Sossusvlei Namibia, and the enchanting beauty of the Namib Desert, has to be seen to be believed. The towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, are world-famous, and one of the best places to visit in Namibia. Here’s how to enjoy what is undoubtedly Namibia’s most iconic landscape.
The salt and clay pan of Sossusvlei, is in the unspoilt desert of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the largest conservation area in Southern Africa. It could possibly be one of Namibia’s most spectacular sights.
Namibia sand dunes are amongst some of the highest dunes in the world. To have the chance to scale these natural wonders and sit in complete silence enjoying their beauty in the morning and evening light, is unforgettable.
This complete guide to Sossusvlei Namibia, gives you all the information you will need, to ensure that you get the most out of your experience.
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INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SOSSUSVLEI
The name Sossusvlei literally translates as “Dead-End marsh” from two languages, Nama and Afrikaans. The large salt and clay pan was created by the flow of the Tsauchab River. The dunes came together preventing the river from continuing its course to the Atlantic Ocean.
Due to arid conditions in the Namib Desert, the pan rarely contains water, except during an exceptional rainy season when the Tsauchab River overflows into a lake.
The sands red colour is due to a high concentration of iron and oxidation processes. The dunes, shaped over millions of years, are referred to as “star dunes” due to a multi-directional wind pattern across the area.
While the name “Sossusvlei” should strictly be applied to the pan itself, nowadays the name is used to refer to the whole Sossusvlei area. This encompasses the sand dunes and Sesriem Canyon.
GUIDE TO VISITING SOSSUSVLEI
Sossusvlei, located near the southern end of the Namib Desert, is a popular tourist attraction.
To visit Sossusvlei dunes, Deadvlei and explore Sesriem canyon, you must enter the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The main entrance is via the Sesriem gate. Not much more than an outpost, Sesriem has a petrol station and a selection of accommodation.
HOW TO GET TO SESRIEM AND SOSSUSVLEI
While driving in Namibia is easy and straight forward, you will be travelling on gravel roads. While you don’t need a 4×4 for your Namibia road trip, it will come in handy for your trip to Etosha National Park, and for visiting Sossusvlei.
HOW TO GET TO SOSSUSVLEI FROM WINDHOEK
Most visitors will travel to Sesriem from Windhoek or Swakopmund. The distance from Windhoek to Sossusvlei (Sesriem), is 384 km. The best direct route avoiding any mountain passes, is to head south on the B1 to Rehoboth. Head West to Bullsport. Continue on the D854, right on the C19 and then left to Sesriem. (About 5.5-6 hours)
Alternatively, from Bullsport join the C14 north to Solitaire. Continue to Sesriem on the C19, then pick up the D826 to continue your journey to Sossusvlei. (About 6-7 hours) / 431 km
For onward journeys from Sossusvlei, some driving distances/times are:
- Sossusvlei to Walvis Bay / 375 km / Allow at least 5 hours
- Sossusvlei to Swakopmund / 403 km / Allow at least 5-6 hours
- Sossusvlei to Luderitz / 500 km / Allow at least 7 hours
- Sossusvlei to Fish River Canyon / 585 km / Allow 8-9 hours
GETTING TO SESRIEM GATE
There are two entrance gates for entry into Namib National Park. The first gate, and main entrance into Namib National Park, is on the corner of C27 (south) and D826 (north). The gate opens at dawn and closes at sunset.
WHAT TIME DOES SESRIEM GATE OPEN?
The main gate known as “Sesriem Gate” which is accessed from the main road D826 and C27, opens at sunrise and closes at sunset.
- Opening Times | Summer (September-March) 05.45-18.15
- Opening Times | Winter (April-August) 06.45-17.15
The inner gate which allows access into the desert, opens 1 hour before sunrise, and closes 30-minutes after sunset. Stay at the following accommodation for early access, Sesriem Campsite, Sossus Dune Lodge, Sesriem Oshana Campsite, and Dead Valley Lodge.
