Water at Sossusvlei – are rare occurence

Water in Sossusvlei is not a regular occurrence. The Namib Desert is said to be the oldest and driest desert in the world, having endured arid and semi arid conditions for an estimated 55 to 80 million years. However when the ephemeral Tsauchab River is in full flood, a spectacular scene unfolds. In February 2011, the Tsauchab was in full flood with water flowing through the Sesriem Canyon and beyond into the Sossusvlei basin filling its salt and clay pans. This afforded great photographic opportunities for visitors from all over the world.