Sossusvlei Travel Guide: How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Sossusvlei, Namibia
Looking to visit Sossusvlei, Namibia? Enjoy our Sossusvlei travel guide, including everything from what to see and do, where to stay, how to get there safely, and how to prepare for your trip.
The area of Sossusvlei, situated within the Namib-Naukluft National Park in the southern corner of Namibia, is characterised by its famous red/pink/orange sand dunes and white salt pans.
Like many wanderers, these seemingly endless dunes have sat atop our bucket list for years. The enduring images from photos, postcards and nature documentaries led us to the isolated desert town of Sesriem, ready to explore this natural wonder of the world. And explore we did.
From sunrise till sundown, over dunes, into canyons, on foot, and via 4WD. The magnitude and splendour of these technicolour landscapes, with their ever shifting shapes and colours left us speechless, and will you too.
Despite being the most popular tourist attraction in Namibia, we felt completely isolated during our stay. Perhaps because it’s difficult to spot a human on the 325m orange sand dunes, or the fact that, regardless of it’s popularity, Sossusvlei is damn remote.
For those wanting to visiting Namibia, Sossusvlei is unmissable and we recommend staying at least two days. Here’s our comprehensive guide to this wonder of the natural world, Sossusvlei, and Sesriem.
Sossusvlei Essentials
1. Visit Deadvlei & Hiddenvlei
2. Climb the dunes
3. Enjoy sunrise and sunset, every.single.day
4. Explore Sesriem Canyon
5. Fly high above Sossusvlei in a hot air balloon
6. Splash out and stay in Sossusvlei Lodge
WHERE IS SOSSUSVLEI?
Sossusvlei is located about 350km southwest of Windhoek, in southwestern Namibia.
Situated in the expansive Namib-Naukluft National Park, the area is characterised by large red sand dunes and the famous clay pan of Deadvlei.
If you’re planning to visit as part of a Namibia road trip, a day should be enough time (6 - 8 hours) to get to Sossusvlei from Windhoek, or Swakopmund.
WHEN TO VISIT SOSSUSVLEI
Given its location and climate, Sossusvlei can be visited at any time of year. In fact, with an average of 300 sunny days a year, Namibia is actually one of the sunniest countries in the world!
We recommend visiting from May - October when the cooler winter temperatures make exploring the area enjoyable.
Southern Africa school holidays are peak travel periods, so accommodation and camping options can fill up.
If you are visiting in the summer months, the temperatures do get quite warm. Pack accordingly and always carry enough water.
WHERE TO STAY IN SOSSUSVLEI
Due to the growing popularity of Sossusvlei, there are quite a few accommodation options in Sesriem. However, due to the isolation, be prepared to pay far more than Windhoek, or other regional towns.
It’s important to make a reservation. This is something we learned the hard way when we arrived with no accommodation booked and had to fork out a week's budget for one night!
Check Booking.com for all hotel options in Sossusvlei
Most of the properties are located outside the park gates, which can cause an issue if you’re keen to watch sunset within the park, or get a good position for sunrise. National park rules stipulate all visitors must be outside the park from sunset to sunrise unless utilising the park accommodation.
We recommend the following:
LUXURY
SOSSUSVLEI LODGE
We may have erred by not making a reservation prior to our arrival in Sossusvlei, but the result was staying at the incredibly beautiful Sossusvlei Lodge. Trust us when we say it was worth every goddamn penny!
Located right on the edge of the Namib-Nauklauft National Park, Sossusvlei Lodge is in prime position for all park-related activities. Rooms are part safari tent, part permanent structure, and open to the most glorious balcony overlooking the desert.
A buffet breakfast and dinner are included in the room price, with meals served by candlelight on the terrace. The property also contains a pool, bar and adventure centre for tour bookings.
BOOK | Sossusvlei Lodge
MID-RANGE
DESERT CAMP
Desert Camp includes 20 individual, eco-friendly self-catered units uniquely designed to blend in with the surrounding environment.
Each unit contains twin beds and fold-out sleeper couch, so can be cost-effective if travelling in a group of three. The en-suite bathroom is equipped with all you need, while the patio includes a barbecue, kitchenette and fridge, perfect for a barbecue and sundowner.
BOOK | Desert Camp
BUDGET
SESRIEM CAMP
If you’re camping, which most budget travellers/backpackers are in Namibia, Sesriem Camp, located inside the park grounds, is a great option. Not only is it a cheap alternative to the lodges external to the park, you’ll also be inside the park and able to travel inside the park at your will; perfect for photographers aiming to capture the late sunset, or star-scapes, or those trying to avoid the crowds.
