From Big Daddy Dune, the views across Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert, are sublime. The mammoth red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, are one of the most photographed regions of Namibia.
Here’s how to get the most out of your experience, at one of the greatest Namibia sand dunes.
When people think of the best places to visit in Namibia, Sossusvlei and Naukluft National Park, are the places they think of first. The entire Sossusvlei area, is dominated by the huge orange and red dunes Namibia is famous for.
Big Daddy sand dune, is the main draw. Standing at an impressive 325 meters (1,066 ft), it is the tallest sand dune in Sossusvlei. From it’s narrow ridge, you can peer down into the parched, eerie DeadVlei salt pan below.
It’s a hypnotic scene, and one of the fun things to do in Namibia.
FACTS ABOUT SOSSUSVLEI NAMIBIA
The name Sossusvlei literally translates as “Dead-End marsh”, referring specifically to the salt and clay pan which was created by the flow of the Tsauchab River.
The Namib Desert dunes have developed over millions of years. The red sand, originating in the Kalahari, was carried from the Orange River to the Atlantic Ocean. Moved north by currents, it was then ceremoniously deposited on land, forming the legendary Sossusvlei dunes.
The characteristic red colour of the sand is due to a high concentration of iron and oxidation processes. They are dynamic, and shaped by the wind from all directions. They are one of Namibia’s most stunning, natural wonders.
CLIMBING BIG DADDY DUNE NAMIBIA
Grabbing a quick coffee and pastry for energy, we headed out at 4.20am into the darkness with our guide Sammy, from Sossus Dune Lodge. We were lucky to be the only 2 people on the sunrise tour, so had Sammy’s undivided attention for the entire trip.
Despite having our own 4×4 transport, we had decided to take a tour. Although driving in Namibia is easy, we did not want to take the chance of getting the vehicle stuck in sand and missing sunrise while we waited for someone to come along and assist us.
Arriving at the Deadvlei parking area, it was chilly outside and still reasonably dark as we set off to the base of Big Daddy. We were wearing hiking boots and layered clothes, without jackets. Sammy pointed us in the right direction and said he had to go and arrange a table for breakfast and would catch up with us later, leaving us to start our accent.
In the dim light of early morning the landscape is yet to reveal its secrets and we took a steady climb, pausing every now and then for a drink of water.
The climb was made easier for me as I was walking in hubby’s footsteps, however if you have an average level of fitness and pace yourself, then the climb is manageable.
Walking at a steady pace, we reached the first plateau after 15 minutes and even at this stage, the panoramic view is alluring. The sand is very soft, and your feet sink down into it and slide slightly to the side, which is slightly off putting initially.
We decided to sit here and watch the sunrise as the light was changing and starting to cast soft shadows across the dunes around us.
The sand dunes were bathed with different length shadows, turning the sand a heady mix of colour extremes, ranging from hues of brown, red and orange.
Coupled with the silent stillness, we felt as though we were the only people alive for thousands of miles.
Sitting in the quietude and gazing at the natural beauty of the undulating landscape, you cannot fail to feel a peacefulness, calm and serenity flow over you.
If you want to reach the top of Big Daddy, you will have a further climb of 20-40 minutes depending on your fitness levels. The steepness is interspersed with a few flat stretches but if you pace yourself, you will be fine.
It is not the steepness that is the problem but the fact that your feet sink into the soft sand and slide sideways that makes the climb tiring.
Wearing sturdy walking boots will offer support to your ankles, although some people prefer to walk barefoot. This is not a good idea in the heat of the day though as the sand reaches 70 degrees quite quickly.
Once you reach the summit you will get your just rewards, a 360-degree stunning panoramic vista of endless red sand dunes across an endless desert backdrop.
This is what the climb was all for and it was worth every puffed step, every twinge in your leg muscles and every dry mouthed gasp.
Looking down into the barrenness that is Deadvlei, the white clay pan resembles snow, as the light rays are yet to brighten this photographer’s paradise.
Despite the arduous climb and the time taken to ascend Big Daddy, you will descend the steep side of the dune into Deadvlei, in less than 5 minutes.
THE DEAD TREES OF DEADVLEI
Deadvlei offers an entirely different landscape to the one at the top of big daddy. In fact, the scenery in Deadvlei could not be starker.
