The entry into the Namib Desert and access to Sesriem, Sossusvlei and Deadvlei can seem a little confusing so first we will explain how the two gate entrance system works, where all the accommodation at Sesriem is and the pros and cons of staying inside or outside of the Sesreim National Park.

There are two entrance gates controlling entry into the Namib National Park where Sesriem Canyon, Sossusvlei, Dune 45, Elim Dune and Deadvlei are located, the first gate is on the corner of the D826 (north from Windhoek) and C27 (south) gravel roads and looks like the photo below:

Sesriem entrance gate

This is the main gate to the park which opens at dawn and closes at sunset.

Here you will find the Parks office where you get your permit for entering the Namib Desert and visiting Sesriem Canyon.
This is the only entry point to go and visit Sossusvlei, Dune 45, Elim Dune, Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon. Through this gate there are four places to stay inside the Namib Desert National Park, Sesriem Camping, Sossus Dune Lodge, Sesriem Oshana Campsite and Dead Valley Lodge.

You can access the fuel station, shop and parks permit office from here also the road into the desert is just beyond the main buildings where you will encounter the second gate:

This gate opens one hour before sunrise and closes one hour after sunset and you are only allowed through if you have bought your park permit at the parks office which is located inside the Sesreim camp reception (buildings on the right 500 metres after the first gate). see park fees page for prices.

To summarize if you want to get to Sossusvlei, Deadvlei or climb Big Daddy to watch the sunrise you need to stay at one of the four accommodations inside Sesriem Sesriem Camping, Sossus Dune Lodge, Sesriem Oshana Campsite and Dead Valley Lodge to enable you to get up before sunrise and drive into the desert.

So we recommend booking as far in advance as possible but what happens if these limited optiona are full? (which happens frequently especially from June to October and Easter), well all is not lost you just have to change your game plan a little as there are places to stay outside the Sesriem gate which will be listed below, however you will not be able to access the Park until the first gate opens at sunrise so what do you do?

Staying outside the Park

You have a couple of options:
Arrive at the first gate as close to dawn as possible then as soon as it opens drive through to Sossusvlei, you will still be there in time for the morning light just not for sunrise, this is a more relaxing drive as there will be some light to drive by and you can see the sun rising over the desert as you head into the desert (if you are staying inside the first gate and start off predawn the whole drive is done the dark).

Alternatively you can still be at the gate early and drive the first 45km to Dune 45 (photo below taken 3 hours after sunrise) and climb that dune for the early morning light then head into Sossusvlei, Deadvlei areas afterwards.

You will have an awesome experience either way

There are some benefits to staying outside of the Park as that opens up a host of different accommodation options at all budgets.

What would we recommend?

We always say you need at least 2 nights to really enjoy the desert experience (3 would be more relaxing) so that gives you 2 or 3 nights where you can try and stay at one of the places to stay inside the Park, if you can secure only one night inside the park then the next morning is your desert day then book one night at an alternative that caters to your budget and taste outside the park.
If no nights are available inside the park for your dates then book 2 nights outside and be early at the gate, book as far in advance as you can - especially from June to October, Christmas and Easter, but remember this is the number one location everyone wants to visit in Namibia so it can be booked out at all times of the year!

Should you not be able to secure accommodation inside the park for your dates dont worry you can still experience the glory, sand, heat and beauty of the Namib Desert and some of the locations of accommodation outside the park are stunningly beautiful in their own right - so pack a hat, some water and grab the camera for one of the most dreamatic landscapes you may ever enjoy.

Accommodation outside of the Namib Park gate

A note on where to stay in the Namib Naukluft

The Namib Naukluft Park is split into 2 sections. Naukluft Campsite is situated some distance from the dunes at Sossusvlei. For the dunes at Sossuvlei you should stay at one of the Sesriem campsites above.