Sossusvlei Safari

The Heart of Namibia’s Red Dune Desert

A Sossusvlei safari is an invitation to immerse yourself in the surreal beauty of Namibia and one of Africa’s most photographed landscapes. Sossusvlei is a vast sea of red-orange sand dunes winding across the Namib Desert, the oldest desert on Earth.

Here, time is suspended. The immense stillness is almost primordial, and the rush of the modern world melts away. Being in Sossusvlei, Namibia, at dawn is a private spectacle, an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime moment.

The Exclusive Sossusvlei Experience: Before Dawn Access

Most travellers miss the golden hour. They reach the Sossusvlei dunes only after sunrise, when the main park gate opens and crowds begin to gather. That dawn magic has begun to fade.

For the discerning traveller, we ensure your journey is different.

Staying at a lodge within the Namib-Naukluft National Park gives you a gate access privilege. This means you’re granted a rare distinction: the dunes at first light, in complete silence, ensuring your photos of this African red dune desert are free of tourists.

The Allure of Sossusvlei Dunes

Sossusvlei is in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It’s defined by towering dunes, shifting colours, and ancient salt pans. The orange Sossusvlei dunes are among the highest in the world, their tones deepening to crimson as the sun arcs across the sky. You’ll see the African red dune desert at its most magnificent.

At its heart lies Deadvlei, a striking white clay pan scattered with 900-year-old camel thorn trees, scorched by the sun. They aren’t fossilised or petrified, but rather naturally mummified, their desiccated remains preserved by the Namib’s hyper-arid climate. The eerie, skeletal landscape makes for extraordinary photos.

Nearby, Big Daddy, a dune standing more than 325 metres tall, challenges you to climb it for a commanding view of the red dune desert in Africa.

What to See and Do on Your Sossusvlei Safari

Big Daddy and Dune 45: Tallest Dunes in Sossusvlei

Conquer some of the tallest dunes in the world at sunrise for unparalleled panoramic views of the famous tree cemetery and the spectacular apricot-coloured desert.

Deadvlei: A Photographer’s Paradise

Deadvlei’s trees grew when the Tsauchab River flowed, but when the climate changed, the dry weather caused the trees to desiccate instead of decompose. These dead black trees make a striking contrast against the bleached clay pan and orange dunes, a rare and otherworldly sight.

Sesriem Canyon: Unique Rock Formations

The 30m-deep Sesriem Canyon was carved by the Tsauchab River millions of years ago. Its dramatic geological formations are worth exploring. It was named by early Afrikaans explorers who had to use six (“ses”) straps (“riem”) tied together to create a rope to lower buckets into the canyon to collect water.

Spot Desert Wildlife

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.

Stargaze

You’re in the NamibRand International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the clearest stargazing locations on Earth. Away from all light pollution, the sheer volume of stars above you is a breathtaking, magical spectacle you’ll never forget.

Luxury Lodging and Seamless Logistics

Luxury lodges around Sossusvlei redefine desert luxury and offer profound solitude and quiet. Stone and glass architecture blends seamlessly into the sand; retractable roofs offer a private window to the stars; guides tailor your days to your rhythm, ensuring every moment of your Sossusvlei desert experience is personal.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Sossusvlei?

The best time to visit Sossusvlei, Namibia, is between May and September. During these mild, dry winter months, the skies are clear, the temperatures are ideal, and visibility for photography and stargazing is optimal.

How to Get to Sossusvlei

The Africa red dune desert is more accessible than you might think. You can fly into Hosea Kutako International Airport near Windhoek, then you’ll connect via a light aircraft to the Sesriem Airstrip. The view of the shifting orange Sossusvlei sand dunes in Namibia from above is a mesmerising perspective.

Why Wait?

Inspired by this place? We’re here to help you craft your ultimate Sossusvlei safari, a journey that adds a remarkable new chapter to your story. Explore our range of Namibia tours that will take you to this remarkable destination during a luxury safari.