Once one navigates the main Sesriem entrance gates and enters the national park a pleasant surprise awaits, a tarred road (yes, a tarred road) that extends all the way through to the main parking area near Sossusvlei.
A scenic road that although in theory should take you one hour to reach your destination, in reality, will take you two to three hours due to all the stops for photographs and climbing of dunes. But no complaints as this is why we are here, and that quite simply is to enjoy all that is the Namib Desert has to offer us.
Just as a gentle reminder; a trip to Sossusvlei one will need between half a day or even a full day, depending on what you want to see, photograph, experience and climb. This is most certainly not a two or three-hour round trip, oh no, that it is not.
Getting to Sesriem and the tar road to Sossusvlei, on the other hand, can be quite a traumatic one, the roads leading here can be bad to very bad. Especially the C19 and C14 to Walvis Bay. There are certain sections of this road where one just wants to stop, get out of the vehicle and start crying (crying when it is your own personal vehicle that is taking a complete and utter unrelenting beating). The Namibian Government really does need to do something about these roads. Getting off our soapbox now :)
Driving Distances To Sossusvlei
- Sesriem to Sossusvlei parking lot (non 4x4 vehciles) = 61.3 Kilometres.
- This drive is on a tarred road the entire way.
- Sesriem to Deadvlei parking lot (4x4 vehciles) = 65.4 Kilometres.
- The last 5 kilometres is over very soft sand and a 4x4 is required.
- Should you get suck in the sand, a rescue fee is charged to get you out.
- Driving at 50kph, this will take you a little over 1 hour (without stopping)
- Above distances are one way only.
Attractions along the route that are worth stopping at include; Dune 45 Viewpoint and Sesriem Canyon. One also has the chance to climb a few of the massive sand dunes, Dune 45, the Deadvlei Dunes and Big Mamma Dune as all worth the effort getting to the top (one does need to be relatively fit to do this).
There are early morning hot air ballooning options available should one wish to view the dunes from above - contact us and we will help organize this for you.
Looking for accommodation in the area? Look no further;
- Büllsport Guestfarm - Highly recommended for those on a budget
- Desert Horse Inn - Luderitz side of the Namib
- Eagle's Nest Chalets - Luderitz side of the Namib
- The Desert Grace - Thumbs up
- Namib Dune Star Camp - Thumbs up
- Wolwedans Dune Camp - Highly recommended
- Wolwedans Boulders Camp - Highly recommended
- Wolwedans Private Camp - Highly recommended
- Wolwedans Dunes Lodge - Highly recommended
- Little Kulala - Highly recommended, but pricey
- Kulala Desert Lodge - Highly recommended, but pricey
- Namib Desert Lodge - Highly recommended for those on a budget
- Sossusvlei Desert Lodge - Highly recommended, but pricey
Driving To Sossusvlei
The Road To Sossusvlei by Uyaphi.com
Desert Horse Inn
Desert Horse Inn is the perfect base from which to explore this region of the southern Namib Desert, a day trip to Luderitz and, of course, Kolmanskop.
Find the elusive deserts horse, mountain biking and walking excursions or just simply experience this very different side of the Namib.
Doro Nawas Camp
Doro Nawas Camp is situated in the beautiful Damaraland on a small, rocky outcrop within the floodplain of a small tributary of the Huab River; guests are housed in 16 natural walled units that blend in with the surrounding scenery.
Hoanib Valley Camp
Hoanib Valley Camp, situated in Kaokoland / Damaraland, is surrounded by a multitude of desert-adapted wildlife surrounds the camp including free-roaming desert lion, elephant, rhino, giraffe, and hyena, oryx and mountain zebra.
Hoanib River Valley in Namibia's Damaraland is utterly spectacular, with mountains surrounding the valley floor all with desert wildlife.
Namib Desert Lodge
Namib Desert Lodge sits at the very foot of fossilised dunes of the protomorphic Namib, a very popular option and for good reason. A family-friendly swimming pool is one of the highlights.
There are 50 en-suite rooms with en-suite bathrooms and a private veranda at Namib Desert Lodge, allowing you to sit outside your room and enjoy a spectacular desert sunset.
Eagle's Nest Chalets
Eagle's Nest Chalets consists of eight chalets and eight chalets only, a lodge at that is built amongst granite rocks and boulders with views that are simply unrivalled.
Experience of getting away from the rush and routine of everyday life.
Palmwag Lodge
Palmwag Lodge is one of Namibia's oldest and most popular tourist destinations and is renowned for its idyllic location amongst rustling palm trees, spectacular scenery and convenient location in the vast 450 000ha Palmwag Concession.
Wildlife in and around this private Damaraland concession is truly incredible.
Mushara Outpost
The Mushara Outpost lodge accommodates 16 guests in custom-made tent-like structures; each tent is set on a wooden deck, a metre and a half above the ground, giving us a different perspective of the surrounding Namibian bush.
Mushara, one of the best Etosha lodge options for romantics and honeymooners alike.
Hansa Hotel
The Hansa Hotel in the centre of Swakopmund, wrapped in the shape of a timelessly classical building dating from 1905. Centrally located and within walking distance of all attractions.
Steeped in Swakopmund history, the Hansa Hotel offers every modern amenity the discerning traveller could wish for.