SOSSUSVLEI ENTRANCE FEES
Park entrance fees must be paid at the Parks Office at Sesriem. Prices are per day, for a 24-hour period, beginning at the time of entry into Sossusvlei National Park.
Fees are non refundable, cannot be transferred, and are issued for a minimum of 24 hours.
Visitors must show either a valid passport or drivers license as proof of identification.
Park fees are per person AND per vehicle.
- Adults (foreign) NAD 150 per adult per day
- Vehicles NAD 50 per day
TOP TIP: Buy your park entrance permit as soon as you arrive. Just be sure to tell them at the office, which day it is intended to be used. That way, early the next morning you can drive straight to the second gate, show them your permit, and start exploring.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SOSSUSVLEI
Namibia enjoys a predominantly dry climate, and can be visited all year round. The best time to visit Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft National Park, is during the dry season of winter, from July to October. Temperatures are around 20°C, with clear skies and little chance of rain.
This is also the peak travel season. Conditions are ideal for a self drive Etosha safari, with prime wildlife viewing.
Be sure to take into account School/Public Holidays in Namibia when you make your travel arrangements, as accommodation options can fill up more quickly than normal.
Sossusvlei weather is hot, and with no cover from the harsh sun, you must cover up and keep hydrated. The best time of day to climb Sossusvlei sand dunes, is at sunrise.. The sand is cool to walk on, the temperatures lower, and the shadows make for amazing photography.
WHAT VEHICLE DO I NEED IN SOSSUSVLEI?
GETTING TO SESRIEM
Whichever direction you come from to reach the parks entrance at Sesriem, you will be travelling on gravel roads. Although they can be slightly corrugated and bumpy in places, they are easily driven in a regular 2×2 vehicle. You do not require a 4×4 vehicle.
Always drive carefully as you will often see animals crossing or even standing in the road!
DRIVING INTO THE DESERT
When you enter the Park through the second, inner gate at Sesriem, you will be driving on a tarred road. All of the attractions in the area are easily accessible along the 65 km drive to Sossusvlei.
At the end of the tarred road is the 2WD flat surfaced parking lot.
From here, you are only permitted to drive the last 5km into the vlei, if you have a 4WD, as the track has deep soft sand.
If you don’t have or want to drive on the sand, you can walk the last 5km into the vlei, or take a shuttle. These are run by Namibia Wildlife Resort (NWR), and leave from the 2WD car park every 30 minutes, from sunrise to sunset. I think the cost was about NAD170 per person.
Driving in sand is sometimes difficult, especially when you have no experience of this terrain. If you have any hesitation about your ability to drive in sand then take the shuttle or visit on a guided tour.
TIPS FOR 4X4 DRIVING IN SAND
The sand in this area is soft, aerated and usually a little churned up.
- Ensure all wheels are engaged.
- Reduce the tyre pressure to about 50%.
- Select the correct gear, usually 2nd or 3rd gear.
- Maintain speed and keep going without changing gear, or you may come to a dead stop.
- If you get stuck, don’t spin your wheels or you will dig yourself deeper into the sand.
- Do not attempt to walk out of the area but wait with your vehicle until one of the patrol vehicles comes past and will assist you.
EXPLORING NAMIB DESERT AND SOSSUSVLEI DUNES
The highlight of Namib Naukluft Park, is a trip to Sossusvlei, which lies in the largest part of the park. Namibia dunes are the main attraction for visitors visiting the area, and account for some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world.
While the sand dunes of Sossusvlei are the main draw to visitors, there are other worthy attractions for you to experience, either along the way, or within easy driving distance. Beginning from Sesriem, and your entry into the park, attractions are as follows:
SESRIEM
Sesriem is the entrance into the Namib Desert and Namib Naukluft National Park. The Parks office is where you purchase your permit for entering the desert.
You have to enter through this point, to visit Sossusvlei dunes, Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon. If you want to get to Sossusvlei, Deadvlei or climb Big Daddy to watch the sunrise you must stay at one of the four accommodations inside Sesriem, to enable you to get up before sunrise and drive into the desert.These are Sesriem Campsite, Sossus Dune Lodge, Sesriem Oshana Campsite, and Dead Valley Lodge.
