Top Things to do in Namib-Naukluft Park
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What to do and see in Namib-Naukluft Park, Namib-Naukluft Park: The Best Deserts
Discover the best top things to do in Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia including Namib Desert, Sossusvlei, Big Daddy Dune, Dune 45, Kuiseb River.
Restaurants in Namib-Naukluft Park
1. Namib Desert
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 330 reviews
This barren red-sand desert lies along the coast.
Reviewed By Brittany_11_10 - Los Angeles, United States
It's not "technically" one of the great wonders of the world, but I reckon it ought to be. Stunning views, gorgeous colors, hearty wildlife, deadly quiet at times...the Namib Desert is a marvel. It's also incredibly vast (I actually learned moments ago that Namib means "vast place"), and surprisingly varied. Home to the second-largest sand dunes in the world, gravel plains, sand seas near the coast, scattered mountain outcrops, and more, it's mind-boggling how someone could say there's "nothing much to see and offer, distances between sight[s] of interest are far," as one reviewer wrote. A) It's a desert; what exactly are you expecting to see? B) Part of why it's so great is b/c of how desolate it is! There are virtually no people throughout the whole desert--aside from small settlements here and there comprised of indigenous pastoral groups--and to me, that's rejuvenating, much-desired, and fantastic. I feel bad for people who visit the Namib Desert and write things like, "If you expect something special driving from Walvis Bay towards Sossusvlei, you will be dissatisfied." I'm thankful I can find awe and wonder and beauty in a place as cool as the Namib Desert. A few other notes: - Yes, it's hot. It's the, ahem, desert...isn't it? Cover up, wear sunscreen, and take water when you hike around the dunes or wherever. - Look for wildlife wherever you are; it's there. While in Sossusvlei and driving between Sesriem and Walvis Bay, we saw vultures, squirrels, warthogs, springbok, ostrich, zebra, giraffe, little crabs and beetles in/on the dunes, and the quite-impressive-and-hardy gemsbok. Probably more that I'm just not remembering right now. - Appreciate silence, and desolation, and stark beauty; there's no place quite like the Namib Desert. - Also, if you don't like crowds, driving behind "clouds of dust you can hardly see through", or being anywhere that you feel is too touristy, maybe go in the off season. We were there at the end of December, and the only places that had virtually any people were Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. Otherwise, we felt like we had the country mostly to ourselves, and many of the campsites at which we stayed all over weren't even close to full.
2. Sossusvlei
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,298 reviews
Reviewed By PerM928 - Copenhagen, Denmark
The photographic possibilities are outstanding and it is a real pleasure to walk around the dead trees. Not to be missed. However, do not take your own vehicle unless you are very experienced driver.
3. Big Daddy Dune
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 512 reviews
Reviewed By EMIELANDMARLEEN - De Haan, Belgium
It is worth climbing the dunes, both Big Mammy or Big Daddy Take your time and you will reach to top possible for almost everyone great views, and most colors around sunset or sunrise
4. Dune 45
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 561 reviews
Reviewed By 208erwinh - Antwerp, Belgium
The dune is located +/- 45 km from the entrance. Great views from the top The park opens from sunrise Entrance fee for the ‘park’: 80N$/ person and 10N$ for the car Go early to beat the heat and bring enough water with you
