The magnificent desert getaway
Sossusvlei is located in the southern part of Namibia's magnificent Namib Desert in the Naukluft National Park. "Sossusvlei" can be roughly translated to mean "dead-end marsh", but there is certainly nothing dead about this desert paradise. Sossusvlei is basically a shallow depression which cradles the waters of the Tsauchab River, it is surrounded by amazing sand dunes that are pink-to-orange in colour and a clay pan. The clay pan when its filled with rain water or water from the river is a spectacular sight. Another amazing feature of the area is the Sesriem Canyon, the canyon got its name from old folklore which says that the early ‘trekkers’ used six (ses) leather thongs (riem) to draw water. The canyon is approximately 60km from Sossusvlei. Other must-see attractions in the area include Elim dune, Dune 45 (which is reputed to be the world's most photographed dune), Big Daddy (the highest dune in the sossusvlei area), Deadvlei, Hiddenvlei and the petrified dunes (which are approximately a billion years old).
Visitors can enjoy an epic hot-air balloon flight, where they'll be able to view the wonders of the sossusvlei from an undisputedly unique point of view. They can also go quad-biking or enjoy a nature walk, for those that wish to enjoy the scenery at a more leisurely pace. Wildlife that can be spotted in the area include antelopes such as the Oryx and springbok, diverse species of birds as well as jackals.
There is a variety of accommodation to be found consisting of budget and luxury hotels, lodges, camps as well as bed & breakfast establishments. Accommodation options have been divided into four regions for visitors’ convenience, keeping in mind that the closer the establishment is to the dunes, the more pricey it is.
There is the Sossusvlei and Sesriem area, which consists mostly of camps and lodges such as: Betesda Rest Camp ( Quality accommodation for people of all ages. It has 25 double rooms and 5 family rooms. Every suite has an en-suite bathroom and mosquito nets. There is also a restaurant and bar that serves guests authentic Namibian cuisine in a buffet style. Facilities at this camp include a swimming pool, lounge area, laundry service, ramps for wheelchairs as well as a secure parking lot. The camp offers quad-biking and sundowner drives).
Desert Camp ( located on the premises of the Taleni Africa private reserve. Guests can self-cater and are mainly left up to their own devices. The camp has 20 rooms with built-in kitchens. Utensils and packs for cooking including meat; vegetables; spices & condiments; breads & cheeses; beverages as well as storage boxes are provided for on request. Each cottage has its own parking space and there is a swimming pool that guests can lounge around and cool off in, there is also a common lounge area), Desert Homestead, Kulala Desert Lodge, Le Mirage Desert Lodge and Spa ( Which is one of the more highly recommended hotels. This hotel is situated along the edges of the Namib Desert. All rooms have amazing views of the sand dunes and have luxurious fully equipped bathrooms. The hotel’s restaurant and bar provides guests with delectable meals and a hearty complimentary breakfast. The spa at the lodge is the ultimate indulgence with its superb massage therapies and de-stressing treatments. The lodge also offers great activities for guests such as quad bike tours, nature drives, scenic drives and spectacular hot-air balloon rides. Le Mirage is about 21km from Sesriem), Little Sossus Lodge, Sesriem Campsite, Sossusvlei Lodge.
Then there is Solitaire and the surrounding hamlets which are the second closest areas to the dunes, here visitors have options between Ababis Guest Farm ( A picturesque little resort on the northern side of the Naukluft mountains. It has 5 guest rooms with private verandas), Rostock Ritz, Solitaire Country Lodge, Solitaire Guest Farm ( This Guest Farm offers 16 exquisite rooms). This area is popular and well known for spotting various types of wildlife.
At the southern border of Sossusvlei is the NamibRand Reserve, which is the world’s largest privately owned reserve. Here visitors can stay at the Boulders Camp Wolvedans, Wolvedans Dunes Camp, Wolvedans Dunes Lodge, Wolvedans Mountain View Suite and the Wolvedans Private Camp. The Naukluft and Bullsport are but an hour away from Sesriem and accommodation in this area provide guests with activities such as hiking and riding trails. Accommodation in this area includes The Bullsport Guest Farm, The Naukluft Campsite, Kudus Rus, Tsauchab River Camp and the Zebra River Lodge ( The hotel is located in Sossusvlei in the midst of the Tsaris mountains and is well known for its excellent guest rooms. The hotel’s restaurant provides a variety of delectable dishes and fairly radiates elegance. The hotel aims to give its guests the ultimate holiday experience filled with rest and relaxation. It is famous for its s plunge pool, bird watching and hiking trails).
Sossusvlei and its surrounding areas ar e a definite must-see. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and go drink in the awe-inspiring sight that is Sossusvlei.
