Sossusvlei

• The scenic beauty of Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. A sought-after subject for photographers, the dunes are best viewed at the beginning and end of the day when the warm tones of the dunes are starkly contrasted against the glaring pale surfaces of the large clay pans that are scattered amongst the dunes.

• The tiring but exhilarating climb up Dune 45 and Big Daddy, amongst the tallest dunes in the world

• Dawn hot-air balloon trips over the dunes, followed by a champagne breakfast in the desert

• Desert-adapted wildlife such as gemsbok and ostrich

READ MORE about Sossusvlei and Western Namibia

Sossusvlei is an endorheic drainage basin for the Tsauchab River, with "Sossusvlei" roughly translating as "no return" or "dead-end marsh". Spectacular dunes, coloured bright red and orange by oxidised iron, surround the salt and clay pan. The Tsauchab River is ephemeral, and years of dry can pass before it flows, filling the bottom of the pan with precious but short-lived water.

Formed over millions of years, these huge dunes are composed entirely of sand that has blown in from the Kalahari Desert and the mouth of the Orange River. 

There is no accommodation in Namib-Naukluft National Parkwithin the immediate Sossusvlei area, but numerous options are within a short drive of the entry gate. Check out Sossusvlei accommodation options here (filter by place or lodge name) and follow the prompts to send us an enquiry.