You can fill up with fuel, use the restrooms and stock up on cold drinks and supplies. Outside of your accommodation, this is the only place to buy essential supplies.
Entrance to the park is through a manned gate 200 metres ahead, where your permit will be checked before you are able to proceed into the Park. The gate opens at sunrise and closes at sunset.
SESRIEM CANYON
In a dry, arid climate, Sesriem Canyon is one of the few places to hold water all year round. This natural gorge, carved out of the desert floor by the Tsauchab River, over millions of years, is a kilometer in length, and in some places, up to 30 metres deep.
In order to collect water from the canyon, early Africaan explorers, had to use six (“ses”) leather straps (“riem”) tied together to create a rope long enough to lower buckets into the canyon below. Hence the name Sesriem Canyon.
It is certainly worth spending an hour or so here, exploring the rock formations and narrow passages. To get to the canyon, which is about 4.5km away, follow the signs from the Sesriem entrance. It is about a 10 minute drive.
SOSSUSVLEI SAND DUNES
Sand dunes are numbered according to their distance from the Sesriem gate.
ELIM DUNE
As you leave Sesriem, there is a turning off to the right, after about 5 kms. This short track leads to a shaded parking area and the foot of the nearest sand dune, Elim Dune.
At 100m high,the climb to the top takes about an hour and is a great climb at sunset, as you can return to Sesriem quickly.
DUNE 45
Sossusvlei Dune 45, is 45km from Sesriem gate. Standing at 85 metres tall, it is the closest dune to the main road, and easily reached by a 2WD, along a paved track.
The dune has a very distinct and elegant shape, and is extremely photogenic. Don’t be fooled by the climb though, it is a steady slog to the peak.
While many people head here first, we suggest climbing Big Daddy for sunrise, and climbing Dune 45 for sunset.
CLIMBING DUNE 45 FOR SUNSET
Checking the time for sunset in Sesriem, we headed along the paved main road towards Dune 45 and the parking area.
The climb was relatively easy as we followed other climbers footsteps and kept to a steady pace. It was quite breezy near the top of the crest which meant the sand was blowing in our faces.
We stopped every now and then to sit and simply take in the view and the sheer vastness of this area. As the light starts to change, so does the colour of the dunes.
Vibrant red and orange hues set against shadows bouncing off individual peaks makes for incredible photos and landscapes.
Even though we were staying inside the Park at Sossus Dune Lodge, visitors still have to be back at the accommodation 1 hour after sunset. So we headed back down the dune continually stopping for the incredible views.
If the scenery at the top was first class, the scenes as the sun sets were simply stunning.
The lights in the sky were almost dancing, the yellows reds and oranges colliding with each other for pride of place.
TOP TIP:
- Don’t leave as soon as the sun sets. The next 20-30 minutes will be the best time to view the changing colours in the sky.
- Make sure to be down at the parking lot after the sun sets, to ensure you still have enough light to drive back to your accommodation in time, keeping alert for any animals in the road.
- Be sure to take plenty of water with you to keep hydrated.
- Be mindful of keeping your camera covered from the blowing sand.
- The climb to the top takes between 30 and 60 minutes, but pace yourself and you will be fine. It takes about 5 minutes to descend.
BIG DADDY DUNE
The most popular individual dune by far, is “Big Daddy”, standing at 325 meters and the highest dune in the Sossusvlei area. Dune 7 is in fact the highest dune in the Namib Desert at 388 meters high.
We stayed at Sossus Dune Lodge, and took a tour to climb big daddy at sunrise. It was an incredible experience, one we will never forget.
Opposite Big Daddy Dune is the slightly smaller dune known as “Big Mama”, which although not as popular, can still be climbed to provide fantastic landscape views.
Big Daddy is located 1km from Sossusvlei 4×4 car park. For the ultimate bragging rights, take plenty of water and trek to the top of Big Daddy where you can look down onto Deadvlei.
