Sossusvlei by Gyrocopter

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During April 2002 a group of us travelled by motorbike, car and with 2 Gyros from South Africa via Windhoek and Swakopmund to Sossusvlei Namibia. See also my posts on "Desert Run"
I had the opportunity to fly with Eugene in his Gyro from Sesriem over Sossusvlei.
"Vlei" is an Afrikaans word that means Marsh, but Sossusvlei is not a marsh, but rather a series of dead-end lakes for the infrequent floods of the Tsauchab River. The water dries up quickly under the Namib sun leaving the parched clay bed. As the dunes shift, they may cut off some of the old lakes such as Dooie Vlei (Dead Vlei) where the remains of ancient trees can still be seen.
There are a number of accommodation options in the area with Sesriem Camp operated by Namibia Wildlife Resorts the closest but most costly. For the budget conscious traveler there are other lodges and if you enjoy camping like me I recommend the Agama River Camp. See also my post on "Namibia 2008"

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Photos

Sossusvei Dunes
Dunes on the way to the vlei

Early Morning Dunes
Early mornings the shadows look almost black

Ancient Vlei's
These vlei floors are now located on the side of dunes. How old are they?

Aerial view of Sesriem Camp
The camp as Sesriem where we stayed over.

Birds' Eye view
Sesriem Camp in the distance

Ancient Vlei Floors
Eroding Vlei Floors

Water in the Desert
It is a rare sight to find water in the vlei