this type of vegetation was able to thrive over nine hundred years ago. However, the formation of dunes around the marsh soon prevented the water from circulating, thus drying it out. The result is this unique, mortifying-looking area. Since then, Deadvlei has become a popular destination for visitors to Namibia, famous for its incredible colors and contrasts. The white of the ground, the blue sky, the black trees and the glowing dunes offer a breathtaking view. A real little piece of paradise for budding photographers!
If this type of scenery rings a bell, no wonder: it has inspired a number of advertisers and filmmakers, who have used it in numerous films (most notably The Cell and The Fall, both directed by Tarsem Singh). In fact, it's often the default wallpaper on our computers!
The Deadvlei impresses with its beauty and surreal aura, but above all it's a place that has to be earned. Fortunately, to contemplate this difficult-to-reach place, a few options remain available, depending on the traveler's budget and motivation:
- a 4 km walk around Big Daddy to the right;
- a hike directly up Big Daddy, the sportiest option but one that hides a nice surprise once at the top: running down the slope to reach the dried-out swamp below;
- a 4 x 4 tour, the least difficult option but still worth the detour.
Whichever option you choose: breathtakingly grandiose scenery awaits you on the other side.
Sesriem Canyon
There's more to life than dunes! In fact, if you take the time to take your eyes off these imposing edifices of sand, you may come across a pleasant surprise. Carved out by the Tsauchab River millions of years ago, the Tsauchab Canyon remains a truly impressive place, although it is much less visited than the two famous dunes mentioned above. And for good reason: it's not the first place that catches the eye of the traveller entering the park for the first time and following the stream of curious onlookers that gather around Dune 45 and "Big Daddy". The canyon's length of one kilometer and its depth of 30 m are well worth exploring. The rock formations are fascinating to observe once you take the time to venture in. Located just 5 km from the entrance to Naukluft National Park, the canyon remains an interesting stop-off point, to be made before the sun gets too high during the day, or in the late afternoon, at an off-peak hour, while waiting for the sun to escape behind one of the famous dunes.
It's worth noting that the canyon takes its name from the early Afrikaans explorers, who used 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.
