Namibia · Safari destination
Sossusvlei
Safaris built around Sossusvlei.
Namibia's iconic red sand dunes, among the tallest in the world, rising from ancient white clay pans in the heart of the Namib Desert.
Sossusvlei
Why
The Sossusvlei is most likely Namibia's best attraction with its spectacular red dunes that surround a large, white, salt and clay pan. The Sossusvlei is a collection of sand dunes that come together and prevent the Tsauchab River from flowing any further. The sand dunes in this region are some of the biggest in the world, reaching as high as 383 meters.
The Sossusvlei generally experiences a dry climate but when it does rain excessively, the Sossusvlei becomes an extraordinary place for those avid photographers. When the pan fills up with water it resembles that of a lake and captures the reflection of the surrounding sand dunes. It is truly a sight to behold.
Despite the dry desert conditions, visitors discover a wide variety of plants and animals that have adapted to survive. There are a number of attractions not to be missed when visiting the Sossusvlei, including Sesriem Canyon, Dune 45, Hiddenvlei, Big Daddy and Deadvlei.
The Sossusvlei boasts a good selection of mid-range lodges and luxury lodges, affording travelers a comfortable stay whilst they explore this vast wilderness.
Tailor-made safaris
Safaris in Sossusvlei.
Most requested · 12 days · Namibia · South Africa
12-Day Rovos Rail Namibia to South Africa Safari
Most meals · All activities
- 9 nights aboard Rovos Rail from Walvis Bay to Pretoria
- 1 night at Etosha Lodge with afternoon and morning game drives
- Visit to the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Otjiwarongo
- 1 night in Sossusvlei with desert drive, bush dinner and Deadvlei
From
R 215 000
per person, complete package
≈ R 430 000 for two · international flights excluded
Most requested · 10 days · Namibia
10 Day Namibia Must-See
Most meals · Most activities · All transfers
- Self-drive route from Windhoek through Damaraland to Sossusvlei
- 1 night at Okapuka Safari Lodge, then 2 at Okonjima Plains Camp
- Guided game drive at Okonjima, home to the AfriCat Foundation
- 2 nights at Mowani Mountain Camp tracking desert-adapted elephant and ancient rock art
From
R 58 210
per person, complete package
≈ R 116 430 for two · international flights excluded
Most requested · 10 days · Namibia
10-Day Namibian Highlights Tour
Most meals · All activities · All transfers
- Overnights at Kalahari Anib, Namib Desert Lodge, The Delight, Damara Mopane and Etosha Safari Camp
- Climb Big Daddy and walk the camelthorns of Dead Vlei at Sossusvlei
- Free day in Swakopmund for kayaking, sandboarding or Walvis Bay excursions
- Twyfelfontein rock engravings, Organ Pipes and a Himba village visit
From
R 63 720
per person, complete package
≈ R 127 440 for two · international flights excluded
5 days · Namibia
5-Day Namib Desert Fly-In Safari
Most meals · Most activities · All flights & transfers
- 1 night at The Weinberg in Windhoek before flying into the desert
- 1 night at Desert Hills Lodge on the edge of the Namib
- 2 nights at Wolwedans Dune Camp in the NamibRand Nature Reserve
- Scenic drives, guided walks and a sundowner over the dunes
From
R 85 340
per person, complete package
≈ R 170 690 for two · international flights excluded
7 days · Namibia
7-Day Namibian Desert to Coast Adventure
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 2 nights each at Kwessi Dunes, Hoanib Valley Camp and Shipwreck Lodge
- Day trip to the blood-red dunes of Sossusvlei
- Stargazing in Africa's first International Dark Sky Reserve
- Track desert-adapted elephant, giraffe, lion and rhino in the Hoanib Valley
From
R 180 210
per person, complete package
≈ R 360 420 for two · international flights excluded
9 days · Namibia
9 Day Diverse Namibia
Most meals · Most activities
- 2 nights at Kulala Adventurer Camp on the red dunes of Sossusvlei
- 2 nights at Hansa Hotel in Swakopmund with optional Walvis Bay catamaran cruise
- 2 nights at Damaraland Camp tracking desert-adapted wildlife near Brandberg Mountain
- 2 nights at Ongava Tented Camp with game drives in Etosha National Park
From
R 113 430
per person, complete package
≈ R 226 870 for two · international flights excluded
9 days · Namibia
9 Day Ultra-Lux Fly-in Namibia
Most meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 2 nights each at Fish River Lodge, &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Shipwreck Lodge and Ongava Lodge
- Aerial views of Fish River Canyon on the safari flight in
- Stargazing through suite skylights between the red dunes of Sossusvlei
- Sundowners on deck at Shipwreck Lodge on the Skeleton Coast
From
R 199 920
per person, complete package
≈ R 399 850 for two · international flights excluded
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Brochure
Southern Africa Guide
Southern Africa's icons, shaped into one itinerary: Greater Kruger, Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta and Cape Town.
Where to stay
Lodges in Sossusvlei.
5 lodges
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LuxAndBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
andbeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge has an almost surreal quality against the backdrop of the spectacular Namib Desert. The tranquil atmosphere of this unique landscape is a refreshing change of pace from the hustle and bustle of a busy city. With the wilderness stretching out towards the horizon every way you look, the sense of isolation from the outside world is instant and intense.
