2 minute read
Sossusvlei with water
After seven years of drought, Namibians were welcomed into 2021 with the social media being flooded (pun intended) by photos, videos and stories of good rain and rivers flowing. As our main rainy season begins in January, the New Year is already in full swing when the rivers start running and dams fill up. Storm chasing isn’t all that easy, especially when your work requires you to be in the office.
The news, however, that the Tsauchab River was in flood and making its way towards Sossusvlei immediately got my undivided attention. Sossusvlei with water is a rare occurrence (previously seen in 2011), and this was high on my local bucket list. For the Tsauchab River to reach Sossusvlei, plenty of rain is needed in the catchment areas.
When we heard that Sesriem Canyon and eventually the Tsauchab Valley between the red Namib dunes was full of water, my colleagues and I could no longer contain our excitement and headed south as soon as we could.
The desert is a spectacular sight in its usual arid state. But seeing it when it’s green is extremely special, a beauty of a different kind. What seemed like a lifeless void just a week earlier, explodes with the activity of organisms big and small. Insects, birds, gemsbok and springbok among green grass forma living world that makes your photos seem completely overedited and impossibly fake.
The visit to Sossusvlei in an Eden-like state was enhanced by seeing the number of Namibian travellers who were also there to admire this special phenomenon.
The scene at the famous clay pan among towering dunes had an air of celebration as day camps were set up and kids ran about enjoying the water, the sunshine and greenery.
Sesriem Canyon had been transformed into a huge swimming pool wedged between the rock faces. Instead of the usual quick hike, people could swim through the canyon. A very rare opportunity indeed.
Even though the green will soon give way to fields of yellow grass, the exceptional rain is going to make travel in Namibia a magical experience this year. Make sure you don’t miss out!
Text and photos by Le Roux van Schalkwyk
