Sossusvlei And Deadvlei

Sossusvlei And Deadvlei

Sossusvlei, one of Namibia's most visited tourist attractions that lies in the heart of the Namib Desert surrounded by huge red and orange dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. The vlei itself is basically a dried-up lakebed and is used mainly as a parking lot for those wanting to climb the dunes or take a short walk to Deadvlei for scenic photography opportunities.

There are two parking lots, one is found 5km's from the vlei and this is for people who do not have 4x4's, and then there is, of course, Sossusvlei itself, and this can only be accessed by 4x4 vehicles. NOTE; if you are not skilled at 4x4 sand driving and get stuck, there is a tow out service at a rather steep price.

Sossusvlei Facts

  • Size: The vlei itself is tiny compared to the surrounding Namib Desert
  • When to visit the park: Year-round
  • Rainfall: Erratic, 63mm per annum varying
  • Altitude: 1000m to 2000m above sea level
  • Location: 63 Km from Sesriem
  • Accommodation: Namib Desert Lodges

Information On Sossusvlei

At Sossusvlei towering mountains of sand surround huge, dried-up lakebeds and red and orange sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. Located in the Namib Naukluft Park, the largest conservation area in Africa, and the fourth-largest in the world, the best time to view Sossusvlei is at sunrise; the colours are strong and constantly changing, allowing for wonderful photographic opportunities.

The renowned Sossusvlei sand dunes are a massive 300 metres high - the highest in the world. During exceptional rainy seasons, Sossusvlei may fill with water, but normally it is bone dry with intense midday heat.

Desert mammals include three species of elephant shrew, desert golden mole, dune hairy-footed gerbil, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, African wild cat, spotted hyena, brown hyena, springbok, The reptile residents are fascinating and include lizards, barking geckos, crickets, spiders and snakes such as Peringuey's Adder.

Birdlife include black eagle, lappet-faced vulture, greater kestrel, Gray's lark, dune lark. Herero chat.

Where is Sossusvlei located?

Sossusvlei is located in the heart of the Namib Desert approximately 63 kilometres from the main Sesriementrance gate along a beautiful tarred (paved road).

  • Sossusvlei to Walvisbay = 381km
  • Sossusvlei to Swakopmund = 408km
  • Sossusvlei to Windhoek = 371km
  • Sossusvlei to the Fish River Canyon (Hobas) = 580km

To view the exact location of Sossusvlei via Google Maps, click the following link: Google Maps - Sossusvlei

Best Time to Visit Sossusvlei?

The winter months are best for visiting as the day are mild and the evenings are cool, summertime temperatures can be extremely hot with the occasional temperatures nearing the 50-degree celsius mark.

If you are visiting in the summer months, make sure you get access to the area by early morning, hence avoiding the heat of the day.

Main Attractions Of Sossusvlei

  • Hiking the world's largest and brightest coloured sand dunes at Sossusvlei
  • Gain a true desert experience
  • Come face to face with prehistoric Welwitschia plants
  • Tracking the small desert creatures and observing their adaptation patterns
  • Sossusvlei when it has flooded
  • Photography
  • Scenic balloon or light aircraft tour
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