Luxury Sossusvlei Safari Vacations & Tours made for you
Deadvlei
A surreal landscape dotted with ancient, dead camel thorn trees
True seclusion
With only a few camps in Sossusvlei, you'll experience true wilderness
Desert-adapted wildlife
Spot oryx, springbox and more in the surroundings
Stargazing
Incredibly clear skies and minimal light pollution
Soaring copper dunes and simply staggering scenes
The towering rust–red sand dunes and clay pans that belong to the Sossusvlei form the most iconic landscape of Namibia. Towering up to 325 metres above the valley, climbing Sossusvlei’s dunes promises awe–inspiring views of the otherworldly landscapes below.
Located in the enormous Namib-Naukluft National Park – a protected area of desert and mountains larger than Switzerland – this rippling sand sea of huge dunes has been shaped by the winds and the underground Tsauchab River.
Outwardly, the Sossusvlei looks completely barren of any life, and as one of the oldest and driest ecosystems on the planet you wouldn’t be completely wrong to assume that this is the case. Look closer at the flat, silver coloured clay vleis (pans or valleys) of fine mud cracked into a mosaic pattern to spot green camelthorn trees growing and the odd majestic oryx appear.
Solitary dead acacia trees plot the old routes of the river, some from as much as 500 years ago. When the rains do arrive from January to April the pans come alive with yellow devil thorn flowers and the dunes bloom green in places. Even rarer, perhaps once a decade or so, torrential rains flood the pans bringing an explosion of life, where lilies and dragonflies appear, and even birds arrive for this special occasion.
At Jacada, our expert travel designers have firsthand experience of Africa, and use their in-depth knowledge to build a bespoke itinerary around you. We have access to the country’s best local guides and luxury lodges, as well as a team of personal concierges who’ll take care of every detail of your trip. Get in touch with our travel designers to begin planning your African adventure today.
Highlights
Climb the Big Daddy and Big Mama dunes for spectacular views over this landscape
Get to the top of the Elim Dune for panoramas over the Naukluft mountains
Explore the Hidden Vlei and Dead Vlei pans before arriving finally at the Sossusvlei, to see how they differ
Take to the skies on a balloon ride over this most extraordinary of landscapes
Luxury Sossusvlei safari lodges
Why choose Jacada for your luxury safari experience?
Safari expertise
Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.
Unforgettable guides
We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.
Positive impact
By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.
Trip inspiration
Where to go
Damaraland
Damaraland is home to the open-air gallery of Twyfelfontein. Here, you will find thousands of ancient engravings made by the indigenous San people – making this UNESCO World Heritage Site a must-see in Namibia.
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Etosha National Park
Known as the 'Place of Mirages', Etosha National Park's incredible landscapes range from vast savannahs to silver salt pans. Keep an eye out for herds of blue wildebeest and desert elephants.
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Kaokoland
This is one of Namibia’s most remote and inaccessible areas. In Kaokoland, you can meet the Himba and learn about their traditional lifestyle on a cultural safari. In the region, you can also spot desert elephants, giraffes and black rhinos.
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Kunene River
Flowing from Angola into Namibia, the Kunene River is the only perennial water source in the entire region. From here, embark on nature drives and boating excursions in search of Nile crocodiles. You can also venture further and explore remote mountains, river valleys and waterfalls.
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Okonjima Nature Reserve
Enjoy unrivalled game viewing experiences at Okonjima Nature Reserve. It is arguably one of the best places to spot predators in Namibia. Head out on exhilarating game drives and nature trails to track Big Cats that have been rehabilitated by the AfriCat foundation.
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Swakopmund and Walvis Bay
These two towns are located between the Namib Desert and Skeleton Coast and are the ideal base to explore the natural wonders of the region. Adventure sports are some of the best things to do in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Skydiving, dune boarding, quad biking and scenic balloon flights are some of the many incredible experiences waiting for you.
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The NamibRand Reserve
As one of the largest private reserves in Southern Africa, the NamibRand Reserve aims to help protect and conserve the unique ecology and wildlife of the south-west Namib Desert. Its vast vistas make for some incredible sunset views. The NamibRand Reserve also lies in one of the darkest regions on earth, making it one of the best places to go stargazing.
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The Skeleton Coast
The Skeleton Coast offers varied landscapes of lengthy beaches, towering sand dunes, secret rivers and mesmerising canyons. Board a flying safari to spot on the skeletal remains of vessels and large concentrations of seal colonies.
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Windhoek
Namibia’s vibrant capital city, Windhoek is an interesting gateway to the rest of the country. The city is dotted with fascinating buildings that look like they belong in northern Europe. This is due to a legacy of German colonialism. Take a walking city tour to learn more about its dynamic history and rich culture.
Discover moreMeet your Africa team
When to visit Sossusvlei
The best time to visit Sossusvlei for exploring the sand dunes is during the dry season from May to October. These are the cooler months, with pleasant day time temperatures between 20°C–25°C (68°F–77°F), ideal for outdoor activities and exploration. This is also the best time to spot desert wildlife, when scarce water sources force animals to concentrate around remaining water holes.
The dry season is also the best time for stargazing. During these months, minimal cloud cover means clearer skies, perfect for gazing up at the galaxy. Time your trip with the new moon phase for even more visibility of the stars.
When visiting during the rainy season from November to April, the rain gives life to blooming yellow devil thorn flowers and greenery which contrasts to the desert dunes.
Mild temperatures and dry conditions
May–October
Wildlife spotting
May–October
Vast green dunes
January–April
Plan your trip to Sossusvlei
Whatever you want from your adventure in Sossusvlei, our team of safari experts are ready to help.
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
