Very different. Sossusvlei is at the end of a river valley, surrounded by spectacular and very high sand dunes. The Nambians claims they are the highest dunes in the world, but a number of other countries makes similar claims for their dunes. The river is ephemeral, water only reaches the vlei (marsh) in years of exceptionally good rains. Happened a few years ago.

The dunes are the main attraction, best viewed and climbed at sunrise (cold in August!!) on a clear day (the Namib desert is prone to fog sweeping in from the cold Atlantic). There is also the Sesriem canyon, quite spectacular. The narrow end makes for an interesting walk (and swim, if there has been sufficient rain to fill the pools. First time I did this (1990) the rope ladder at the far end had disappeared, which called for some rock climbing to get out).

The Skeleton Coast is huge. Where exactly are you staying? Generally, the desert consists of gravel plains, not dunes. The main attractions are the stark landscape, seal colonies, desert adapted wildlife (including, surprisingly, lions. these are few and far between, though), the remains of wrecked ships and fishing.

I once spent Christmas on the Skeleton Coast in the company of president Sam Nujoma. To ensure his safety, the Nambian armed forces had driven two trucks with 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns all the way to the coast, and parked them either side of his cabin. Hilarious!


Where else in Namibia are you going? The country is large, there is a lot to see and do, but an itinerary should be carefully planned to avoid too much travel.

johan