The Ultimate Guide to Sossusvlei

One Day Itinerary for Sossusvlei

6 AM: Driving to Sossusvlei

For this itinerary, we’ll start in Sesriem, the closest town to Sossusvlei, where you’ll spend 2 nights as you explore the area. Depending on the location of your lodge and the time of year, aim to be among the first few cars in line at the national park gate. Even better, consider staying inside the park to start your day earlier than the official opening hours, before the crowds arrive. However, you'll need to secure one of the limited spots inside well in advance.

I was unable to find a lodge inside the park and ended up booking one about 30 minutes away from Sesriem. This meant waking up at 5 AM to be at the gate by 6:15 AM, which is the park's opening time in October. The opening hours vary depending on the season, so be sure to check the time with your accommodation in advance.

Once you reach the first gate, wait in line to get your car registered by security, then head straight to Deadvlei as quickly as possible to catch the morning light. You don’t have to pay the entrance fee immediately; you can pay it at the office near the second gate on your way out, so you don’t miss the golden hour.

6:30 AM: Take Photos of the Sand Dunes at Sunrise

From the second gate, you'll drive for about 40 minutes until you reach the 2WD parking lot, which is still about 10 minutes away from Deadvlei. Don't forget to enjoy the view of the sand dunes as you drive closer to Sossusvlei. I took so many photos along the way, as the light was perfect and wouldn't have looked as epic if the sun had risen any higher.

Along the way, you'll pass massive sand dunes like Dune 45, which you'll visit later in the day, as well as other iconic dunes that make this place so famous among photographers. You can stop along the side of the road, but make sure you're completely off to the side so you don't obstruct traffic.

From the parking lot, you have the option to deflate your car tires and drive on the soft, rolling sand dunes yourself, or take the provided shuttle for 200 NAD (10 USD) per person for a round trip. Unless you're an experienced desert driver, I recommend opting for the shuttle instead of driving yourself. I saw several cars get stuck in the sand because they didn’t know how to navigate the dunes properly.

Once you're on the shuttle, it will take about 10 minutes to reach Sossusvlei. From there, you'll need to walk for about 10 more minutes across the sand dunes to reach Deadvlei, where you'll find the surreal dead trees set against the salt pan.

7:30 AM: Explore Deadvlei and Hike Sand Dunes

Congratulations, you’ve now arrived at Deadvlei, meaning "dead marsh" in Afrikaans. This striking white clay pan is home to ancient, dark, dead camel thorn trees set against a bright white pan floor, surrounded by some of the world’s highest sand dunes. You can see why this place is so popular among us photographers 😉.

Its surreal beauty is one thing, but this place also has a fascinating history that makes it even more incredible. It’s believed that the pan was formed when the Tsauchab River flooded, allowing camel thorn trees to grow. However, as the climate changed and sand dunes encroached, the river was blocked, leading to the death of the trees. These trees, estimated to be around 900 years old, have not decomposed due to the dry climate, creating the unique scene you see today.

As you approach Deadvlei, you will have the option to either go straight to Deadvlei or hike the Big Daddy Dune, one of the world's tallest sand dunes, standing approximately 325 meters (1,066 feet) high. Hiking this massive dune is a popular activity for those who prefer a more active experience and want to see Sossusvlei from a high vantage point, which is definitely best seen on a massive sand dune like Big Daddy.

The hike typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on your fitness levels and weather conditions. Given the challenging nature of the climb, I recommend you start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and to carry enough water. Since I am a photographer and the morning light is limited, I had to prioritize taking photos at Deadvlei over hiking the massive sand dune.

That said, I was curious, so I decided to hike up a bit to get a view of Deadvlei and its surroundings from above, and it was truly incredible, even from the ridge. You can take as many photos as you want down in the salt pan, but before you leave, make sure to hike a little further up Big Daddy Dune to see the place from above. You’ll truly appreciate just how surreal the whole area is from that vantage point.

For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, you can explore Deadvlei and capture the iconic shots of the dead tree silhouettes set against the bright orange rolling sand dunes. I recommend focusing on the trees further away, as you’ll encounter fewer people and be able to isolate the trees for better photos.

You can also venture a little further to explore some hidden gems around Sossusvlei, like the Hidden Vlei, hike the alternative Big Mamma Dune, or simply wander around and walk up the many sand dunes in the area. You really can’t go wrong with any of these options! I’ve been to many deserts in my life, and I’ve never seen anything quite like this!

