A Complete Guide to Sossusvlei
Written by Nina van Schalkwyk
Sossusvlei is the most-visited place in Namibia, and with good reason. (Namibia is itself a fantastic destination, see our 5 reasons we love it here.) Imagine running down colossal sand dunes in exhilaration with the soft wind beating against your skin. Or feeling the stillness of the early morning in the company of ancient camelthorn trees against a backdrop of parched white clay. Did we mention the insta-worthy photo opportunities? In this blog, you will learn all about how to navigate your way through the finer details of visiting Sossusvlei. Read about everything from the main attractions to the best accommodation to suit your budget. Plus, insider tips to make sure you have the best time ever. Here it comes — your complete guide to Sossusvlei.
Location & how to get there
By car
Before you set off on your journey, remember that Sossusvlei is 400 km from Namibia’s capital city, Windhoek. The speed limit on gravel roads in the country is 80-100 km per hour, so you will need to set off quite early. Some of the roads may be in poor condition, which would necessitate slow driving.
Make sure to stock up on groceries before you leave Windhoek or any other main town. The general grocer at Solitaire sells the basics, but you might miss that one thing they don’t have. Fill your car up every chance you get, and always ask whether they accept card payments before you do.
Service stations on the way: Rehoboth, Solitaire and at the Sesriem gate.
Most visitors begin their journey from Windhoek, taking the B1 south, following the signposts along the way to Solitaire. From Solitaire, turn onto the C19, following it for about 70 km and then turning onto the D826. After 15 km you will have reached Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei. Keep to indicated roads and consult your map every step of your journey.
By air
The fastest, easiest and most relaxing way to get from Windhoek to Sossusvlei is, without a doubt, by air. Book your flight with any of the private charter companies in Namibia or join a tour to the south. An airstrip is located in Solitaire, 70 km from the Sesriem gate. You’ll need to have arrangements for a pick up from there, which your accommodation should be happy to provide.
When to Go
Want to know the best time to visit this exciting part of Namibia? Sossusvlei is located in the Namib Desert, which means that rainfall is rather scarce. Conditions are generally sunny and warm, however, considering that you might want to take part in more strenuous activities like climbing a dune, you might want to go during the winter months instead.
November - February
The summer season in Namibia means warm nights and scorching days. In the desert though, evenings may be cool and even cold due to the proximity to the ocean.
April - August
The weather is great for outdoor activities such as climbing the dunes, hiking, going on a safari drive or sitting by the campfire at night. This is also, however, high season, so expect high prices.
The gate to Sossusvlei
The Sesriem Gate into Sossusvlei is located at the intersection between two gravel roads, the C27 and the D826. The gate is clearly signposted and unmissable, with two triangular structures on either side of a boom gate. There is usually quite a queue of vehicles waiting to enter first thing in the morning, so we recommend getting your permit the day before.
There are 2 gates at Sesriem. Here’s what you need to know about each of them:
The main gate
Opening times:
September to April: 6 am - 6 pm
May to August: 6:45 am - 6 pm
If you are staying outside the gate, you will need a permit to enter. The price is €4 (N$80) per person and €0.5 (N$10) per vehicle per day.
The inner gate
Opening times:
September to April: 5 am - 7 pm
May to August: 5:45 am - 7 pm
This is 1 hour before and 1 hour after the main gate opens and closes.
How to get in: You can book your accommodation inside the gate (see accommodation below for options). That way, you get to see the park 1 hour before sunrise and 1 hour before sunset - perfect for great pictures as well as to avoid the heat.
Once inside, there are a couple of facilities, including a restaurant, bar, shop and fuel station. To the north of the gate is Elim Dune, but save exploring it until you come back, as it’s perfect for sundowners.
From the inner gate, you have the option of parking your car and taking the shuttle that leaves every ten or so minutes from the campsite and costs about €9 (N$150) per person return.
