Sossusvlei tours

What you see

Sossusvlei lies in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Some of the dunes here are among the tallest in the world. The highest, known as Big Daddy, reaches about 325 metres. Other dunes, such as Dune 45, stand beside the road, and you can climb one for the view across the sand sea.

Deadvlei is a white clay pan a short walk from Sossusvlei. Its blackened camelthorn trees died after the river that fed them changed course, and the dry air has kept them standing. Against the white floor and the orange dune behind, they are one of Namibia's most photographed scenes.

Sossusvlei itself fills with water only after rare heavy rains, sometimes years apart. Most of the time it is a dry, pale pan. Fog that drifts in from the Atlantic gives the plants and animals of the desert extra moisture.

How a Sossusvlei day works

Sesriem is the gate to the dunes. From there a tarmac road of about 60 kilometres leads towards the main pan, and the last stretch needs a 4x4. That is one reason a guided tour with a 4x4 safari vehicle makes things simple.

On our 10 day tour:

• Arrival day. Drive from Windhoek through the Khomas Hochland, stop at Sesriem Canyon, and watch the sun set over the dunes.
• Dune day. Be at the dunes at sunrise with early access included in the tour, walk to Deadvlei and spend the morning on the sand. An optional scenic flight over the dunes is available.

Wear closed shoes and bring a hat, sunglasses and water. Dune climbs are optional and you go at your own pace.

Best time to visit

Sossusvlei can be visited all year. Mornings are cool, especially in winter (June to August), and by midday the sand is very hot, so the early start matters in every season. Summer afternoons are the hottest. Clear skies are common, which suits photography. For month-by-month detail, see Namibia weather and best time to visit.

How long to stay

Two nights allows one sunrise and one sunset, which is what we recommend. One night works if you are short on time but leaves little margin if the weather turns.

Where you sleep

Our 10 day tour uses Namib Desert Lodge or Sossus Oasis (mid-range), and Sossus Dune Lodge or Little Kulala (luxury). Lodge names depend on availability and are confirmed in your quote.

Weather in Sossusvlei, month by month

Rain is very rare in every month. The bigger swing is between day and night: in June and July nights fall to about 7 to 8°C while the days stay near 23°C, so dress in layers at sunrise. Summer days are hotter, close to 30°C.

What to bring

• Closed shoes with a firm sole. Sand gets hot, and Deadvlei is a walk.
• A hat, sunglasses and sun cream. There is almost no shade on the dunes.
• At least a litre of water each. Your guide carries more in the vehicle.
• A scarf or light cover for your camera. Wind can lift fine sand.
• A warm layer for sunrise from May to September.

Photography and respect for the desert

The first and last hour of light gives the dunes their shape and colour, with one side in shadow and the other in orange. Wide-angle lenses work well at Deadvlei. Ask your guide about the park rules for the pans and the dead trees, and take all your rubbish with you. The desert recovers slowly from damage.

Visit Sossusvlei with White Dove Tours

• Namibia Unveiled, 10 day tour. Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, plus Swakopmund, Damaraland and Etosha. View the tour
• A tour built for you. Prefer a shorter dunes-and-coast trip? Plan your tour