Once you've finished exploring Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, head back to the shuttle and drive to Dune 45, the massive dune you probably saw on your way to Sossusvlei. If you didn’t hike Big Daddy Dune earlier, you can also hike it here.

10:30 AM: Hike Dune 45

Sand dunes in Namibia are often numbered according to the road they are located on, with a few iconic ones like "Big Daddy" and "Big Mamma" standing out with their unique names. However, don't underestimate the numbered dunes, as they can be just as stunning! One that I highly recommend you visit is Dune 45.

This iconic dune is famous for its striking red-orange hue, especially at sunrise and sunset, and offers one of the best viewpoints in the Sossusvlei region. Standing over 170 meters tall, it’s easily accessible and provides a rewarding climb, with incredible panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.

I was there around 10:30 AM, and although it was getting pretty hot, it was still manageable thanks to the dune’s height and isolation, which brought a much-needed breeze to keep me hiking further up. The view from the top is quite different from Big Daddy Dune, but still very rewarding. It’s a great spot to visit, especially for those who want to climb a sand dune but don’t want to spend 2 hours doing it at Deadvlei.

11:30 AM: Hike around Sesriem Canyon

After you're done hiking Dune 45, head back to the park’s gate and make sure to pay the entrance fee at the office near the second gate. Then, you can continue to Sesriem Canyon, which is located between the first and second gates. This way, you won't have to backtrack to pay the ticket again once you're finished with the canyon and ready to exit the park.

To get to the canyon, take this unpaved road at the intersection near Sesriem Campsite, which will lead you to the canyon's parking area. From there, you can hike around Sesriem Canyon. Although the canyon may not look very impressive from the parking area, you’ll be surprised to find that it’s much deeper and extends further than it appears from above ground.

Sesriem Canyon is a significant geological feature shaped over millions of years by the Tsauchab River. The canyon is approximately 1 kilometer long and reaches depths of up to 30 meters. Fun fact, the name "Sesriem" is derived from the Afrikaans words for "six" (ses) and "leather thongs" (riem). Early Afrikaans explorers named the canyon after the fact that they had to use six leather straps tied together to create a rope long enough to lower buckets into the canyon below, in order to fetch water.

Here, you can hike along its 1-km dry riverbed and get a firsthand look at just how deep it really is. It's a fun and easy hike that allows you to experience a more diverse landscape of this region. It's not all sand dunes here 😉. You can spend about 30 minutes hiking around the canyon before exiting the park.

That said, it's important to note that the canyon can become extremely hot during midday, with temperatures rising significantly. The heat is reflected by the canyon walls, and the sand can become unbearably hot. Therefore, I recommend visiting during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, and wearing sturdy footwear for the hike.

I was there at midday, and let me tell you, I could only hike for about 20 minutes before I decided to call it a day. It was a long day for me, as I woke up at 5 AM, but also due to the unbearable heat, even though I was there in October, which isn't even the hottest month of the year! Otherwise, be sure to stay under shade and pack enough water!

12:30 PM: Drive Back to Your Lodge and Chill

After you're done with the canyon, you can retreat for the day and enjoy the facilities and amenities your lodge offers. Let me tell you, after spending over 13 days driving around Namibia, I’ve come to the conclusion that Namibian accommodations are tourist attractions in and of themselves. These lodges are so well designed and built that sometimes, you just want to spend half a day doing nothing but sunbathing by the pool while overlooking the wildlife of Africa roaming free.

Although my accommodation was quite far from Sesriem, I couldn't complain much, as it was one of the best lodges I stayed at in Namibia. Since I went with Namibia2Go, a subsidiary of the Gondwana Collection company, as my car and accommodation provider, they put me at Namib Desert Lodge, one of Gondwana's lodges located about 30 minutes away from everything. I was so glad that I had some time to enjoy its facilities, as they have quite a lot to offer.

They have a lovely restaurant right by the pool that serves some of the best game meat I’ve ever tried in Namibia. There's also an animal watering hole right in front of our lodge where we could watch animals directly from our window, which I thought was awesome. There were many oryx, jackals, and other animals to see. They also offer a sunset hiking trail you can embark on, although I ended up just sitting by the pool and relaxing. It was a much-needed rest after driving in a car for so long. 😁

So if you have a few hours to kill here, be sure to splurge a bit on the lodge and take full advantage of the awesome facilities and amenities. This is where you’ll get your money’s worth 😉 before retiring for the day.

