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
Swakopmund Hotel
The Swakopmund Hotel offers up a unique experience in the heart of the city centre; built in and around the old Station Building, the hotel combines architectural beauty with first-world comfort.
Excellent facilities, friendly staff and a casino option for those interested in a late-night round of blackjack.
Wolwedans Dunes Lodge
The Dunes Lodge is perched on a dune plateau overlooking panoramic vistas in all directions, capturing the desert in a most memorable way.
Each of the 9 chalets offers desert views from a private veranda over vast stretches of sand. A truly stunning desert safari lodge awaits.
Namib Dune Star Camp
Namib Dune Star Camp an intimate camp set high up on the red dunes of the Namib Desert with desert views out over plains and rugged mountains in the distance, offers the experience of sleeping out under the stars for a night.
A star dune suite within an international dark sky reserve, what could be better?
The Delight Swakopmund
The Delight Swakopmund offers guests a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere all within the confines of a modern, unique and inviting hotel.
The Delight is central to almost all that Swakopmund has to offer.
Mushara Lodge
Located only 8kms from the Von Lindequist Gate on the eastern outskirts of the Etosha National Park, Mushara Lodge is ideally situated for travellers visiting the park, 10 thatched chalets are found in a horseshoe shape around the swimming pool.
Mushara Lodge, home to fantastic wildlife sights and safari experiences.
Etosha Safari Lodge
Etosha Safari Lodge offers guests the perfect base from which to explore the Etosha National Park, a large lodge with 65 thatched bungalows is the perfect option for those on a self-drive or family-orientated safari through Namibia.
The perfect budget-friendly Etosha lodge for those on a self-drive safari.
Onguma The Fort
The Fort with 12 suites is unlike any other Etosha Lodges, the only one of its kind in Namibia, overlooking the beautiful scarceness of the Etosha Pans, decorated only with its wild animals and 100's of Acacia Camelthorn trees.
Exceptional wildlife sightings can be expected year-round from one of our favourite lodges in Etosha.Onguma Bush Camp
Situated on the eastern side of Etosha National Park, accommodation consists of six en-suite luxury bungalows and one family room.
Onguma Bush Camp is ideal for families who would like to have a base from which they can explore Etosha National Park.