Sossusvlei, Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia

I visited Soussvlei Sanddunes during our family holiday to the Country in 2006, with a tour from Voyages Jules Verne, which i can highly recommend. The week and a halfs tour of the majority of the main features of Namibia was highlighted by half a day at the Sossusvlei dunes, where the views of the Brick-Red dunes in the desolate environment was no less than breathtaking.

As it was a family holiday we attempted to race each other to the peak of the 2nd Highest Sandune (Big Mama) however running in sand, and indeed uphill is a mean trail. Additionally the carrying of water bottles is of paramount importance as the dunes reflect the sun and it can get overwhelmingly hot, however the views are amazing from the top and worth every minute spent in the climb.

In general the entire tour was phenomenal, the country is a real contrast to south african parks, which seem much lusher and less harsh an environment.