Sossusvlei, Namibia: Why Visit, Activities, Attractions, Map
The Sossusvlei, Namibia: Why Visit, Activities, Attractions, Map, and Accommodation. Tiny bits of oxidised iron ore give the sand here its crimson hue. Ascent of Dune 45 at dawn (pro tip: wear socks instead of shoes) is a ritual that offers breathtaking vistas and has made the sand dune the most photographed in the world due to its rich colours. After you’ve mastered Dune 45, it’s on to Big Daddy, the supposedly highest dune on the planet at 325 metres (1,065 feet)!
Sossusvlei Safari
Sossusvlei Namibia – Desert Dunes of the Namib
One of the most breathtaking sites on Earth are the enormous, rich-ochre sand dunes of Sossusvlei, which have clean-lined, bending slopes that reach an impressive 300 meters. The dunes encircle a number of dry pans or vleis in Namib Naukluft National Park, which only become navigable when it rains heavily enough. But, Sossusvlei and its somewhat lesser-known neighbor, Deadvlei, are usually completely dry most of the time.
One of the best ways to see Namibia is on a safari through Sossusvlei, where you can take advantage of the abundant photo opportunities—particularly at sunrise and sunset—and marvel at the breathtaking desert colors. Even better, you may climb the dunes on your own! Dune 45, a popular spot for photos and climbs, is not far from the park entrance. Leave your shoes at the door and climb to the peak for breathtaking views of the red Namib sandstorm below.
These breathtaking dunes are available to everyone on a self-drive safari in Namibia and are included of nearly all of our safari packages. While Sossusvlei itself does not offer any lodging, there are several wonderful options in the surrounding area. To add, self-drivers should know that a 4X4 is required to reach Sossusvlei in its entirety, even though a 2WD car can get them most of the way there. On the other hand, a 4WD shuttle is accessible for the last few kilometers.
The Namib Naukluft National Park is bordered by numerous lodges, many of which are located in private conservation concessions. This allows these lodges to provide activities such as game drives, interpretive nature walks, dunes tours, and more. The region also offers hot-air balloon excursions, astronomy nights, and horseback rides, among other things to do.
Why visit Sossusvlei?
Situated in the largest conservation area in Africa (the Namib-Naukluft National Park), Sossusvlei is possibly Namibia’s most stunning and best-known destination. Characterized by the enormous red dunes that surround it, Sossusvlei is a big, white, salt and clay pan and is a terrific location all year round. The dunes in this area are some of the highest in the world, reaching approximately 400 meters, and give photographic enthusiasts with excellent photographs in the magnificent morning and evening light.
Sossusvlei literally translates to “dead-end marsh”, as it is the location where the dunes meet together preventing the Tsauchab River to go any farther, approximately 60km east of the Atlantic Ocean. Unfortunately, the Namib Desert’s dry climate means that the River rarely runs this far, and the pan stays bone dry for the majority of years. During an unusual rainy season the Tsauchab fills the pan, inviting visitors from all around the world to view this beautiful scene. Photographic aficionados are fortunate with a sparkling “lake” holding reflections of the surrounding dunes. When the pan fills it can keep water for as long as a year.
Despite the terrible desert circumstances in the area, one can find a vast diversity of flora and animals that have evolved to survive.
All of the attractions surrounding Sossusvlei are easily accessible as all but the last 5 kilometers of the 65 kilometer trip to the vlei is asphalt. If a 4×4 vehicle is not available, shuttles can take you the remaining 5 kilometers.
The Namib Sky Experience
Things to Do/Activities in Sossusvlei
One of the most visited regions in Namibia, the Namib Desert is home to some of the world’s tallest sand dunes and offers a variety of attractions to tourists. The majority of the activities are provided by the local lodging establishments, giving you a wide variety to choose from. Enjoy the desert from every vantage point with activities like hot-air balloon rides, nature hikes, quad biking across the dunes, and more.
Namib Sky Balloon Safari
An enchanting and photographer’s paradise, Sossusvlei is among the world’s most remarkable landscapes. An optical wonderland is created here by the convergence of red sand dunes, dramatic black shadows, undulating plains, and rocky mountains. An extraordinary ecosystem is formed here by landforms, flora, and fauna in the Namib Desert, the world’s oldest desert.
Floating through the Namib Desert in a hot air balloon is the most thrilling way to see its interior.
