Sossusvlei for photographers

Sossusvlei is one of the best choices for photographers.

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 photographers?

• Chances to photograph oryx, ostriches, foxes and birdlife.
• The best light is in the first hour after sunrise and the last before sunset.

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.

Activities that fit

hot-air balloon flights, scenic flights and stargazing.

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 photographers

• Okavango Delta Botswana
• Masai Mara Kenya
• Merzouga Morocco
• Mana Pools Zimbabwe
• Ngorongoro Tanzania
• Tarangire Tanzania

Full Sossusvlei guideBest safaris for photographers

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.