The sand dunes of Sossusvlei are often called the highest in the world. Various arguments are laid out to support this claim, but all miss the point, which is that Sossusvlei is surely one of the most spectacular sights in Africa. Located in the Namib Naukluft park, the largest conservation area in Africa, and fourth largest in the world - Sossusvlei is an excellent reason to visit Namibia.
The best time to view the vlei is at sunrise. The colours are strong and constantly changing, allowing for wonderful photographic opportunities. The midday heat is intense and best spent in the shade. Sunset also offers excellent photo opportunities.
During exceptional rainy seasons the vlei may fill with water, but normally it is bone dry. As a typical day includes a fair amount of walking it is worth taking along good water supplies, as well as a closed pair of shoes and a sunhat.
The Sesriem Canyon is only a few kilometers from the campsite and main Nature Conservation office. The Canyon derives its name from the fact that early Afrikaner trekkers had to use six (ses) ox-thongs (riemme) in order to lower their buckets to the water far below.
Sossusvlei is some 60km from Sesriem, and the drive takes about an hour. The gate from Sesriem to Sossusvlei opens in time for people using the campsite to drive to Sossusvlei before sunrise. People making use of other accommodation in the area will probably not be able to reach the vlei for sunrise, or stay for sunset.
The main place to stay in the area is Sesriem campsite. There are only a limited amount of camping sites available at Sesriem, and these are nearly always fully booked, so it is worth making bookings in advance.
There are also some reasonable lodges in the area for more details visit our lodging section of the Travel Shop web site.
Each campsite at Sesriem is laid out under a shady Camelthorn Tree and includes a tap and braai area. Adequate ablution facilities are provided. The camp has a small swimming pool and very basic provisions are available from the shop including cold drinks and beer.
18 Day Namibian Extravaganza 16 Day Delta and Dunes Safari 10 Day Namibian Highlights 10 Day Namibian Explorer Safari 7 Day Southern Swing 7 Day Southern Namibia Safari 3 Day Sossusvlei Safari - Wed departure 3 Day Sossusvlei Safari - Sun departure 3 Day Sossusvlei Express
Although the roads in the area are renowned for their high accident rate, they are traversable with a normal sedan vehicle (two wheel drive). The road from Sesriem to the 2x4 car park (4km from Sossusvlei) is currently being tarred but is mostly in a very corrugated state. With careful and bumpy driving it takes just over an hour to travel this distance.
If you do not own a 4x4 you will have to walk the last 4km, although some 4x4 drivers may also decide to walk, as there is no better way to experience the silence of the vast dunes. Oryx are often less than a stones throw away, and are only disturbed when you walk within a few metres of them. Recently some companies have started offering lifts from the 4x4 parking into Sossusvlei.
As with all National parks the gates to Sesriem are only open from sunrise to sunset, and late arrivals will not be able to enter or leave the park.
Very Hot. Although winter days are often fairly pleasant the nights can be freezing. The area has almost no rainfall.