DEADVLEI
Frozen in time, Deadvlei is a magnificent white clay pan, characterised by dead camel thorn trees. Located about 1km from Sossusvlei 4X4 car park, it can also be reached by running down the side of big Daddy Dune.
It is quite a spectacle to see, especially at sunrise. While the pan was formed when the Tsauchab River flooded, the ensuing sand dunes later blocked the flow of water. Some of the trees are about 900 years old and are a complete contrast to the white bleached pan, and vibrant red sand dunes.
Deadvlei is a paradise for photographers.
STARGAZING
NamibRand Nature Reserve is an official dark sky reserve. Low light pollution and cloudless night skies, make it perfect to stargaze!
Choose practically any night of the year and you will be able to sit and gaze up at spectacular sky scenery.
Luckily for visitors, several lodges in the area offer staggeringly beautiful starry skies for you to view.
Sossusvlei Lodge, Little Kulala and Sossusvlei Desert Lodge offer great stargazing activities.
SOSSUSVLEI ACCOMMODATION INSIDE THE PARK
Whatever your budget, when it comes to accommodation, Sossusvlei has some great options, to suit everyone’s needs and preference. Here are your options inside Namib-Naukluft National Park?
If you want to visit Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, or climb Big daddy for sunrise, you must stay in one of the four accommodations located inside Sesriem Gate. These are Sesriem Campsite, Sossus Dune Lodge, Sesriem Oshana Campsite, and Dead Valley Lodge.
How to use this map: Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.
1 – SESRIEM CAMPSITE
Located 0km from Sesriem Gate, and 60km from Sossusvlei
Run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts, Sesriem Campsite has 20 camping sites, but no rooms.
Sesriem Camp is one of only two Sossusvlei campsites available inside the gates of the Namib Naukluft Park at Sossusvlei. Unique early access (one hour before sunrise), means early access for visiting Sossusvlei dunes and the Namib Desert in the mornings.
This makes it perfect for visitors to experience Big Daddy at sunrise, and the sun setting over Elim Dune, as the dune is only 5 km from Sesriem.
You must provide your own tent, sleeping bag and cooking equipment. Campsites are well spaced out, with their own barbeque area and electrical points. There are shared toilet facilities. Other facilities include a central swimming pool, restaurant, basic shop, fuel station, tyre repair and bar.
** We didn’t camp here ourselves, but others have said it is adequate for your needs. A tip is to ask for a site in the shade of the dead camel thorn trees. ** Prices are N$610 per person.
2 – SESRIEM OSHANA CAMPSITE
Located 0km from Sesriem Gate, and 60km from Sossusvlei
If you are looking for a Sossusvlei campsite with a touch of luxury, Sesriem Oshana Camp Site has ten sites, each with their own toilet, shower and kitchen washing area with hot and cold water. Prices are from N$400 per person.
Run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts, there are no rooms, and you must bring all your own camping equipment. Facilities include a wooden pergola for sitting under, and a barbeque (braai).
As with Sesriem Campsite, guests have early access to the Namib Desert in the mornings. Guests can also access all the facilities at Sesriem Camp.
3 – SOSSUS DUNE LODGE
Located 7km from Sesriem Gate, and 67km from Sossusvlei
Being the only lodge inside the park, it is extremely popular, and you MUST BOOK WELL IN ADVANCE. You have the benefit of being able to reach Sossusvlei before sunrise and stay after sunset.
The Lodge has 25 individual rondavel-style chalets with thatched roof, linked by a wooden walkway, and set in an incredible location.
Guests can take part in the lodge’s guided sunrise/sunset drives plus trips to Sesriem Canyon and Elim Dune (for a fee).
