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In southern Namibia at Sesriem, the Tsauchab River has carved a wide path into the dunes towards the coast.
The river never reaches the sea as it’s blocked by mountains of sand. It spreads into pans, surrounded by curving dunes.
'Vleis' (valleys or pans) of Sossusvlei
This area is known as Sossusvlei with towering dunes that are apricot at sunrise, crimson at sunset and all colors of the spectrum between. Near Sossusvlei are other ‘vleis’ (valleys or pans) - Dead Vlei with a silver floor and skeletal trees and Hidden Vlei with dusty acacias. It’s superb for photography and a place of spectacular beauty.
Wildlife
Many think deserts are lifeless, but walk amongst the dunes and you will soon realize this is not so. The tracks of tok tokkie beetles criss-cross the sand, shovel-snouted lizards dart into nara bushes and you may even see a wildcat in the distance.
There are two small roads leading to Sossusvlei. The first is a public road and starts from Sesriem where there’s a small settlement and the deep Sesriem Canyon. The second is accessible only by 4WD and leads from the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Sossusvlei & Sesriem by calling one of our Namibia specialists at 1-855-838-0525
Suggested itineraries featuring Sossusvlei & Sesriem
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Sossusvlei & Sesriem, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Namibia self-drive family safari
Luxury Namibia flying safari
Desert & delta: Namibia self-drive & Botswana safari
Remote Namibia honeymoon safari
Skeleton Coast flying safari
Map of Sossusvlei & Sesriem
Places & hotels on the map
Places near Sossusvlei & Sesriem
- Southern Namibia 9 miles away
- The NamibRand Nature Reserve 50 miles away
- The Naukluft Mountains 67 miles away
- Lüderitz 134 miles away
- Walvis Bay 134 miles away
- Aus 147 miles away
- Swakopmund and Pelican Point 151 miles away
- Windhoek 186 miles away
- The Central Highlands 202 miles away
- Erongo Mountains 213 miles away
- Fish River Canyon 255 miles away
Photos of Sossusvlei & Sesriem
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![Climbing the sand dunes at Sossusvlei]()
Climbing the sand dunes at Sossusvlei -
![Sossusvlei, Namibia]()
Sossusvlei, Namibia -
![Sossusvlei, Namibia]()
Sossusvlei, Namibia -
![Dawn at Sossusvlei]()
Dawn at Sossusvlei -
![Sossusvlei, Namibia]()
Sossusvlei, Namibia -
![Dead vlei pan at Sossusvlei, Namibia]()
Dead vlei pan at Sossusvlei, Namibia -
![Hot air ballooning at Sossusvlei, Namibia]()
Hot air ballooning at Sossusvlei, Namibia -
![Deadvlei]()
Deadvlei
Accommodation choices for Sossusvlei & Sesriem
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Sossusvlei & Sesriem. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
Desert Quiver Camp
Desert Quiver offers simple but modern self-catering accommodation, situated just five kilometers from the entrance to Sossusvlei.
Hoodia Desert Lodge
A warm greeting, a cool towel and a cold drink welcome guests at this lodge after a dusty day on the road. The lodge enjoys a beautiful location conveniently close to the national park entrance for Sossusvlei at Sesriem.
Desert Homestead Lodge
Close to some of Namibia’s greatest desert scenery, Desert Homestead Lodge is a welcoming, characterful option surrounded by rugged mountains. Combining African style and Western comforts, the lodge makes an excellent base for exploring the towering dunes of Namib-Naukluft National Park.
Kulala Desert Lodge
Offering a wealth of activities that allow you to explore the vast desert landscape and its wildlife, Kulala Desert Lodge is the closest lodge to Sossusvlei, boasting its own private entrance to Namib Nauklift National Park. It provides characterful, comfortable accommodation with a traditional atmosphere.
Sossusvlei Lodge
This lodge is located at the National Park entrance to Sesriem, the perfect base from which to explore the ancient dunes of Sossusvlei.
Little Kulala
Little Kulala is very arty and stylish. The rooms have been carefully designed and have dramatic desert views. We highly recommend it as somewhere totally unique to stay in the desert.
Little Sossus Lodge
This is a fairly simple, eco-friendly lodge. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the staff are warm and friendly.
The Desert Camp
This affordable accommodation comprises twenty units, each with en-suite bathroom, twin beds, shaded verandah with outside cooking facilities including a small zipped away kitchenette and bbq.
Sossus Dune Lodge
Sossus Dune Lodge is in a very convenient location to visit Sossusvlei, with the added benefit of being very close to Sesriem Canyon. It is also a great lodge from which to access the dunes at first light.
Ideas for experiencing Sossusvlei & Sesriem
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Sossusvlei & Sesriem, and which use the best local guides.
Sossusvlei Dune Excursion
Enjoy the amazing scenery of Sossusvlei, and maybe take a short walk to Dead Vlei, a bizarre collection of ancient camelthorn trees, or climb the nearby dunes.
Sunset Horse Riding
Riders wind their way across the grassy plains and through ancient water courses and eventually up a steep mountain track, where a friendly barman with a selection of cocktails awaits them.