SOSSUSVLEI
Sossusvlei is one of Namibia’s most breathtaking natural wonders, famous for its towering red sand dunes, striking white salt pans, and surreal desert landscapes. Located in the heart of the Namib Desert within Namib-Naukluft National Park, it offers visitors an otherworldly experience of one of the oldest and driest ecosystems on Earth. The area’s name means "dead-end marsh" in Afrikaans, as it is where the ephemeral Tsauchab River comes to a stop, creating a dramatic contrast between the dunes and the cracked clay pan.
Sossusvlei lies in southwestern Namibia, about 350 km (220 miles) southwest of Windhoek, the country’s capital. It is part of the vast Namib-Naukluft National Park, which protects some of the world’s tallest sand dunes, some reaching over 300 meters (984 feet) high. The nearest major settlement is Sesriem, the gateway to the park, which is about 60 km (37 miles) from Sossusvlei.
What to Do in Sossusvlei
Climb the Iconic Dunes – Dune 45, Big Daddy, and Big Mama offer stunning sunrise and sunset views.
Visit Deadvlei – A hauntingly beautiful white clay pan with ancient, blackened camel thorn trees set against vivid red dunes.
Explore Hiddenvlei & Nara Vlei – Lesser-visited pans offering a quieter experience.
See Sesriem Canyon – A deep gorge carved by the Tsauchab River, perfect for a short hike.
Photography & Stargazing – The dramatic landscapes provide incredible photo opportunities, and at night, the sky is filled with countless stars due to minimal light pollution.
Where to Stay
Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites:
Luxury: &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Little Kulala, Sossusvlei Lodge
Mid-range: Desert Quiver Camp, Dead Valley Lodge
Budget: Sesriem Campsite, Agama River Camp
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Sossusvlei has an arid desert climate, with hot days and cold nights.
Best Time: May to September (cooler months with clear skies, ideal for climbing dunes).
Summer (Oct–Apr): Can be extremely hot (temperatures exceed 40°C/104°F), with occasional rains between Dec-Feb.
How to Get There
By Car: A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for the last stretch of the journey to Sossusvlei. The drive from Windhoek takes about 5-6 hours.
By Air: Private charter flights land at nearby airstrips like Sesriem or Geluk.
NAMIBIA SAFARI ITINERARIES
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DIVERSE NAMIBIA SAFARI
9 DAYS
R85 450.00
Diverse Namibia is an active, exciting adventure, exploring the iconic areas of this vast country – its dunes, deserts, plains and superb wildlife – enhanced by exclusive accommodation in private reserves and concessions. On this adventure you will take in the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei, the life-filled, icy Atlantic Ocean, the desert and denizens of Damaraland, and the dense plains game and predators of Etosha National Park. Activities are varied and include the likes of scenic drives and walks. This a true Namibian adventure with a range of activities impossible to beat!
FLYING THE SKELETON COAST
6 DAYS
USD16 300.00
Embark on an extraordinary journey across Namibia’s remote Skeleton Coast with the legendary Schoeman family. This exclusive flying safari offers an exhilarating way to explore Namibia’s wild northwest, combining scenic flights with rugged ground expeditions in modified classic Land Rovers. Pilots and guides with decades of experience will transport you across vast landscapes, revealing breathtaking scenery, fascinating geology, desert-adapted wildlife, and pristine wilderness.
FLY INTO THE DUNES
6 DAYS
R51 050.00
This Namibian safari begins with a flight to Kulala Desert Lodge for three nights, where guests can explore Sossusvlei's dunes, enjoy hot air ballooning, and take nature drives. Afterward, travel to Walvis Bay and stay at Flamingo Villas Boutique Hotel, with the highlight being the Mola Mola Day Tour. This marine adventure offers encounters with seals, dolphins, and whales, along with a visit to Sandwich Harbour, part of the UNESCO-listed Namib Sand Sea
NAMIBIA UNTAMED
10 DAYS
R82 985.00
This unforgettable Namibian adventure allows you to experience this magnificent country with a small group and your own professional and experienced safari guide, from Etosha to Swakopmund and Sossusvlei - staying in comfortable lodges.
Nicknamed the "ageless land," Namibia boasts a rich history visible through its ancient rock art created by Stone Age artists and geological wonders like the petrified forest. These timeless elements, coupled with the country's wide-open spaces and serene silence, create a powerful sense of antiquity and wilderness.
NAMIBIA BY ROAD
10 DAYS
R95 700.00
An immersive small group safari journey through Namibia includes the surreal landscapes of Sossusvlei to the coastal charm of Swakopmund, and the ancient mysteries of Damaraland, culminating with wildlife encounters at Ongava Game Reserve. Expert-guided game drives promise sightings of the Big Five. Concluding with a visit to the Okonjima Day Visitor Centre and the AfriCat Foundation, this safari seamlessly blends Namibia's natural wonders, cultural richness, and wildlife conservation.
THE NAMIB CIRCLE
12 DAYS
R93 650.00
Embrace the untamed beauty of Namibia on this captivating 12-day journey. Embark on wildlife adventures in Etosha National Park, learn about remote Himba tribes, unveil ancient rock art in Damaraland, and marvel at the otherworldly landscapes of Sossusvlei. This safari, with your own vehicle and private guide, combines the thrill of discovery with luxurious comfort, ensuring an unforgettable Namibian experience.
MY NAMIBIA SAFARI
12 DAYS
R123 300.00
This Namibia itinerary offers a diverse range of landscapes and wildlife experiences, from the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei to the rugged terrain of Damaraland and the game-rich plains of Etosha. Staying in comfortable four star lodges and tented camps in private reserves and conservancies - flying between camps saves a lot of time, and provides an incredible view from above of the breathtaking panoramas below.
ULTIMATE NAMIBIA SAFARI
13 DAYS
R236 000.00
The ultimate 13-day luxury safari adventure in Namibia includes visits to stunning natural landscapes and wildlife reserves, beginning with a 3-night stay at Little Kulala at Sossusvlei, then 3 nights at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp. Flying between camps and on to Serra Cafema for 3 nights, a luxury camp on the banks of the Kunene River, with the final 3 nights at Little Ongava, a private reserve on the edge of Etosha National Park. Incredible wildlife and a range of activities from game drives, guided walks, quad biking, stargazing, hot air balloon rides, and visits to local communities.