Undulating ochre dunes, cracked white salt pans, petrified trees, and endless landscape… Sossusvlei is a uniquely awe-inspiring gem!

It’s not surprising that Sossusvlei stands as Namibia’s most visited landmark. However, due to its remoteness and vast expanse, it never truly feels crowded. Quite the opposite, in fact. I’ve never cherished silence and solitude more than from the peak of Dune 45. From there, I watched the early light of day unveil the outlines of surrounding dune crests alongside just a handful of other visitors.

Situated in southern Namibia within the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei captivates from the outset with its strikingly desolate beauty. While the famous acacia skeletons trapped in white clay offer one of the best photo opportunities, the ever-changing orange dunes in the background stand as a challenge to be climbed and descended by the most daring souls. In fact, these dunes are some of the tallest in the world.

If you’re planning a trip to the country, Sossusvlei should be at the top of your list; after all, it’s one of the best places to visit in Namibia.

This comprehensive travel guide to Sossusvlei covers everything: what to do and see, how to obtain a permit, where to stay, and all the essential information you need before visiting.

Sossusvlei, Namibia | A Complete travel guide to Namibia’s Top 1 destination

How to visit Sossusvlei

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Where is Sossusvlei?

Sossusvlei is located in the southern part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, about a 5-hour drive from both the Namibian capital of Windhoek and the resort towns of Swakopmund. Sossusvlei is remote and the road to get there is gravelled but in good condition.

The nearest town is Sesriem. Well, it is more a settlement aimed at tourism than a proper village, but you will find a gas station as well as a couple of small shops for general supplies

How to get to Sossusvlei?

There isn’t any efficient local transportation to visit Sossusvlei or Namibia in general. This is not really a country that has a good infrastructure or public transport system. Most tourists either rent a car or join a tour to visit Sossusvlei.

Take a tour

You can take a package tour to visit the highlights of Namibia such as the 14-day camping trip I joined with GAdventures, but you can also get on some 2 to 3-day tours from the capital. Tours in Namibia are excellent for solo travellers, large groups or visitors who cannot or don’t want to drive in Namibia.

Self-drive

Sesriem is only 300-350 km from Walvis Bay/Swakopmund or Windhoek, but driving on unpaved roads pretty much all the way means that you will need at least 5 hours to reach the park from any of these cities.

You can rent a 2WD but if you are planning to road-trip around Namibia for a couple of weeks, it might be wiser to get a 4WD as the roads can get tricky and unreliable in many parts of the country. Self-driving in Namibia is an excellent option for couples and families.

I use and highly recommend Discover Cars – It is the world’s biggest online car rental comparison website with a price match guarantee, no credit card fees, no amendment fees and free cancellations. It also offers unbeatable insurance & liability reduction daily fees.

When to visit Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei can be visited all year long. The National Park never closes except in case of a major cause.

I would recommend visiting the dunes in the morning when the temperatures are still enjoyable and the sand cool. The light is also a lot better with sharp shadows offering beautiful contrast and excellent photo opportunities. Most people get to the dunes as early as possible to watch the sunrise and avoid the heat of the afternoon. Dune 45, for example, can get crowded in the early morning but tends to quickly empty as the visitors move to Deadvlei.

During the Namibian winter months, from May to October, the temperatures are a bit cooler which makes the visit more enjoyable. This also means more people travel to the park as it coincides with the Northern Hemisphere summer school holidays. Anyway, whatever season you are visiting Sossusvlei, make sure to always carry enough water, apply sunscreen protection and wear adequate clothing.

Opening hours and permit fees to visit Sossusvlei

The salt pans and dunes of Sossusvlei can only be accessed during the gates’ opening hours, 7 days a week. There are two different gates to access the park: the outer and inner gates. The national park gate also called “Sesriem gate” opens at sunrise and closes at sunset (red on the map) while the inner gate (blue on the map) opens 1 hour before sunrise and closes 1 hour after sunset.

Accommodations are available on both sides of the Sesriem gate which gives the people staying inside, the opportunity to spend an extra hour at the dunes in the morning and in the evening. You can find more details about the different accommodations in Sossusvlei in this section.

The entry permits for the Namib-Naukflut National Park can be purchased at the Sesriem office and will also be checked as you cross the inner gate. It is valid for 24 hours for overnight visitors and as per calendar day if you aren’t staying within the park. The fee depends on your nationality and the type of vehicle you are driving. You can pay by card but make sure to have some cash just in case the terminal isn’t working. They accept Namibian Dollars and South African Rands only. See below the details as of May 2020.

Where to stay in Sossusvlei

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There are numerous lodging choices available around Sossusvlei, tailored to various preferences and budgets. Whether your preference leans towards a lavish lodge replete with amenities, a snug self-catering chalet, or a quaint rustic campsite, you can find accommodations that suits your needs.