Where to Stay in Sossusvlei?

Budget

Sossus Oasis Campsite

$ | Campsite without Tent

See Availability

👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Desert Quiver Camp

$$ | Twin Room

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High-End

Dead Valley Lodge

$$$ | Chalet

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View More Hotels

When to Visit Sossusvlei?

The best time to visit Sossusvlei in Namibia is during the dry winter months, from June to mid-September. This period offers cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall, which makes for an ideal condition to enjoy an outdoor destination like Sossusvlei.

If you're looking for the best conditions for photography, consider waking up early and visiting Sossusvlei at sunrise. The true beauty of Sossusvlei shines during the golden hour, when the light is at its best and the weather is pleasantly cool.

You can visit in May or October, but daytime temperatures tend to be higher, making outdoor activities more challenging. I visited in October, and while the morning was comfortable, being in the sun at noon became unbearable as the heat intensified.

Visiting slightly outside the recommended period is possible, but keep in mind that Sossusvlei offers little shade due to its desert landscape. Make sure you're prepared for the intense heat and pack plenty of water!

How to Get to Sossusvlei?

Visiting Sossusvlei as a Multi-Day Trip from Windhoek

There are several ways to get to Sossusvlei, but first, you’ll need to make your way to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. You can find plenty of flights on platforms like Skyscanner or Expedia.

Once you are there, if you do not want to rent a car and drive to Sossusvlei yourself, you can go with one of the many multi-day trips that start in Windhoek and will take you to Sossusvlei as well as other tourist attractions near the west coast, depending on which organized tour you pick. Here are all the available multi-day tours that leave from Windhoek.

Tours will be a bit more expensive than renting a car and driving yourself, but they save you from dealing with the logistics of the trip. You can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. This option is ideal for those with limited time in Namibia, such as a 5-day visit, or for those who don't know how to drive or prefer not to. If you have more time, I highly recommend the next option: renting a car and driving there yourself. More details below.

Renting a Car and Drive from Windhoek to Sossusvlei

Before your trip, make sure you organize the car rental beforehand so the company can pick you up at the airport and take you to their office to get your car ready. I rented a 4x4 Toyota Fortuner from Namibia2Go, which was awesome through and through. You can read my review of them here.

Once you've got your car, it will take about 5 hours to drive to Sossusvlei via the B1 road. The B1 is Namibia's main highway and is mostly paved, making your trip much smoother. While the C26 may seem like a shorter route, it consists almost entirely of gravel roads, which will slow you down considerably. Google Maps may recommend both routes, so be sure to choose the B1 over the C26!

Since the drive is quite long, I recommend staying overnight in Windhoek or arriving early so you can start the drive before 12 PM. Otherwise, you risk arriving late at night, which most car rental companies discourage due to the danger of hitting wildlife. Some may even fine you if their GPS tracker detects nighttime driving. If you plan to drive, you might want to check this out too: Things I Wish I Knew Before Renting and Driving a Car in Namibia.

The place you will stay overnight is called Sesriem, which is the closest town to Sossusvlei. Unless you are planning to camp inside the national park, this town is where you will base yourself. This is perfect as the town is right at the entrance of the park, making an early morning trip, which I recommend you make, more feasible.

To get from Sesriem to Sossusvlei, you will have to go through the national park gate, which opens at sunrise and closes at sunset time, so it has no fixed opening hours as the time will depend on the season. You can ask your lodge the day before when it is open and you can plan your visit from there.

From the gate, you'll drive for another 40 minutes to this parking lot, where the paved road ends. From there, you can either drive on the sand dunes (which I only recommend for those with experience driving in the desert), or you can opt for the shuttle service, which runs frequently and costs 200 NAD (11 USD) per person for a round trip. I saw many cars stuck in the sand, so if you're not experienced, I suggest taking the shuttle instead.

If you want to be here at sunrise, the only way you can do it is to stay inside the national park, either at its provided campsites or its collection lodges, which requires advance planning as these places get booked out extremely fast and for months in advance. You can book the park's accommodation from their official website or book other accommodation near the entrance here.