SOSSUSVLEI, NAMIBIA | OUR TRAVEL GUIDE TO NAMIBIA’S DESERT DREAM
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN SOSSUSVLEI
#1 ADMIRE, THEN CLIMB THE DUNES
Obviously, the main attraction of Sossusvlei is the incredible and ever-changing sand dunes. If you have your own vehicle, it’s easy to access most dunes along the paved road from Sesriem.
The dunes are best visited in the morning or later afternoon. At this time, the colour is more vibrant, the heat is less oppressive, and the crowds are diminished. At times, you’ll feel like the dunes are all yours to explore, so make the most of it. Hike (or try) to the top of one and admire the Mars-like landscape from above - it’s incredible.
In our opinion, there are a few dunes you really must see:
DUNE 45
Probably the most famous and photographed dune in Sossusvlei, Dune 45 is easily accessible; it lies 45km from Sesriem, just off the paved road.
Standing at 170m in height, Dune 45 may seem easy to climb, but take our word for it, it’s a tough workout. The views from the top are well worthwhile.
The best time to visit is later afternoon, on the left side of the dune is in shadow, creating extreme contrasts and incredible photo opportunities.
THE DETAILS
Where | Dune 45, Sossusvlei
ELIM
Elim dune is located 5km inside the park gate and is an easily accessible option. It’s partially covered in vegetation, making it more distinct to other dunes in the area.
It’s a perfect location for sunrise, where you can watch the daybreak over Sesriem and the mountains to the east.
THE DETAILS
Where | Elim Dune, Sossusvlei
#2 EXPLORE THE SURREAL LANDSCAPES OF DEADVLEI AND HIDDEN VLEI
Located about 3 kms (6km round trip) from the Sossusvlei 4wd car park is Deadvlei, famous for its 900-year-old fossilised Acacia trees which dot an expansive white clay pan.
We can’t stress enough how incredible this place is, and why it's one of the best things to do in Sossusvlei. We were gobsmacked as we stepped over the lip of a dune and laid eyes on Deadvlei for the first time. It’s completely surreal to sit and we really recommend taking the time to soak it all in.
A word of warning though - the walk is quite tough, so take enough water for at least a few hours.
Hidden Vlei, is a 4km round walk from the 2WD car park. For us, the walk itself was the most rewarding part of our visit. Lone trees are scattered across the barren landscape, while the unearthly clay pan nestled amongst giant dunes is awe-inspiring.
While the walk is signposted, it can be easy to get lost. Follow the footsteps and keep your bearings! And again, be sure to take extra water.
If you’re keen to visit Deadvlei, you’ll need to follow the paved road from Sesriem to the 2WD car park, then jump aboard the national park’s shuttle for a 4km drive to the hike starting point. For Hidden Vlei, the hike commences from the 2WD car park.
THE DETAILS
Where | Deadvlei, Sossusvlei
Cost | A permit to enter the national park costs N$80 per person, per day
Tips | Follow the paths (or footsteps) where possible, always take extra water, and don't litter
#3 FLOAT ABOVE THE SOSSUSVLEI AND THE WORLD'S OLDEST AND DRIEST DESERT
Like most great attractions around the world, it’s possible to go ballooning over the dunes of Sossusvlei. Flights depart before sunrise, where you’ll be treated to an epic live show of mother natures beauty.
Booked through Namib Sky Balloon Safaris, flights cost around N$5,950 ($450 USD) and include a champagne breakfast.
THE DETAILS
What | Namib Sky Balloon Safaris
Where | Sossusvlei, Namibia
Cost | $450 USD per person
ROAD TRIP: Your ultimate Namibia road trip guide
#4 SEARCH FOR WATER IN SESRIEM CANYON
If you’ve got the time, Sesriem Canyon is worth a visit. Shaped over millions of years by the river Tschaub, it’s one of the only places in the area which holds water all year around.
Here's a fun fact for you too: 'Sesriem' was the name given to the canyon by early Afrikaans explorers, who had to use six (ses) leather straps (riem) tied together and lowered into the canyon to fetch water from below.
It’s located 4.5kms within the national park gates, on the left, and you can park and walk through the canyon.
THE DETAILS
Where | Sesriem Canyon, Sossusvlei
learn more: our definitive namibia travel guide
WHERE TO EAT IN SOSSUSVLEI
We’re afraid the restaurant options in Sesriem are very limited. If you’re staying in one of the lodges, it’s best you eat there. Some accommodation options include breakfast and dinner in the room cost.
