The Namib Desert is a top tourist destination in Namibia which captivates with its vast and stunning beauty. To maximise your visit to Sossusvlei and the surrounding desert, discover the best viewpoints, routes, and accommodations. Find answers, explanations, and maps below to plan your ultimate desert experience!
Where is Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert?
The Namib Desert is in the southwest of Namibia and Sossusvlei is a large pan where the Tsauchab River flows to in heavy rainy seasons (a very rare occasion). Sossusvlei has created a route into the Namib Desert where you can climb some big sand dunes.
Here are maps showing where the main attractions are in the Namib Desert, Sesriem, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, Dune 45, Elim Dune, Sunset Dune and Sesriem Canyon. Moving in closer lets explain how to get into the Namib Naukluft Park and how the park gates work:
Park and Desert entrances
The following map shows the entrance into the park either from the C27
from the south or the D826, the entrance is right on the corner of theses
two roads.
1. Entrance into Park: This is the main gate into the
Namib Naukluft National Park, it opens at dawn and closes at dusk. From
here you have access to the Parks office (where you pay for your park
permit), Sesriem Camp Site, Sesriem Oshana Camping, Sossus Dune Lodge,
Dead Valley Lodge and Sesriem Canyon.
2. Entrance into the desert: This gate opens 1 hour before
dawn and closes 30 minutes after sunset and you are only allowed through
the gate if you have purchased a permit from the parks office.
On into the Namib Desert Sossusvlei, Dune 45, Deadvlei and parking
After getting your permit at the parks office, follow the only road towards the desert, after 300 metres there will be another gate, here they will check your permit then you are off to see Sossusvlei!
Its a narrow tar road for 65km. At first you will see glimpses of dunes in the distance as you drive down a wide flat barren area, you are in fact driving down the river bed of the Tsauchab River, look out for gemsbok and springbok which can often be see wandering alongside the road (and often on the road especially in the early morning).
The further you progress the closer the sand dunes close in on either side. Your first main landmark is Dune 45 - 45km from the gate!
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