What makes Sossusvlei special?

A salt and clay pan surrounded by towering red dunes in Namib-Naukluft National Park, with iconic sites like Deadvlei and Big Daddy. The area lies within the UNESCO listed Namib Sand Sea.

How high are the dunes and what is Big Daddy?

Sossusvlei’s dunes rise around 300 metres in places. Big Daddy, between Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, is often cited at roughly 325 metres, offering panoramic views over the pans.

What else can I explore nearby?

Walk Deadvlei’s ancient camel-thorn skeletons and the Sesriem Canyon, a narrow gorge about a kilometre long and up to 30 metres deep carved by the Tsauchab River.

Can I do a hot air balloon flight?

Yes. Sunrise balloon safaris operate over the Sossusvlei area in suitable conditions for unforgettable aerial views of the Namib’s dune sea.

Where should I stay for easy access?

Little Kulala and Kulala Desert Lodge sit in the Kulala Wilderness Reserve, which has an exclusive-use private gate providing direct access to the Sossusvlei dunes.

Is stargazing really that good?

Yes. Nearby NamibRand is a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Reserve, making skies exceptionally dark for astronomy and night photography.

SOSSUSVLEI

Where the Namib’s tallest dunes meet bleached pans, Sossusvlei is all deep-red curves, ancient camel-thorn skeletons and vast horizons. Climb Big Daddy, wander Deadvlei’s cracked clay, and watch dawn reveal long sand slopes. Desert-adapted oryx and ostrich roam; nights bring exceptional stargazing from Little Kulala or Kulala Desert Lodge.

Explore Experience Inspiration

Sossusvlei's sweeping sand dunes after rains with acacia trees on the desert floor

QUICK FACTS
300 m dunes
Deadvlei
Sesriem Canyon
Dune lark
Dark Sky Reserve

Electric fat ebike adventure across the Namib Desert at Little Kulala, Sossusvlei

Stargazing under the Milky Way at Little Kulala in Sossusvlei, Namibia

Dunes, Vleis & Desert Light

At first light, rise by hot-air balloon or climb a dune as shadows stretch for miles. Explore Deadvlei’s ancient trees, then wind through Sesriem Canyon’s cool walls. Return to Little Kulala’s private Sossusvlei gate or Kulala Desert Lodge for sundowners and star-filled skies, quiet, cinematic desert days.

Experiences & Highlights

Shape days around Desert Expeditions, guided walks across pans, and golden-hour Photography Safaris. Add dawn Hot Air Balloon Safaris, scenic Heli Tours, and alfresco Bush Dining. Stargazing is exceptional, with sleepout options at selected times. NOMARA Stays include Little Kulala and Kulala Desert Lodge, all close to Sossusvlei’s dunes and Deadvlei.