We also explored apart of the Namib that is often photographed for postcards and book covers and travel brochures. Slithering over the sane in 4 wheel drive vehicles we were dopped off not far from the Dead Vlei and the Hidden Vlei. The word 'vlei' means low, open landscape and it is truly unearthly.
Surrounded by high red sand dunes that had to be clambered up, one descended into what looked like a dried up lakebed. It was coloured white, and we were told this was the salt that 'washed' down from the sand over the centuries of wind. It looked like it was calcified mud or clay, but whatever it as it supported several dead trees. These stood in relief with rock hard grey branches twisted up and over and out. They supported the odd bird (hooded crows and house sparrows and other), but we saw no other wild life. The whole place looked like a Tim Burton movie set.
It was hot, but oh so dry. Perhaps in the high 20s or 30s - in the summer it gets to 65 degrees here. Hard not to be struck with its unique presence, and we spend time just wandering and photographing, before clambering up and out again. Our shoes and socks and legs by this time were red with the fine dust of sand. Good thing we are heading to Swakopmund where we will have a laundry opportunity.
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