What are you looking for?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY
Email us
(optional)

Sossusvlei

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

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.

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

Alice Lombard, Destination Expert

Free safari planning advice from destination experts

Help me plan

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us
Our contact at Discover Africa was knowledgeable and helpful and made our...

Cape Town, Sabi Sands & Botswana Safari Review

Jan, United States
27 Oct 2024
Another perfect adventure with Discover Africa

11 Day Kruger Adventure Safari Review

Gary Lowen, Australia
24 Sep 2024
Experience of a Lifetime

6 Day Cape Town Adventure & Kruger Safari Review

Amanda, United States
12 Sep 2024
No detail left undone

9 Day Rwanda Gorilla and Kenya Migration Review

Yana, United States
11 Sep 2024
Responded promptly and very kind.

5 Day Chobe & Okavango Delta Safari Review

Audrey, United States
10 Jul 2024
The Perfect Blend of Knowledgeable Advice and Friendly Service