Sossusvlei is one of the biggest attractions in Namibia; the Namib Desert’s most unique and spectacular site. In the Namib Naukluft Park; the Dead Vlei is a clay pan surrounded by the remarkable towering red Sossusvlei dunes.
Getting to Sossusvlei is best by light aircraft, organized tour, or self-drive. The roads from Windhoek and Swakopmund are mostly gravel and known for their accidents… We would definitely recommend a 4×4 or at least a 2×4. This is because it is very easy to lose control on the loose gravel roads and bends.
Sossusvlei Dead Vlei
Namib Naukluft Park
Namib Naukluft Park is a vast wilderness of almost 50,000 km and one of the country’s major tourist destinations. It contains key attractions such as Sossusvlei, Sesriem, the Welwitschia Trail, Sandwich Harbour, the Naukluft Mountains, and the Kuiseb Canyon. It is a combination of rocky Naukluft Mountains, wide open plains, and towering red dunes. This provides the most amazing beauty and makes this region one of Africa’s most photographed destinations. Renowned for its desert-adapted flora and fauna and is said to be one of the oldest deserts in the world.
This is probably the second most visited attraction with Etosha National Park being the main reason for people to visit.
Nature Drive
Namib Desert and Sossusvlei
The Namib Desert is also one of the driest and most pristine regions on earth. The harsh environmental conditions have led to the evolution of numerous plant and animal species. Who are specially adapted to survive in the desert. In some parts of the Namib Desert, the regular fog flowing in from the Atlantic Ocean condenses to sustain plants. Such as multicolored lichens, and provide sufficient drinking water for some animal life. Vegetation in the Namib Desert consists mainly of plants that can survive extended arid periods as seeds; in order to flourish after rainfall.
The dunes of Sossusvlei have a reputation for being among the highest in the world. Rising skywards around a shallow depression (the ‘vlei’), the dunes tower to heights of up to 200 meters (660 feet). The valley itself is lined with huge camelthorn trees; which provide refuge to many small creatures. Although it rarely occurs, in years of extreme rainfall, the Sossusvlei depression may fill up with water. Creating a magical kaleidoscope of color as the surrounding dunes and gnarled trees reflect on the surface of the pool.
Nearby; is the spectacular Dead Vlei. A salt-encrusted dry lake with its pure white clay floor and dead camelthorn tree trunks.
This area is incredible for stargazing due to its remoteness. In fact, all of Namibia is fantastic. With no cities or lights, the skies above are spectacular.
On very rare occasions following heavy rainfall, the pan fills with water. And the surrounding extreme desolation makes it an unusual and spectacular sight. Mostly, the pan remains dry and cracked by the baking sun.
Sossusvlei Hot Air Balloon
Sesriem Canyon
At the entry to Sossusvlei is Sesriem Canyon, a 30m deep canyon carved by the Tsauchab River. The dunes are about 60 km from the gate at Sesriem which takes about an hour to drive.
This fascinating geographical formation is the result of millions of years of water carving its way across the topography. At three kilometers long; the views from the top of Sesriem Canyon are breathtaking. While walks through the gorge reveal distinct geographical layers that have formed over eons.
The Sossusvlei Shuttle is a 3 day tour to the famous Sossusvlei Dunes in the Namib Desert. It departs daily by road from either Windhoek or Swakopmund. Or start at one point and end at another. Breathtaking beauty; the Sossusvlei Dunes are a must see …
The Etosha Shuttle safari tour visits one of Africa’s best wildlife parks, the Etosha National Park. This 3 day tour departs from Windhoek daily. Add on a night or two to allow more time on safari. Exciting adventures await those who partake in this exhilarating …
Travel in style on the iconic luxury train, Rovos Rail to Namibia. You can start this rail journey in Pretoria, South Africa or Walvis Bay, Namibia. In 2026, this route is also available to/from Cape Town. This journey takes the train from the savannahs of the …
This 10 day Namibia, Chobe, and Vic Falls Tour is a well priced scheduled safari tour. It visits 5 x National Parks in Namibia and Botswana. Starting in Windhoek and ending in Victoria Falls. Experience the fantastic scenery, wildlife, and cultures in Namibia and Botswana. …
Diverse Namibia Wilderness Adventure Safari is an active, exciting adventure, exploring key areas of this vast country. Its dunes, desert, plains, and iconic wildlife. Complete with exclusive accommodation in exclusive reserves and concessions. A fully guided tour starting and ending in Windhoek. On this adventure, …
The 16 day Rovos Rail African Trilogy is a combined journey visiting South Africa, eSwatini (ex-Swaziland) and Namibia. Travel Southern Africa in style while seeing some of the top attractions of the region. If you want to start in Pretoria (or Cape Town in 2026), …
The 15 day Northwest Namibia Self-drive Tour is an ‘adventure filled’ Namibian safari. This exciting experience takes you ‘off the beaten track’ into the heart of remote areas of Namibia. You will experience contrasting landscapes including the majestic mountain ranges in Damaraland mixed with the …
Let Namibia’s luxury indulge you and discover the Jewels of Namibia on this 11 day tour. Unwind in the endless desert plains and untouched landscapes. The surreal dunes at Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei will amaze every adventurer. Discover unique UNESCO and RAMSAR World Heritage sites …
This 11 day South Namibia self-drive tour visits the highlights of southern Namibia. From the Fish River Canyon to the Namib Desert including Sossusvlei and Swakopmund. There are 2 budget options for this package – Classic and Superior. Tour highlights: Explore the unique Kalahari landscape, …
The 8 day Classic Kaleidoscope Namibia Tour covers the northern Namibia safari circuit. Visiting Swakopmund, Damaraland, Twyfelfontein, and Etosha National Park. A Namibia tour that starts and ends in Windhoek on selected Sundays. Covering the highlights of northern Namibia. Discover the haunting landscapes of the …
8 day Southern Namibia Canyons & Deserts Tour visiting the Kalahari Desert, Fish River Canyon, Lüderitz, Namib Desert, and Sossusvlei plus Swakopmund. This tour departs Windhoek on selected Tuesdays and finishes a week later in Windhoek. Discover the beauty of Namibia and some of its …
The 13 days Exploring Namibia Tour is the ultimate Namibia experience. A tour that starts and ends in Windhoek on selected Tuesdays and covers the highlights of this spectacular land of contrasts. Travel to the Kalahari Desert, Fish River Canyon, Luderitz, the vast and desolate …
Namib Desert and Sossusvlei Accommodation
There is an abundance of accommodation in the Namib Desert and Sossusvlei from camping to luxury lodges. Even so, it can get very busy between July – October especially. It is best to book well in advance.
Click here for some Namib Desert and Sossusvlei Accommodation ↓
We have all accommodation in this area so please contact us if we haven’t listed a place yet.
