Here are the seven best things to do in Namibia’s salt and clay pan of Sossusvlei to get the most out of your visit.
Sossuvlei is a great white salt and clay pan located within Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft National Park. The name translates to “dead-end marsh” and is used to describe the area of the Namib Desert adjacent to Sesriem. It is (in my humble opinion) Namibia’s most spectacular and breathtaking attraction. It is a destination that is great all year round, and hosts some of the tallest dunes in the world. The dunes in the area prevent the Tsauchab River flowing further, never itching the Namib Desert, leaving the pan done-dry most years. When it is exceptionally rainy, the Tsauchab fills the pan, creating a spectacular glassy lake that reflects the surrounding dunes like a silky mirror.
Nature & Wildlife, Cultural Immersion, Big 5 Safari, Migration Safaris
Nature & Wildlife, Waterways & Wetlands, Wilderness Walks, Cultural Immersion, Big 5 Safari, Desert Adventurer
Nature & Wildlife, Wilderness Walks, Cultural Immersion, Desert Adventurer
Nature & Wildlife, Waterways & Wetlands, Wilderness Walks, Gorilla Trekking, Big 5 Safari
I have put together the best things you can do when visiting Sossusvlei to make the most of your time, all year round:
Walk among the trees of Deadvlei
The stark contrast between the white clay and bright orange dunes makes Deadvlei look like a surrealist painting frozen in time. The pan was flooded around 100 years ago by the Tsauchab River, allowing for Camel Thorn trees to bloom. When the water supply from the Tsauchab River was cut off by the massive dunes, the pan dried up, and the trees with it. Now, they still stand, not decomposed because of the harsh climate with heat, extreme dryness and cold winters.
The best way to take in all of Deadvlei is after climbing Big Daddy Dune, where you can see it from various angles. It feels surreal, as if walking on the reminiscence of a prehistoric world.
2.Climb Dune 45 and Big Daddy Dune
Ever see the famous dunes of Namibia? Dune 45 is often the most photographed dunes, famous for its sunrise views from atop the dune. The dune takes on many shapes and forms extended dune arms with the wind, and stands 85 meters tall. The high iron oxide content is what gives the sand its distinct red colour. The dune is located 45 minutes from the main gate, hence its name.
Big Daddy is the tallest dune, even taller than Dune 45. Big Daddy overlooks Deadvlei. Hiking to the top takes between 60-90 minutes, but it’s the descent that is the most fun. You can choose to walk down, run down, or roll down in the soft sand. For both dunes, go at sunrise to enjoy cooler morning temperatures and beat the desert heat. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes otherwise you’ll constantly empty sand out of them.
3.Guided nature walks & animal spotting
While the dunes of Sossusvlei may look lifeless, this ancient desert is home to many fascinating wildlife, if you know where to look. Look closer to your feet and you will see the desert come alive with small wonders, like the shovel-snouted lizards performing their famous heat dance on the hot sand, and the fog basking beetles catching the morning mist to quench their thirst. Up to the sky, you’ll see majestic eagles scanning the endless desert expanse.
On the pan, and in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, keep your camera ready for the iconic gemsbok with their striking black and white face markings and long sharp horns. You’ll also find springbok kicking up the dust near the dry washes, and black backed jackals trot along the clay pan looking for their next meal.
You will spot:
- Golden Mole
- Web-footed gecko
- Periguey’s adder
- White lady spider
- Ostrich
- Dune lark
4.Sesriem Canyon
This magnificent canyon is located about 4.5km from the entrance gate of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Over millions of years, the Tsauchab River shaped the canyon, and is one of the few places that holds water all year round. The small caves and strange rock looking formations are fascinating to walk through, taking you back about 15-18 million years ago.
Sesriem canyon was named by early explorers who used ses (six) riem (thin leather straps) tied together to form a long rope to lower buckets into the canyon below, to collect water. Choose between walking on the canyon bed or walking above, and looking down into the canyon below. It is a fairly easy walk and is suitable for all ages. Carry a hat and water with you when you go.
5.Hot air balloon ride
For a once in a lifetime experience to watch the desert wake up, a hot air balloon ride at sunrise is both the most scenic and tranquil experience of your life. As the balloon rises higher into the air, the beauty of the Namibian sky along with the red dunes creates the most breathtaking view. It is most safe, with a team of about 25 skilled and passionate professionals ensuring your trip is flawless. Even if you aren’t an adrenaline seeker, this trip is one you wouldn’t want to miss.
Your day will start 2 hours before sunrise, driving to the meeting point 22km south of Sesiem. While things get set up, enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee and listen to a detailed safety briefing. Climb into the basket with the pilot and float into the air. The flight lasts about 1 hour, floating in whichever direction the wind takes you. When you land, you will be met with a celebratory breakfast, and take a celebratory photo to commemorate your experience. Make sure to dress warmly for the chilly mornings, removing layers as the day warms. Also carry a sunhat, sunscreen, water, and your camera.
6.Stargazing
Laying on the ground, looking up to the sky and watching the glittery sparkle of the galaxy shine brightly for you is nothing short of magical. With the nearest town being about 140 km away, the big, clear skies with little to no light pollution makes for one of the most astonishing stargazing experiences on the planet. Listen to African starlore: different stories about creation and how it began. For instance, the legend of the Milky Way is that of a young girl who threw fire’s embers into the sky one night, where they stayed eternally.
Visit Sossusvlei’s Many Nearby Attractions
- Kunene & Damaraland: walk through the rugged wilderness of rocky landscapes, tracking free roaming desert elephants and black rhinos. Also get to see ancient San rock art at Twyfontein.
- Swakopmund: explore the quaint coastal town where the desert dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean. Swakopmund serves as Namibia’s adventure capital, great for quad biking, sandboarding, and spectacular German colonial architecture.
- Etosha National Park: this iconic safari destination is best for incredible wildlife viewing, known for game congregating around waterholes during the dry seasons. Did you know the salt pan is visible from space?
- Skeleton Coast: it is eerie and fantastical seeing a coastline of rust-strewn shipwrecks, with sand dunes on one side and dense fog rolling off the Atlantic waters.
- Windhoek: immerse yourself in modern African culture and historical architecture. Windhoek is a great starting point or ending to your safari.
Sossusvlei promises lots to do and lots to see. A Namibian safari promises an unforgettable journey, where tracking wildlife across ancient wilderness transitions seamlessly into standing on top the towering, crimson dunes of Sossusvlei.
N.B: This blog was originally written by Bronwyn Paxton on August 7, 2013. It’s been rewritten by Faatima Suliman on 4 September, 2026.
