Sossusvlei Travel Guide: Top Sights in Namibia, Tours & Travel Advice

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Sossusvlei- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; Namibia; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 8 hours

Sossusvlei, situated within the Namib Desert near the small enclave of Sesriem, captivates visitors with its striking dune panoramas and the stark beauty of nearby Deadvlei. Renowned for its towering ochre dunes, which contrast dramatically against clear blue skies, this region stands as one of Namibia's most iconic and photogenic landscapes. Visitors can stay at desert lodges or the Sesriem campsite, which offer convenient access to the park's main attractions. Early risers can climb the famed Big Daddy or Dune 45 while the sun casts long shadows, enhancing the surreal scenery. For a different vantage point, a sunrise hot-air balloon safari provides a breathtaking overview of this extraordinary desert environment. Additionally, the proximity to NamibRand Nature Reserve, a designated dark sky reserve, makes it an ideal spot for stargazing.

Operators offering tours in Namibia

Attractions in Sossusvlei

Deadvlei

4.8

Big Daddy

Dune 45

4.8

Hidden Vlei

4.6

Big Mamma Dune

Reviews of Sossusvlei

Attie Niemann

5
Reviewed: 2024-08-16

A top 10 Lifetime must Experience @ photographers dream
Dewald Reinke

5
Reviewed: 2024-02-01

If you are planning a trip to Sossusvlei, your first stop will be the Sossusvlei 4x4 Parking Area. At the parking area, there are ablution facilities as well as the option of taking 4x4 taxis to the vlei itself. While you can drive your own 4x4, I highly don't recommend it, unless you're a seasoned sand specialist. The intense traffic (mostly taxis and lodge vehicles) combined with the unforgiving sandy surface can make navigating the last part to the vlei quite challenging. During my visit, I even saw two vehicles get stuck. Once you arrive at the vlei, the true beauty of the area opens up with dunes surrounding you on all sides. I visited the Deadvlei as well as summited the Big Daddy Dune (both reviewed separately) and can highly recommend both. If you are planning on doing the Big Daddy and Deadvlei, I do recommend first summiting Big Daddy as you have to walk back through the Deadvlei to reach the parking area again. Sossusvlei is a must-see in Namibia. Its uniqueness and beauty will leave memories that you will cherish for the rest of your life. Definitely and experience of a life-time!
Antonia Nicol

5
Reviewed: 2023-10-24

What can I say that hasn't been said before? You're in a place with the highest sand dunes in the world, a cut off valley with scorched trees like nothing else on earth. The colours, the atmosphere, the experience....got to be done
Daniel Toryfter

5
Reviewed: 2023-09-21

Such a great place with stunning view from the top of a dune. Recommend to stay in Sesriem camp so you can go for a sunset (maybe you cannot stay until sun is completely down but still you will get to see those colors and no people). We stayed until 6:30 and we were the only ones there. Do it only if you are sure you can go through the sandy road yourself as we were the only car left. You can also do sunrise but there will be lots of people there.
K. S.

5
Reviewed: 2023-07-19

Definitely a must see if you are in Namibia. Beautiful National park which open the entrance at the sunrise. So be there early to get a beautiful view. You have several things to see like dune 45, big daddy dune and the stunning deadvlei.