A predawn start is essential this morning as we want to catch the soft light of the sunrise on the desert as we drive in. We will arrive at the entrance to the dunes on sunrise and then travel through the dune field as the sun is coming up. The light casts strong contrasts of color on the edges of the dunes and offers stunning views from the dry river bed you travel through. From here we drive another 60 km to Sossusvlei itself, transferring to special desert vehicles for the last 5 km through the dunes. The drive is like nothing else, enjoying the changing light and coolness of the morning. Ancient mineral pans, stunted camel thorn trees and the chance of seeing a gemsbok or maybe an ostrich make the photo opportunities perfect. We spend the morning in and around Sossusvlei, also visiting dune 45″, and as the day wears on we return to Sesriem for lunch and to escape the heat of the afternoon. As the day cools off in the late afternoon we will take a short excursion to the Sesriem Canyon then we return to our place of stay.

This morning we have a leisurely start and drive through the scenic Spreetshoogte pass (road conditions permitting) on to Windhoek. You arrive at your Windhoek city hotel at approximately 13h30; alternatively you can be dropped off at the Windhoek International Airport by 14h30. Drop off at international airport or you will be dropped off at your accommodation for a night.