Sossusvlei for a first safari

Sossusvlei is a good choice for a first safari.

Suitability: ★★★★★

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.

Why Sossusvlei for a first safari?

• 2–3 days are enough for a good experience.

What awaits you in 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

Wildlife you may encounter: oryx, ostriches, foxes and birdlife.

Suggested time on the ground: 2 to 3 days. 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.

When to go

The best period overall is January to March.

Winter days are mild with cold early mornings, the most comfortable time for dune climbs.

Other destinations for a first safari

• Masai Mara Kenya
• Merzouga Morocco
• Ngorongoro Tanzania
• Pilanesberg South Africa
• Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
• Kruger South Africa

Full Sossusvlei guideBest safaris for a first safari

No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.

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.