From R 36 750 per person · night
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PremiumKulala Desert Lodge
Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge sits on the 37,000-hectare private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, with its own gate into Sossusvlei and the closest access to the towering red dunes of Namibia's Namib Desert. Twenty-three thatch-and-canvas tents on raised wooden decks open to sweeping desert vistas, and guests can sleep out under the stars on private rooftop skybeds.
From R 10 970 per person · night
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LuxKwessi Dune
Kwessi Dunes sits deep in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, a 200,000-hectare private wilderness near Sossusvlei. Twelve thatch-and-canvas chalets face red dunes and craggy mountains, each with its own open-roof 'star gazer' room for sleeping under one of the darkest skies on earth. Days are spent quad biking, walking, horse riding or ballooning over the desert.
From R 20 490 per person · night
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AffordableNamib Desert Lodge
Situated in an idyllic location, the lodge provides comfortable accommodation options, stunning panoramic views, and a range of activities to explore the surrounding desert scenery. From guided nature walks and sunset viewing to stargazing and cultural experiences, guests can immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquillity of this iconic desert landscape.
From R 2 390 per person · night
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AffordableSossusvlei Lodge
Luxury right at the entrance gate to Sesriem Canyon and the famous Sossusvlei
From R 3 660 per person · night
Rates per person sharing, per night.
Sossusvlei
Your guide to Sossusvlei.
When
Namibia is a great year-round destination, but the best game viewing, especially in the Etosha National Park, is from May to October whenthe weather is clear and dry and wildlife flock to watering holes. From November to April, some days will be humid and rain may follow, often in afternoon thunderstorms. It can be trickier to see animals as they tend to scatter then and not congregate around watering holes.
Traveller tip: Make sure you have adequate sun protection, even in the winter months. So pack a hat and lots of sunblock!
May – October
This is the best time for game viewing throughout Namibia, especially at Etosha National Park. The weather is clear and dry which means wildlife will be flocking to watering holes.
November – April
Summer rain turns this coastal region into a lush green country and occasionally floods the desert. In December, watch the wildlife at Etosha National Park and bird watch all summer long in the drier regions of Namibia.
Where
An awe-inspiring Land of Sand and Salt
Sossusvlei is one of the most photographed areas in the world as it is the only place where travelers can capture a glassy “lake” with reflections of the surrounding dunes. Situated in the largest conservation area in Africa, the Sossusvlei is best described as a large white, salt and clay pan.
Possibly Namibia's most spectacular and best-known attraction, the Sossusvlei is most certainly a destination that is great to visit all year round.
Sossusvlei translates to “dead-end marsh”, as it is the place where the red dunes come together, stopping the Tsauchab River from flowing towards the sea. The dunes are some of the highest in the world, reaching almost 400 meters in height and are shaped like a star. Wonderful images can be taken in the light of the morning and late afternoon.
Nestled between the Namib Desert and the Naukluft mountain range, the majestic Namib-Naukluft National Park is home to various antelope species, black-backed jackals, mountain zebras and hyenas which live near the vegetated river valleys.
Sesriem is the “Gateway to Sossusvlei” with its natural canyon carved by the Tsauchab River in the local sedimentary rock, approximately one kilometer long and up to thirty meters deep.
On entering the Sesriem campsite gate, Dune 45 can be found approximately 44 kilometers away. Visitors are permitted to climb this 85-meter high dune and delight in the magnificent views of the Vlei.
Further along this route, you will discover Sossusvlei, Hiddenvlei and Deadvlei. Hiddenvlei is the furthermost away and least visited, offering some solitude in the beautiful desert. Deadvlei is the most popular with the contrast between the pitch-black camel thorn trees, estimated to be approximately 900 years old, and the white pan floor.
Accommodation around Sossusvlei ranges from camping, through self-catering and mid-range lodges, to the ultimate in luxury lodges.
Must see: The Sesriem Canyon, Dune 45, Hiddenvlei, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei and the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
Photos from our guests
A traveller's view.
Every photo below was taken by a guest of ours on a recent trip to Sossusvlei. No stock imagery, no marketing shots. What they saw, on their cameras.
Imagery
Sossusvlei, in pictures.
Recent travellers
Word from people who have just been to Sossusvlei.
Quotes pulled directly from Trustpilot. Where we have specific reviews mentioning Sossusvlei, those come up first. Otherwise these are recent five-star notes from across the trips we have planned.
"Our consultant Zené has been wonderful to work with. She responds quickly and has a great initution for what we are looking for. She has put together a great package for us. So far the process with Safari.com has been outstanding."
"Exceptional, personalised customer service from Pascal made the booking really easy. His professional and friendly manner was second to none. I would 100% recommend. Can't wait for our holiday of a lifetime."
"Very easy booking process. The agent was patient with us as we asked our questions."
"It was a pleasure working with Pascal John. He was always available and very professional. He checked all the boxes with the Dream honeymoon I am planning for my son and they are so excited that this is happening without any stress and on such short notice. I would definitely recommend Safari.com."
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