The majority of lodgings are situated outside the perimeters of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. This necessitates driving to the park’s Sesriem entrance to gain access to Sossusvlei. Consequently, overnight stays within the confines of the national park are not permitted, restricting entry solely to the period between sunrise and sunset.

Nevertheless, a handful of lodgings are available within the park, offering privileged entry to the dunes before sunrise and after sunset. However, this exclusivity comes at an extra cost for the accommodation.

Alternatively, opting for camping in Sossusvlei is a good option for those on a budget or looking to sleep under the stars of the Namib Desert. while some campsites boast upscale amenities like private bathing facilities, electricity, and swimming pools, others are more basic and rustic.

Note | Prices in the area are higher than in the rest of Namibia due to Sossusvlei’s remoteness and its limited infrastructure. If you intend on staying in a hotel or a lodge, whether it is inside or outside the national park, I would recommend booking your accommodation well in advance.

Inside the Sesriem gate

Dead Valley Namibia Lodge:

The Dead Valley Namibia Lodge is like entering an amazing oasis in the middle of the desert. It has well-decorated and luxurious tents, delicious meals prepared by a chef and a lovely common area with a bar and swimming pool!
Check prices and availability here.

Sossus Dune Lodge

This is an eco-friendly lodge offering luxury accommodation within the national park. It has incredible chalets overlooking the dunes and the Sesriem Canyon!
Click here for more details.

Sesriem Campsite

The only affordable and accessible Campsite within the park. Sesriem Campsite is perfect for budget travellers as well as photographers and self-drive visitors as it will let you get in 1 hour before sunrise and leave 1 hour after sunset! The best opportunity to avoid the crowd and get the best photos.
Sesriem camp booking website.

Outside the Sesriem gate

Sossusvlei Lodge:

Right outside the outer gate, the Sossusvlei Lodge offers luxury accommodations with shared or private swimming pools as well as an incredible dining experience.
Check availability and prices here.

Sesriem Oshana Campsite

This is a campsite for guests travelling with their own tent and camping equipment. Each site has a private outdoor kitchenette area, bathroom, BBQ, parking and an electricity point. There is also a restaurant and a communal swimming pool.
Click here for more info.

Desert Camp

Desert Camp offers individual units with self-catering facilities. It’s like having a home away from home! There is a barbecue area, a bar and a swimming pool.
Check this place out by clicking on this link.

Things to do in Sossusvlei, Namibia’s most iconic landscape

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Visit Sossusvlei and Deadvlei

Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are two salt pans found tucked in between tall dunes. Deadvlei is the most visited. It is famous for its petrified grey trees contrasting with the vibrant orange hues of the dunes behind it. Once crossed by the Tsauchab river nowadays only floods on rare occasions at the bottom of the Sesriem Canyon, Deadvlei attracts for its desolate scenery. The Acacia trees scattered like eerie skeletons across the white and crackled clay floor have been here for more than 900 years. They died after the river disappeared and got trapped unable to decompose because of the lack of moisture in the air.

Visitors can walk freely across the salt pans to get closer to the trees, soak in the atmosphere and take photos. I can’t stress this enough, but Deadvlei is truly incredible to witness. Just an otherworldly place that cannot be missed if you plan a trip to Namibia.

There aren’t any restrictions, fences or banned areas. I was quite surprised about it in fairness. Before visiting, I thought Deadvlei was going to be like many other “Instagram famous spots”, packed with tourists waiting in line to shoot the perfect landscape photo… Well, that’s not the case. There are many trees and every single of them offers a stunning photo opportunity. Also, there aren’t that many people so it is quite okay to walk around without ending up in someone’s frame!

Drive

Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are found about 60 km from the Sesriem entrance gate of the park. The paved road stops about 5 km before Deadvlei and only 4WD with high clearance are allowed beyond. Tips: decrease the tyre pressure, change to 4WD, and keep driving or you may get bogged down… If you have never driven on the sand before, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your car rental company, they may have good tips but also might require special off-road insurance.

Shuttle

If you aren’t driving a 4WD or don’t feel comfortable manoeuvring across deep sand, there are local shuttles that leave the 2WD car park for the remaining 5 kilometres of the journey. They do return trips all day and leave the site once full. The shuttles are large 4WD which can host up to 12 people and let’s be honest, the price includes a lot of stress-free fun that you may not get if you drive a rental car. I mean, the fast drifts in the sand are entirely part of the Deadvlei experience!

The shuttle costs N$ 150 return.

Walk

Some make the journey on foot (about 1h30 one way) but I don’t think it is worth getting a heat stroke, carrying litres of water and taking the risk of getting lost. If you want to experience the place on foot, don’t worry, you will still have to walk about 500 m across the dunes from the 4WD car park to the salt pan, and if that’s not enough, you can also walk to Sossusvlei pan from Deadvlei. The way is signposted and there are hardly any visitors around. See the map at the end of the article.

