Sossusvlei is a large salt pan set amongst sand dunes towering up to 325 metres around it. It’s a magical place to visit and one of Namibia’s top attractions. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Sossusvlei.
The sands from Sossuvlei originated in the Kalahari.
Over the years, they were carried out to sea by the Orange River, pushed north by strong currents and dumped back on land where they formed Namibia’s most iconic landscape.
With red-orange dunes sweeping gracefully towards the horizon and stark white salt pans with dead trees, Sossusvlei is a landscape that will take your breath away.
So will climbing the dunes.
Pushing up hill through sand to get to the top of these epic landmarks is an exhausting experience, but it’s well worth doing.
We travel a lot, and Sossusvlei is up there with some of the most unique and magical natural scenery we’ve ever seen.
The great thing about Sossusvlei is that while it’s one of Namibia’s most popular destinations, it never feels overcrowded. The remote and isolated energy that makes this country such a joy to travel in is very much alive.
This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Sossusvlei, including how to get there, what to do and where to stay in the area.
WHERE IS SOSSUSVLEI?
Sossusvlei is 350 kilometres southwest of Windhoek in the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
The Namib-Naukluft National Park covers an area of 19,000 square kilometres and includes the Namib Desert, the Naukluft Mountain Range and Sandwich Harbour.
Sossusvlei is one of three salt and clay pans in the Namib Desert, considered the oldest desert in the world.
However, most people refer to the entire area comprising Dune 45, Big Daddy Dune, and the other two salt pans, Deadvlei and Hiddenvlei, as Sossusvlei.
HOW TO GET TO SOSSUSVLEI
You access the dunes and salt pans of Sossusvlei via the tiny settlement of Sesriem.
From Windhoek, the drive to Sesriem takes around 4-5 hours.
We suggest taking the Spreetshoogte Pass via the C24, then the D1261 and D1275 via Solitaire. The views from the pass are excellent, and Solitaire has a great bakery and a few rusty old cars in the desert, which make a great photo opportunity.
In addition to the Sossusvlei entrance gates, Sesriem has several accommodation lodges, a gas station and a campsite.
SOSSUSVLEI PARK GATES
At Sesriem, there are two gates you need to go through to access the Sossusvlei section of the Namib-Naukluft National Park:
- Main Gate (Outer gate) – opens from dawn till dusk.
- Desert Gate (Inner Gate) – opens an hour before dawn and one hour after sunset
Most people spend two to three nights in the area. You can choose between staying inside the park (between the Outer Gate and the Inner Gate), just outside the park (just outside both gates), or on the road to Sesriem.
We cover the benefits of each with accommodation options below.
Staying inside the park is the only way to be at the top of the dunes for sunrise
PERMITS
You need a permit to enter Sossusvlei Namib Naukluft Park. The fees are:
- Adults: N$150 per day
- Children: N$100 per day
- Vehicles: N$50 per day
Permits last 24 hours and are purchased at the Main Gate in Sesriem.
You can buy a permit on the day of your visit. But if you arrive the afternoon before, we recommend getting your permit when you arrive to avoid any queues. If you do this, make sure you let them know you want the permit to start the following day.
Permits can be paid for with cash or card.
You need to provide photo ID at the park entrance, so make sure you have your driver’s licence or passport with you.
ACCOMMODATION AT SOSSUSVLEI
The big decision is whether to stay inside or outside the national park.
Inside the Park — There are four accommodation options inside the park. They are after the Main Gate (Outer Gate) but before the Desert Gate (Inner gate). The advantage is that you can enter the park one hour before sunrise and don’t need to leave until an hour after sunset. This means you can be on the dunes in the best light for photography.
Outside the Park — There is more choice of accommodation just outside the park, but you can only enter the park at dawn, which means you cannot be on the dunes for sunrise. Queues at the Main Gate can also build up before dawn, delaying you another 30 minutes. You must also have left the park by sunset, so again, you will miss the best light in the evening.
Road to Sesriem — There are several excellent hotels along the road to Sesriem. The downside is that if you want to arrive at Sossusvlei at dawn, you will have to drive in the dark. This can be a little unsafe and unnerving, especially with so much wildlife around. Furthermore, if you want to break up your day in Sossusvlei with lunch at your hotel, the drive there and back adds extra time.
If possible, we recommend staying inside the park. It’s a magical place at sunrise and sunset, and fewer people will be around.
