Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei, nestled in Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft National Park, is an iconic clay pan characterized by towering red sand dunes, some among the highest globally.

Sossusvlei, nestled in Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft National Park, is an iconic clay pan characterized by towering red sand dunes, some among the highest globally. These dunes, like Dune 45 and Big Daddy, highlight a mesmerising interplay of shadows and light during sunrise and sunset, painting an ever-changing landscape. The area’s stark beauty is accentuated by ancient, petrified trees in the surreal Deadvlei, a white clay pan surrounded by rust-red dunes. Sossusvlei stands as a testament to nature’s sculptural prowess and offers an awe-inspiring encounter with Namibia’s desert marvels.

This remarkable area not only boasts towering dunes but also houses a diverse array of desert-specialist species. The open expanses allow for sightings such as Rüppell’s Korhaan and Burchell’s Courser, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Common Ostrich, and Greater Kestrel.

The endemic Dune Lark, Namibia’s only endemic, is found here along with the Brubru, Pririt Batis, White-backed Mousebird, and Dusky Sunbird.

Birding difficulty
Easy – most birding activities are achieved on foot, although it can get very hot in the day. A sunhat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are advisable.