Sossusvlei & Deadvlei

Leaving NamibRand Nature Reserve, we journeyed towards Sesriem along the C27, a main road in far worse condition than the D707. Arriving at Sesriem, we ventured into the heart of Namib-Naukluft National Park, home to Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, and Dune 45, accessible via a 60km drive on a decent surfaced road from Sesriem gate (open sunrise to sunset). As always, the Namib Desert’s red dunes and surreal landscapes left us awestruck by their vastness and vibrant colour contrasts. 

We began at Sossusvlei, a vast clay pan encircled by towering dunes. The sandy track to the pan required a four-wheel-drive  from the two-wheel-drive parking lot. Wandering through this sea of sand, sculpted by centuries of wind, was humbling—the dunes glowed fiery orange in the sunlight. 

From there, a short walk led to Deadvlei, a hauntingly beautiful clay pan dotted with 600-year-old Camelthorn tree skeletons, stark against the white floor and red dunes. It felt like stepping into a painting; the silence and stark contrasts were mesmerising. We snapped countless photos, seeking the perfect shot under the blazing sun. 

On our return, Mike & Shane climbed Dune 45, a 170m star dune named for its 45km distance from Sesriem. The ascent was gruelling—sand slipping underfoot, the relentless sun and wind—but reaching the ridge felt like summiting a desert peak. The view of rolling dunes and distant mountains was worth every step. 

Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, and Dune 45 are the Namib’s soul—raw, timeless, and awe-inspiring.

These beginning photos are shot through the side window of our vehicle driving at 60km/hour! Not the greatest however we wanted to share the beauty of the drive...

Thanks to Shane for some “people” pictures 😂 

Mike & Shane climbing Dune 45...