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Sossusvlei is Namibia’s most visited attraction due to its landscape of undulating burnt orange and apricot-coloured dunes towering above the desert floor. This desert region epitomises the iconic Namibian desert holiday with its surreal landscapes and luxury lodges providing an unforgettable high-end safari experience.
Must-Visit Areas in Sossusvlei
You can’t miss climbing one of the tallest dunes in the world and exploring iconic photographic safari locations:
Big Daddy Dune: Tallest Dune in Sossusvlei
A highlight of any safari in Namibia is climbing to the top of Big Daddy, one of the tallest dunes in the world, towering at 325 m/1,066 ft. Rising above the Deadvlei, the viewpoint at the top is spectacular as you gaze down at the famous tree cemetery.
Deadvlei: A Photographer’s Paradise
Deadvlei is a white clay pan famous for its desiccated trees. The trees grew thanks to the abundance of water from the Tsauchab River, but when the climate changed, the dry weather caused the trees to desiccate instead of decompose. These dead camel thorn trees, with their striking contrast against the bleached clay pan and orange dunes, are fascinating subjects for photographers.
Sesriem Canyon: Unique Rock Formations
Sesriem is a canyon that was carved by the Tsauchab River millions of years ago that’s worth exploring due to the stunning geological formations. Early Afrikaans explorers in the region named the canyon; they had to use six (“ses”) belts (“riem”) tied together to create a rope to lower buckets into the canyon to collect water.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Sossusvlei?
Visit during the winter, from May to September, for cooler weather and clearer skies. Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic scenery, perfect for photographic safaris.
Wildlife Found in Sossusvlei
This desolate area is home to unique desert-adapted animals. Larger wildlife includes oryxes, springboks, ostriches, hyenas, bat-eared foxes, and jackals. The smaller residents are the desert reptiles and insects, like beetles, spiders, snakes, and geckos.
How to Get to Sossusvlei
You can arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek and then opt for a road transfer to Sossusvlei, which takes about five hours. Alternatively, charter flights are available to nearby Sesriem airstrips.
