Travel Guide to Sossusvlei

Surrounded by high red dunes, Sossusvlei is a large, white, salt and clay pan located within the Namib-Naukluft National Park in the southern corner of Namibia. It’s one of the best-known attractions in the country.

Sossusvlei

Nestled in the southern part of the Namib Desert, the area is a great destination all year round as it boasts some of the highest dunes in the world and spectacular desert scenery. The sand dunes of Sossusvlei are often referred to as the highest dunes in the world, reaching almost 400 meters. Starting from Sesriem, a small village at the southern end of the Naukluft Mountains, the road to Sossusvlei is 66.5 km (41.32 miles) long. It’s mostly paved but the last 5 kilometers is tarred through soft sand, so you will need an all-wheel-drive. The road was paved in the early 2000s.

The flat road is totally straight and a paradise for photographers. Although the roads in the area are renowned for their high accident rate, possibly the highest in Namibia, they are traversable with a normal sedan vehicle (two wheel drive). Don't get lost while wandering in the desert. And remember to drink plenty of water (as you should be doing throughout your time in Namibia, as it is a very dry country).