Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Sossusvlei has Water

Breaking news received from Sossusvlei Lodge.

The Pictures taken just after the water reached the Sossusvlei, the area known to have some of the worlds highest sand dunes.

The Namib Desert region around Sossusvlei after several years is blessed to have received some good rains. The Tsauchab River has been in flood a few times in the past few days and eventually the water masses made its way through to the end, to Sossusvlei.

The Tsauchab River in full flood, cutting off the road leading to Sossusvlei.

Water in the desert is something not often witnessed. The Namib Desert is said to be one of the oldest and driest desert, having endured arid or semi-arid conditions for an estimated 55 to 80 million years. Animals and plants in the Namib rely largely on morning fog as the main source of water. This often referred to as 'mysterious' fog is as a result of the Arctic water meeting African desert; the Atlantic Ocean is a mere 60km east of Sossusvlei.

The ephemeral Tsauchab River, has its origin in the Naukluft Mountains, makes its way through the Sesriem Canyon and then after another 20-30km onwards forming a delta through the sandy stretches towards the Deadvlei and final dune belt of Sossusvlei. The sandy 5km stretch of road from what is known as the 2x4 Parking is flooded and this phenomenon is currently best viewed from the air.
All other roads from elsewhere in the country leading towards the Sossusvlei area seem relatively fine. They are however best travelled in 4x4, or vehicles with high ground clearance. Special care must be taken when approaching rivers and even the smallest rivulets as these may have steep edges due to sudden and have flow of water. Slow driving is definitely recommended.

For more details or to make a booking either accommodation or activities in the area please contact us at: info@namibiareservations.com
or visit our sister website for more details of establishments in the area: www.namibiareservations.com/sossusvleie.html

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