Sossusvlei is a clay pan enclosed by tall red dunes in the Namib Desert within Namib-Naukluft Park, and the name is also used for the wider area. Deadvlei, with its old dead trees, lies about a kilometre away.
- Country
- Namibia
- Type
- Desert
- Best time
- January to March
- Suggested stay
- 2–3 days
- Main gateway airport
- Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)
- Big Five
- Not all five
- Malaria
- None
Why go to Sossusvlei
- Red dunes among the highest in the world
- Deadvlei and its dead camel-thorn trees
- Dune 45 and Elim Dune
- Sesriem Canyon
- Hot-air balloon flights at dawn
Best time to visit Sossusvlei
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Sossusvlei is January to March.
Winter days are mild with cold early mornings, the most comfortable time for dune climbs.
Summer middays are very hot; reach the dunes at dawn.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16–34 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| February | 16–34 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| March | 15–34 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| April | 13–31 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| May | 10–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| June | 8–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 7–25 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| August | 8–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| September | 9–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| October | 11–33 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| November | 12–33 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| December | 14–34 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Sossusvlei includes oryx, ostriches, foxes and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
Visitors drive from Windhoek to Sesriem, mostly on gravel, and enter through Sesriem Gate, the only entry point. The main dunes are about 60 km from the gate, and light-aircraft flights serve nearby airstrips.
Trips to Sossusvlei
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Sossusvlei for families
- Sossusvlei for a honeymoon
- Sossusvlei for photographers
- Sossusvlei for a first safari
- Sossusvlei on a budget
- Sossusvlei for luxury travel
Compare with
- Sossusvlei vs Etosha
- Sossusvlei vs Addo
- Sossusvlei vs Central Kalahari
- Sossusvlei vs Okavango Delta
- Sossusvlei vs Pilanesberg
- Sossusvlei vs Victoria Falls
Travelling to Sossusvlei from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Sossusvlei?
Generally January to March. Winter days are mild with cold early mornings, the most comfortable time for dune climbs.
How many days do I need in Sossusvlei?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Sossusvlei?
Visitors drive from Windhoek to Sesriem, mostly on gravel, and enter through Sesriem Gate, the only entry point. The main dunes are about 60 km from the gate, and light-aircraft flights serve nearby airstrips.
Sources: Namibia Wildlife Resorts - Sossusvlei · Namibia Tourism Board - Namib-Naukluft Park · Weather and Climate - Sesriem · Weather2Travel - Sossusvlei climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.