Prices for a Dune Chalet (sleeps 2) Bed & Breakfast: N$ 3390.00pp from Nov 2023-June 2024
Prices for a Dune Chalet (sleeps 2) Bed & Breakfast: N$ 6090.00pp from July 2024-Oct 2024
4 – DEAD VALLEY LODGE
Located 0km from Sesriem Gate, and 60km from Sossusvlei
Dead Valley Lodge has twenty free standing stylish tented chalets, each with an ensuite bathroom and climate control. Note that the lodge does not accept children under the age of 6 years. Prices are inclusive of full board basis, and there is a picturesque bar with a swimming pool overlooking the Elim Dune.
As the lodge is situated inside the park gates, guests have earlier access to the sand dunes at Sossusvlei, than those staying outside the park.
Payable activities include morning and afternoon game drives to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon. You can also take a guided walk, or sunset drive to the nearby Elim Dune.
A Luxury Tented Chalet is between N$ 3 900.00 and N$ 5 250.00 per person for stays from Jan-Oct 2024.
SOSSUSVLEI ACCOMMODATION OUTSIDE THE PARK
Most of the other accommodation choices are located outside the park gates, but there are some great choices. Be prepared for prices to be higher than other regions of the country though.
Most of the accommodation options listed, are within a 1-hour drive from Sesriem Gate, the entrance to the Namib-Naukluft Park.
1 – SOSSUSVLEI LODGE
Located 0km from Sesriem Gate, and 60km from Sossusvlei
This luxurious lodge, located at the Park’s Entrance Gate, provides fantastic views over the red sand dunes and desert.
You will receive excellent attentive service and enjoy a pool, sundowner deck, bar, exquisite food, and an array of payable activities at your disposal.
All accommodation is modern, feature patios and full en-suite bathrooms. Picture yourself enjoying dinner by candlelight, served on the terrace with fantastic views!
Check Out Rates Here For A Luxurious Experience
2 – LE MIRAGE DESERT LODGE AND SPA
Located 25km from Sesriem Gate, and 85km from Sossusvlei
Le Mirage Desert Lodge and Spa, offers 27 luxurious air-conditioned rooms, each with ensuite facilities, and a private balcony for watching the sun set.
Check Out Rates Here For In A Unique Desert Oasis
3 – DESERT QUIVER CAMP
Located 5km from Sesriem Gate, and 65km from Sossusvlei
There are 24 modern self-catering units, each blended into the surrounding desert scenery. Each spacious bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with shower. A covered patio area has a fridge, kitchenette, and barbecue facilities.
Check Out Rates Here For An Amazing Setting
4 – WE KEBI SAFARI LODGE
Located 75km from Sesriem Gate, and 135km from Sossusvlei
Accommodation at We Kebi Safari Lodge, is in 14 thatched-roof chalets, with ensuite bathroom and private pavilion. Guests can relax in a shared lounge, cool off in the plunge pool, and eat in the on-site restaurant.
Check Out Rates Here For Panoramic Views
OTHER ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS INCLUDE:
- Elegant Desert Lodge – Located 45km from Sesriem Gate, and 105km from Sossusvlei
- Little Sossus Lodge – Located 45km from Sesriem Gate, and 105km from Sossusvlei
- Desert Hills Lodge – Located 35km from Sesriem Gate, and 95km from Sossusvlei
- The Desert Grace – Located 30 km south of Solitaire and 60 km north of Sesriem.
FUEL SUPPLIES AND WHERE TO EAT IN SOSSUSVLEI
1 – Fuel is available at an Engen Station just outside Sesriem Gate, and from a station inside the gate. You can also find fuel and basic tyre repairs at Solitaire. Fuel can also be purchased enroute from Fish River Canyon.
2 – There are few options of places to eat in and around Sesriem and Sossusvlei. If you are camping or self-catering and have food with you, then use the bbq facilities available at the camp. There is a well-stocked shop by the Engen garage, just outside the gate.
3 – If you are staying in one of the lodges, you will be able to have all your meals at their restaurant. This usually focuses on game meats and buffets, but the food is good.
4 – You also have the option to eat at another lodge, as a guest, although you will have to make a reservation beforehand.
5 – If you are camping, come equipped with food stored in a cool box.
