Just Deserts

After the main meal it's time for some Namib Desert!

As you head down from the capital city Windhoek you soon notice how arid southern Namibia is. To the east lies the dry Kalahari Desert and to the west the mighty sands of The Namib stand triumphant against the Atlantic Ocean.

It's a long, hot drive down to Fish River Canyon (the World's second biggest canyon after the Grand Canyon, Arizona) but it is worth it. The Canyon and the surrounding bouldered land is magnificent.

Fish River Canyon
Heading north west from Fish River you are faced with the vast Namib Desert. At Sossusvlei you are at the heart of the World's highest dunes. Climb one and, at around 300 Metres up, stare out in amazement at the scale of the red and apricot coloured sands.


Where the sand meets the sky
It's a photographer's paradise. Even point and shooters like me can't fail to take a good picture.

Hidden amongst the dunes is Dead Vlei, a white clay pan, dotted with black dead trees and surrounded by red sands. It is an astonishing sight.




Dead Vlei
Despite it being one of the most inhospitable places on Earth, the Namib does support a fair selection of wildlife.

Beetles, lizards and mice can be seen scurrying across the sand.

Majestic looking Oryx (left), Springbok and Ostriches browse and forage for food in the hot hot sun.