How much does it cost to visit Sossusvlei?

If you’re visiting Sossusvlei on a multi-day trip, the tour will likely cost over 400 USD per person depending on how many days you want to spend on the trip. If you are driving there yourself, the car rental cost starts from 50 USD per day with about 40 USD for a full tank of gas, and then you can calculate the cost based on how many days you want to rent.

The campsite costs about 30 USD, but you will have to bring your own tent. Some cars come equipped with a tent, so you might want to consider that when renting a car. Lodges and chalets in Sesriem can range from 150 - 400 USD per night, so how much you spend here will depend on the level of comfort you prefer.

The entrance fee to Sossusvlei is 150 NAD (8 USD) per person and 50 NAD (2.3 USD) per car, and you can either pay at the office located near the second gate when you enter or when you exit. If you want to rush for sunrise, you do not have to stop at the office and pay right away; pay it when you exit instead.

How Long does it take to visit Sossusvlei?

Since I recommend visiting as early in the day as possible, expect to spend at least 6–7 hours at Sossusvlei. There are many other points of interest inside the park, beyond the dead trees at Deadvlei, so be sure to take your time and explore all the hidden spots thoroughly.

I started my journey at 5 AM since my lodge was a bit farther from Sesriem. I arrived at the national park gate at 6:15 AM, right on time. After driving for about 40 minutes to the parking lot, I took the shuttle all the way to the end, reaching Deadvlei around 7:30 AM. I spent about 3.5 hours taking photos and hiking the sand dunes before heading back to my car. I drove around the park for a bit until about 12:30 PM when it got too hot. By 1:30 PM, I was back at the lodge and retreated for the day.

Is it Safe to Visit Sossusvlei?

The only thing to be mindful of here is the harsh climate. Be sure to pack snacks and plenty of water, as there are no places to buy anything once you pass the entrance gate. Keep active activities like hiking to the early mornings, and avoid spending too much time in the sun during the afternoon. Other than that, you should be completely fine here.

What to Pack for Sossusvlei?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Sossusvlei, Namibia:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Sossusvlei, Namibia in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: For buses, I always go with Omio when traveling in Sossusvlei, Namibia while for trains, Omio is my go-to place to book all my train travels in advance.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Namibia

If you are looking for more articles about Namibia, here are a few articles that might help you plan your trip:

• For a complete itinerary to Namibia, check out: 2 Weeks in Namibia: A Road Trip Itinerary.
• Feeling a bit overwhelmed with planning your trip to Namibia? Check out this easy-to-follow guide: Namibia Bucket List: 10 Must-Do Experiences.
• Planning to visit Southern Namibia? You gotta stop by Luderitz! Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Luderitz.
• Who wants to visit an abandoned ghost town in Namibia? Kolmanskop is the famous ghost town often featured in many mainstream media and here is A Complete Guide to Namibia’s Ghost Town.
• Out of all the cities I visited in Namibia, Swakopmund is hands down my favorite. To get the best out of it, be sure to check out: A Guide to Swakopmund: 10 Best Things to Do and More
• You can’t visit Namibia without exploring Sossusvlei, home to the surreal sand dune landscapes the country is known for. To help you plan your trip, check out: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sossusvlei.
• Want to visit Sandwich Harbor but not sure where to begin? Check this out: A Complete Travel Guide to Sandwich Harbor
• Spitzkoppe is one of the most surreal places to visit in Namibia, and it would be a shame to come all the way to Namibia without seeing it. Here's a complete travel guide to Spitzkoppe.
• Have you ever dreamed of going on a self-drive safari in Africa? Well, you can do that in Etosha National Park in Namibia. Here's A Complete Self-Drive Safari Guide to Etosha National Park.
• If you want to see a real authentic Himba village and interact with the Himba people, here's a travel guide for you: Visiting the Himba Tribe: A Complete Guide.
• Planning to rent a car and drive in Namibia? You might wanna check this out: 11 Things I Wish I Knew Before Driving in Namibia.
• Not sure which car rental company to choose in Namibia? Here's my experience with Namibia2Go: Renting a Car with Namibia2Go: My Review.
• To see all articles about Namibia, be sure to check out our Namibia travel guide page.
• Looking for more travel guides for Africa? You will find more over at our Africa page.
• For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.