3 Days in Sossusvlei and Deadvlei – A Highlight of Our 3-Week Namibia Road Trip
Our 3-day journey to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei was one of the absolute highlights of our Namibia road trip. With unforgettable desert landscapes, spectacular sand dunes, and breathtaking starry skies, our time there left a deep impression. In this post, we share our experiences, tips, and recommendations for a visit to this unique region.
Table of Contents
The History of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei: The World’s Highest Sand Dunes
Getting to Sossusvlei
Our Accommodation: Camping Under the Starry Sky
Exploring the Area: Highlights
Big Daddy and Deadvlei
Dune 45
Dune 40
Hiddenvlei
Sesriem Canyon
Best Travel Time and Planning Tips
Costs and Useful Information
1. The History of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei in Namibia: The World’s Highest Sand Dunes
The history of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei is closely tied to the geological and climatic developments of the Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts in the world. Around 900 years ago, the seasonal Tsauchab River was blocked by sand dunes, creating clay pans like Deadvlei, which were once fed by water.
In Deadvlei, camelthorn trees perished due to lack of water. However, the extreme dryness prevented them from decomposing, leaving behind surreal black silhouettes preserved in the white clay pan.
The name “Sossusvlei” originates from the Nama language and means "dead-end marsh."
Today, Sossusvlei is a popular destination and a symbol of nature's timeless artistry.
2. Getting to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei in Namibia with a Stopover in Solitaire
The journey to Sossusvlei is an adventure in itself. On our 3-week Namibia road trip, this was one of our last stops after spending a few days at the Skeleton Coast.
Our five-hour drive on mostly unpaved but well-maintained gravel roads took us to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Along the way, we were greeted by endless landscapes, solitary acacia trees, and the occasional springbok.
Make sure to plan a stop in Solitaire, where a famous bakery awaits. The apple pie here is especially popular!
Our destination was the Sossusvlei area in the park, renowned for its towering sand dunes—up to 300 meters high—and the surreal Deadvlei landscape. A 4x4 vehicle is a must, although you can opt for a shuttle to reach Deadvlei (more on that later).
3. Our Accommodation: Camping Under the Starry Sky
On the way to the national park, you'll find various accommodation options ranging from campsites to lodges. We recommend staying inside the park for a significant time advantage, allowing you to reach the dunes earlier than most tourists.
We chose the Sesriem Campsite, which offers numerous private spots, barbecue facilities, communal bathrooms, a restaurant, and a small supermarket. Book early—late bookings might land you in the overflow camp, as we experienced for one night. While it’s less shady and hotter during the day, it’s manageable.
At night, the desert is illuminated by a starry sky—a dream for any amateur astronomer. Bring a camera with a tripod to capture long-exposure shots of the Milky Way.
4. Exploring the Area: Getting Around and Highlights
To reach Deadvlei and the famous dunes, you’ll need a vehicle. We recommend visiting in the early morning and late afternoon, but plan extra time for your return in the evening to avoid missing the gate closure at the campsite. Gate hours vary throughout the year based on sunrise and sunset times. Wildlife accidents, such as kudu collisions, can occur, so adhere to speed limits and drive cautiously. We experienced a slight rush during one return trip, as the beautiful surroundings made it hard to leave on time.
On one occasion, we stayed a bit too long enjoying the scenery and ended up rushing back. Keep in mind that it takes time to get from the dunes back to your car.
The last 5 kilometers to Deadvlei can be covered by shuttle (approximately €10 per person) or with your own car.
If driving yourself, a 4x4 is mandatory. Deflate your tires slightly, drive slowly (around 30 km/h), and keep moving steadily to avoid getting stuck in the sand.
We visited Deadvlei three times. For our first trip, we opted for the shuttle to assess the terrain. On the subsequent visits, we drove ourselves. While we managed without issue, we were always relieved upon safely reaching the parking area.
If you do get stuck, local drivers are available to help pull you out. This happens daily, though we didn’t find out how much they charge for assistance.
Big Daddy Dune and Deadvlei
The climb to Big Daddy Dune is intense, taking about 1.5 hours, and not everyone makes it to the top. Nearby is Big Mama Dune, which is equally impressive. However, we chose to skip the climb and instead spent our time in Deadvlei.
Deadvlei is like stepping into another world, with its ancient, dead camelthorn trees set against a surreal backdrop. The vivid colors and contrasts are especially stunning during sunrise and sunset, making it a photographer’s paradise.
Dune 45
Dune 45 is one of the most iconic and easily accessible dunes in Sossusvlei. It’s a great spot for first-timers, and watching the sunrise from its peak is a truly magical experience.
Dune 40
Although less famous than Dune 45, Dune 40 quickly became our favorite.
This dune is slightly smaller but far less crowded, offering a tranquil experience in the vast desert.
The climb is less strenuous, and the views of the surrounding red dunes and sandfields are absolutely breathtaking.
4. Best Travel Time and Planning Tips for Your Namibia Trip
The best time to visit Sossusvlei is from May to September, when temperatures are more moderate and the sun is less intense. We visited in November, and midday temperatures were quite high.
We recommend dedicating at least two full days to explore the area’s highlights without feeling rushed.
Our Tips:
Wake up early to experience the sights at sunrise, when the colors are most vibrant, and the heat is still manageable
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes
Plan your meals and provisions carefully, as shopping options in this remote area are limited
5. Costs and Useful Information
Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs for visiting Sossusvlei:
National Park Entry: ~150 NAD (€8) per person per day
Campsite: ~600 NAD (€30) per night for two people
Shuttle to Deadvlei: 200 NAD (€10) per person
Meals at the Campsite Restaurant: ~200 NAD (€10) for two people
Guided Tours: From 800 NAD (€40) per person
Our Verdict on Sossusvlei in Namibia
Our days in Sossusvlei and Deadvlei were unforgettable, showcasing Namibia’s incredible diversity. At first glance, the desert may appear monotonous, but it is full of life, color, and magic. If you’re planning a trip to Namibia, Sossusvlei is an absolute must-visit!
Need more tips for your Namibia road trip? Check out these posts:
Want more insights into our travels? Visit our Instagram profiles: tom_rbg_ and anna_rbg_ . Feel free to message us with any questions about our routes!
