Posted by Seeking to go to Sossusvlei, Namibia for camping and a trip? Take pleasure in our Sossusvlei journey information, together with the whole lot from what to see and do, the place to remain, the best way to get there safely, and the best way to put together on your journey. This article will discuss Sossusvlei’s camping and trip ideas.
The realm of Sossusvlei, located inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park within the southern nook of Namibia, is characterized by its well-known purple/pink/orange sand dunes and white salt pans.
Like many wanderers, these seemingly infinite dunes have sat atop our bucket checklist for years. The enduring photos from photographs, postcards, and nature documentaries led us to the remote desert city of Sesriem, able to discover this pure marvel of the world. And discover we did.
From dawn until sunset, over dunes, into canyons, on foot, and through 4WD. The magnitude and splendor of those technicolor landscapes, with their ever-shifting shapes and hues, left us speechless, and can you too.
Regardless of being the most popular vacation attraction in Namibia, we felt fully remoted throughout our keep. Maybe as a result of it’s troublesome to identify a human on the 325m orange sand dunes, or the truth that no matter its reputation, Sossusvlei is rattling distant.
For these desirous to visit Namibia, Sossusvlei is unmissable and we advocate staying no less than two days. Right here’s our complete information about this marvel of the pure world, Sossusvlei, and Sesriem.
Benefits of Sossusvlei camping
- Refresh your soul and take in the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei space, and Sesriem Canyon in Namibia.
- Admire unbelievable views of the Namib Desert panorama and the encompassing mountains from the refreshing pool.
- Get pleasure from a calming ice-cold beer or sundowner from the bar after a fun-filled day within the Namib Desert.
- Fill out an order kind for recent meals provides to be delivered to your unit.
- Guide a number of thrilling actions at the close-by Sossusvlei Lodge Journey Centre.
Travelers opting to remain at Desert Camp in Namibia shall be delighted by the situation. Located simply 5 km from the doorway gate to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon within the Namib Naukluft Park, it affords travelers the chance to discover the Sossusvlei space on their very own phrases.
Desert Camp in Namibia is modest and stylish. Boasting a small intimate setting with simply 28 reasonably priced self-catering lodging models on supply. This alone ensures that your Namib Desert camp expertise shall be non-public and loved by yourself phrases.
Expertise in all of the comforts of dwelling in the course of the Namib Desert. Desert Camp Namibia provides friends engaging services on major construction.
These embody a totally stocked and serviced bar with huge display tv, a glowing swimming pool, and a pair of communal bomas with cooking and washing up services for those who really feel like getting out of your area so to talk.
At Desert Camp, the Sossusvlei Desert space for camping and Sesriem Canyon within the Namib Naukluft Park are properly on your doorstep.
You possibly can discover the pure great thing about the realm with an assortment of thrilling actions in and around camp.
SOSSUSVLEI, NAMIBIA | OUR TRAVEL GUIDE TO NAMIBIA’S DESERT DREAM
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN SOSSUSVLEI
1. ADMIRE, THEN CLIMB THE DUNES
Clearly, the principal attraction of Sossusvlei is the unimaginable and ever-altering sand dunes for Sossusvlei camping.
When you have your individual automobile, it’s straightforward to enter most dunes alongside the paved street from Sesriem.
The dunes are greatest visited in the morning or later afternoon. At the moment, the color is extra vibrant, the warmth is much less oppressive, and the crowds are diminished.
At instances, you’ll really feel just like the dunes are all yours to discover, so take advantage of it. Hike (or attempt) to the highest of 1 and admire the Mars-like panorama from above – it’s unimaginable.
In our opinion, there are a couple of dunes you actually should see:
DUNE 45
In all probability probably the most well-known and photographed dune in Sossusvlei, Dune 45 is definitely accessible; it lies 45km from Sesriem, simply off the paved street.
Standing at 170m at the top, Dune 45 could appear straightforward to climb, however, take our phrase for it, it’s a tricky exercise. The views from the highest are properly worthwhile.
The very best time to go is later afternoon, on the left facet of the dune is in shadow, creating excessive contrasts and unimaginable picture alternatives.
THE DETAILS
The place | Dune 45, Sossusvlei
ELIM
Elim dune is positioned 5km contained from the park gate and is a simply accessible possibility. It’s partially lined in vegetation, making it extra distinct from different dunes within the space.
It’s an ideal location for dawn, the place you may watch the dawn over Sesriem and the mountains to the east.
THE DETAILS
The place | Elim Dune, Sossusvlei
2. EXPLORE THE SURREAL LANDSCAPES OF DEADVLEI AND HIDDEN VLEI
Positioned about three km (6km spherical journey) from the Sossusvlei four-wheel-drive automobile park is Deadvlei, well-known for its 900-year-old fossilized Acacia bushes which dot an expansive white clay pan for Sossusvlei camping.
