A big part of Namibia is known as the Namib Desert. This is where you find all the country’s stunning sand dunes. It is a place most travelers visit doing their road trip in Namibia as the sight of these magnificent dunes simply cannot be missed. Below we have gathered some of the amazing sand dunes we visited during our trip through Namibia.
Dune 7
The highest of the sand dunes in Namibia is the stunning Dune 7. With its 388 meters, Dune 7 rewards you with some incredible views from the top. The dune is located on the outskirts of Walvis Bay, where you also find the famous Sandwich Harbour. The location of the dune being the seventh along the Tsauchab River has given it its name Dune 7. During your climb, you will be rewarded with views of sand dunes as far as the eye can see and after only 45 minutes you will have reached the highest point of the dune. Another amazing thing about the sand dune is that it is free. Climbing Dune 7 is therefore a great thing to do in Namibia if you are traveling Namibia on a limited budget.
Big Daddy
Big Daddy Dune in Sossusvlei has become one of the most famous sights in Namibia. This dune is the highest in the Sossusvlei area and takes about 1,5 hours to climb. It is the most difficult of the sand dunes to climb. However, it is definitely worth it when you get to the top and are rewarded with gorgeous views overlooking the Namib-Naukluft National Park. From the top, you are also able to look down onto the dead trees at Deadvlei. As these two famous attractions are so close it is perfect to combine them in one visit.
Dune 45
Dune 45 is the most perfect sunrise spot inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, also referred to as Sossusvlei. The name of the beautiful dune comes from its proximity to the Sesriem Gate of Sossusvlei. This entrance gate is located 45 kilometers from the sand dune giving it the name Dune 45. With its 85 meters, it is great to climb without straining yourself. Dune 45 will reward you with some spectacular views overlooking dune valley.
Tips for climbing sand dunes in Namibia
Climbing sand dunes in Namibia is not as easy as you might think. It is often harder than it looks. During your climbs, you will often think that you are near the top and then there is almost always a little more climb to do. However, it is all worth it when you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Namibian landscapes. Below, we have gathered some of the things we found useful during our climbs of sand dunes.
- Always bring water – at least a liter per person
- Hiking shoes or another pair of good, closed shoes make the climb easier.
- If the sand is cold, it might be easier to climb barefooted
- Get on the ridge of the sand dune as soon as possible
- Step into other people’s footprints during your climb.
- Do not strain yourself – pace yourself and take breaks.
Best time to climb the sand dunes in Namibia
The best time to climb the sand dunes in Namibia is in the early morning hours. This is when the sand is colder, and the sunlight also tends to be less harsh during these hours. From around 11:00 it is often too hot to climb the dunes of Namibia – depending on which season you visit of course.
