- Address: Sossusvlei, Namibia
- Website: nomadtours.co.za
The Dead Valley is one of the most famous and fantastic sights in Namibia . It is located in the heart of the Namib Desert on the territory of the Sossusflei clay plateau . The valley is known for its unusual, almost cosmic landscapes. Even more interesting is that once in place of a completely lifeless landscape there was a real oasis.
What's the name of this place?
The original name of the valley in Namibia is Dead Vlei (deadlay), which literally translates as "Dead Marsh" or "Dead Lake". It was formed on the site of a dried lake, from which there was only a dry clay bottom. Thanks to numerous dunes, this place has become a valley, because of which the name has somewhat changed.
History of the Dead Valley
One of Namibia's most unusual attractions was formed by chance. A local legend, confirmed by scientific research, says that a thousand years ago, a pouring rain poured over the Namib desert. He became the cause of the flood. The river Chauchab, which flowed nearby, came out of the banks and washed the valley. Dense vegetation began to appear around the pond, and the center of the desert turned into a corner of the oasis. Over time, the drought returned to these regions, and from the tall green trees there were only dry trunks, and from the lake - clay bottom.
What attracts the Dead Valley?
First of all, the Dead Valley in Namibia is interesting for its unique landscape, which was formed many hundreds of years ago. A lot of sand dunes form a valley. They rise above the white earth with a bright texture. The only representative of the flora is the camel acacia, and the height of some trees reaches 17 m. The landscape resembles a surreal picture.
Numerous sand dunes are the highest in the world. Each of them has a number, and some have a name. For example, the highest of them - number 7 or Big Daddy, and the most beautiful - №45, she wins her unusual red color.
The amazing landscape attracts not only tourists but also filmmakers to the Dead Valley in Namibia. Here, separate scenes were shot for the action movie ("Gadzhini", India, 2008) and a horror film ("Cage", USA, 2000).
Useful information for tourists
Going to this most interesting place, it is worth "armed" with some information:
- The Heat Valley reigns in the Dead Valley. In the hottest days, the thermometer shows + 50 ° C. In this case, you should not count on the wind at all.
- Entry into the valley and exit from it at night is prohibited. Note that if you stay here until closing, then you have to spend the night in a car or camping camp .
- Planning an excursion. Visit the most beautiful and breathtaking places of the Dead Valley better during the excursion organized at the local tourist center. After that, if desired, you can go on an independent journey, already knowing all the features of the area.
How to get there?
The most convenient way to reach the Dead Valley in Namibia is from Windhoek . The distance between them is 306 km. In each tourist bureau of the capital you can order an excursion to this landmark. Also trips are organized from the cities of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund .