Sossusvlei is one of the most beautiful places in Namibia. A dead but photogenic camel thorn stands out beautifully against the red-colored dunes and blue sky. This is the picture of Namibia that everyone knows and which appears on covers of books. It is what attracts tourists to the Sossusvlei. It is therefore fair to say that Sossusvlei is the country's most famous highlight. It is a surreal place made of nothing but sand. And in between those huge sand dunes are deserted valleys. A place where nature prevails.
A visit to Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei National Park is part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the largest protected area in Africa. To enter the national park, you must be in the town of Sesriem. At the entrance gate, your license plate number is noted and you can buy a permit at the front desk. We paid 325 NAD (about €19) per person in July 2022. This price is based on 3 days of Sossusvlei, excluding our overnight stay at Sesriem Campsite. Once you have a permit you can drive to the next gate after which a road of about 60 kilometers stretches ahead of you into the national park. This road will lead you to the highlights of Sossusvlei.
By the way, keep in mind that the national park is open from sunrise to sunset. At the reception desk, there is a chart with the exact times you may enter the park and before which time you must be out of the park again.
The highlights of Sossusvlei in Namibia
Meters-high dunes, parched clay plains and endless vistas. That's what awaits you in Sossusvlei. Wondering exactly where to be for a stunning sunrise and for the perfect picture with the camel thorn? These are the most beautiful spots in the Sossusvlei!
1. Big Daddy
If you wake up early in the morning and want to start the day by watching the sunrise over the Sossusvlei, there are two places where you can best do this. Our preference is to drive straight to the highest dune in the Sossusvlei: Big Daddy. The sand dunes here can reach heights of some 300 meters, but at 325 meters, Big Daddy stands out head and shoulders above them.
Keep in mind that from the gateway it is a 60-kilometer drive to Big Daddy and the last 5 kilometers are only accessible by 4WD. This is because you drive over very loose sand here and good driving techniques are definitely important. We braved the loose sand with our 4×4 jeep, but I must honestly admit that it was an exciting 5 kilometers. If you don't dare, you can park your car in the parking lot at Hiddenvlei and take the transfer to Big Daddy, Deadvlei and Sossusvlei.
Once parked, continue on foot and walk toward Deadvlei. To the left in front of you you will see the giant sand dune Big Daddy. Soon you will see the flanks of the dune to your left so you can start the climb up from here. Climbing up over the edge of the dune is a tough challenge so be sure to have plenty of water with you and easy clothes on. The sun slowly rising above the horizon and giving the dunes a beautiful golden glow is breathtaking and makes it well worth the challenge. Allow at least an hour to an hour and a half for a climb to the top. Watch the sunrise while braving the 325-high sand dune.
2. Dune 45
Dune 45 is the most popular sand dune in the Sossusvlei to watch the sunrise from the top and is also highly recommended as far as the view is concerned. However, you will be standing here with dozens of other travelers, which is not our preference. The 170-meter-high dune can be reached after a 45-kilometer drive from the entrance gate, which takes about half an hour. Depending on how fast you walk up through the sand, the climb to the top takes about 45 minutes.
3. Deadvlei
After you reach the top of Big Daddy and enjoy the breathtaking views around you, it's time to descend. And unlike how long it takes you to get to the top, that's how quickly you'll be down. Run down the flanks of Big Daddy and you'll be on the white clay plain of Deadvlei in no time. A big advantage of visiting Big Daddy at sunrise is that after this you share Deadvlei with a handful of people. Larger groups come after their first stop at Dune 45.
It is safe to say that this is the most photogenic place in the world. Hundreds of years ago, the Tsauchab River ran through this area until the river took a different route. The Tsauchab River still runs through the national park but there is rarely water in the river. The water disappeared and the once muddy ground transformed into a broken up white clay plain. The dead camel thorn trees in Deadvlei are hundreds of years old. The white clay plain, the red dunes, the blue sky and the silhouettes of the trees create a spectacular picture.
4. Sossusvlei
The eponymous clay plain Sossusvlei can be found a short drive from the parking lot at Deadvlei. Because it rained quite a lot during the summer of 2020 and 2021 in Namibia, we were fortunate that there was water in Sossusvlei. This is special to see. The glare of the sun in the water and the reflection of the trees and dunes are dazzling. You can walk around the Sossusvlei or climb the sand dune called Big Mama. Big Mama is 100 meters lower than Big Daddy and thus may be a more enjoyable challenge.
5. Sesriem Canyon
In the afternoon, when the worst of the heat has passed, we visit Sesriem Canyon. This canyon was once created by the Tsauchab River, which made its way between the huge rock formations. You can hike through the eroded canyon. There is almost always water in Sesriem Canyon, although in small pools, but since this canyon is in a desert area this is quite rare.
6. Elim Dune
Close to Sesriem Campsite is Elim Dune on the edge of the national park and, according to a local, a beautiful place to watch the sun set. We drive to Elim Dune which at first appears to be just a mountain. But the closer we get we see that like all dunes it is a sand dune, but one with vegetation. Where we climbed Big Daddy barefoot, this is not recommended for this dune. The dune reeds are quite sharp and can sting the soles of your feet. The climb to the top, at least 1 hour, of the dune is tough, especially since you can't see the top from the start. Every time you think "after this climb I have reached the top," another hill comes up. Once at the top, it is definitely worth it. The sun sets beautifully as it turns the Sossusvlei and Namib-Naukluft National Park insanely beautiful.
Staying overnight in Sossusvlei national park
The very best tip we can give you for visiting Sossusvlei is to stay overnight in the national park. The advantage you have with this is that you can enter the park one hour earlier and also leave the park one hour later than visitors staying outside the national park. We stayed with our 4×4 jeep with rooftop tent at one of the camping spots of NWR Sesriem Campsite. It is advisable to reserve a camping spot on time due to the popularity of Sossusvlei. Reservations can be made online through NWR.
Of course, there are other interesting accommodations where you can stay in the Sossusvlei. For example, you have Sossus Dune Lodge of NWR, but also the beautiful Desert Quiver Camp. See the overview of all accommodations in Sesriem.
Tips for visiting Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei in Namibia is a particularly unique place to visit and should really not be missed in your itinerary. To get the most out of your visit, we have listed some more practical tips for you.
Spend the night in Sossusvlei National Park. Because you can enter the park earlier and leave the park later, you can get so much more out of your day.
Visit the national park with your own car, preferably a 4WD. There are many tours you can book but driving around independently, climbing dunes and enjoying the panoramic views whenever you want gives you the ultimate feeling of freedom.
If you drive through the loose sand to the parking lot for Deadvlei, you do not necessarily need to lower your tire pressure. Of course you will have more grip if you do. But a good 4WD will get you through the loose sand just fine.
There is only one paved road in the national park, but if you want to go off the beaten path and discover new places then it is recommended to use the app maps.me. On this you can navigate offline at all times!
Walking barefoot is always nice through the sand, but the sand here can get very hot. Therefore, it is recommended to wear closed and sturdy shoes.
Take plenty of water with you into the national park.
Last but not least, bring your camera and make sure the battery is fully charged!
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