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Sossusvlei
Towering red dunes and a white clay pan of ancient dead trees in the Namib Desert
Towering red dunes and a white clay pan of ancient dead trees in the Namib Desert
A white clay pan scattered with blackened camel thorn trees that died centuries ago when dunes cut off the river. It is about a 1km walk across sand from the parking area.
Bring water and walk early, before the heat.
Photo: Giles Laurent, CC BY-SA 4.0
Named after its distance from the gate, this dune of about 170m is easy to reach from the road and popular for sunrise climbs.
Photo: Daniel Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0
Rising about 325m above Deadvlei, this is one of the tallest dunes in the area. The climb takes one to two hours; the run down to the pan is the reward.
Start early; the sand gets very hot.
Photo: Pavel Špindler, CC BY 3.0
The pan that gives the area its name usually stays dry, but after rare heavy rains it can fill with water.
Photo: Giles Laurent, CC BY-SA 4.0
Near the gate, the Tsauchab River has cut a narrow canyon about 1km long and up to 30m deep. A short walk along its floor is a good midday break.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
Lodges and campsites near Sesriem serve meals, often braai (barbecue) with game meat.
There are few shops; stock up on food and water before arriving.
Sesriem is about 4.5–5 hours’ drive from Windhoek, mostly on gravel roads. Most visitors self-drive or join a tour; light aircraft also fly in to lodges.
Only 4×4 vehicles may drive the last 5km of deep sand. Others park and take the paid shuttle.
Namibia uses the Namibian dollar (NAD), pegged 1:1 to the South African rand, which is also accepted.
Excludes car hire. Check current fees.
Sunrise is the key.
Drive in from Windhoek, visit Sesriem Canyon and watch sunset from Elim Dune.
Enter at gate opening for sunrise on Dune 45, then walk to Deadvlei and climb Big Daddy.
Guests staying inside the park gate can enter about an hour before sunrise.
Gravel roads cause many accidents; drive slowly.
Carry plenty of water and sun protection.
International adults paid about N$280 a day in national parks after the 2026 fee increase, plus a vehicle fee; check current rates.
Quick answers for planning time in Sossusvlei.
About N$280 per international adult a day after the 2026 increase, plus a vehicle fee; check current rates.
No. Park at the 2×4 car park and take the shuttle, or use a 4×4 for the last 5km.
About 325m from base to top.
About 4.5–5 hours, mostly on gravel.
April to September, when days are cooler.
Download offline maps; there is no signal on long stretches of road.
Free
English is widely spoken; Afrikaans and German are common too.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Namibia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.