Sossusvlei is one of the natural wonders of Africa.
Huge towering dunes, said to be the highest in the world, rise over 1000 feet above the surrounding Namib Desert. The changing hues of the dunes at sunrise, and the shadows which fall across their curved ridges, make this a photographer’s paradise. This is truly a must see area when taking a trip to Namibia.
There are few more uplifting ways to start the day than with a dawn walk across Dead Vlei to the base of ‘Big Daddy’, one of the tallest dunes, to make the ascent before the sun rises too high in the sky.
Sesriem and Sossusvlei are on the Tsauchab River, which flows through the Sesriem Canyon. After climbing Big Daddy, you could cool off in the rock pools on the canyon floor. The name Sesriem comes from the ses riems, six lengths of rope, which were needed to haul a bucket of water up from the canyon floor.
Where to stay
There are a number of places to stay close to the park entrance at Sesriem.
The nearest, and least expensive, is Sossusvlei Lodge. Kulala Desert Lodge is also close by, on a private reserve, along with Kulala Wilderness Camp, and a more up-market lodge, Little Kulala. All three are managed by Wilderness Safaris, as is the luxurious Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp, slightly further away on a spectacular hilltop setting.
Getting there
It is possible to drive to Sesriem from Windhoek or from Swakopmund in a normal 2WD saloon car. The drive takes around 4 – 5hours from either place. However, some patches of road can be difficult or impassable in a 2WD after heavy rains. We will advise you.
There are daily scheduled flights between Windhoek and Sossusvlei - ask for details.
Desert Homestead and Horse Trails
Desert Homestead and Horse Trails is a friendly, owner-run, welcoming lodge, just 32km from Sesriem in an idyllic setting.It offers hearty meals and great value for money.AccommodationThere are 20 cool and comfortable stone chalets at Desert Homestead & Horse Trails, tastefully furnished and built from local rock, that blend with the environment.FacilitiesThe lounge/dining room is a vast semi-circ...
Hoodia Desert Lodge
Hoodia Desert Lodge is on the banks of the Tsauchab River, only a 20 minute drive from the Sesriem Gate to visit Sossusvlei, you will find this warm, welcoming and tranquil lodge. Accommodation There are eleven luxury thatched and partially tented chalets with private shaded decks, all with en suite bathrooms, open air showers and large bathtubs. Facilities The main area has a lovely larg...
Kwessi Dunes Lodge
At Kwessi Dunes lodge your room has magnificent views across the sand dunes framed in the distance by mountains. Rooms all have ensuite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers as well as a private ourdoor veranda....
Namibia in Style: Fly-Around Safari
Itinerary Highlights
- Climb Big Daddy dune in the Namib Desert
- Watch the sunrise over the impressive red sand dunes
- Search for wild life in Etosha National Park
- Light aircraft flights throughout
Kulala Desert Lodge
Kulala Desert Lodge is on the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve bordering the Namib-Naukluft Park, provides a glorious view of Sossusvlei’s red dunes.Its 14 kulalas, made from thatch, clay and canvas, are built on wooden platforms. Each has a private star-gazing platform on top, on which guests can spend the night.....
Little Kulala
Little Kulala, a flagship Wilderness ‘premier camp’, sister camp to Kulala Desert Lodge, offers top-of-the-range accommodation, mixing contemporary glass and cream decor, with traditional thatch and stylish African artefacts. Eleven spacious, air-conditioned chalets have private plunge pools, star-gazing roofs, salas and decks with views of the dunes. Both lodges offer guided 4WD trips through the...
Sossus Dune Lodge
Sossus Dune Lodge is the flagship lodge of state-owned Namibia Wildlife Resorts.It opened in July 2007, to great acclaim, as no effort has been spared to make this a superlative lodge, setting a new standard for state-run lodges in national parks throughout the world. The lodge has been constructed behind the first mountain ridge inside the Namib-Naukluft Park. It is the only lodge actually ins...
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a small, exclusive & Beyond-run lodge in the northern foothills of the vast, 180,000 hectare, privately owned Namib-Rand Nature Reserve on the eastern boundary of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. This desert wilderness is home to a surprising variety of animals which thrive in this environment, including oryx, springbok, aardwolf, ostrich, hyena, bat-eared fox, Cape ...
Wolwedans
About 1.5 hours drive south of Sossusvlei, in the red dunes of the vast Namib Rand Nature Reserve, are the four Wolwedans camps, considered by many to be among the finest retreats in the world.Come here for off-the-beaten-track tranquillity in breathtaking desert landscapes, the perfect antidote to city life.The six spacious dome tents at WOLWEDANS DUNE CAMP, all with private hot shower and flush ...
Sossusvlei Lodge
Sossusvlei Lodge is a good value lodge situated right by the entrance to the Namib Naukluft Park and the dunes at Sossusvlei. This makes it a great base for early starts into the Park as soon as the gate opens. Because of its location, a major effort was made to build something that blends with the landscape, and this was pretty much achieved with skillful use of colour and building materials. The...
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