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Where to stay in Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is a clay pan surrounded by some of the world's highest red sand dunes, in the Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia. There is no town: visitors stay at Sesriem, beside the park gate, or in lodges scattered across the desert outside, and the key is being able to reach the dunes at sunrise.
Inside the gate at Sesriem
A few camps and a lodge are located inside the park gate at Sesriem. Guests are allowed to drive towards the dunes earlier than visitors staying outside, which gives you the best light on Dune 45, Big Daddy and Deadvlei. Book well in advance.
Around Sesriem, outside the gate
Just outside the gate, Sesriem has lodges and campsites, a fuel station and a small shop. You join the queue at the gate at opening time and drive the paved road of about 60 kilometres to the dunes.
Desert lodges in the NamibRand and surrounding reserves
Further out, lodges in private reserves such as the NamibRand Nature Reserve offer luxury rooms, guided drives, hot-air balloon flights and some of the darkest skies on Earth. They are a longer drive from the dunes, so you leave very early.
One thing to think about
The last part of the road to Sossusvlei is deep sand and only for 4x4 vehicles; others park and take the shuttle. Carry plenty of water, start early and avoid walking on the dunes in the midday heat.
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Sossusvlei are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Common questions
What is Deadvlei?
Deadvlei is a white clay pan near Sossusvlei, dotted with dead camel thorn trees that are hundreds of years old, set against towering red dunes. It is reached by a walk of about one kilometre across the sand from the 4x4 parking area. Morning light is best for photographs.
Which dune should I climb at Sossusvlei?
Dune 45 is the easiest and most popular, right beside the road, and best at sunrise. Big Daddy, next to Deadvlei, is one of the highest dunes in the area and a longer, tougher climb. Big Mama is a shorter alternative near Sossusvlei.
When is the best time to visit Sossusvlei?
Sossusvlei can be visited all year. The cooler months from about May to September have pleasant days and cold nights. Summer is very hot, so start very early. Rain is rare, but in exceptional years the pan fills with water.
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