Overview
Sossusvlei safaris
One of Namibia’s most spectacular landmarks, the towering red dunes are some of the largest in the world. A photographer’s dream, at sunrise and sunset the dunes are ablaze with reds and oranges contrasted with the pitch blackness of their shaded sides.
A salt and clay plan, set within the vast expanse Namib Desert, Sossusvlei actually refers to the name of one pan but is often used to reference the wider area in which other pans such as Deadvlei, and the famous dunes of Dune 45 and Big Daddy are located.
In contrast to the sparsely vegetated Sossusvlei dunes, in the Deadvlei pan jagged branches from lifeless camel-thorn trees rise from the desert floor, creating a striking silhouette against the rich colour of the sand.
The never-ending sea of dunes that surrounds the desolate pans is an awe-inspiring sight and you’ll soon see why Sossusvlei is the most visited place in the Namib Desert.
Overview
Sossusvlei safaris
Itinerary ideas
Suggested itineraries for Namibia safaris
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Namibia Family Self-Drive Safari
Visit Namibia’s iconic highlights on your own self-drive adventure. Traverse rugged terrain, visiting the Gamsberg Mountains, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland and Etosha National Park.
More InfoGuide Price From £2,950 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (12 and under) sharing Duration 14 nights Best Months July - October Region Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, ![shutterstock_1627919908-scaled.jpg?w=1024&h=683&scale]()
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Namibian Honeymoon Escape
Embark on a romantic odyssey through the breathtaking landscapes of Namibia.
More InfoGuide Price From £9,925 per person (based on 2 adults) Duration 14 nights Best Months July - October Region Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, ![img_8024.jpg?w=1024&h=971&scale]()
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Luxury Namibia Safari
Maximise your time in Namibia with a luxurious fly-in, fly-out experience, taking you from the dunes of Sossusvlei to the impressive game of Etosha.
More InfoGuide Price From £10,490 per person (based on 2 adults) Duration 10 nights Best Months July - October Region Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, ![shutterstock_2152008031-scaled.jpg?w=1024&h=594&scale]()
Where is Sossusvlei?
A breathtaking natural wonder, Sossusvlei is located in the southern part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park and can easily be included in most family safari holidays.
To reach Sossusvlei, visitors typically fly into the capital, Windhoek, and embark on a scenic road trip of approximately 5-6 hours to the park’s entrance.
Once inside, a well-maintained road takes you to the parking area, from where you can either hike or take a shuttle to explore the mesmerising dunes and the iconic Deadvlei clay pan, providing a unique adventure in one of Africa’s most iconic settings.
What to do at Sossusvlei?
Exploring the Sossusvlei area is typically done in a 4×4, either as a self-drive or an arranged excursion. A typical day tour of Sossusvlei will include Deadvlei as well as a visit to the famous Big Daddy and the 80 m high Dune 45, where you can climb to the top for some superb views.
Seeing Deadvlei and Sossusvlei’s sand dunes at either sunrise or sunset is a truly spectacular experience but requires staying at a lodge close to the entrance of the park so some pre-planning is required. To escape the tourist crowds, a guided walking tour of the nearby Sesriem Canyon is a fascinating insight into the unique rock formations of the area.
Hot air balloon rides over Sossusvlei can also be arranged and are arguably the best way to really appreciate the vastness of this mesmerising desert landscape.
Best time to visit?
With almost year-round sunshine, Sossusvlei is an ideal place to visit at any time of year.
However, between March and October, the skies are clearer making for some incredible photography opportunities and temperatures are milder during this time too, making it the best time for family visits.
Who should visit?
Sossusvlei is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and photography fans. And the spectacular rolling dunes should be on anyone’s African bucket list.
The ever-changing interplay of light and shadow on the dunes make it a paradise for capturing stunning images.
Nature lovers will relish the unique desert flora and occasional wildlife sightings, while thrill-seeking teenagers can conquer the dunes through exhilarating activities like sand boarding or hot air balloon rides.
The huge range of activities on offer make an ideal stop on any family safari holiday to Namibia.
Places to stay
Recommended Sossusvlei accommodation
Places to stay
Recommended Sossusvlei accommodation
Why travel with Coral Tree?
We are the specialists in luxury Africa family safari holidays
We are Africa experts and also parents. We understand what makes a memorable family adventure.
Our knowledge and connections are unsurpassed
We have been living and working in African tourism for over two decades.
Every journey is tailored with your specific wishes in mind
No off-the-shelf packages or cookie-cutter itineraries. Unique family safaris.
Each trip funds grassroots conservation and girls education projects
You pay no more for the privilege, we support causes close to our hearts.