INSIDE THE PARK
There are 4 places to stay inside the park. These are the ONLY accommodation options that allow you to enter Sossusvlei before dawn so that you can get to the dunes for sunrise.
Two are camping options, but Dead Valley Lodge and Sossus Dunes Lodge offer a little more comfort. They both offer lunch for guests making it a nice way to break up the day before heading out again in the later afternoon.
NWR SESRIEM CAMPSITE
Sesriem Campsite is the Government Camp run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. There is a bar/restaurant, a shop, a pool and a gas station. As of February 2025, the cost is $N670 per person. You can also take the shuttle service directly from the campsite to the Sossusvlei parking for $N180 per person.
It’s good value, but the facilities are getting a bit tired.
SESRIEM OSHANA CAMPSITE
Sesriem Oshana Campsite is another camping option but with a little more comfort. Each campsite has a private toilet, shower, kitchenette, hot and cold water, and electricity.
You have access to the shop, bar, restaurant and swimming pool at the NWR Sesriem Campsite.
DEAD VALLEY LODGE
Dead Valley Lodge is a stylish stay in private, luxury tented chalets, with panoramic views of the Namib Desert between NSR Sesreim Campsite and Elim Dune.
Each chalet has air conditioning, electricity, patio, kitchenette and private bathrooms. An excellent restaurant onsite serves traditional Namibian dishes and there’s a swimming pool overlooking the dunes.
SOSSUS DUNE LODGE
Sossus Dune Lodge is a mid-range lodge built with local material in an eco-friendly manner. Bathrooms have hot running water, and all rooms have a fridge. There’s a restaurant, bar, souvenir shop and swimming pool.
As of February 2025, the rates were $N4030 per person sharing between November and June, and $N7000 per person sharing between July and October.
OUTSIDE THE PARK
If you stay just outside the park, you can get a little more luxury, but you will not be able to enter the park before sunrise. Because your permit lasts 24 hours, you can pop back for lunch before heading out again. Each of these properties is located close to the outer gate.
SOSSUSVLEI LODGE
Sossusvlei Lodge is an upper-end lodge just outside the entrance gate. Each lodge has air conditioning, full ensuite bathrooms and either double or twin beds.
There’s a bar area and a fantastic deck with views of Elim Dune, as well as a buffet-style restaurant, a nice pool and a shop.
DESERT QUIVER CAMP
Desert Quiver Camp is a self-catering lodge located 5 kilometres from the entrance gates. The lodges have air-conditioned bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, patios, and private parking. They also have BBQ facilities and a fitted kitchenette with a fridge and two-plate hot plate.
The camp has a fully stocked bar, swimming pool and communal dining areas. Alternatively, you can have dinner and breakfast at Sossusvlei Lodge, but you need to use your own transport.
A shop, fuel and internet are available at the nearby Sossus Oasis Fuel Station.
KALULA DESERT LODGE
Kalula Desert Lodge is a luxury stay with some of the best views of the desert. Each room is built on raised wooden boards with ensuite bathrooms, patios and private rooftop terraces.
The lodge has a lounge area with an open fireplace and an indoor/outdoor restaurant area.
They advertise a private entrance to Sossusvlei. However, this entrance is for Kalula Desert Lodge tour vehicles. So, if you take one of their private tours, you will use this gate, but you’ll still enter at sunset, not before. You cannot take private cars through this entrance.
&BEYOND SOSSUSVLEI
&Beyond Sossusvlei is as fancy as it gets at Sossusvlei.
The lodge has 10 one-bedroom suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private patio, a private plunge pool and a retractable skylight.
You can unwind in the library, cocktail bar or upstairs viewing deck. The food at dinner and breakfast is unsurprisingly excellent.
Unfortunately, this is not a stay that is within our budget, but people who have stayed here rate it as one of the best hotel experiences in the world.
ACCOMMODATION ON THE ROAD TO SESRIEM
Various accommodation options are available on the road to Sesriem. They often have availability when the places in Sesriem are fully booked.
However, they are a 20 – 40-minute drive to the entrance gates. If you want to be at the gates for sunrise, you will need to drive in the dark, which can be tricky in Namibia. Furthermore, the distance from the gate makes it more awkward to head back for lunch and then go back out again.
