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Inspiration

Exploring the Namibian Sand Dunes

Written by Joseph Cameron

Whilst in Namibia, you don’t have to worry about bumping into any familiar faces as you explore some of the highest sand dunes in the world’s oldest desert. Namibia is the 34th largest country in the world but with only 2.5 million inhabitants it is the second least densely populated country – allowing for a unique sense of exclusivity on your African adventure. This is largely owing to the fact that most of the country is made up of desolate, ever moving gravel plains and sand dunes of all shapes and sizes.

namibian sand dunes

The sand dunes are utterly spectacular – a product of the unforgiving, icy Atlantic ocean and strong winds coupled together with many millions of years. A bird’s eye view from a hot air balloon with a glass of champagne in hand will leave you in complete awe and might make you feel just that little bit smaller.

namibian sand dunes

The Namib Desert filled in as a post-apocalyptic landscape for the filming of blockbuster Mad Max.

It’s now time to begin following the rising sun as you ascend some of the highest dunes in the world. Be prepared – bravery, stamina and lots of water are needed. Once you get to the top and take in the awe-inspiring panoramic views, the challenging walk will quickly be rewarded. By nightfall, the winds would have picked up and swept across the dunes erasing any traces that you were there and a desolate silence will fill the Namibian air once again.

namibian sand dunes

Hurry, if you want to be one of the first to mark the soft sand dunes with your footprints, as a heightened interest in visiting these baron landscapes and crimson sand dunes is anticipated. This owing to the Oscar winning fourth instalment of the popular blockbuster, Mad Max, as it was recently filmed on location in the Namib desert.

If you’re looking to experience a post-apocalyptic landscape or discover the many other attractions of Namibia, let us help you.

Fast Facts

  • The Namib Desert is home to the highest sand dunes in the world; some of which can reach over 1280ft (390m) high and can even be seen from space.
  • The red color of the dunes is a result of large amounts of iron in the sand.
  • The dunes around the Sossusvlei area are known as ‘star dunes’ due to the wind shaping them from all directions.
  • The Namib Desert experiences less than 1cm of rain annually and is almost entirely barren.
  • The Namib is teeming with animals that have adapted to the harsh environment, including elephants, rhinos, zebra, lions, gemsbok and the black-faced impala.
  • Namibia has the largest number of free roaming cheetahs.
  • Namibia boasts with more than 300 days of sunshine per year.
  • The Namib Desert filled in as a post-apocalyptic landscape for the filming of blockbuster Mad Max.

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