One of the reasons for Big Daddy’s popularity is looking down on the spectacle of Deadvlei, an old pan with dead acacia trees or the skeletal remnants.
Some are over 500 years old! A paradise for photographers as the contrast between the dead trees and white pan is striking.
When the Tsauchab River changed course, the acacia trees were deprived of water and now over 500 years later, they are skeletal imitations of their former self. Dead black and white withered acacia trees contrast starkly, against the white clay pan, making its surrealistic nature a strikingly beautiful sight.
In the early morning light, each tree is silhouetted and set against the backdrop of sand dunes changing colour, the whole scene is a paradise for taking photographs.
We wandered around the pan, mesmerised by the changing light and changing colours, thankful that we were the only ones there. Gazing upwards, the first few trickles of climbers were beginning their ascent of Big Daddy, and their voices were carried down to us in the pan.
One of the parties decided to break off from the group and run down the side of the dune towards Deadvlei, arms waving manically and screeching. This signalled our time to leave! It also reaffirmed our decision to rise at 3.45am so that we were leaving as others were beginning to arrive.
Back in the truck and making our way from the parking lot it became apparent why Sammy our guide had left us when we first arrived.
He had managed to book one of a few picnic tables under the shade of the Camel Thorn Trees. He had placed a tablecloth on top and set out crockery, in preparation for our return.
Feasting on cereal, boiled eggs, fresh fruit salad, an assortment of meats and other goodies, we chatted like old friends. Sammy gave us an insight into his homeland and its people and as a previous guide in Etosha National Park, he was able to provide tips for our impending stay there.
DETAILS FOR VISITING BIG DADDY, NAMIBIA
Big Daddy Dune and Deadvlei are located in the Sossusvlei area of the Namib Desert, which stretches along the Atlantic Coasts of Angola, Namibia and South Africa.
1 – The entrance gate to Sossusvlei is at Sesriem, and opens at sunrise. Be at the gate for when it opens, staying at accommodation in Sesriem. Visitors are registered when entering the park, and have to leave the park before sunset.
2 – A park entrance fee payable for each night you spend in the park or day visited, costs NAD100 per person and NAD50 per vehicle. (includes a conservation fee). This is payable at the reception area inside the outer gate. If you’re heading out for sunrise, I suggest you buy your permit the day before.
3 – The road between the park gate at Sesriem, and Sossusvlei, is well paved, and is easy to self-drive in about an hour. On arrival at Sossosvlei car park, you have two choices to continue to Deadvlei parking lot.
- If you have a 4X4, and feel confident driving in sand, you can drive yourself.
- Otherwise, leave your car and take the shuttle, which costs approx. NAD150 per person.
4 – The only accommodation inside the park gate, is Sossus Dune Lodge, where prices start at N$3,390 per person BB. You have the advantage however, of exploring Big Daddy Dune, Big Mama, Deadvlei and Hiddenvlei before sunrise and after sunset.
5 – Accommodation to consider at Sesriem include:
6 – Carry plenty of water and sunscreen with you. The Namibian sun is harsh. Another reason to visit at sunrise.
FAQ’S ABOUT BIG DADDY DUNE SOSSUSVLEI
1 – HOW TALL IS BIG DADDY?
Big Daddy height is 325 meters, and it is the highest dune in the Sossusvlei area. However, the highest sand dune in the Namib Desert, is Dune 7, at 388 meters.
2 – ARE THERE ANY OTHER NAMIBIA DUNES CLOSE TO BIG DADDY DUNE?
Yes, opposite Big Daddy, is another favourite dune, named Big Mama.
3. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO CLIMB BIG DADDY DUNE?
To make the most of the best light and cooler temperatures, climb Big daddy at sunrise or sunset.
4. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CLIMB BIG DADDY DUNE?
The climb up Big Daddy takes about an hour, but allow 2-2.5 hours, for the hike up, sitting and enjoying the incredible views, and descending into Deadvlei.
The orange Sossusvlei sand dunes in Namibia are legendary. Visiting Sossusvlei is a must, on any Namibia Itinerary. While Sossusvlei big daddy is the popular dune to climb, be sure to make time to check out other sand dunes in Namibia, including Dune 45.
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