LE MIRAGE RESORT & SPA
Le Mirage Resort & Spa, designed to look like a turreted castle, makes a statement in the desert landscape. The large luxurious rooms have ensuite bathrooms with walk-in showers, air conditioning and minibars.
For an additional charge, you can sleep under the stars on top of one of the turrets.
The onsite restaurant is very well rated, and they can arrange desert experiences such as quad biking and balloon rides over Sossusvlei.
It’s a 20-minute drive to the Sesriem Gates.
ELEGANT DESERT LODGE
Elegant Desert Lodge is not as swanky as those around it, but it is a good value option, 38 kilometres from Sesriem. The rooms are modern and comfortable, with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning and wifi.
They have great communal facilities including a lovely pool, African fire pit, lounges and a restaurant.
It’s a 35-minute drive to the Sesriem Gates and they can provide a packed breakfast to take with you.
AGAMA LODGE
Agama Lodge has spacious free-standing chalets with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, private patios and wifi. Each chalet has a rooftop terrace where you can sleep under the stars.
There is an infinity pool with an outdoor seating area and wonderful views of the mountains.
It’s a 40-minute drive to the Sesriem Gates and they can provide a packed breakfast to take with you.
DRIVING IN SOSSUSVLEI
From the gates at Sesriem, a paved road heads west to Sossusvlei. It follows the dry riverbed of the Tsauchab River.
The first 60 kilometres of the road is paved. It takes about 50 minutes to reach the Sossusvlei 2WD Parking Lot. Along the way, it passes turn-offs to Sesriem Canyon, Elim Dune and the car park for Dune 45.
From the Sossusvlei 2WD Parking Lot, it’s another 6 kilometres to the Deadvlei Hiking Trail Parking Lot. However, this section of the road is not paved and passes through deep sand. We saw cars stuck here and wouldn’t recommend driving this road unless you are an experienced 4×4 driver with a 4×4.
Reckless drivers have been going off the designated area, damaging the fragile environment and prompting the government to consider banning private drivers from driving the last 6 kilometres to Deadvlei Parking.
So, the best option is to take the regular shuttle bus, run by About Africa, which operates between the Sossusvlei 2WD Parking Lot and Deadvlei Parking Lot.
The shuttle bus costs N$200 for adults and N$100 for children.
You can find all these destinations marked on the map below.
SOSSUSVLEI MAP
We have marked all the main attractions, accommodation options, parking lots and gates on the map below.
USING OUR MAPS. Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.
1-DAY SOSSUSVLEI ITINERARY
Here is how we suggest you spend a day in Sossusvlei. This is what we did, and it allowed us to see all the best highlights at the right time of day.
Get to the gates as soon as you can, depending on where you are staying. If you have not already done so, purchase your permit. Then drive the paved road all the way to Sossusvlei 2WD Parking Lot
On the way you might want to stop briefly to take photos of Dune 45, but we will be coming back.
From the 2WD parking lot take the shuttle bus to Deadvlei Parking Lot and walk up Big Daddy Dune.
BIG DADDY DUNE
Big Daddy is the tallest sand dune in Sossusvlei at 325 metres and one of the highest in the world. It makes sense to climb Big Daddy first thing in the morning for two reasons.
Firstly, you get to enjoy the best views in the best light.
Secondly, it’s the hardest climb, so it’s a good one to do as early as possible before it heats up too much.
Walking to the top takes about 90 minutes from the car park. It’s a tiring slog trudging through the sand, but the views from the summit are breathtaking.
Red and orange dunes stretch out in all directions. Shadows change shape as the sun rises. It’s a mesmerising sight and the highlight of our trip to Sossusvlei.
If you think the hike is for you, read our guide on climbing Big Daddy.
Once you have taken in the views, head down to Deadvlei.
DEADVLEI
From the top of Big Daddy Dune, Deadvlei appears almost vertically below you.
The pan of Deadvlei used to be flooded by the Tsauchab River, creating a marsh that sustained the camel-thorn trees.
As the climate changed, a drought caused the sand dunes to spread and block the river’s path.
The result is Deadvlei, a barren landscape that resembles a Dali painting. Petrified black trees stand defiant in the desert, where not even death was enough to topple them.
It’s a very photo-friendly place and the most visited spot in Sossusvlei. The harsh landscape of Deadvlei works well in harsh light conditions, so you’re better off being up the top of Big Daddy for the best light of the day before heading here.
