A stunning dry lake in Africa that is famous for its towering red sand dunes is one of the world’s best destinations to visit in April. Located in the southern part of the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.
The charming holiday destination offers one of the most stunning and surreal landscapes on Earth. The dry lake, which also looks like a desert, is full of life, with plants and curious creatures roaming around. The dunes of Sossusvlei can reach heights of over 300 meters (984 feet), making them some of the tallest in the world.
Sossusvlei is part of the Namib Desert, which is considered the world’s oldest desert, dating back at least 55 million years.
Its official website stated: “Sossusvlei literally translates to “dead-end marsh”, as it is the place where the dunes come together preventing the Tsauchab River to flow any further, some 60km east of the Atlantic Ocean.
“However, due to the dry conditions in the Namib Desert the River seldom flows this far and the pan remains bone-dry most years. During an exceptional rainy season the Tsauchab fills the pan, drawing visitors from all over the world to witness this spectacular site. Photographic enthusiasts are spoilt with a glassy “lake” holding reflections of the surrounding dunes. When the pan fills it can hold water for as long as a year.”
The most famous dune in Sossusvlei is Big Daddy, standing at around 325 meters (1,066 feet) and offering a spectacular panoramic view. Another well-known dune is Dune 45, which is popular for sunrise and sunset hikes due to its accessible location.
According to go2Africa.com, the destination is one of the best places to visit in April, with the average temperature hovering around 23C. Experts explained: “The intense heat of summer has passed and the rain is pretty much over but the cold evenings of winter are yet to arrive. The landscape still has some greenery and pools of water dot it here and there.”
A striking white clay pan near Sossusvlei is Deadvlei, known for its blackened, dead camel thorn trees, which have been standing for over 600 years. The contrast between the white clay, dark trees, red dunes, and blue sky makes it a dream location for photographers.
Calling the experience ‘a dream come true’, one of the users wrote on TripAdvisor forum: “Sossusvlei supposedly dates back to 80 million years, and it was an absolute honour to be able to stand on the ancient landscape!
“The best reason to stay at the Namib-Naukluft Park camping site is that it gives to access to the spectacular dunes and views at sunrise and sunset. If you live outside the Park, this is something you will miss because of the gate timings. And would highly recommend getting to the dunes at sunrise and sunset before the crowds start coming in.”
A second user commented: “If you want to reach the parking place closer to Deadvlei you really need a 4×4. The offroad drive to there is entirely on sand, which could be quite fun, but if not done right – you can get stuck and you better have a shovel; there will be a lot of digging.
“The walk to Deadvlei takes between 20 and 30 mins (one direction), depending on your tempo. You are walking through sand so it could feel a bit more tiring.”
A third user said: “Namibia captivates your heart with its colours, spectacular and unique landscapes. Crossing the red dunes of the Namib Desert, especially in Sossusvlei, is an experience that leaves you breathless.
“I was privileged to observe wildlife in its natural habitat, touring the length and breadth of Etosha National Park with close encounters that seemed almost magical. Windhoek and Swakopmund surprise you with their fascinating mix of European and African culture, a palpable link with the country’s German roots.
“The hospitality of the people is warm and welcoming, making the trip even more memorable. Every corner of Namibia tells a different story, and is a place that invites respect and reflection. An unforgettable destination that leaves its mark.”
