Top Things to do in Sossusvlei
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Top 6 Nature & Parks in Sossusvlei, Khomas Region
Discover the best top things to do in Sossusvlei, Namibia including Namib Desert, Deadvlei, Big Daddy Dune, Hidden Vlei, Dune 45, Sesriem Canyon.
Restaurants in Sossusvlei
1. Namib Desert
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 330 reviews
This barren red-sand desert lies along the coast.
Reviewed By Brittany_11_10 - Los Angeles, United States
It's not "technically" one of the great wonders of the world, but I reckon it ought to be. Stunning views, gorgeous colors, hearty wildlife, deadly quiet at times...the Namib Desert is a marvel. It's also incredibly vast (I actually learned moments ago that Namib means "vast place"), and surprisingly varied. Home to the second-largest sand dunes in the world, gravel plains, sand seas near the coast, scattered mountain outcrops, and more, it's mind-boggling how someone could say there's "nothing much to see and offer, distances between sight[s] of interest are far," as one reviewer wrote. A) It's a desert; what exactly are you expecting to see? B) Part of why it's so great is b/c of how desolate it is! There are virtually no people throughout the whole desert--aside from small settlements here and there comprised of indigenous pastoral groups--and to me, that's rejuvenating, much-desired, and fantastic. I feel bad for people who visit the Namib Desert and write things like, "If you expect something special driving from Walvis Bay towards Sossusvlei, you will be dissatisfied." I'm thankful I can find awe and wonder and beauty in a place as cool as the Namib Desert. A few other notes: - Yes, it's hot. It's the, ahem, desert...isn't it? Cover up, wear sunscreen, and take water when you hike around the dunes or wherever. - Look for wildlife wherever you are; it's there. While in Sossusvlei and driving between Sesriem and Walvis Bay, we saw vultures, squirrels, warthogs, springbok, ostrich, zebra, giraffe, little crabs and beetles in/on the dunes, and the quite-impressive-and-hardy gemsbok. Probably more that I'm just not remembering right now. - Appreciate silence, and desolation, and stark beauty; there's no place quite like the Namib Desert. - Also, if you don't like crowds, driving behind "clouds of dust you can hardly see through", or being anywhere that you feel is too touristy, maybe go in the off season. We were there at the end of December, and the only places that had virtually any people were Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. Otherwise, we felt like we had the country mostly to ourselves, and many of the campsites at which we stayed all over weren't even close to full.
2. Deadvlei
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 967 reviews
Reviewed By ilovecorndogs - Lausanne, Switzerland
No filters needed - this place really looks like all the pics you see online. Incredible dead black trees, on near perfect white cracked earth, with burning red dunes, and perfect blue sky - remarkable. Hike up Big daddy, but start as early as possible - trailblazing will make it harder, but it gets stunningly hot 2-3 hours after sunrise.... This is a top 5 world locations for me - just amazing
3. Big Daddy Dune
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 512 reviews
Reviewed By EMIELANDMARLEEN - De Haan, Belgium
It is worth climbing the dunes, both Big Mammy or Big Daddy Take your time and you will reach to top possible for almost everyone great views, and most colors around sunset or sunrise
4. Hidden Vlei
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By SoCalSll - Newbury Park, United States
Hidden vlei is not quite a impressive as Deadvlei as there are fewer trees. It is a 2.5 km hike along a poorly marked path over soft sand to get there. That makes it a truly deserted place in which to really experience this vast landscape. Take enough water and break away from the crowds. It is worth it.
5. Dune 45
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 561 reviews
Reviewed By 208erwinh - Antwerp, Belgium
The dune is located +/- 45 km from the entrance. Great views from the top The park opens from sunrise Entrance fee for the ‘park’: 80N$/ person and 10N$ for the car Go early to beat the heat and bring enough water with you
6. Sesriem Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 899 reviews
Reviewed By IPett - Munich, Germany
The Canyon seems to be ignored by some Sossouvlei visitors who are only heading towards Big Daddy, dune 45 and the Vleis. But the Canyon is definitely worth a visit, on the way back from the dunes, before you exit the park. We climbed down and strolled along the canyon for about an hour. Amazing stone formations and also great flora and fauna between the rocks. We even saw a well camouflaged hornadder.