To get to Deadvlei, you can walk back down Big Daddy along the ridge you came up on, but it’s much more fun to race down the steep sand directly towards Deadvlei.
We took this route, and it was exhilarating. The sand is very steep but so deep that you feel grounded the whole way down. It felt like flying.
Then hike across the salt pan to photograph the dead trees against the dunes. From the far end of Deadvlei it’s a 15-minute walk back to the Deadvlei Parking Lot.
In total allow about 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours to explore Big Daddy Dune and Deadvlei.
When you are finished hop back on the shuttle bus to the Sossusvlei 2WD parking lot.
HIDDENVLEI
After Deadvlei, we hiked to Hiddenvlei, another salt pan around 2 kilometres from the Sossusvlei 2WD Parking Lot.
The pan is smaller than Deadvlei, the surrounding dunes are not as high and there are fewer trees.
But if you like getting off the beaten track and being on your own, it’s definitely worth making the hike. The trail is a little difficult to find, which might be why we had the whole area to ourselves.
There is a sign in the Sossusvlei Car Park pointing south to Hiddenvlei, but the path actually leaves at about a 25° angle to the left of the sign, in a south-south-east direction.
The route is marked with white wooden sticks, but sometimes they can be a little hard to see. Download our map above and it shows you the rough walking route so you can’t go too wrong.
The hike took us around 40 minutes each way. Just beware that the temperature will be rising, so take plenty of water.
Once you are back at the car park, get back in your car and head to Dune 45.
CLIMB DUNE 45
It’s a steep 15–30-minute climb to the 170-metre-high summit of Dune 45.
As a standalone dune, other dunes are further away, so the views from the top are not quite as good as they are from Big Daddy.
That’s being picky because Sossusvlei is such an amazing place. The views from the top of Dune 45 would be considered out-of-this-world anywhere else.
However, the views from the road and parking lot are also very good if you have walked enough today. A lone tree makes a wonderful photo composition against Dune 45.
There’s a very rudimentary drop toilet near the carpark.
Now head back towards the gate entrance. Turn right and follow the signs to Sesriem Canyon. (If you are staying in the park, or near the gates, now might be a good option for lunch at your accommodation. Then head back out in the afternoon when the sun and heat are lower).
SESRIEM CANYON
Start the afternoon at Sesriem Canyon.
From the car park a trail slowly drops to the bottom of the canyon where a sandy base winds its way between the canyon walls.
The canyon is 1 kilometre long and steadily gets to a depth of 30 metres as you head further in.
Sesriem canyon is the only place in Sossusvlei that holds water year-round. It’s an important resource for wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled.
Walking there and back takes around 30-45 minutes. The temperatures can often be a little lower in the canyon, and the shade provides a break from the sun. But it’s still a good idea to take plenty of water with you.
Get back in the car and drive to Elim Dune.
ELIM DUNE
Elim Dune was our final stop in Sossusvlei.
It’s not too difficult to climb to the top, which is only 100 metres high.
Because it is only a 10-minute drive from the park gates, it’s a good and popular spot to watch the sunset. Animals can often be seen wondering in the plains below.
It’s a great way to unwind after a long day before heading back to your accommodation.
WHEN TO GO
Sossusvlei is a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit is June to September. This is the dry season, so you can expect no rain and clear blue skies.
The dry season is also a great time to visit Etosha National Park.
The rainy season starts in November and runs through to April/May.
We were in Sossusvlei in September, which was a great time to visit.
WHAT TO TAKE?
The nights can be cold in Namibia, so come prepared for chilly temperatures around sunrise and sunset. If you are camping, you’ll definitely want to bring thermals with you.
During the day, wear comfortable clothes for hot weather, including layers to help keep the sun and sand off you.
Good footwear is essential to protect your feet from the hot sand. Later in the day, I took my trainers off and walked barefoot, which is a bit easier when going up the dunes.
Bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks.
FACILITIES NEAR SOSSUSVLEI
Each of the campsites listed in this guide have shops with basic food necessities.
There are 3 fuel stations in the area. One is just inside the Sesreim Gate, one just outside the Sesriem Gate and another one at Solitaire (83 kilometres north of Sesreim).
Fuel distribution can get disrupted in Namibia for unexplained reasons, so we strongly suggest filling up whenever you see it.
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