Covering an area of 19,215 square miles, Namib Naukluft is not only the largest conservation area in Namibia, but is rated the fourth largest in the world. With its vast open space and corrugated dunes, the park is unusual and captivating. Sossuvlei is a dune wonderland. Towering mountains of sand up to 1000 feet high surround huge, dried-up lakebeds. Dunes extend as far as the eye can see and their colors vary from light tans to vivid reds and oranges. During a good rainy season, the Tsauchab River flows into the lakebeds and creates a temporary home for birdlife. Even during the dry season, orix, springbok and ostriches can be seen feeding off the sparse vegetation along what is left of the water.