Holiday in Sossusvlei
National park in Namibia — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇳🇦
Country
Namibia
Type
National park
Best time to travel
April to October — cooler and dry. Sunrise in May/June from 6:30 AM. Summer (Nov-March) extremely hot (40°C+).
Budget/day
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Windhoek (WDH), then a 4-5 hour drive to Sesriem. Alternatively, charter flight to Sossusvlei Airstrip.
About Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei in the Namib-Naukluft National Park is home to the highest sand dunes in the world — some over 300 meters high — in colors ranging from bright orange to deep red. The Namib is the oldest desert on Earth (80 million years), and Sossusvlei is its most dramatic expression. The most famous dune, "Big Daddy" (325m), offers a strenuous climb with a reward that makes every step worth it: the view over the endless dune landscape and the white Deadvlei with its 900-year-old dead camel thorn trees — one of the most photographed subjects in Africa. At sunrise, when the dunes glow in red and orange and the shadows create knife-like contrasts, it is clear why photographers from all over the world flock here. The surrounding Sesriem and Sossusvlei lodges offer a luxury safari feeling in the middle of the desert.
Top 5 highlights in Sossusvlei
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Deadvlei
900-year-old dead camel thorn trees on white clay ground in front of orange dunes — the most iconic photo motif of Namibia.
Big Daddy (Dune 325m)
The highest dune at Sossusvlei — 1.5 hours ascent through soft sand, descent into Deadvlei in 10 minutes.
Dune 45
The classic sunrise dune — easier to climb and located right by the road.
Sesriem Canyon
30m deep canyon carved by water into the rock — short hike with geological fascination.
Stargazing
Zero light pollution — the night sky over the Namib is among the clearest in the world.
Hotels in Sossusvlei
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reise-SIM für Sossusvlei
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Sossusvlei
Recommended travel time
April to October — cooler and dry. Sunrise in May/June from 6:30 AM. Summer (Nov-March) extremely hot (40°C+).
Summer
30-45°C, occasional rain
Winter
5-28°C, dry, cold at night
How much does a holiday in Sossusvlei cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
50-80 € (Camping)
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
250-800 € (Luxury Lodge)
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Sossusvlei
Compare thousands of package holidays to Sossusvlei and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays now4 travel tips for Sossusvlei
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Gate opens at sunrise: The Sesriem Gate opens exactly at sunrise — waiting in line is worth it for the first light on the dunes.
Water and snacks: There are no supplies in the park. Bring enough water (3L+ per person), snacks, and sun protection.
4x4 for the last 5 km: The last 5 km to the vlei are deep sand — only accessible with a 4x4. Alternatively, use a shuttle service.
Inside-park accommodation: Lodges within the gate (e.g., Sossus Dune Lodge) can start before sunrise — a crucial advantage.
Food & drink in Sossusvlei
These specialties you must try!
Ready for Sossusvlei?
Plan your Sossusvlei holiday now with our free tools.
