Namib Desert
Namib Desert
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This barren red-sand desert lies along the coast.
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- dianedinkyDunfermline, United Kingdom1,346 contributionsWonderful wonderful coloursSpent a full day visiting Dune 45 (and climbing), seeing Deadvlei and then the Sesriem Canyon. It was a spectacular day. Specific reviews left for those places but this is a general one for the Namib Desert. In a word? It is spectacular. I don't think you can get the colours anywhere else. I was told of apricot sands and never believed people until I came here. On a sunny day the deep blue of the sky against the orange sands is also amazing. Even on our early morning drive to get here we saw a beautiful sunrise and a vast array of wildlife (you get this in Namibia where you can actually see many more animals as you drive from place to place than doing an actual game drive in a reserve, the wildlife is everywhere!). Only tip I have is to maybe not do the hot air ballooning. Everyone I asked said it was very over priced with not great views. Much better to be on the ground and take photos of the colourful balloons overhead...Visited September 2023Traveled soloWritten December 31, 2023
- Dewald RCape Town Central, South Africa3,234 contributionsLife ChangingThe Namib Desert is beautiful, awe-inspiring and has endless possibilities. During my tour through Namibia I visited and experienced many different things within the Namib Desert that will stay with me forever. If I had to pick 5 things that stood out for me, they would be Dune 7, Goanikontes, Tommy's Living Desert Tours, Sossusvlei and the Big Daddy Dune. All of these are must visits/must do's and I have reviewed them all, and more, separately. If you ever have the opportunity to visit the Namib Desert, grab it, it will change your life.Visited August 2023Traveled with friendsWritten February 7, 2024
- Sands and Sunshine263 contributionsA stunning destinationMassive dunes, unique wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Highlights include the iconic Sossusvlei and the surreal Deadvlei. Perfect for nature lovers, this ancient desert offers an unforgettable experience of serene beauty and amazing road trips.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 29, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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debbieSouthAfrica
Western Cape, South Africa223 contributions
May 2022
we have just visited sossusvlei.
What an experience.
Go early. the gates only open at 7am.
We drove past dune 45 and went straight to deadvlei and then on to sossusvlei.
We parked our car and paid the extra for the vans to transport us.
Although we had a 4X4 we didn't want to take a chance.
We climbed big daddy- what an experience and the highlight of our trip.
The view from the top is just unbelievable.
We then jumped/slid down the steep bank to get to the deadvlei at the bottom.
A photographers paradise.
We then went on to sossusvlei- this was a very quick stop- probably don't need more than half an hour.
We didn't then climb dune 45 as the guides were saying if you have climbed big daddy really no need to still do the smaller dune 45.
Go early, wear closed shoes and take a hat, sunscreen and water.
The best way to experience the desert.
What an experience.
Go early. the gates only open at 7am.
We drove past dune 45 and went straight to deadvlei and then on to sossusvlei.
We parked our car and paid the extra for the vans to transport us.
Although we had a 4X4 we didn't want to take a chance.
We climbed big daddy- what an experience and the highlight of our trip.
The view from the top is just unbelievable.
We then jumped/slid down the steep bank to get to the deadvlei at the bottom.
A photographers paradise.
We then went on to sossusvlei- this was a very quick stop- probably don't need more than half an hour.
We didn't then climb dune 45 as the guides were saying if you have climbed big daddy really no need to still do the smaller dune 45.
Go early, wear closed shoes and take a hat, sunscreen and water.
The best way to experience the desert.
Written May 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndrejaKo
Maribor, Slovenia1,042 contributions
Nov 2021
Namib desert was one of my long time wishes. When finally finances and time overlaped, covid happened. we saw a tender and joined a mixed group of people going to Namibia, since we couldn't find other traveling partner. in a desert, i like to travel with 2 cars, just in case. this place is beautiful and really best to travel with people with same interests. even tough we were mixed group, a lot of trip was catered more for a photography enthusiasts, who, for some reason wanted to photograph thing that were photographed millions of times before... you could easyly do Namib Desert for 10 to 14 days.
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Callradius C
3 contributions
Aug 2021 • Solo
Namib desert is scenic and very special, some part of the desert is among of the world heritages registered by UNESCO, and that is Sossusvlei. Sossusvlei has dunes, ancient Acacia trees, Fish River Canyon, Deadvlei where you can manage to see the Namibian Coastal towns like Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. Namib desert has a great view that is being excreted from different attraction sources like the dunes with their colorful character in different parts like Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, Hiddenvlei. Great landscape view, highlights, scenic beauty, birds and animals and some of the plants available. The Namib desert offers a great scenic view to the tourists thus makes it greater.
