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
- Avani Windhoek Hotel
The Avani Windhoek Hotel is a tribute to these metaphors and is a stepping stone to Namibia and the gateway to Etosha National Park and the Namib Desert.
The Avani Windhoek Hotel Casino, 173 rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, sky lounge and all this located in the city centre of Windhoek, Namibia.
- Wolwedans Dune Camp
While Wolwedans Dune Camp aims to accommodate those guests in need of relaxed comfort and space, the camp is a more down-to-earth and close-to-nature experience. The camp sleeps a maximum of 12 guests in a perfect setting.
The spectacular NamibRand Nature Reserve awaits with game drives and scenic wonders in every direction.
- 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.
- Zambezi Mubala Lodge
Zambezi Mubala Lodge is one of Namibia's best-kept secrets with a Zambezi Riverfront setting, 450 species of bird and good fishing all on the doorstep.
The perfect base from which to explore all that surrounds or simply sit back and relax in the lap of luxury.
- Olive Grove Guesthouse
The Olive Grove Guesthouse and boutique hotel in Windhoek is a small, upmarket accommodation establishment situated close to the Windhoek city centre in a quiet and peaceful suburb.
Olive Grove offers guests; free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool and is within an easy walk of Joe's Beer Garden
- Wolwedans Private Camp
Wolwedans Private Camp offers two spacious en-suite bedrooms, a 'Sala' where one can laze away siestas, various decks, and the central lounge, combining a study, living room, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen.