10-Day Namibia Highlights Guided Tour from Windhoek. To enter the Namib-Naukluft National Park at Sesriem costs 100 NAD ($6.70) per person for non-residents and 50 NAD for SADC residents plus 10 NAD per vehicle (2023). He did an amazing job and composed some magical images of the Dead Vlei and the Kalahari. It is also possible to take scenic flights over the dunes, either with small planes (mainly from Swakopmund and Walvis Bay) or in hot air balloons (departing from Sesriem in the morning). Characterised by the large red dunes that surround it, Sossusvlei is a large, white, salt and clay pan and is a great destination all year round. As a consequence of its fascinating and surrealistic landscapes, Sossusvlei is one of the most photographed places in Subsaharan Africa. Even though the area is called Sossusvlei, the Deadvlei is probably the main attraction to visit in the park. The en-suite bathroom is equipped with all you need, while the patio includes a barbecue, kitchenette and fridge, perfect for a barbecue and sundowner. Tours also operate from Swakopmund. National park rules stipulate all visitors must be outside the park from sunset to sunrise unless utilising the park accommodation. But now, with this wind, the sand is being picked up from the dune and blasted straight into me. A Guide To Visiting Deadvlei Sossusvlei Namibia Despite being the most popular tourist attraction in Namibia, we felt completely isolated during our stay. REALLY IMPORTANT. Deadvlei | Namibia, Africa | Attractions - Lonely Planet We were here in December and climbed Dune 45 first for the sunrise before moving on to Big Daddy. Dead Vlei Close to the Sossusvlei lies the just as impressive Dead Vlei. If you have your own vehicle, its easy to access most dunes along the paved road from Sesriem. Each step you make up a sand dune has its own small struggle, as your foot sinks down into the sand and you have to pull it back out to tread forward. The dunes in the area are among the highest in the world; some higher than 200 meters. Hi, guys! Please be aware that if you are not staying within the designated park boundaries, you can only enter the park between sunrise and sunset. Dune 45 is about 380km from Swakopmund however this is Namibia and driving time isn't 1hr per 100km as it is in Australia. This is where my G Adventures group camped for the nights that we were visiting Sossusvlei. What seems at first like a vast uninhabited desert is actually teeming with life just below the surface in the sand. They are an absolutely stunning natural site and I took so many photos and they all look amazing! The Elim Dune is a high and relatively isolated dune located 5km past the Sesriem gate, on a branch of the main road connecting Sesriem to Sossusvlei. We finally found these spectacular landscapes at Sossusvlei. Booked through Namib Sky Balloon Safaris, flights cost around N$5,950 ($450 USD) and include a champagne breakfast. The other, slightly longer option goes via Mariental and Maltahohe to Sesriem. Some accommodation options include breakfast and dinner in the room cost. Theyre looking for ideas of how humans could learn to live with drought and other climate change effects. After years of permanent travel we found a new home in the Algarve, Lagos, Portugal. Tours to Sesriem and exploring Sossusvlei are available from Windhoek and Swakopmund. Its easy to spend a long time here just walking through the ghostly trees, finding new angles. Those are amazing photos, would love to visit Namibia one of this fine days. Hike (or try) to the top of one and admire the Mars-like landscape from above - its incredible. Most people travel to Sesriem from Windhoek or Swakopmund, both these trips take around 5 hours, and there are several different route options to drive. The strong half of Stingy Nomads, a nomadic aquaman that would be happy to spend all his life in the water diving, surfing and spearfishing but often has to compromise with Alya and go hiking instead. The dune takes its name from a farm that used to be in the area before the National Park was established. The paved road stops about 5 km before Deadvlei and only 4WD with high clearance are allowed beyond. All others have to walk or have to make use of the shuttle service. At 325 meters high, Big Daddy is the highest dune in Sossusvlei, but not the highest in Namib, the highest dune in the Namib desert is Dune 7 outside Swakopmund at about 388 meters high. We recommend visiting from May - October when the cooler winter temperatures make exploring the area enjoyable. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Some of the cookies we use are essential for the site to work. If you are visiting in the summer months, the temperatures do get quite warm. Hello! Some of the cookies we use are essential for the site to work. We cant stress enough how incredible this place is, and why it's one of the best things to do in Sossusvlei. It's a 4km return hike from the 2WD car park. