Close your eyes and imagine a place where time seems to stand still. Where the silence is so profound, you can hear your own heartbeat, where the feeling of complete freedom engulfs you. Where towering dunes, painted in fiery shades of red, watch over ancient, scorched valleys. This is not a dream; this is Sossusvlei, the breathtaking salt pan of the Namib Desert.

The dunes of Sossusvlei come close to perfection. Situated in the Namib-Naukluft National Park – the largest conservation area in Africa – Sossusvlei is one of the most picturesque and best-known attractions in Namibia. But navigating the soft golden hills requires a bit of planning. Consider this your ultimate guide to exploring the breathtaking dunes, hidden canyons, and spectral pans of Sossusvlei.

About Sossusvlei

When you think of the sand dunes of Namibia, you are most likely thinking of Sossusvlei. Its large, white salt and clay pan makes the red dunes stand out even more against the blue skies. The dunes are some of the highest in the world, the most famous being the Big Daddy and Dune 45. Sossusvlei literally translates to “dead-end marsh”, and is nestled between Skeleton Coast and the Naukluft mountains.

Sesriem: The Gateway

The most crucial information for your trip is accessing and getting into Sossusvlei. The only entrance is through the Sesriem Gate, named after the Sesriem Canyon. Travelling across a long empty landscape makes for a relaxing and reflective journey. The Sesriem settlement revolves around the park office for Namib-Naukluft National Park, a petrol station, a small shop for basic supplies, and a few campsites and lodges. It is at the park office that you pay your park fees and acquire your access permit. (Click here to view the park and entrance fees.)

The outer gate at Sesriem opens at sunrise and closes at sunset, and is the only entrance should you stay outside the park. The inner gate gives you more access should you reside inside the park. The gates open an hour before sunrise, inviting you to reach the dunes before the magical first light of sunrise hits the dunes.

Fun Fact: The name “Sesriem” is Afrikaans for “Six Thongs,” named by early settlers who had to tie six leather thongs (straps) together to lower buckets into the canyon to fetch water.

Dune 45

Dune 45 is the most famously photographed dunes in the world. It is located exactly 45 km away from the Sesriem gate. Some of the most beautiful experiences shared by our clients is witnessing an African sunrise while sitting on the dunes. It is a relatively easy 30-40 minute climb, and is wide enough to walk comfortably, with views that scale the beauty of the Namib.

The Surreal and Haunting Pan of Deadvlei

The most defining image of the sand dunes of Namibia, and one of the signature shots in Southern Africa, is Deadvlei. It is a photographer’s delight – white hot sand glaring in the sun, scattered with silhouetted charcoal black skeleton trees. It is here you will find the Big Daddy dune, also known as the Crazy Dune, which is assumed to be the highest sand dune in the world! It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to climb the dune – it is quite strenuous. But being awarded with one of the most incredible views makes the effort well worth it! For a bit of extra fun, running down the playful sand waves makes for an unforgettable experience.

Sesriem Canyon

Shaped by the Tsauchab River over millions of years ago, it is one of the few places in the area that holds water all year round. If you are keen to explore you will find strange rock formations, a tisght labyrinth of trails and secluded pools of water. If you stand on the rim, you will be able to see the deep, narrow trail cuts between the vertical cliffs on the canyon. Walking the canyon may not be a great idea if you are claustrophobic, as the walls do seem quite closed in. In a way it does feel intimate – a secluded world of shadows and shade nestled in the heart of the Namib desert, stretching far and wide. (Click here to read more about the Sesriem Canyon)

Things You Should Know

The best time to go is between May and June, when the weather is at its mildest. The days are clear and dry. Winter in the Namib – between May and August – brings cool to cold nights, so make sure to pack warmer clothes when on tour. The days are perfect for being outdoors, being warm, dry and clear. The summer weather – between October and November – can get uncomfortably hot. The extreme heats lead to gusty winds, but the evenings are generally warm and still. Sossusvlei is generally an all-year destination. While there are changes in the weather, you are going to have a similar experience no matter which time of the year you travel. If Sossusvlei is the highlight of your tour, we recommend March, April and May as the best time to visit.

Ready to Take on The Sossusvlei Dunes? Let The Journey Begin!