Travel Guide to Sossusvlei
Surrounded by high red dunes, Sossusvlei is a large, white salt and clay pan located within the Namib-Naukluft National Park in the southern corner of Namibia. It’s one of the best-known attractions in the country.
Why is Sossusvlei famous?
Tucked away in the southern part of the Namib Desert, the area is a great destination year-round, boasting some of the highest dunes in the world and spectacular desert scenery. The sand dunes of Sossusvlei are often referred to as the highest dunes in the world, reaching almost 400 meters.
How long is the road to Sossusvlei?
Starting from Sesriem, a small village at the southern end of the Naukluft Mountains, the road to Sossusvlei is 66.5 km (41.32 miles) long. The flat road is completely straight and a paradise for photographers. Although the roads in the area are renowned for their high accident rate—possibly the highest in Namibia—they are traversable with a normal sedan vehicle (two-wheel drive).
Is the road to Sossusvlei paved?
It’s mostly paved, but the last 5 kilometers are tarred through soft sand, so you will need an all-wheel-drive vehicle. The road was paved in the early 2000s. Don’t get lost while wandering in the desert, and remember to drink plenty of water, as you should throughout your time in Namibia, which is a very dry country.