We can’t stress sufficiently how unimaginable this place is, and why it is among the best issues to do in Sossusvlei. We had been gobsmacked as we stepped over the lip of a dune and laid eyes on Deadvlei for the primary time. It’s fully surreal to sit down and we actually advocate taking the time to soak all of it in.
A phrase of warning although – the stroll is sort of powerful, so take sufficient water for no less than a couple of hours.
Hidden Vlei is a 4km spherical stroll from the 2WD automobile park. For us, the stroll in itself was probably the most rewarding part of our go-to.
Lone bushes are scattered throughout the barren panorama, whereas the unearthly clay pan nestled amongst big dunes is awe-inspiring.
Whereas the stroll is signposted, it may be straightforward to get misplaced. Observe the footsteps and preserve your bearings! And once more, make sure to take further water.
Should you’re eager to go to Deadvlei, you’ll want to comply with the paved street from Sesriem to the 2WD automobile park, then bounce aboard the National park’s shuttle for a 4km drive to the hiking place to begin. For Hidden Vlei, the hike commences from the 2WD automobile park.
THE DETAILS
The place | Deadvlei, Sossusvlei
Value | A allows entering the National park price of N$80 per particular person, per day
Suggestions | Observe the paths (or footsteps) of the place potential, at all times take further water, and do not litter
3. FLOAT ABOVE THE SOSSUSVLEI AND THE WORLD’S OLDEST AND DRIEST DESERT
Like most nice sights all over the world, it’s the potential to go ballooning over the dunes of Sossusvlei. Flights depart earlier than dawn, the place you’ll be handed an epic dwell present of mom nature’s magnificence as a part of Sossusvlei camping.
Booked by Namib Sky Balloon Safaris, flights priced around N$5,950 ($450 USD) and embrace a champagne breakfast.
THE DETAILS
What | Namib Sky Balloon Safaris
The place | Sossusvlei, Namibia
Value | $450 USD per particular person
#Four SEARCH FOR WATER IN SESRIEM CANYON
Should you’ve bought the time, Sesriem Canyon is value a go-to. Formed over tens of millions of years by the river Tschaub, it’s one of many sole locations within the space that holds water all yr round for Sossusvlei camping.
This is an enjoyable reality for you too: ‘Sesriem’ was the title given to the canyon by early Afrikaans explorers, who had to make use of six (ses) leather-based straps (riem) tied collectively and lowered into the canyon to fetch water from beneath.
It’s positioned 4.5 km inside the National park gates, on the left, and you may park and stroll by the canyon.
THE DETAILS
The place | Sesriem Canyon, Sossusvlei
WHEN TO VISIT SOSSUSVLEI for camping
Given its location and local weather, Sossusvlei could be visited at any time of yr. Actually, with a median of 300 sunny days a yr, Namibia is definitely one of many sunniest nations on this planet!
We advocate visiting from Could – October when the cooler winter temperatures make exploring the world fulfilling.
Southern African college holidays are peak journey intervals, so lodging and tenting choices can refill.
If you’re visiting in the summertime months, the temperatures do get fairly heat. Pack accordingly and at all times carry sufficient water in Sossusvlei camping.
WHERE TO STAY IN SOSSUSVLEI camping
Because of the rising reputation of Sossusvlei, there are fairly a couple of lodging choices in Sesriem. Nonetheless, because of the isolation, be ready to pay way over Windhoek, or different regional cities.
It’s essential to make a reservation. That is one thing we discovered the arduous manner after we arrived with no lodging booked and needed to fork out per week‘s funds for one night time!
Many of the properties are positioned exterior the park gates, which might trigger a problem in case you’re eager to look at sundown inside the park or get a place for dawn. National park guidelines stipulate all guests have to be exterior of the park from sundown to dawn except utilizing the park lodging.
We advocate the next:
LUXURY
1. SOSSUSVLEI LODGE
We could have erred by not making a reservation previous to our arrival in Sossusvlei, however, the consequence was staying at the extremely lovely Sossusvlei Lodge. Believe us after we say it was value each goddamn penny for Sossusvlei camping!
Positioned properly on the sting of the Namib-Nauklauft National Park, Sossusvlei Lodge is in a prime place for all park-associated actions. Rooms are half safari tent, half everlasting construction, and open to probably the most superb balcony overlooking the desert.
Buffet breakfast and dinner are included within the room worth, with meals served by candlelight on the terrace. The property additionally accommodates a pool, bar, and journey center for tour bookings.
