Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is one of the most extraordinary places in the Namib Desert; home to the highest sand dunes in the world surrounded by ancient volcanic mountains and one of Namibia's most outstanding features.
Sossusvlei Highlights
Sossusvlei means 'the gathering place of water' and in good years seasonal rains succeed in reaching the vleis. Sossusvlei has the highest sand dunes in the world, perhaps Namibia's most outstanding feature, approximately 1000 feet in height; a 300km by 150km dune expanse stretching from the Khoichab River in the south to the Kuiseb River in the north. Perfectly shaped, blown into razor sharp ridges and peaks by the wind.
'Big Daddy', one of the world's tallest dunes, overlooks incredible views of Dead Vlei below. Aside from the spectacular scenery and geological fascinations at Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon, the area is ideal for observing some of the dune life for which the Namib is so well known. Geologists believe that this magnificent desert, that covers most of the Namib Naukluft National Park, is the oldest desert in the world.
Sossusvlei and the Namib Naukluft Park is very popular with photographers. The colours, shapes and contrast of the dunes against the clear blue sky are constantly changing from sunrise to sunset. The desert also makes an interesting contrast to a safari and is often combined with Etosha Pan for a safari.
Sossusvlei is a renowned stargazing location. The remoteness of this location takes guests right away from city lights and opens up the skies to an abundance of stars. Photographing starry skies is not easy, but this is one place photographers won't need much help.
The 'vlei' itself only fills after very rare heavy rainfall when it becomes a magnificent turquoise lake. Apart from the spectacular scenery and geological fascinations at Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon, the area is ideal for observing some of the dune life for which the Namib is so well known.
Geologists believe that this magnificent desert, that covers most of the Namib-Naukluft Park, is the oldest desert in the world. It is quite spectacular to climb dunes and walk on the cracked surface of Dead Vlei and know that it is estimated to be 20 million years old.
Sun Safaris would recommend a visit to Sossusvlei as a part of any Namibia itinerary. The country is extremely contrasting and there is not another place on earth that will match a sight quite like this.
Kulala Wilderness Camp offers a private location in the exclusive Kulala Wilderness Reserve on the edge of the Namib-Naukluft Park. The lodge is small and has only 10 units with ensuite facilities and the option for sleep-outs under the stars in the middle of the desert.
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is secluded and romantic and offers a dramatic location close to the highest sand dunes in the world. The area promises breath-taking views and magnificent Namibian night skies.
Little Kulala is a luxurious and unique desert experience; the ideal hide-away for honeymooners or guests looking a private and exclusive safari experience wanting to explore Namibia’s remarkable Sossusvlei sand dunes.
A very luxurious, yet environmentally concious lodge is Wolvedans Dunes Lodge . This tented lodge offers a peaceful experience in a stunning desert landscape and has received excellent reviews.
How to Get There
Sossusvlei is an ancient desert area in the south west of Namibia, forming part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. This is the southern end of the oldest desert in the world, the Namib.
Guests visiting Namibia on a self-drive holiday can (and should!) incorporate a drive to Sossusvlei. The drive from Windhoek will take the better part of a day and it is recommended that one use a 4WD, as there are some mountain passes that require a bit of manouvering. One will also need a permit to enter the Namib-Naukluft Park.
Alternatively, Sun Safaris can book guests in at one of the beautifully located lodges in the Sossusvlei area. It would be very beneficial for visitors to tour the area with one of the experienced guides, and the quick travel by flight will suit our guests' tailor-made itineraries.
Sun Safaris will book guests on flights to Windhoek (Namibia's capital city and safari gateway), from where they will connect with scheduled flights to Sossusvlei. Guests will be collected from the local airstrip by their hosts and driven to their booked accommodation.
Sossusvlei Game Viewing and Activities
Wildlife found in the reserve includes gemsbok, mountain and plains zebra, springbok, red hartebeest, bat-eared fox and spotted hyena. The more rocky areas are inhabited by kudu, klipspringer, baboon and leopard, while the dunes harbour a rich and diverse micro-fauna. Animals, insects and plants have adapted to live in this harsh and arid region and get most of their water from sea mist that rolls up to100km inland. Snakes are common in the Namib, but few of the 20 species are ever seen.
Spotted hyenas inhabit the Namib Naukluft Park, but are rarely seen, while black-backed jackals are more common. The Sandwich Lagoon is an important wetland of remarkable beauty, which attracts in the region of 200,000 birds. Flamingos constitute the largest percentage of water birds here and breed during the rainy season. The lagoon also supports several endangered Red Data species such as Chestnut-banded plover, white pelican and black-necked grebe.
Guests at the lodges are welcome to explore the dunes on foot, traverse the reserve in a game drive vehicle, or book a hot-air balloon ride and catch the view of the rolling, red dunes from above.
