The Sossusvlei Dunes: one of Namibia's greatest drawcards

Sossusvlei is located in the Namib-Naukluft Park, a prime destination in Namibia that showcases mammoth sand dunes up to 325m in height. The gates to the park are open to the public between sunrise and sunset and the dunes can be reached after an hour drive from the Sesriem entrance gate. 

These so-called star-shaped dunes come in a myriad of red and orange shades and were formed by aeons of forceful winds whipping past in different directions. A sought after subject for artists and photographers, they are best viewed at the break and end of day when the warm tones of the dunes are starkly contrasted against the glaring pale surfaces of the large clay pans that lie prostrate at their bases. 

Conquer Big Daddy, one of the tallest dunes in the world or wander along the outskirts of the Deadvlei pan’s alien landscape, dotted with 800-year old camelthorn trees. Hot air balloon over the contrasting terrain at sunrise followed by a champagne breakfast in the desert, enjoy scenic flights over the area or learn about the unique ecosystem that has been forced to adapt in this persistently barren land.

Highlights

  • Probably Namibia’s most popular tourist site and found inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park 
  • Climb the second tallest sand dune in the world
  • Excellent photographic opportunities at sunrise and sunset
  • Hot air ballooning over this area is a once in a lifetime opportunity to remember
  • Plenty of accommodation options in the area outside the park from lodges to camping
  • Best time to go:
  • Best
  • Mixed

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