There is also the option of taking the gravel road to the 2x4 parking lot and then taking the shuttle from there. If your vehicle has four-wheel drive and you are a confident driver, take on the last stretch of road after the 2x4 parking lot that will take you to the 4x4 parking lot, where there’s a picnic area to rest and catch your breath, and is a short walk from Deadvlei.
Remember to deflate your tires before you tackle this stretch, as the road is really more like a track in the sand (click here for more tips on driving in Namibia). It doesn’t matter whether you take the shuttle or drive yourself, as long as you don’t intend to walk all the way from the gate. Believe us, it is too far and too hot to attempt. Save your energy for a climb up one of the area’s famous dunes instead.
Main attractions
Deadvlei
The biggest reason most visitors make the long journey to Sossusvlei is to visit the stunning and iconic Deadvlei, a collection of skeletal camelthorn trees set in the cracked clay, surrounded by deep orange dunes and all topped off with bright blue skies overhead. Deadvlei is a couple of minutes’ walk from the 4x4 parking lot so simply follow the signposts of the Deadvlei Hiking Trail.
Big Daddy and other dunes
Next on the must-see list is Big Daddy, the tallest dune in Sossusvlei with a height of 325m (The highest dune in Namibia is Dune 7 located near Swakopmund). Big Daddy is basically right next to the Deadvlei, so tackle it after taking in the sights and while the day hasn’t become too hot.
Two other dunes you might want to give a go are Elim Dune, 5 km north from the Sesriem Gate, and Dune 45, which, as its name suggests, is 45 km from the gate (follow the signposts). There’s also Big Mamma dune, which is right at the end of the road into Sossusvlei.
Sesriem Canyon
An interesting comparison to the tall dunes of Sossusvlei is the deep Sesriem Canyon. Carved by the elusive Tsauchab River, the Canyon is an extraordinary example of the power of nature given enough time. Follow the signs from the Sesriem gate to the parking lot and explore by foot.
During high season Sossusvlei is rife with tourists, but there’s a little-known spot in the area that few know about, and even fewer make a point of visiting. It’s called the Hiddenvlei, and is a quiet alternative to Deadvlei. To get there, make a turn left at the end of the gravel road from the gate at the 2x4 parking lot, following the path set out by wooden poles.
For Adrenaline Junkies
The above sights are all free to visit once you’re in the park, but depending on where you choose to stay, you might find a couple of very exciting activities on offer at your accommodation. Desert walks, hiking, game drives and even hot-air ballooning are all fantastic — and sustainable — activities to keep you entertained in the desert.
Wildlife
Even though Sossusvlei is famous for its dune formations, if you are patient enough, you might find that the desert holds many secrets and one of these is the abundance of wildlife in its sands. A guided desert walk is the best way to see the little critters that make their home in the Namib, while a game drive will take you far and wide, spotting springbok and the famous Dune Lark – Namibia’s only truly endemic bird species.
Accommodation
Image courtesy AndBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
There are many great places to stay in Sossusvlei to suit any budget. From ‘roughing’ it in a campsite, to glamping options, to the utmost luxury, you’ll find tons of options in the Sossusvlei area that offer exactly what you’re looking for. Here’s our favourite picks:
Inside the park:
Kulala Desert Lodge
Kulala Desert Lodge is located on a 37.000-ha private reserve and offers thatched and canvas rooms with expansive desert views. Guests have access to the Sossusvlei dunes through an exclusive gate.
Location: Inside the park
Little Kulala
Located along the dry Auab riverbed on the 27.000 ha exclusive Kulala Wilderness Reserve, Little Kulala is a totally solar-powered camp in a thriving rehabilitated wildlife area not far from Sossusvlei.
Location: Inside the park
Close to the Gate
Hoodia Desert Lodge
A short drive from the incredible dunes of Sossusvlei, Hoodia Desert Lodge is the perfect base for visitors to explore the desert surroundings. Encircled by low mountains and set on the banks of the parched Tsauchab River, a stay at this owner-run lodge is sure to impress.
