Sossusvlei, Namibia

Sossusvlei

Namib DesertNamibia

sand dunessafari

Why You'll Love Sossusvlei

Have you ever seen a desert that's so breathtakingly beautiful, you won't even want to blink your eyes? If not, it's time to pack your bags and head to the incredible Sossusvlei in Namibia!

This place is located in the middle of the Namib Desert and is home to some of the tallest sand dunes in the world. With their golden-orange hue, they create a stunning contrast against the bright blue sky. And guess what? You can actually climb these dunes and get a bird's eye view of the desert - it's a natural wonder that will leave you speechless!

But that's not all - Sossusvlei's red sand gives you a great opportunity to capture jaw-dropping photos you can cherish for a lifetime. Explore the nearby Deadvlei, where the old trees entombed in the cracked white surface create amazing visuals. And if you're lucky, you might even spot the oryx and springbok that inhabit this area.

Stargazers rejoice - the night sky here is simply magnificent and a sight worth staying up for. So pack your sleeping bag, grab some snacks and marvel as the stars illuminate the dark desert sky.

Overall, Sossusvlei is an amazing destination that will blow your mind away. Whether you're an adventurer, nature lover, or a photographer, this place has got something for everyone!

Getting to Sossusvlei

The nearest airport to Sossusvlei is the Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, Namibia. From Windhoek, there are several options for reaching Sossusvlei including taking a domestic flight to the nearby airstrip at Sesriem, renting a car and driving approximately 5-6 hours through picturesque desert landscapes, or joining a guided tour. It is recommended to plan for a few days in the area in order to fully explore the stunning sand dunes and surrounding desert scenery.

The closest city to Sossusvlei is Windhoek, in Namib Desert.

Travelling from Hosea Kutako International Airport to Sossusvlei

When to Visit

The best time to visit Sossusvlei in Namibia is during the cooler months of May to September when temperatures are more bearable for outdoor activities. This is also the peak tourist season, so be sure to book accommodations in advance.

Weather and Climate

Sossusvlei, Namibia experiences a hot desert climate with very little rainfall. The average temperature remains in the high 20s °C (around 80 °F) throughout the year. However, there can be significant variations in temperature between day and night.

During the months between June and October, which is considered the dry season, the skies remain clear and the temperatures are at their highest, reaching up to 40°C (104°F) during the day and dropping to about 5°C (41°F) at night.

Between November and March, Sossusvlei experiences its wet season. Although this period brings minimal rain, the mornings are cool and refreshing, with daytime temperatures hovering around 30°C (86°F). This is also a popular period for travelers as it provides a respite from the extreme heat of the dry season.

Therefore, the best time to visit Sossusvlei is from April to May or from September to October when the days are warm, skies are sunny, and nights remain cool.

Costs When Visiting

In Namibia, the currency is the Namibian Dollar.
Some sample costs when travelling around Sossusvlei are:

- Food: - Basic meal at a local restaurant: 60 NAD (4 USD)
- Three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant: 500 NAD (33 USD)
- Fast food meal (McDonald's or KFC): 60 NAD (4 USD)
- Accommodation: - Basic single room in a guesthouse: 350 NAD (23 USD)
- Mid-range double room in a hotel: 1,500 NAD (98 USD)
- Luxury tented accommodation in the desert: 4,000 NAD (262 USD) per person per night.

Safety Rating

Sossusvlei, Namibia is considered a relatively safe destination with a low crime rate. Women are generally treated with respect and are not likely to encounter any safety issues. Namibia is known for being tolerant of different races, religions, and sexual orientations. However, LGBTQ persons may face some discrimination in certain areas of the country. Overall, Sossusvlei is a safe and welcoming destination for travelers.

Local Population

The population of Sossusvlei, Namibia is relatively small and primarily consists of the indigenous Himba and Herero people. The majority of the population follows Christianity, but traditional beliefs and practices also persist in certain groups. The official language is English, but many locals also speak Afrikaans and various indigenous languages. There is a fairly equal gender distribution among the population, and the racial breakdown is primarily Black African.

Things to Do

Some common tourist activities at Sossusvlei in Namibia include hiking in the sand dunes, hot air balloon rides, quad bike tours, visiting Deadvlei (a dried-up pan with ancient dead trees), stargazing, and wildlife watching. Visitors can also explore the nearby Sesriem Canyon, take a guided tour of the area, or simply enjoy the stunning desert landscapes and unique geology.