Sit back in the quiet of a hot air balloon as you watch the sun rise over this breathtaking scenery. I can assure you that this will be an unforgettable experience.
The twenty-year history of Namib Sky Balloon Safaris includes the safe transportation of more than 55,000 guests. Protecting you is their first concern! Every pilot on Namib Sky has a commercial pilot license and is an expert in their field.
Places to Visit/Things to See/Attractions in Sossusvlei
Numerous remarkable attractions can be experienced in Sossusvlei, located within Namibia’s largest conservation area, the Namib-Naukluft National Park, which spans about 50,000 km². Sossusvlei, the park’s primary feature and Namibia’s second most visited site, is celebrated for its magnificent, warm red, star-shaped dunes juxtaposed with the stark white surfaces of the pans.
Nearby attractions to Sossusvlei encompass Sesriem Canyon, Dune 45, Hiddenvlei, Big Daddy, and Deadvlei. All of these attractions are accessible via the road leading to Sossusvlei and merit a visit. In several regions next to Sossusvlei, observe the fossilised dunes. These are ancient dunes, perhaps 1 billion years old, that have consolidated into rock.
1. Sesriem Canyon
Sesriem Canyon is situated roughly 4.5 kilometres from the entry gate of Namib-Naukluft National Park. The Tsauchab River has sculpted the Canyon over millennia and is one of the rare locations in the region that retains water throughout the year.
The initial Afrikaans explorers in the area designated the canyon based on their necessity to utilise six (“ses”) leather straps (“riem”) bound together to form a sufficiently length rope for lowering buckets down the canyon to retrieve water.
Parking facilities are available for tourists to park their automobiles and stroll along the canyon. The canyon is tight in many areas; yet, it is worth visiting for its breathtaking rock formations that will capture your attention.
Numerous lodging alternatives are available near Sesriem Canyon.
Accommodation close to Sesriem Canyon: Sossus Oasis Campsite, Sesriem Oshana Campsite, Sesriem Campsite, Sossusvlei Lodge, The Desert Grace, and Dead Valley Lodge
2. Dune 45
Dune 45 derives its name from its nearness to Sesrium Gate. It is located 45 km from the entrance, accessible via a paved road and readily reachable with a 2×4 vehicle. Its intriguing form and accessibility render it the most photographed dune globally.
The dunes of the Namib Desert were formed by sand transported by the wind from the Namibian shore. The sand in this location is 5 million years old and exhibits a crimson hue attributable to its iron oxide content. As the illumination shifts throughout the day, the distinctive hue of the dunes also transforms, facilitating captivating images at any hour. The wind in the Sossusvlei region emanates from multiple directions, resulting in the formation of dunes classified as “star dunes.” The winds induce the sand to assume a star shape with several arms.
Visitors may ascend Dune 45; thus, it is advisable to arrive early in the morning to observe the sunrise over the vlei from the summit of the dune. The Dune rises 85 meters, and the ascent is rewarding, offering an extraordinary panoramic view of Dune Valley from the summit. The bottom of the pan has been characterised as a “moonscape” in the morning and evening light, presenting a remarkable visual spectacle.
3. Sossusvlei
15km along the paved road from Dune 45 there is a general parking area for those wanting to visit Hiddenvlei, Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Visitors must travel a further 5km along a sandy 4×4 track in order to reach Sossusvlei. Should you not have a 4×4, or should you not feel comfortable navigating through the soft sand, there are shuttles that run from the car park to Sossusvlei.
Exploring the area is done on foot and is self-guided, unless you have hired a private tour guide. Always remember to take enough drinking water with you, as it gets very hot in the area.
4. Big Daddy Dune
Big Daddy is the highest dune in the Sossusvlei region. This impressive dune is located between Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, and at 325 meters, it surpasses the other dunes in height. If you desire the pinnacle of bragging rights, consume ample water and ascend to the summit of Big Daddy, where you may gaze down upon Deadvlei.
At 325 meters, Big Daddy is the tallest dune in the Sossusvlei region; nevertheless, it is not the tallest in the Namib Desert. This distinction is awarded to Dune 7, which has been recorded at 388 meters. Dune 7 derives its name from its designation as the seventh dune adjacent to the Tsauchab River.
5. Solitaire
A little settlement at the junction of the C14 and C19, Solitare originated as a solitary cottage in 1948. Christoffel van Coller and his spouse Elsie constructed the cottage, suitably dubbed Solitaire because of its secluded setting. Over the years, further facilities were incorporated, and currently, one can find a filling station, a small shop, accommodations, and Big Moose’s Bakery.