Location: 15 km from Sesriem Gate
Desert Hills Lodge
The luxurious units at Desert Hills Lodge were inspired by the ancient San people who made their home in the unforgiving Namib desert millennia ago. These thatch-roofed dwellings were created with rounded organic shapes, fitting perfectly into the surroundings.
Location: 20 km from Sesriem Gate
The Elegant Eco Camp
With the most spectacular views from high up on a mountain ridge, guests can enjoy the vast plains of the Namib Desert from the private veranda of their room. A day in the desert calls for cooling off in the sparkling pool after guided scenic drives over this unspoilt landscape.
Location: 40 km from Sesriem Gate
Further afield:
The Desert Grace
Like the gentle essence of the rose quartz that features throughout the 24-bungalow lodge, conveying compassion, tenderness, healing, peace and nourishment, The Desert Grace balances the exquisite strength of the wide and expansive desert, with pure love.
Location: 45 km from Sesriem Gate
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Situated amongst the splendour of Sossusvlei’s endless sea of sand dunes lies this luxury lodge. Each sustainably-built suite features a panoramic desert view, as well as a plunge pool to cool off in.
Location: 40 km from Sesriem Gate
Namib Desert Lodge
With rooms spread out across the vast landscape of the Gondwana Namib Park, guests can explore the park or embark on Sossusvlei adventures nearby. For essential soul-soothing, bask in the breathtaking view on a sunset drive or cool off in the pool with a glass of wine.
Location: 60 km from Sesriem Gate
Namib Desert Lodge Camping2Go
Get that much closer to nature by camping in the unspoilt wilderness of the Namib Desert. With proper beds, a bathroom and even a kitchenette to complete the glamping experience, every stay at the Namib Desert Lodge is as wild as possible without giving up on comfort.
Location: 60 km from Sesriem Gate
How to include Sossusvlei in your Namibia adventure
Namibia is an awe-inspiring travel destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list. (Click here for a look at why it’s such a great sustainable travel destination and here for a look at its conservation success.) The landscapes and colour palate of Sossusvlei are definitely something to witness, as the unique sightings you’ll see are distinctive to Namibia. Have a look at these trips that journey to the remote dunes of Sossusvlei:
The Namibian Starter Pack: Self-Drive Adventure on a Budget
Consider this your complete course for “Everything Namibia”. Meet its desert-adapted wildlife including elephants and lions roaming around freely in Etosha. Then, learn about ancient rock engravings before feasting on the cherry on top - epic sand dunes in Sossusvlei.
Extended Self-Drive Package: Namibia's Wildlife & Wilderness
For the best wildlife experiences, this tour allows you to meet the country’s famous desert-adapted animals at Etosha and the Kalahari Desert, and experience the amber dunes of Sossusvlei. Along the way, enjoy the vast open wilderness of the Fish River Canyon and rocky Damaraland.
Ultimate Eco-Luxury Getaway: Namibia's Finest
Enjoy a lavish stay in Windhoek before journeying to Etosha's ultimate chic safari hideaways. Move onward to Damaraland's desertscape, where black rhinos roam. Marvel at Spitzkoppe in style, then head to Walvis Bay's flamingo-dotted lagoon and finally witness the majesty of Sossusvlei.
Insider Tips
Always remember to pack the essentials: your hat, water bottle, sunscreen and sunglasses. “The lobster” is not an attractive look!
Remember to bring along a camera for some unforgettable photographic moments!
We recommend staying at one of the accommodations inside the gate.
Climb the dunes at Sossusvlei before 10 in the morning (it gets really hot in summer after that).
Sossusvlei is a place you simply need to visit at least once in your life, no doubt about it. You owe it to yourself, so book one of our tours or customise your trip. Inspired yet? Before you pack your bags, have a look at our Pocket Guide to Namibia, plus here’s everything you need to know when travelling to Namibia.
