Sossusvlei

GETTING THERE

By Air
There are no commercial flights to this remote outpost – only scheduled and private charter flights between Sossusvlei and main tourism hubs like Windhoek, Swakopmund and Etosha. Do keep in mind that charter flights are costly and may seriously augment your traveling costs. Strict luggage restrictions also apply.
By Road
From Swakopmund and Windhoek, the overland trip to Sossusvlei is around 5 to 6 hours in duration. The route is typically tackled in a hardy 4×4 vehicle, as it passes through harsh desert landscapes. All vehicles used are air-conditioned with comfortable interiors – your comfort and safety while traveling are paramount.

ACCOMMODATION

Due to the growing popularity of Sossusvlei, there are quite a few accommodation options in Sesriem. However, due to the isolation, be prepared to pay far more than Windhoek, or other regional towns. Most of the properties are located outside the park gates, which can cause an issue if you’re keen to watch sunset within the park, or get a good position for sunrise. National park rules stipulate all visitors must be outside the park from sunset to sunrise unless utilising the park accommodation.

MEDICAL

Sossusvlei health should not be a problem, as there is no malaria or any other pressing health risks in the region. However, the area is fairly remote and the town only has the most basic of medical facilities, and Windhoek is situated a fair distance away. Malaria medication includes Larium, Malarone, or doxycycline should you be venturing northwards.

HEALTH & SAFETY

it’s imperative you get travel insurance for any travel in Namibia. The distances are vast, the risk of breaking down, accident or injury is moderate, and this is a desert. Do not wander around the area without a guide, the Namib desert is easy to get lost in and you could lose your sense of direction easily. Make sure you have water with you at all times and always wear high factor sunscreen. The area is very safe with low crime, however just to be safe, keep valuables secure and out of sight. Do not attempt to hike or climb the surrounding area if you have any health issues.

When sightseeing Sossusvlei on an overland safari with an tourAfrika guide, your transportation will entail of a solid 4×4 vehicle adept to ploughing through the unkind train of the Namib Desert. Air-conditioning and comfortable interiors are the norm.

If you are enjoying a pleasant fly-in safari, you will land on the Namib-Naukluft National Park by light aircraft charter flight and then appreciate nature drives and activity transfers in modified open 4×4 vehicles similar to those used for game drives elsewhere in Southern Africa.

In the event that charter flights be full or out of your budget, we will organize overland transfers to and from the lodge in question with an operator of good repute that conforms to the same high-level standards that we do. Your safety and comfort are an overriding factor to us.

Should I not rather visit a safari area with a higher density of animals?

Sossusvles’s Apricot-coloured dunes are its main draw card to this part of Namibia, and wildlife is not a constant feature on these memorable natural landscapes, the topological equivalent of the Taj Mahal or the Statue of Liberty. If you are fortunate, you may come across brown hyena, and you are very likely to see gemsbok, ostrich, springbok, caracal, leopard and golden mole at some stage in your visit. If your are intent on pursuing amazing wildlife, then Etosha National Park offers the most superb safari encounter.

Is it viable to drive from Windhoek to Sossusvlei?

Yes. This is the favoured method for economical travellers, or persons that dread light aircraft. The road trip is a protracted affair running for about five hours, encountering another car happens in 45 minutes on average. You are assured to be immerse yourself in the landscapes of this frontier territory as roads are flat and straight, flying like arrows to distant horizons. An oncoming vehicle announces itself as a tiny puff of dust at the vanishing point of vision.

What are the top attractions near Sossosvlei?

Sesriem Canyon and Deadvlei are certainly worth visiting whilst you are in the Sossusvlei area.

What is the closest town?

The tiny settlement of Sesriem is the nearest ‘town’. It mainly comprises of a filling station and a few of general stores for basic and ordinary items.

Will I have mobile reception and access to the internet?

You are very much out of cellular network when visiting Sossusvlei desert, however descent reception is normally available at your lodge. Internet services are available at some lodges, however it is slow

Is there fresh water to drink?

Namibia has been recycling highly treated wastewater into safe water for human consumption drinking water because of the very limited natural water supplies. Windhoek has done since as far back as 1969. Your accommodation will always have bottled mineral water instantly accessible.