Situated in the largest conservation area in Africa (the 50,000 km² (19,300 sq mi) Namib-Naukluft National Park), Sossusvlei is possibly Namibia’s most spectacular and best-known attraction. It is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red sand dunes to make this one of the natural wonders of Africa and a photographer's heaven.
Sossusvlei literally translates to “dead-end marshâ€, as it is the place where the dunes come together preventing the Tsauchab River from flowing any further, some 60km east of the Atlantic Ocean. However, due to the dry conditions in the Namib Desert the river seldom ...
Situated in the largest conservation area in Africa (the 50,000 km² (19,300 sq mi) Namib-Naukluft National Park), Sossusvlei is possibly Namibia’s most spectacular and best-known attraction. It is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red sand dunes to make this one of the natural wonders of Africa and a photographer's heaven.
Sossusvlei literally translates to “dead-end marshâ€, as it is the place where the dunes come together preventing the Tsauchab River from flowing any further, some 60km east of the Atlantic Ocean. However, due to the dry conditions in the Namib Desert the river seldom flows this far and the pan remains bone-dry most years. During an exceptional rainy season the Tsauchab fills the pan, drawing visitors and photographers from all over the world to witness the surreal and spectacular site of ducks and even flamingos in the middle of a reflective, glassy “lake†in the middle of the desert! When the pan fills it can hold water for as long as a year.
We will arrive at Sossusvlei early, as it is the best time for photographs and not too hot yet, and have plenty of time to enjoy some of the many highlights that surrounds Sossusvlei itself:
Dune 45, the most photographed dune on earth (situated 45 km past Sesriem on the road to Sossusvlei)
Hiddenvlei, perfect if you are looking for solitude in the desert
The magnificently tall Big Daddy dune
Deadvlei, a world famous paradise for photographers, as it is punctuated by blackened, dead acacia trees, in vivid contrast to the shiny white of the salty floor of the pan and the intense orange of the dunes
Sesriem Canyon, a narrow gorge of 1 km long and up to 30 m deep slashed into the earth by the Tsauchab river millions of years ago. The name derives from the Afrikaans for the 6 lengths of ropes that were needed to haul water out of the gorge to the top with containers in days gone by.
Despite the harsh desert conditions, there are a wide variety of plants and animals that have adapted to survive here. These include insects, reptiles, birds, mammals and many desert adapted plants, flowers and fruits, like Namibia’s national plant, the bizarre Welwitschia. We will certainly keep our eyes open for any interesting species of fauna and flora, including mammals like Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, Gemsbok, Springbok, Klipspringer, Steenbok, Common Duiker, South African Ground Squirrel, Cape Hare, Yellow Mongoose, Common Rock Hyrax, Bat-eared Fox, and even Leopard if we are very lucky.
Avian specials in this area include Verreaux’s and Martial Eagle, Augur Buzzard, Lanner and Pygmy Falcon, Burchell’s and Double-banded Courser, Kori and Ludwig’s Bustard, Rüppell’s Korhaan, Double-banded and Namaqua Sandgrouse and more. There are of course also many reptiles in attendance, so look out for Namaqua Chameleon, Puff Adder and much more.
Situated in the largest conservation area in Africa (the 50,000 km² (19,300 sq mi) Namib-Naukluft National Park), Sossusvlei is possibly Namibia’s most spectacular and best-known attraction. It is where you ...
Situated in the largest conservation area in Africa (the Namib-Naukluft National Park), the area known as Sossusvlei is possibly Namibia’s most spectacular and best-known attraction. However, it is Deadvlei that ...
(The gates open at sunrise) We will drive for about 30 minutes while appreciating the beauty of the sun that is rising over the amazing red dunes. The dunes in ...
We will drive through the Khomas Highland and down the escarpment (remember Windhoek sits at 1,700 metres/ 5,600 feet above sea level!) via one of the many scenic mountain passes ...
Situated in the heart of the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei, one of the most fascinating landscapes in Namibia, is a photographer’s dream. Gigantic orange dunes, dramatic shadows, undulating plains and ...
Discover the fossilised dunes, the red dunes above the plateau and the many wonders of the Namib Desert on this guides drive around Gondwana Namib Park. ...
The lodge is situated within &BEYOND Sossusvlei Private Desert Reserve, a vast 12 715 hectare (31 419 acre) expanse deep in the Namib, the world’s oldest living desert.
Set amidst an ...
A welcome oasis situated along the dry Auab riverbed in the Kulala Wilderness Reserve, Little Kulala celebrates the splendour and solitude of the Namib Desert. Excursions to Sossusvlei (via a ...
Kulala Desert Lodge is situated at the foot of the majestic Sossusvlei Dunes and is the closest lodge to Sossusvlei, accessed via a private gate exclusive to Wilderness Safaris.
Ideal for ...
The desert is calling, whispering sweet nothings in your ear, attracting lovers of life to celebrate the desert in a one-of-its-kind intimate desert hideaway. Creatively constructed with sublime desert views, ...
We invite you to experience the beauty and tranquillity of Hoodia Desert Lodge, surrounded by majestic mountains on the banks of the Tsauchab River. Only a 20 minute drive will ...
The Dead Valley lodge is situated inside the Namib – Naukluft Park, in-between Seriem and Elim Dune on the D826 road leading to the world-famous Dead Valley at Sossusvlei. The ...
Situated at the Entrance Gate to the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei Lodge offers direct access to the towering red sand dunes, the famous pan of Sossusvlei, the scorched black trees ...
Le Mirage Resort & Spa is a unique establishments in the Sossusvlei area. It is situated 21 km from the Sesriem gate to Sossusvlei. This makes it one of the ...
Treat yourself to desert elegance and an extra touch of grace!
Graceful spaces and gracious hospitality imbue this modern lodge with its elegance of yesteryear, spirited character and refreshingly stylish interior. ...
Desert Quiver Camp uniquely combines modern self-catering accommodation with comfort and style. Conveniently located a mere 5km from the entrance gate to Sossusvlei, the inspiring scenery characterised by granite outcrops, ...
Our popular 8-Day Classic Namibia Safari will take you to many of Namibia’s must-see natural wonders. We will visit the vast Namib Desert, a UNESCO ...