Solitaire is situated 83 miles north of Sesriem Gate and is certainly worth a visit, particularly for a sampling of Big Moose’s Apple Strudel. Occupy a seat outside the bakery, beneath the shade of the trees, and indulge in this exquisite delicacy, as ground squirrels and weavers contend for the crumbs that fall from your fork.
A variety of accommodations is available in and near Solitaire.
Accommodation close to Solitaire: Solitaire Country Lodge, Solitaire Desert Farm, Namib Naukluft Lodge,
6. Deadvlei
Adjacent to Sossusvlei, Deadvlei is a clay pan distinguished by the stark contrast of dark, lifeless camel thorn trees against the white pan surface. The pan was created when the Tsauchab River inundated the area, facilitating the growth of camel thorn plants due to the surplus of water. Nevertheless, the temperature altered, and the sand dunes encroached upon the pan, obstructing the river’s access to the region. The trees are thought to be around 900 years old; nevertheless, they have not decomposed due to the arid atmosphere.
Deadvlei serves as a haven for photographers, as the stark contrast between the ebony trees and the alabaster pans, alongside the russet dunes and azure sky, creates stunning imagery. Deadvlei is located at least 1 kilometre from the parking area, so ensure you bring drinking water.
The Fauna & Flora of Sossusvlei
The adaptation of the wildlife and vegetation in the Namib Desert to survive its severe environment is remarkable, with daytime temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures dropping below freezing. The combination of this factor and minimal surface water indicates significant activity beneath the sand.
Fauna
Similar to the region’s vegetation, the wildlife have developed remarkable adaptations to endure the harsh conditions of the Namib Desert.
The desert harbours innumerable microorganisms. Under the sand reside insects, spiders, and reptiles, including geckos. One need just examine the sand closely to observe numerous small traces from the diverse and intriguing species that inhabit this desert. Numerous desert-dwelling organisms consume droplets from sporadic fog or absorb minuscule water droplets descending from rocks and vegetation for survival. Others absorb moisture from the sand while burrowing through it.
The larger mammals observable in Sossusvlei include the ostrich, springbok, and gemsbok, all of which are adeptly suited to their arid environment. Significant predators encompass the spotted hyena and the brown hyena. As temperatures decrease, one may observe other smaller creatures in the chilly nocturnal atmosphere, including the bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal, porcupine, Cape fox, and aardwolf.
Flora
Camel thorn trees are scattered throughout the desert, typically situated along subterranean water systems. These quintessential Southern African trees possess a remarkable taproot system that extends up to 60 meters beneath the sand to procure water. They can access subterranean water networks to endure extremely hot and arid days, and they are also adapted to withstand frost. Their name and typical habitat suggest they are designated for their “camel-like” traits. Nevertheless, this is not the situation. The camel thorn tree derives its name from the Afrikaans term for giraffe (“kameelperd”), as the giraffe is especially fond of the camel thorn’s leaves and is the only mammal sufficiently tall to access them.
Another plant commonly observed around Sossusvlei is the Nara Melon. These spherical, yellow fruits measure roughly 15 centimetres in diameter and are indigenous to the region. They possess a remarkable root system that extends 40 meters to obtain water. Nara Melons serve as a nutritious sustenance for local fauna, fostering a symbiotic relationship wherein the animals derive essential fluids and nutrients from the fruit, while simultaneously dispersing the seeds through their excrement, so assuring the plants’ propagation.
The intriguing Welwitschia plant is exclusively located in the Namib Desert. These plants are occasionally termed “living fossils” since the visible portions above ground are thousands of years old. These plants sustain themselves by absorbing moisture from the atmosphere.
A Privately-Guided Sossusvlei Safaris & Tour Packages
Namibia TRAVEL GUIDE: The SOSSUSVLEI is the SUNNIEST place on Earth!
The Sossusvlei sand dunes in the Namib Desert are frequently regarded as the tallest dunes globally and are undoubtedly one of Namibia’s most breathtaking attractions. Situated within the Namib Naukluft Park, the largest conservation area in Africa and the fourth largest globally. The optimal time to observe Sossusvlei is at sunrise, when the colours are vibrant and continuously shifting, providing excellent picture prospects. The noon heat is severe and should be endured in the shade, while twilight provides exceptional photographic prospects at Sossusvlei.
