Sossusvlei

 It's very easy to take a fantastic photo here, and to really enjoy yourself.

You can easily visit the Sossusvlei in one day. The park opens at sunrise. Many people get to the Deadvlei really early to take pictures. But the sunrise at the Sossusvlei is also a real natural spectacle. The light falling on the dunes is phenomenal. And the dunes are perfect for a picnic or just to enjoy the surroundings.

Do keep in mind that you’ll already encounter many high dunes in lots of bright colours on the way to the Sossusvlei. So the road there, and back, will also be worth taking at your leisure. Do make sure you’re out of the park at sunset, otherwise you might get fined.

You’ll also see lots of animals such as ostriches and different kinds of antelopes, like springbok and gemsbok. With some luck you might see a leopard passing by. Alongside the road you might spot some meerkat, especially in the morning.

In springtime, you could get lucky. After the heavy rains, the lilies in the Namib desert start to bloom. That includes the Sossusvlei, and this creates incredible contrasts. The ground will be covered in white flowers, against a backdrop of dead trees, red sand and (often) blue skies. This flower explosion only last for about a week, and it very hard to plan for. The most likely month to see it is in March.

You can combine the Sossusvlei with the nearby Deadvlei. Those who have several days can experience the sunrise in both places. You can also experience the sunset, but you have to get out of the park on time. In the heat of the day it is actually too hot to do anything. But you will notice that yourself.

The most important thing is to be here on time in the morning. So you are ahead of most tourists. It is smart to arrange this in advance with a reliable party. Be aware, you will never be completely alone in the Sossusvlei.