The Namib is generally considered the world’s oldest desert; certainly, it is many millions of years older than the Sahara.
Some of the Namib’s dunes are uncommonly stable, exquisitely coloured, remarkably tall.
Contrary to common belief – and to claims made by promoters of various African and Eurasian deserts – the world tallest dunes are not in Africa, nor Arabia, nor China; by a considerable margin, they are in South America.
The Namib’s “sand sea” is, however, singularly beautiful, most especially around Sossusvlei.
Photo is copyright Doug Spencer, taken near Sossusvlei at 7.24 am on 22 November 2022.
As a later, multi-image post will show you, the image above includes only the lower part of its big dune.
Musical bonus
There is no reason to believe that Ralph Towner had any desert in mind when he composed Father Time.
This spacious piece does, however, sit well with a beautiful desert-scape, and with the so-called “festive” season – a time when many of us are particularly conscious of “Father Time”.
Ralph Towner was circa 73 years old at the time of this 2013 performance in Korea.
It was recorded exceptionally well.
(there are a number of other good you-tubers from this concert)