Big Daddy duneNamib Naukluft National Park, Namibia
Big Daddy Dune of Namib Naukluft National Park, the view while climbing it with Dead vlei on the right1
The tallest dune in Namib Naukluft national park and the Sossusvlei area, standing over 325 metres high.
It requires a two hour hike to get to the summit, much of that being on loose sand, that may get hotter as the sun climbs higher into the sky.
This and feet sinking though the sand makes the climb tougher as every step up is met with a small slip backwards. But the reward is amazing views throughout the path and an otherworldly experience.
The sand has a reddish-brown colour due to a high iron content, and is said to be millions of years old.
Around it are thousands more dunes of different sizes in what seems to be an endless sea of sand.
Despite the daily number of tourists that visit, the wind is constantly working to erase all traces of footprints — restoring the path to 'as good as new' by sunrise.
What to do thereHike to the top for amazing views of the surrounding desert, Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei, Hidden Vlei and Dune 45.
Be sure to bring lots of refreshments, food, sunscreen, shade, comfortable clothing and footwear.
Best time to visitEarly mornings of any day of the year, with the best views said to be at dawn and dusk — when the sun casts shadows from objects in the area.
Location of Big Daddy duneAt the heart of Namib Naukluft national park, near the end of the Tsauchab river and overlooking Sossusvlei, Dead vlei and Hidden vlei.
It also is within the Namib desert.
How to get thereBy vehicle, about an hour's drive from Sesriem gate, and a 5 hour drive from Windhoek.
4x4s are not necessary but recommended.
The nearest airstrip is at Sesriem.
References1. By Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75993949
It requires a two hour hike to get to the summit, much of that being on loose sand, that may get hotter as the sun climbs higher into the sky.
This and feet sinking though the sand makes the climb tougher as every step up is met with a small slip backwards. But the reward is amazing views throughout the path and an otherworldly experience.
The sand has a reddish-brown colour due to a high iron content, and is said to be millions of years old.
Around it are thousands more dunes of different sizes in what seems to be an endless sea of sand.
Despite the daily number of tourists that visit, the wind is constantly working to erase all traces of footprints — restoring the path to 'as good as new' by sunrise.
What to do thereHike to the top for amazing views of the surrounding desert, Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei, Hidden Vlei and Dune 45.
Be sure to bring lots of refreshments, food, sunscreen, shade, comfortable clothing and footwear.
Best time to visitEarly mornings of any day of the year, with the best views said to be at dawn and dusk — when the sun casts shadows from objects in the area.
Location of Big Daddy duneAt the heart of Namib Naukluft national park, near the end of the Tsauchab river and overlooking Sossusvlei, Dead vlei and Hidden vlei.
It also is within the Namib desert.
How to get thereBy vehicle, about an hour's drive from Sesriem gate, and a 5 hour drive from Windhoek.
4x4s are not necessary but recommended.
The nearest airstrip is at Sesriem.
References1. By Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75993949
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