The colour of the dunes in the southern Kalahari can be attributed to the high iron oxide content of the sand. In areas of higher rainfall and in shallow areas where water collects, the iron oxide is leached out, causing the sand ultimately to turn white. The gradual effect of the leaching transforms the desert into a wonderful variety of colours. (Hidden from view by the Kalahari dunes are layers of ancient sedimentary bedrocks, formations that are believed to be rich in fossils.) Many sand dunes are stabilised by vegetation. They owe their characteristic shape to wind action that exposes the moist sand beneath the dry surface. The damp layer is eroded further and the resultant windborne particles are deposited on the south-west side of the dune, causing a characteristic gentler gradient.

The lower dune road, about 35 kilometers connects Kij Kij to Auchterlonie via Tierkop, Kij Gamies and the Kielie Krankie access road. The hilly gravelled road traverses the red dunes. A viewpoint on a high dune behind Kij Gamies waterhole offers a spectacular view of the dune area.


Connecting Dikbaardskolk to Kamqua, the upper dune road meanders along the dunes passing the waterholes Eland, Morevet and Vaalpan. Morevet is also the starting point (or end point) of a 4x4 track to Bitterpan camp. This track may only be used by Bitterpan residents.
The dune habitat is especially suited for korhaan, steenbok and gemsbok