6 – Stock up on snacks and water at a supermarket in Windhoek, or Luderitz.
TIPS FOR VISITING SOSSUSVLEI AND THE DUNES IN NAMIBIA
1 – An ideal Sossusvlei Itinerary should be for 1-2 nights at the least to enjoy everything the area has to offer visitors. Stay inside the Park, for one night, to be able to access the dunes as early as possible.
2 – If short on time, buy your permit the day before to avoid queuing and losing time at the dunes.
3 – Even if you are driving a 4×4, if you don’t feel confident driving on the sand, don’t hesitate to take a tour. The money is totally worthwhile, and you will not regret the expense.
4 – Outside of sunrise and sunset, try to visit the dunes early morning or late afternoon. The shadows cast against the dunes will be more prominent which makes for better viewing and taking of photos.
5 – Take sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the harsh sunlight.
6 – Wear thin layers, as you may be cold initially, but trust me, you will soon be stripping off as your blood starts pumping and you don’t want to be carrying anything too bulky.
7 – Take snacks or a breakfast pack, so you can stop and eat when and where you wish.
8 – There are clean toilets in the 2×4 parking area (4km from the vlei) and drop toilets in the 4×4 parking area (but no water available).
BEST NAMIBIA PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
When you visit Sossusvlei, and travel around Namibia, you want to come away with photos that do some justice to the beauty of the country, and the Namib Desert. Here are some tips to make sure you take some great photos.
1 – The Namibian sun rises quickly in the sky, so try and take photos in the early morning or late afternoon, before the sun is directly overhead.
2 – Make sure you have plenty of storage space and spare battery. Pack the night before and protect your camera and lens from the sand. which gets everywhere.
3 – To capture the vast landscapes, use a wide-angle lens.
4 – Don’t shoot directly into the sun but have the sun behind you.
Hopefully this Sossusvlei travel guide has fired up your wanderlust for a trip to Sossusvlei. You now have all the information required to plan your own trip and make the most of this beautiful part of Namibia.
MORE POSTS TO READ ON NAMIBIA
- The Best Places to visit in Namibia
- A Guide to Driving in Namibia
- Unusual and Fun Things to Do in Namibia
- Plan a Self Drive Etosha Safari
- Climbing Big Daddy Dune
- An Exhilarating Namibia Self Drive Safari
- Visiting Namibia: Everything You Need to Know
- Okonjima Nature Reserve
- How to Easily Plan your Road Trip to Namibia
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Hi, I‘ve read your travel tip about the dunes from Sossusvlei with enthusiasm. We‘re planning our tour to Namibia next year and I have a Little question about the „Sossus Dune Lodge guided tour“. Could you tell me please how much does such a guided tour to the dunes cost?
Thanks a lot for your help.
Greetings, Martina
Hi Martina,
Many thanks for your comment and I can say that you will have a great time in Namibia. The sunrise tour to Big Daddy is currently 730 Namibian dollars per person. (www.xe.com for conversion rates) Some people drove themselves and we also saw many vehicles stuck in the sand. I certainly found it worth spending the money on as we were the only 2 people climbing and our guide was really interesting to chat with. Hope this helps and there are other posts on Namibia which you may find helpful. Any other questions about your trip I can help with please feel free to ask. Cheers, Angela
Dear Angela,
thanks for your prompt answer. Sorry, but I have some more questions. When I book a room in the logde do I have to book that tour so early too? Did you were only lucky that you were alone on that sunrise trip or did you book a trip for your own? Sorry for disturbing you again but I want to plan this trip as good as possible.
Greetings from Martina
Hi Martina,
No problems at all asking more questions. Definitely book your room well in advance as they get booked up very quickly. I didn’t book my tour so early but emailed them about 1-2 months prior to arrival and booked it then. However, when we arrived it seemed common practice for them to ask whether you wanted to book any tours there and then. We were just lucky that we were the only 2 people on the tour as it was just the general tour. Any other questions please feel free to ask.
Cheers,
Angela