We highly recommend the breakfast and dinner buffet at Sossusvlei Lodge restaurant. The buffet is very good quality, and a personal chef will cook your choice of game meat at dinner time (vegetarians like us, look away). Bookings are essential if you’re staying at a different lodge.
If you’re staying in a self-contained unit or campsite, utilise the facilities provided and cook up a barbecue.
The Engen service station in Sesriem contains a small grocery store where you can stock up on the essentials. It also sells hot and cold snacks but nothing substantial.
HOW TO GET TO SOSSUSVLEI
SELF DRIVE
Sossusvlei is located about 350km southwest of Windhoek. If you’re planning to visit as part of a Namibia road trip, a day should be enough time (6 - 8 hours).
While driving the route in a 2WD car is possible, we recommend using a high clearance vehicle (SUV or 4WD) as parts of the route can get a little treacherous. On a number of occasions, we had to drive very slowly to make it through deep layers of sand.
You can take the route from Windhoek via Rehoboth, Klein Aub, Rietoog and Bullsport, however, we’ve heard that this road can get quite hard to navigate if not in a 4WD. The other, slightly longer option goes via Mariental and Maltahohe to Sesriem.
As a precaution, follow our Namibia driving tips, and always take extra water and food, and fill up whenever you see a petrol station.
Other destination travel times are as follows:
Sossusvlei to Swakopmund | 350 km | 5 to 6 hours travel time
Sossusvlei to Luderitz | 500 km | 7 to 8 hours travel time
Car rental | find your 4 x 4 on Rentalcars.com
planning a road trip through namibia? use our comprehensive namibia road trip itinerary
TAKE A TOUR
We totally get that self driving through tricky, remote desert areas isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but that absolutely doesn’t mean you have to miss out either.
There are plenty of small-group tours through Namibia that also visit the Sossusvlei Dunes - our recommendations are:
CAPE AND NAMIBIA ADVENTURE | 12 day tour from Cape Town to Windhoek with G Adventures that takes in the key highlights of Namibia, including Sesriem and Sossusvlei, the adventure capital of Swakopmund, and the wildlife plains of Etosha.
BOOK | Cape and Namibia Adventure
DISCOVER NAMIBIA & VICTORIA FALLS | This 12-day G Adventures tour also takes in a few days in Zimbabwe, where you’ll visit the mighty Victoria Falls.
BOOK | Discover Namibia & Victoria Falls
SOSSUSVLEI SHUTTLE SAFARI | A great option is to jump aboard the Sossusvlei Shuttle Safari, a 2 day/3 night all-inclusive short tour from Windhoek. These tours start at N$5,950 ($450 USD), which is a decent value in our opinion. Tours also operate from Swakopmund.
BUCKET LIST: 10 places you must visit in Namibia
OTHER TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR SOSSUSVLEI
ACCESS PERMITS FOR SOSSUSVLEI
Sossusvlei is located within the Namib-Naukluft National Park and as such, you require a permit to enter.
Permits can be obtained at the park office inside the gate at Sesriem, and cost N$80 per person, per day for non-SADC visitors
Please be aware that if you are not staying within the designated park boundaries, you can only enter the park between sunrise and sunset.
NOTE | If you're heading in for sunrise, make sure get your permit the day before.
MOBILE RECEPTION AND INTERNET
In the town of Sesriem you’ll have 3G phone reception, however, if you’re inside the park, forget about reception.
Most hotels have wi-fi/internet capabilities should you need them (you may have to pay at some of these).
YOU NEED INSURANCE FOR NAMIBIA
Regardless of whether you're self-driving or on a tour, it's imperative you get travel insurance for any travel in Namibia. The distances are vast, the risk of breaking down, accident or injury is great, and let's not forget that we're talking about travelling through a freaking desert here!
We use and recommend organising comprehensive travel insurance through World Nomads before you go.
NAMIBIA TRAVEL GUIDES
We used our Lonely Planet Southern Africa guide religiously on this trip and recommend you purchase and read one before travelling.
TRAVEL GUIDES | Buy your Namibia guide book
ROAD MAPS | We absolutely recommend purchasing a Namibia roadmap such as this one
PLANNING SOME NAMIBIA TRAVELS SOON?
We have a heap of essential reading before you travel to Namibia:
NAMIBIA TRAVEL GUIDE | Our complete Namibia travel guide - what to see, know and do
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN NAMIBIA | 10 essential things to do in Namibia
NAMIBIA ROAD TRIP | Our 10 day Namibia road trip itinerary, essential Namibia road trip tips
NAMIBIA IN PHOTOGRAPHS | The epic beauty of Namibia in photos
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
TRAVELLING TO NAMIBIA? CHECK OUT THESE POSTS
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