Explore the dunes of the Sossusvlei desert

Like a scene from a National Geographic doc, the terracotta landscape of Sossusvlei must be seen to be believed. It's here that towering dunes stop the barely-flowing Tsauchab River and hide a world of desert-adapted wildlife from the coast. Depart from the lodge in a 4x4 and let your breath be well and truly taken away by the star-shaped monoliths that are constantly shifted by the wind. Brave a trek to the peak of 'Big Daddy' for the ultimate snap of an oryx strolling in its shadow or walk amongst the dunes as your guide tells you how this place came to be. Stop for a chilled drink and, if you choose an afternoon excursion, catch the sunset before returning to home base.