Deadvlei at Sossusvlei

Namibia:
Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei’s apricot dunes, the largest in the world, are one of the main highlights of any trip through the Namib Dessert.

It is a testament to the sheer beauty of Sossusvlei and Sesriem that almost any postcard of the Namib Desert depicts this region. Some of the dunes in Sossusvlei tower as high as 300m, and while reaching the top can be draining, it is worth it for the views. Dune 45, a behemoth of a sand dune, is reputed to be the largest of all; it is quite a sight.

The Dead Vlei is a dry lake located a short distance from Sossusvlei. The trees here are long since dead, yet they have been preserved for centuries due to a lack of moisture preventing normal decomposition. Yet, elsewhere, green acacia trees do live and if you are lucky you may catch the sight of an Oryx standing by. Life certainly flows through the region; during exceptional rainy seasons the Tsauchab River runs through the Sesriem Canyon and ends in Sossusvlei forming a flat white plain dotted with green trees and surrounded by spectacular dunes.

NamibRand, one of Southern Africa’s largest private nature reserves, is comprised of a large number of former sheep farms. The aim was to develop a sanctuary free of fences, so that the wildlife could once again roam their habitat unhindered. Today NamibRand, which is located just south of Sossusvlei, is synonymous with some of Africa’s most breathtaking locations.

In and around Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei are the primary attractions. Visitors to the region may also like to pay a visit to Dune 45 and possibly climb it. Sesriem is a small canyon running through the region and you can walk along the dry riverbed. A hot air balloon ride over Sossusvlei at dawn is recommended.

The nearby Naukluft Mountains form a stark contrast to Sossusvlei, with flowing waterfalls and streams, and fig, shepherd and olive trees. 

Accommodation in Sossusvlei (Namibia)

Kulala Desert Lodge

Kulala Desert Lodge

Situated on over 21,000 hectares of private property and bordering the Namib Naukluft Park, Kulala Desert Lodge occupies a fantastic location in the heart of the Namib.

Kulala Wilderness Camp - Deadvlei

Kulala Wilderness Camp

Kulala Wilderness Camp is a ten-roomed retreat situated in the heart of Namibia's Namib Desert, on a 21,000-acre private reserve near Sossusvlei.

Little Kulala

Little Kulala

Little Kulala, the flagship of Namibia's extraordinary Sossusvlei area, has for several years been attracting informed travellers who enjoy the first-rate facilities, charming hospitality and nearby proximity to the towering sand dunes.

Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp

Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp

Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp is situated on a 21,000 hectare private reserve, 20 kilometres from Sesriem, the Park's entrance to the Sossusvlei dunes.

Wolwedans Boulders Camp

Wolwedans Boulders Camp

Wolwedans Boulders Camp is the latest addition to the Wolwedans family. It is situated 45 kilometres south of Wolwedans on the edge of a massive outcrop of granite rocks, overlooking the vast beauty of the Reserve.

Wolwedans Dune Camp

Wolwedans Dune Camp

Positioned on the edge of a 250-metre high dune, the Dune Camp sleeps a maximum of 12 guests in a totally unspoilt setting.

Wolwedans Dunes Lodge

Wolwedans Dunes Lodge

Wolwedans Dunes Lodge is perched on top of a dune plateau, overlooking panoramic vistas in all directions and capturing the beauty of the desert in a most memorable way.

Other regions in Namibia

Birding is amazing in the Caprivi

Caprivi

The Caprivi in the north-east of Namibia is a narrow strip of land, 450km long and 100km wide.

Himba Children

Damaraland and Kaokoland

Damaraland is one of the most scenic regions in Namibia with stunning landscapes ranging from expansive sand dunes to soaring mountain peeks, ancient valleys, boulder strewn floodplains and curious rock formations.

Loin and cub at Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park

Like all of Namibia's landscapes, Etosha National Park is immense. It is the third largest national park in the world.

The ghost town of Kolmanskop

Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon is famous for its stunning geographical features. The Canyon, one of the largest in the world, meanders and corkscrews for almost 160 kilometres.

Shipwrecks on the Skeleton Coast

Skeleton Coast

The Skeleton Coast is a stretch of coast in northern Namibia, famous for the numerous skeletal shipwrecks embedded in the shores and the almost inhospitable, yet incredibly beautiful, desert that surrounds them.

NamibRand Nature Reserve

Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei’s apricot dunes, the largest in the world, are one of the main highlights of any trip through the Namib Dessert.

Quad biking near Swakopmund

Swakopmund

Swakopmund is Namibia’s largest coastal town and traditional 'summer capital'.

Meerkats in the Central Kalahari

Waterberg and Bushmanland

Looming 150 metres above the plains below, the Waterberg is a spectacular sandstone plateau, 50km long and 16km wide. The area is extremely lush and fertile with a mosaic of trees and savannah supporting an abundance of wildlife including many rare and threatened species.

Meerkats in the Central Kalahari

Windhoek and Central Region

Windhoek, Namibia's busy capital, is a brilliant tourist spot with impressive architecture, lots of good restaurants, and easy access to nearby reserves.

Show me...

Accommodation in Sossusvlei (7)
Other regions in Namibia (9)
NamibRand Nature ReserveNamibia Map

ganeandmarshall:mercury1:status:ok