MID-RANGE
2. DESERT CAMP
Desert Camp contains 20 particular people, eco-friendly self-catered items uniquely designed to mix in with the encompassing setting for Sossusvlei camping.
Every unit accommodates twin beds and a fold-out sleeper sofa, so it could be price efficient if traveling in a gaggle of three. The en-suite lavatory is provided with all you want, whereas the patio features a barbecue, kitchenette, and fridge, good for a barbecue and sundowner.
BUDGET
3. SESRIEM CAMP
Should you’re tenting, which most funds travelers/backpackers are in Namibia, Sesriem Camp, positioned contained in the park grounds, is a superb possibility. Not solely is it an inexpensive difference from the lodge exterior to the park, but you’ll even be contained in the park and capable of journey contained in the park at your will; good for photographers aiming to seize the late sundown, or star-scapes, or those making an attempt to keep away from the crowds.
We extremely advocate the breakfast and dinner buffet at the Sossusvlei Lodge restaurant. The buffet is superb and high quality and a private chef will prepare dinner your alternative of recreational meat at the time for supper (vegetarians like us, look away). Bookings are important in case you’re staying at a distinct lodge.
Should you’re staying in a self-contained unit or campsite, utilize the services offered and prepare dinner up a barbecue.
The Engen service station in Sesriem accommodates a small grocery retailer the place you may top off on the necessities. It additionally sells cold and warm snacks however nothing substantial.
HOW TO GET TO SOSSUSVLEI
SELF DRIVE
Sossusvlei is positioned about 350km southwest of Windhoek. Should you be planning to go as a part of a Namibia road trip, a day must be sufficient time (6 – eight hours).
Whereas driving the route in a 2WD automobile is feasible, we advocate utilizing an excessive clearance automobile (SUV or 4WD) as elements of the route can get just a little treacherous. On quite a lot of events, we needed to drive very slowly to make it by deep layers of sand.
You possibly can take the route from Windhoek through Rehoboth, Klein Aub, Rietoog and Bullsport, nonetheless we’ve heard that this street can get fairly arduous to navigate if not in a 4WD.
The opposite, barely longer possibility goes through Mariental and Maltahohe to Sesriem.
As a precaution, comply with our Namibia driving ideas, and at all times take further water and meals, and refill every time you see a petroleum station.
Different vacation spots in Sossusvlei camping instances are as follows:
Sossusvlei to Swakopmund | 350 km | 5 to six hours journey time
Sossusvlei to Luderitz | 500 km | 7 to eight hours journey time
TAKE A TOUR
We completely get that self-driving by difficult, distant desert areas isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, however, that completely doesn’t imply it’s a must to miss out both for a fantastic Sossusvlei camping.
There are many small-group excursions by Namibia that additionally go to the Sossusvlei Dunes for camping – our suggestions are:
CAPE AND NAMIBIA ADVENTURE | 12-day tour from Cape City to Windhoek with G Adventures that takes in the important thing highlights of Namibia, together with Sesriem and Sossusvlei, the journey capital of Swakopmund, and the wildlife plains of Etosha.
DISCOVER NAMIBIA & VICTORIA FALLS | This 12-day G Adventures tour additionally takes in a couple of days in Zimbabwe, the place you’ll go to the mighty Victoria Falls.
SOSSUSVLEI SHUTTLE SAFARI | An incredible possibility is to leap aboard the Sossusvlei Shuttle Safari, a 2-day/3-night all-inclusive quick tour from Windhoek. These excursions begin at N$5,950 ($450 USD), which is respectable worth in our opinion. Excursions additionally function from Swakopmund.
OTHER TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR SOSSUSVLEI
ACCESS PERMITS FOR SOSSUSVLEI
Sossusvlei is positioned inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park and as such, you require allowed to enter.
Permits could be obtained on the park workplace contained in the gate at Sesriem, and value N$80 per particular person, per day for non-SADC guests
Please bear in mind that if you’re not staying inside the designated park boundaries, you may solely enter the park between dawn and sundown. Should you‘re heading in for dawn, ensure that get you to allow the day before.
MOBILE RECEPTION AND INTERNET
Within the city of Sesriem, you’ll have 3G telephone reception, nonetheless in case you’re contained in the park, neglect the reception.
Most lodges have wi-fi/web capabilities must you want them (you could have to pay for a few of these).
YOU NEED INSURANCE FOR NAMIBIA
No matter whether or not you are self-driving or on a tour, it is crucial you get journey insurance coverage for any journey in Namibia. The distances are huge, the chance of breaking down, accident, or harm is nice, and let’s not neglect that we’re speaking about traveling by a freaking dessert right here!
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