Sossusvlei Namibia
Where to stay in Sossusvlei, what to see and where to go, accommodation at Sossusvlei is clean and safe and there is plenty to choose from varying from luxury lodges, to self catering and camping.
Welcome to Sossusvlei Namibia
Sossusvlei is one of the top things to see in Namibia southern Africa.
About Sossusvlei
The main reason for visiting Sossusvlei is to experience the enormous sand dunes surrounding Sossusvlei, and for the more adventurous take a trek to Deadvlei which is the most photographed, images of the dead trees rising from the grey cracked clay covering Deadvlei are now synonymous with Sossusvlei. Sossusvlei is the name of the less photographed vlei at the end of the Tsauchab River. On average Sossusvlei floods once every ten years, with the most recent floods being in 1997, 2000, 2006 and 2021.
The big question is, of course, what is the best way to visit Sossuvlei, and arguably even more important where should you stay in order to make the most of your visit to Sossusvlei?
Deadvlei in the Namib Desert near Sossusvlei Namibia
How to Visit Sossusvlei
Most visitors to Namibia choose to hire a vehicle and create their own Namibia itinerary including a self guided tour to Sossusvlei.
Private and scheduled group tours are also popular with visitors to Namibia. In addition it is possible to arrange for a private guided trip to Sossusvlei or take a road transfer.
The best time to visit the dunes, especially for keen photographers, is in the early morning before the heat of the day and when the sun is still rising in order to see the shadows changing over the dunes.
How and When to Visit Sossusvlei?
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Luxury Lodges in the Namib Desert Namibia
Where to Stay at Sossusvlei?
In order to answer this important question visitors first need to understand a little about how the Namib National Park works and how you access the dunes at Sossusvlei.
The dunes at Sossusvlei are accessed from inside the Namib Naukluft Park, close to the park entrance at Sesriem. The park gate opens and closes at sunset, however important to note is that the park gate is about a 60 minute drive from the car park at Sossusvlei, so in order to reach the dunes for sunrise you need to be staying inside the Namib Naukluft National Park.
Where to Stay at Sossusvlei
Sesriem Campsite, Sossusvlei Namibia
Inside the Namib Naukluft Park at Sossusvlei
Access to the dunes is restricted by an additional gate inside the park which opens 1 hour before sunrise giving those staying inside the park early access to the dunes.
There are currently two campsites and two luxury lodges inside the Namib Naukluft Park at Sossusvlei situated close to the park entrance gate at Sesriem.
To enter these camps you must be in the park before the park gate closes at sunset.
Where to Stay in Sossusvlei Park
Self catering accommodation, Sossusvlei Namibia
Outside the Namib Naukluft Park at Sossusvlei
Inevitably, the accommodation inside the Namib Naukluft Park at Sossusvlei gets booked up early, however there are also plenty of places to stay outside the park.
Some of the most luxurious accommodation is located on private reserves outside the Namib Naukluft Park which offer their own desert activities.
If you are looking for more budget friendly accommodation then there are a variety of excellent lodges, campsites and even some self catering chalets nearby.
Where to Stay near Sossusvlei?
Stunning views from Kulala Desert Lodge Namibia
More Early Access to Sossusvlei
If you really want that early morning access, but can't get availability inside the park then there is the option to stay in the private reserve neighbouring Namib Naukluft, this Wilderness reserves has its own private access to the dunes for their guided trips offering their guests the opportunity to be the first to arrive in the early morning.