At Sossusvlei, Big Mama and Big Daddy stand tall over the sea of sand. They are some of the main sights in the area, along with Dune 45 and others. Namibia’s UNESCO World Heritage Site sand dunes are home to wildlife and offer unusual and beautiful views.
Of all the sand dunes in Namibia, Big Daddy is the hardest to climb. Some say it is between 325 and 400 meters high. I think 325 meters is a good guess, but if you have a watch with an altimeter, check it and let me know what it says.
In the end, the height is not so important. Most people find the climb very tiring. If you start late and walk for a long time in the heat, you may give up before reaching the top.
From the second parking lot to the summit, the hike can take one to two hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to rest or take photos.
Big Daddy is a star-shaped dune with several climbing paths. You can also start from the first parking lot. But my favorite way is to start from the second parking lot. This way takes you near Deadvlei, which is a very special place to see.
Many people make the hard climb to the top of the dune, then slide or run down the steep side into Deadvlei. Don’t worry, the slide down may look scary, but it’s safe and fun.
Deadvlei got its name from the old, dead camel thorn trees standing in the dry white pan. These trees are believed to be about 100 years old. The area looks strange and peaceful at the same time.
After enjoying the view and taking photos, you can return to the parking lot. The walk back is easier than the climb and only about 1.1 kilometers long.
