In message
Philip wrote:
> Liz wrote:
>> In message <42d2a58e$0$29751$ba620dc5@text.nova.planet.nl>
>> "Lou" wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>>Then you have to take a walk to the vlei (even if you have a 4x4) that means
>>>2 hours!!
>>
>>
>> Is that a new rule?
>> When I was there (2003) there was a 2WD car park in the Dune 45 area,
>> but the 4WD car park was very near Dead Vlei/Crazy Dune.
>>
>> Slainte
>>
>> Liz
>
> In 2003, the last 4kms to Sossuslvlei was given to a concession. One
> could no longer drive in with a 4x4. The shuttle service would take you
> in, but not until 1 hour after sunrise.
I was there in July 2003.
I went from Dune45 to Sossussvlei/Dead Vlei/Crazy Dune in a bakkie
operated by a specialist company, because I was in a 2WD vehicle and
didn't fancy carrying my camera gear, tripod and all that water for
that distance on sand (though actually standing in the back of a
bouncing bakkie trying not to bump into people with my tripod was
pretty difficult in itself).
But there were private and hired bakkies at the 4WD car park at
Sossussvlei too.
> I understand that because of so many complaints, the system has reverted
> to what was before. I would be intereseted if anyone could confirm the
> current status.
> The 4x2 carpark at dune 45 is available to all, some say dune 45 is just
> as impressive at dawn.
I'm sure that it is.
I have a few pix at http://www.v-liz.com/namibia/dune45.htm which were
taken over an hour after dawn, so you can get the idea. Photos I've
seen taken at dawn are much redder.
Photo-hint: the best pix are taken from the base, but most people seem
to feel obliged to climb the dunes!
My Dead Vlei pix were taken around mid-day.
Do you mean that everyone is now able to get into the park before
dawn?
When I was there, it was only if you were in the campsite or stayed at
the very expensive Sossussvlei Lodge. I wasn't sure if Kulala Lodge
guests were also allowed, but thought so. I was waiting at the main
gate from c.5 a.m. until 6.30 a.m. and no vehicle was allowed through
during these 90 minutes.
Anyway, all the dunes are very beautiful, even many of those you'd
rush past in your rush to get to Dune 45 or the Sossussvlei area.
And let's face it, these are the ones everyone photographs, so if you
want some less usual photos ...
Slainte
Liz
--
Virtual Liz now at http://www.v-liz.com
Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Seychelles; Galapagos
Photo blog of Make Povery History rally in Edinburgh 2 July 2005:
http://www.v-liz.com/g8rally/protest.htm |