Sossusvlei, sometimes spelled Sossus Vlei is a salt and clay pan encircled by towering red dunes, located in the southern Namib Desert within Namibia Namib-Naukluft National Park. The term "Sossusvlei is often broadly used to describe the surrounding region, which includes nearby vleis like Deadvlei and other prominent dunes, making it one of Namibia's key attractions. The name "Sossusvlei" combines Afrikaans and Nama languages, roughly translating to "dead-end marsh." "Vlei" means "marsh" in Afrikaans, while "sossus" means "no return" or "dead end" in Nama, reflecting its nature as a closed drainage basin for the ephemeral Tsauchab. The Sossusvlei area is part of a larger, homogenous region of the southern Namib Desert, characterized by vibrant orange sand dunes rich in iron due to oxidation. Some of dunes reach over 200 meters in height, with the tallest, Big Daddy, measuring about 325 meters. The dunes are known for their stunning variations, which intensify with age. Despite the harsh environment, the area boasts a surprisingly diverse fauna, including small mammals, reptiles, and various bird species that appear when the pans flood. The climate is hot and dry, with significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. Access to Sossusvlei is through the Sesriem gate, leading to notable sites like Elim Dune and Dune 45.