Sossusvlei and Sesriem present one of the most spectacular images of Namibia. Sesriem means 'six thongs' and refers to the Sesriem canyon, the water at the bottom of which could be reached by lowering a bucket on a length of six leather oxon thongs. Sesriem Canyon is located close to the Sossusvlei National Park campsite and is a relatively small but very interesting area to visit.

Sossusvlei literally means 'saucer pan' and is a shallow, dry pan located 60km from the campsite and surrounded by high, red coloured dunes shaped into spectacular forms.

In occasional years of high rainfall, the pan is flooded with a shallow layer of fresh water, causing the desert to bloom and photographers to flock to the area.