Overland Explorations in Namibia: A Photo Essay

Photos and some words from my November 2023 road trip through Namibia.

Part 1: Sand & Sossusvlei

Springbok outside of Sossusvlei

A trio of sundowner shots at Camp Sossus, an intimate and six-tent camp in the Greater Sossusvlei-Namib constructed almost entirely of materials that were destined for landfills. Lying on the rooftop star beds at night, you could hear the clacking of oryx horns as the antelope jockeyed for position around the camp's borehole.

Light, color and shadow on Namibia's famous dunes

Hiking up through a sea of sand. Towards the top of "Big Daddy", the largest of Sossusvlei's dunes at 325 meters (give or take). It's a 60-75 minute slog for most folks. Two steps forward, slide half a step back. But the view from the top, and the thrilling run/leap/tumble down the other side is worth the effort.

Crossing Deadvlei (dead marsh), the white salt pan with its famous skeletal remains of acacia trees.

Skeletal trees of Deadvlei.

Oryx, snapped from a moving vehicle. These are gorgeous antelope and particularly striking against a red sand backdrop.

Namiba is well-worth its own trip but for those who have the desire or time for only quick visit, adding on a few nights in Sossusvlei at the beginning or end of a Southern Africa safari mixes in a landscape and experience that is completely different. Vistas are huge and wildlife is scant but striking. Hike, quad or mountain bike through the reserves surrounding the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Enter the park at sunrise for the best light for photography. Float above the sea of sand in a hot air balloon. Climb up Big Daddy and roll, run or leap down the other side. Snap far too many photos of the skeletal trees at Deadvlei. Sleep out on star bed beneath the brilliant Southern night sky. And marvel at how your guide skillfully navigates your Land Cruiser through the deep and shifting sand channels you must cross to enter the park! We recommend 3 nights here for a more relaxed exploration & taking a flight between Sossusvlei and Windhoek in at least one direction.

Interested in exploring Namibia? Get in touch to discuss.