Sossusvlei
Travelers go to Sossusvlei for the tall red dunes of the Namib Desert and the dead trees of Deadvlei, seen best in early morning light.
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Sossusvlei is a clay pan on the edge of the Namib Desert in southwestern Namibia. It lies inside Namib-Naukluft National Park, where some of the tallest red sand dunes in the world rise above the flat white floor. The best known spot is Deadvlei, a pan where old camelthorn trees stand dead in the sand. The dunes turn deepest red in the low light at sunrise and sunset, which is why the day starts early here.
This trip suits travelers building a Namibia road trip, photographers and anyone who can start early. The park gate is at Sesriem, and the last stretch of deep sand to the dunes is best covered by 4x4 or the park shuttle. Plan one or two nights nearby, with at least one pre-dawn start. June to August is the most comfortable season for walking on the dunes, when days are dry and clear and nights are cold.
Sossusvlei in five
- Set up a sunrise startThe Sesriem gate opens before sunrise, so you can reach the dunes in the first light. Midday sand is too hot to walk comfortably in the dry season.
- Book a 4x4 or the shuttleThe last stretch to the Sossusvlei car park is deep sand, and a 2WD car can get stuck. Ask your rental company whether its car may drive it, or use the park shuttle.Getting around
- Carry all your own waterShops and fuel are scarce inside the park. Fill the tank in the last town before you turn off, and carry the day's drinking water with you.
- Reserve lodges before you fly inBeds near Sesriem are limited, so book your lodge or campsite before you arrive.Where to stay
- Carry cash in Namibian dollarsSome remote fuel stops and small lodges take cash only. Carry Namibian dollars for fuel and tips.Money and costs
Need to know
- Currency
- Namibian dollar (NAD); South African rand also accepted
- Entry
- Visa rules depend on your passport; check before you travel
- Emergency
- 10111 police, 10177 ambulance
- Tipping
- Customary at restaurants; tip guides and lodge staff
- Time
- UTC+2, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryHot, rainy season
- FebruaryHot, green
- MarchRains ending
- AprilGreen, mild
- MayCooler, dry
- JuneCool, clear skies
- JulyCold nights, clear
- AugustDry, dusty
- SeptemberHeat building
- OctoberHot, dry
- NovemberHot, storms begin
- DecemberHot, holiday crowds
Right now in Sossusvlei
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
26
- Feels like
- 24°
- Humidity
- 29%
- Wind
- 11 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Sossusvlei
10:36 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today36°20°0%Monday: Clear. High 36°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Tue35°18°0%Tuesday: Clear. High 35°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed37°20°0%Wednesday: Clear. High 37°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Thu33°14°0%Thursday: Clear. High 33°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Fri29°13°0%Friday: Clear. High 29°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sat30°9°0%Saturday: Partly cloudy. High 30°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun34°15°0%Sunday: Clear. High 34°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 0%.
Updated 10:04 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 16.69 NAD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to Sossusvlei
Rules for Sossusvlei, checked
- Stay on marked roads and tracks in the park. Driving off-road in the national parks is not allowed.
- Do not take wood, plants or stones from the park, including the dead camel thorn trees at Deadvlei.
- Park gates close at sunset, so be back at the gate before then.
Plan around Sossusvlei
Entry, money and the wider route
Read the guideGetting around NamibiaCar hire and the sand stretch to Sossusvlei
Read the guideWhere to stayLodges and campsites near Sesriem
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and the Namibian dollar
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules for your passport
Read the guideTours and ticketsGuided tours and park entry tickets
Read the guideSossusvlei FAQ
How many days do I need at Sossusvlei?
Two nights covers a sunrise at Dune 45, the Deadvlei walk and a sunset. Add a third day to see the wider Namib-Naukluft park at a slower pace.
When is the best time to visit Sossusvlei?
June to August. The days are dry and clear and the nights are cold. From about November to March the heat is strong and rain is possible.
Can I drive to Sossusvlei in a normal car?
Most of the drive is on gravel. The last stretch of deep sand needs a 4x4 or the shuttle, so check with your rental company before you book.
Which airport should I fly into?
Windhoek (WDH), Hosea Kutako International. The drive to Sesriem is long, so plan an overnight stop on the way if you arrive late.
Can I climb the big dunes?
Yes, on foot. The climb is hardest in late-morning heat, so start before sunrise and carry water.