In the Namib desert there are plenty of activities that can be done like Bird watching in the banks of Kavango and Kunene rivers, Climbing the Dunes and they are all climbable, experiencing thrilling Quad biking along the dunes (you can choose between Fully Automatic quad bike, Semi-automatic and Manual quad bike) kids can also enjoy using the small quads, Camel riding
Namib desert is among the driest deserts in the world, Namib has an extremely hot and dry climate because of little rainfall that it has in a year. The temperature can be above 38ËšC/100ËšF in summer from November to April. The Namib desert climate varies widely in altitude of different parts of the Park. The lower the altitude the higher the temperature it becomes(it gets very hot)like Sossusvlei, and the Higher the altitude the cooler it tends to be like Naukluft The desert has little rainfall around November to April and it becomes drier during winter which is around May to October the desert becomes hot in the middle of the day and cold in mornings and area becomes dry and the sky becomes very blue .
In the Namib desert there are plenty of activities that can be done like Bird watching in the banks of Kavango and Kunene rivers, Climbing the Dunes and they are all climbable, experiencing thrilling Quad biking along the dunes (you can choose between Fully Automatic quad bike, Semi-automatic and Manual quad bike) kids can also enjoy using the small quads, Camel riding
Namib desert is among the driest deserts in the world, Namib has an extremely hot and dry climate because of little rainfall that it has in a year. The temperature can be above 38ËšC/100ËšF in summer from November to April. The Namib desert climate varies widely in altitude of different parts of the Park. The lower the altitude the higher the temperature it becomes(it gets very hot)like Sossusvlei, and the Higher the altitude the cooler it tends to be like Naukluft The desert has little rainfall around November to April and it becomes drier during winter which is around May to October the desert becomes hot in the middle of the day and cold in mornings and area becomes dry and the sky becomes very blue .
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pitus1973
Gravellona Toce, Italy158 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
The dunes of the Namib Desert extend for more than 32,500 square kilometers: 300 kilometers along the coast and 140 kilometers inland. The dunes are the highest in the world, reaching up to 300 meters and the wind continually reshapes them.
Iconic and highly photographed place. The dunes with colors that vary depending on the light are breathtakingly beautiful.
The first dune you encounter upon entering the park is Dune 45. You can easily get there with your 4x4 car. It takes about 20 minutes to climb it and from the top you can enjoy a divine spectacle. It takes 1 minute to go back down, running and laughing out loud.
Continue then continue until the car park at the end of the asphalt road. From there you can continue with your car, if it is a 4x4, deflating the tires and, if you are not an expert, with the risk of getting stuck in the sand, or take the shuttle. In both cases you arrive at the car park from which the path to Deadvlei starts. In about 15 minutes of walking you arrive at the Deadvlei valley, beds of ancient lakes now dried up, one of the most amazing places I have ever seen. A true paradise for photographers and beyond! The white colors of the arid land, red of the dunes, blue of the clear sky and black of the petrified acacias create a perfect picture, impossible not to fall in love with. It is recommended to visit the place starting early in the morning, to avoid the scorching heat of midday.
The plants should obviously not be touched.
To the left of the path to Deadvlei stands the Big Daddy Dune, the highest of all the dunes.
The climb takes about an hour and a half and is demanding but when you get to the top the show repays all the effort; it's best to do it when there are fewer people to avoid getting stuck behind some unprepared tourists.
The descent at full speed towards the dried up lake is absolutely spectacular.
The last destination to tackle when leaving the park if you have time is the Sesriem Canyon which is located about 4.5 km from the entrance gate of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, following the signs before leaving the park; along a dirt road in about ten minutes by car you arrive at the Sesriem Canyon car park where you can leave your vehicle and then just take a few steps to find yourself on the upper edge of the canyon more or less at a height of about fifteen meters from the bottom . After taking a look from above you can take the path, immediately on the right, to go down inside. The canyon is approximately 20 to 30 meters deep. It is not large in size or height, it is true, but for a healthy walk it is very pleasant.
Iconic and highly photographed place. The dunes with colors that vary depending on the light are breathtakingly beautiful.
The first dune you encounter upon entering the park is Dune 45. You can easily get there with your 4x4 car. It takes about 20 minutes to climb it and from the top you can enjoy a divine spectacle. It takes 1 minute to go back down, running and laughing out loud.
Continue then continue until the car park at the end of the asphalt road. From there you can continue with your car, if it is a 4x4, deflating the tires and, if you are not an expert, with the risk of getting stuck in the sand, or take the shuttle. In both cases you arrive at the car park from which the path to Deadvlei starts. In about 15 minutes of walking you arrive at the Deadvlei valley, beds of ancient lakes now dried up, one of the most amazing places I have ever seen. A true paradise for photographers and beyond! The white colors of the arid land, red of the dunes, blue of the clear sky and black of the petrified acacias create a perfect picture, impossible not to fall in love with. It is recommended to visit the place starting early in the morning, to avoid the scorching heat of midday.