Climb the dunes

From the Sesriem gate and along the main paved road, there are many dunes that you can easily stop at if you have your own vehicle. Obviously, visiting Sossusvlei means climbing some of them to get a glance at the vastness of the place and enjoy the endless dunes from up top. It is best to visit the park and climb the dunes in the early morning when the sand is still cold, the heat manageable and the early sun casts dark shadows on the dunes’ side outlining beautifully the crests’ curves.

Most dunes are named after the number of kilometres that separates them from the entrance gate of the park. Here are some of the best dunes to climb in Sossusvlei:

Dune 45

This dune is a favourite amongst visitors. With its harsh crescent line, dune 45 offers a beautiful angle for a photo from the ground level. Found right in the middle of the park and quickly accessible after the gates open, Dune 45 is also the most popular place to stop and catch the sunrise or first morning lights over the desert. The walk to the summit takes about 20 to 30 min and the views are incredible.

Big Daddy dune

Big Daddy is one of the highest dunes in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It has the most incredible views over the Deadvlei salt pan and surroundings. Although it takes some great effort and time to be climbed – count a good hour from the 4WD car park to the summit but a lot less if you decide to run down to the Deadvlei salt pan!

Big Mamma dune

This dune sits across from Big Daddy and can be climbed from the Sossusvlei salt pan, although fewer people visit this part of the park or attempt the climb. Big Daddy and Dune 45 should have by now taken away every bit of your motivation from walking up another dune! However, not as high as the others, it could easily be a great alternative if you feel solitary and wish to see the Sossusvlei salt pan from the above, which the other dunes don’t offer.

Tips: If you aren’t alone, as you climb up the dunes, follow the exact steps of the person in front of you, It will make the effort manageable leaving the person ahead making most of the work… Don’t forget to switch places!

Hike to Hidden Vlei

Hidden Vlei is a small salt pan just like Deadvlei and Sossusvlei but less visited and also a lot more accessible since it is only 2km from the 2WD car park.

If you have to choose to go for a hike in Sossusvlei, this should be the one as it is very rewarding. There are just a few scattered trees on the way to get a bit of shade so make sure to follow the signposts and fellow travellers’ footprints. Bring enough water with you and a cellphone with GPS access and offline map Apps (such as maps.me). It is not impossible to get lost here. Watch out for wildlife as well.

Walk down to the Sesriem Canyon

If you have time during your visit, I can only recommend stopping at the Sesriem Canyon. You can check it out from the car park but it is best appreciated from the bed river you can access after a short hike. Shaped by the ephemeral river Tsauchab over the centuries, the canyon is about a kilometre long and quite a unique and surprising place to visit after a long day surrounded by thousands of dunes.

It is also the only place in the area that still holds small water ponds all year long, making it an important source for the local wildlife. For visitors, Sesriem is an excellent stop to cool down and get away from the heat of the desert. The high and narrow limestone walls offer in fact some welcomed shade and a refreshing breeze.

The Canyon is found near the Sesriem entrance gate at the end of a gravel road.

Map | Activities and useful details

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Frequently asked questions

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What is Sossusvlei?

Sossusvlei is a salt and clay pan surrounded by towering sand dunes in the Namib Desert. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Namibia, known for its unique landscapes and unique desert flora and fauna.

How do I get to Sossusvlei?

Sossusvlei is located approximately 55 km from the town of Sesriem, which is a 4-hour drive from Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. Visitors can reach Sossusvlei by car or by taking a tour from Windhoek.

What are the best times to visit Sossusvlei?

The best times to visit Sossusvlei are during the early morning and late afternoon when the light is best for photography and the temperatures are colder.

What activities are available at Sossusvlei?

Visitors to Sossusvlei can enjoy activities such as hiking, sandboarding, and scenic drives. There are also several nearby attractions, including the famous Sesriem Canyon and the Sesriem gate to the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

What should I pack for a visit to Sossusvlei?

When visiting Sossusvlei, it is important to pack plenty of water, sunblock, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and warm clothing for the early morning and late afternoon. A camera is also a must for capturing the unique and breathtaking landscapes of Sossusvlei.

How much time should I spend at Sossusvlei?

Most visitors spend 1-2 days at Sossusvlei, allowing enough time to explore the salt and clay pan, hike up the sand dunes, and visit nearby attractions such as Sesriem Canyon.

Are there accommodations near Sossusvlei?

Yes, there are several lodges and campsites near Sossusvlei, including Sossusvlei Lodge, Desert Lodge, and Sesriem Campsite.

Is it possible to camp at Sossusvlei?

Yes, there is a designated campsite at Sossusvlei, which is operated by the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

Are there any restrictions on visiting Sossusvlei?

Yes, there are restrictions in place to protect the unique and fragile desert environment. Visitors are advised to follow designated trails, avoid littering, and not disturb the wildlife or vegetation.

Planning a trip to Namibia?

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You are planning a trip to Namibia and wish to read more about it? You will find on Tales From The Lens some great content to help you out.

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ESSENTIALS PACKING | Our long-term and outdoor travel packing list

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