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Firstly about the Namib Naukluft Park: This conservation area within the oldest desert worldwide, the Namib, is situated along the Atlantic coast, covers an area of nearly 50,000 km and is the largest protected area in the country. Southern Africa school holidays are peak travel periods, so accommodation and camping options can fill up. Running down is fun and fast! Sossusvlei is a perfect specimen of Nambia's unspoilt desert beauty. Sossusvlei is located about 350km southwest of Windhoek, in southwestern Namibia. Ps. Visit the Sossusvlei Sand Dunes in Namibia -2023 Guide It is 80 meters high and it is composed of 5-million-year-old sands. The climate changed, sand dunes formed blocking the river from reaching the area. Departing in darkness, a slight glow simmered on the horizon, a tiny hint of the magic soon to be revealed across the Namib Desert. I travelled to Namibia with the support of G Adventures in my position as a G Wanderer. The word vlei is an Afrikaans word that means "marsh" and Sossusvlei is in a small valley between the dunes which sometimes gets snow! The best time to visit is later afternoon, on the left side of the dune is in shadow, creating extreme contrasts and incredible photo opportunities. The landscapes are constantly changing in the Namib Naukluft National Park but particularly here at Sossusvlei where there are very few trees or plants to keep things in place. Here's a fun fact for you too: 'Sesriem' was the name given to the canyon by early Afrikaans explorers, who had to use six (ses) leather straps (riem) tied together and lowered into the canyon to fetch water from below. 06:00, 06:30, 07:00, etc). When the pan fills it can hold water for as long as a year. As it is a desert, there is a large variation between day and night. Dont miss the amazing red dunes at sunrise! There are many references to the site on the . Over time they oxidise (rust) and turn red or orange, then changing the colour of the whole dune. This unearthly dry vlei (low, open landscape) amid lonely dunes makes a rewarding excursion. The dunes are best visited in the morning or later afternoon. Its much smaller than Namibias famous Fish River Canyon but it has its own charm. Take enough water with you, it is hot, you might walk far and there is no water for sale at the Deadvlei. Inside Sossusvlei, The Crown Jewel Of The Namib Desert - All That's Famous dead trees of Deadvlei Sossusvlei - curved dunes without end TheDeadvlei is a great place for taking photos. DISCOVER NAMIBIA & VICTORIA FALLS | This 12-day G Adventures tour also takes in a few days in Zimbabwe, where youll visit the mighty Victoria Falls. Deadvlei is at least 1km walk from the parking lot so be sure to take drinking water with you. Copyright 2023 Sossusvlei | All Rights Reserved |, Situated in the largest conservation area in Africa (the Namib-Naukluft National Park), Sossusvlei is possibly Namibias most spectacular and best-known attraction. Permits can be obtained at the park office inside the gate at Sesriem, and cost N$80 per person, per day for non-SADC visitors. While the walk is signposted, it can be easy to get lost. dis lekker om so 'n mooi beskrywende artikel te lees oor my land uit die o van iemand anders. These tours start at N$5,950 ($450 USD), which is a decent value in our opinion. The wind has picked up, just as I begin to climb Dune 45, here at Sossusvlei. The Sossusvlei in Namibia is more than 300 kilometers long and 140 kilometers wide and consists of seemingly endless sand dunes. The most accessible of the large red dunes along the Sossusvlei road is Dune 45, so-called because it's 45km from Sesriem. However, the climate changed and the sand dunes encroached on the pan, blocking the river from reaching the area. Hidden in what was once a little-known corner of Namibia, between the wild Skeleton Coast and the gravel-faced Naukluft Mountains, the Sossusvlei dunes come close to sand-dune perfection. Sossusvlei translates to "dead-end marsh", as it is the place where the dunes come together preventing the Tsauchab River to flow any further, some . Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are found about 60 km from the Sesriem entrance gate of the park. Namibia holiday planner & online booking system, Web development by Treasure Hunt Design Namibia, Walking trail to Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. Do take time to eat apple pie and a ccupa at Solitaire and make sure you vehicles tyres are in tip top condition. It is about a kilometer (0.6 miles) long and up to 30meters (100 feet) deep. Sossusvlei & Deadvlei, Namibia - Responsible Travel Visiting Sossusvlei: A Guide to Visiting the Sand Dunes of Namibia Driving thousands of kilometers we were wondering where are the sand dunes. This website uses cookies to optimise your online user experience. RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. Sossusvlei and Deadvlei - The highest sand dunes of the world Close to the Sossusvlei lies the just as impressive Dead Vlei. The name "Sossusvlei" is of mixed origin and roughly means "dead-end marsh". In English it translates to "empty space" or "place where there is nothing". The Sossuvlei Is Made Of Ancient Rust Sossusvlei & Deadvlei, Namibia - responsiblevacation.com From the top of Dune 45, when its time to leave, I end up running down the side of the dune. Its about 80 metres high and is harder to hike up than you expect because the sand is so soft. By continuing to use our site you agree to us using cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Get advice from a source you can trust. The name Sesriem (Afrikaans for six belts) was given by Afrikaans settlers who had to attach together six oryx hide belts in order to reach buckets down into the canyon to scoop up water. The views from the top are well worthwhile. Safe Travels! The vlei itself is basically a dried-up lakebed and is used mainly as a parking lot for those wanting to climb the dunes or take a short walk . While driving the route in a 2WD car is possible, we recommend using a high clearance vehicle (SUV or 4WD) as parts of the route can get a little treacherous. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Some tips for accommodation at Sossusvlei, my tour through South Africa and Namibia with G Adventures, CLICK: Read my story about the whole trip here, CLICK: See more of my Deadvlei photos here, beautiful private hotels and resorts in the area that you can see here, How to visit the endless sand dunes of Sossusvlei, The incredible natural wonder of Fish River Canyon. Photographing Deadvlei with Wilderness Safaris - Namibia. Lone trees are scattered across the barren landscape, while the unearthly clay pan nestled amongst giant dunes is awe-inspiring. Photography and written content may not be reproduced without our permission. These cookies do not store any personal information. This is a clay pan that was once full of water and allowed trees to grow. A lot of people try to come for sunrise and it would be an amazing sight to see the colours pour into the desert around you. God willing, my wife and I will be visiting Namibia for the third time in 10 years, obviously paying a visit to the amazing Sossusvlei area again. Look for the sign inside the Sesriem campsite. If you ask at the camp where you are staying they will be able to tell you the times during your stay. Namibia is an absolutely beautiful country and I hope you manage to get there sometime! Sossusvlei (sometimes written Sossus Vlei) is a salt and clay pan[1] surrounded by high red dunes, located in the southern part of the Namib Desert, in the Namib-Naukluft National Park of Namibia. The walk from the carpark takes about 15 minutes and then, over the crest of a hill, I get my first glimpse of Deadvlei: The large bleached white clay pan with the 700-year-old dead black trees sticking out, reaching past the orange dunes to the blue sky. Looking to visit Sossusvlei, Namibia? There are trees providing some shade but the toilet facilities here are very basic. There's lots to see, so I've put together this guide to help you visit Sossusvlei on your own or with a tour. The orange colour of the dunes in Namibia comes from the tiny flecks of iron that are mixed in with the sand. In the town of Sesriem youll have 3G phone reception, however, if youre inside the park, forget about reception. Photos of this spectacular red dune with its curvy shadows draw many travelers from all over the world to Namibia. 6-Day Dunes and Wildlife Accommodated Safari from Windhoek. In many ways it seems like it's not even Earth anymore. A word of warning though - the walk is quite tough, so take enough water for at least a few hours. The star attraction of Sossusvlei is Dune 45, which you can climb right to the top. This whole area of the sand dunes that tourists can easily access is called Sossusvlei, but its actually just a tiny part of the enormous Namib Sand Sea. However, due to the dry conditions in the Namib Desert the River seldom flows this far and the pan remains bone-dry most years. We use and recommend organising comprehensive travel insurance through World Nomads before you go. (6.5 feet) wide in some places, and has a portion that permanently contains water, which many animals use. Gates open at sunrise, but be there early there was a line of cars by the time it opened. It is a 44-mile drive from the park gates to the dunes of Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. We would love to hear from you, so dont be shy to comment give suggestions or ask questions! To visit Sossusvlei, Sesriem Canyon, Dune 45, the Deadvlei, and the other Namib attractions you have to enter the Namib-Naukluft National Park at the Sesriem gate and drive about 60 kilometers. We ran down in minutes to the amazing Deadvlei a really fun experience. Your blog is incredibly helpful. But later in the morning is also a good time to climb when the light is bright but its not yet too hot. loading map - please waitMap could not be loaded - please enable Javascript! more information, Copyright 2023 Sossusvlei | All Rights Reserved |. Dead Vlei - Sossusvlei, Namibia - Atlas Obscura Sossusvlei located in Namibias Namib-Naukluft National Park is one of the most spectacular and best-known attractions in Southern Africa. 11.53 MILES. Thank you! During an exceptional rainy season the Tsauchab fills the pan, drawing visitors from all over the world to witness this spectacular site. Im going barefoot to make it a bit easier, but I still find my leg muscles working overtime. To compound the situation the wind formed the famous up to 300 metre high dunes, which surround the vleis. A year of massive changes for us. Want to know more ABOUT US ? The best time to take pictures is during the early morning hours and in the late afternoon when the low standing sun crates a contrasting play of shadows. This site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List!I'm on a mission to visit as many World Heritage Sites as I can. Access to the Hiddenvlei is from the 24 Sossusvlei parking area (60 km from the Sesriem campsite), and the hike to Hiddenvlei is a 4 km roundtrip walk from the parking area. While the red dunes and Deadvlei are the most famous landmarks in Sossusvlei, there are also many lesser-known geological wonders waiting to be discovered.

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