The plants should obviously not be touched.
To the left of the path to Deadvlei stands the Big Daddy Dune, the highest of all the dunes.
The climb takes about an hour and a half and is demanding but when you get to the top the show repays all the effort; it's best to do it when there are fewer people to avoid getting stuck behind some unprepared tourists.
The descent at full speed towards the dried up lake is absolutely spectacular.
The last destination to tackle when leaving the park if you have time is the Sesriem Canyon which is located about 4.5 km from the entrance gate of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, following the signs before leaving the park; along a dirt road in about ten minutes by car you arrive at the Sesriem Canyon car park where you can leave your vehicle and then just take a few steps to find yourself on the upper edge of the canyon more or less at a height of about fifteen meters from the bottom . After taking a look from above you can take the path, immediately on the right, to go down inside. The canyon is approximately 20 to 30 meters deep. It is not large in size or height, it is true, but for a healthy walk it is very pleasant.
Written December 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dewald R
Cape Town Central, South Africa3,234 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
The Namib Desert is beautiful, awe-inspiring and has endless possibilities. During my tour through Namibia I visited and experienced many different things within the Namib Desert that will stay with me forever. If I had to pick 5 things that stood out for me, they would be Dune 7, Goanikontes, Tommy's Living Desert Tours, Sossusvlei and the Big Daddy Dune. All of these are must visits/must do's and I have reviewed them all, and more, separately. If you ever have the opportunity to visit the Namib Desert, grab it, it will change your life.
Written February 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hugo M
4 contributions
Aug 2021
I went for 4 weeks, and travelled with a jeep which I hired at the airport. I also took a hiking back pack for trekking and a camping tent. I spent a day in Windhoek, where it's possible to do some shopping for food and any camping gear.
Written February 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ramadama
New Providence, NJ2,918 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
Amazing Park. The dunes are spectacular. I loved tge contrasting colors between the blue sky and the orange dessert. We walked the most direct path to get to the dried lake. There is not one war to get there. You can walk on top of the dunes which is very challenging. I recommend that you go to the park when it opens to beat the heat.
Written March 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fmendestorres
Sesimbra, Portugal17 contributions
May 2023
Situated in this wonderful desert, with a lot to see and do (try climbing DUNE 45) there is a lodge that I'll never forget both for the way it is constructed (when you approach by car you get the impression you will be lodged in a tent) beautifull appartments, with a small private pool, good food and the staff is "7 stars". You get your first impression when you enter the patking space and you find a kind girl with a couple of frozen little towels, for you to freshen up a bit (it's usually quite hot) and 2 glasses of very fresh juice - all this before you reach reception.
I was travelling (self-drive) around the country with my wife and the 2 days we spent there were just NOT TO FORGET. If you happen to be around there don't miss it; it is just about 30 Kms. north of Solitaire, small village where you can have a piece of apple pie (great) and fill up the tank of your car
I was travelling (self-drive) around the country with my wife and the 2 days we spent there were just NOT TO FORGET. If you happen to be around there don't miss it; it is just about 30 Kms. north of Solitaire, small village where you can have a piece of apple pie (great) and fill up the tank of your car
Written July 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chitownsam
Chicago, IL2,031 contributions
Mar 2020
The gravel roads to get here and the roads within the Park weren't bad at all. Desert was amazing to see. Surprising number of oryx in the morning along with some wildebeasts. We loved the scenery, Deadvlei and climbing Dune 45.
Written March 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken
11 contributions
May 2022
Oldest desert in the world and climbed some sand dunes and the view from the top was breathtaking. One of the biggest Highlights if not the biggest for its natural beauty. A true amazing desert like one can only dream of.
Written May 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,we'd like to visit Deadvlei/Sossusvlei. Is there any option of spending one night (in our 4x4 car equipped with tent) inside the Sesriem National Park sleeping at Sosusvlei 4x4 Parking area? or it's not allowed?Â
Thanks a lot
Written February 24, 2019
Yes that's alowed bad onlie whis hit cars 4Ă—4 the sand is werry dap
Written April 3, 2019
Hola a todos! Voy a estar en Sudáfrica en abril pero me gustarĂa visitar el desierto de Nabim. Alguno de ustedes fue con excursiones desde Cape Town o fueron directo desde Namibia? Cuantos dĂas les tomĂł la excursiĂłn? fueron con alguna empresa? La otra opciĂłn que estamos mirando es volar a Namibia y hacerlo directamente desde allĂ. Hay alguna agencia recomendada que se pueda contactar allá? Gracias!!
Written February 24, 2017
Hello, Could ypu suggestme a budget way to visit the park?
Thankyou
Written February 23, 2016
The easiest and chipper way to go is sleeping inside the national park. There is a camping site where you can sleep if you have a tent.
Written August 11, 2016
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