Question 1

Is Sossusvlei very touristy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially around sunrise it can be quite busy. That is hardly surprising; it is one of Namibia’s best-known sights. That is precisely why we recommend also making time for the lesser-known parts of the Namib Desert. The vast landscapes around Sossusvlei are every bit as impressive and often much quieter.

Question 2

Is it better to stay inside or outside the park in Sossusvlei?

Accepted Answer

Both have their advantages. If you stay  within the park boundaries , you can enter the park earlier and drive towards Deadvlei sooner. The  campsites outside the entrance  often offer better facilities, more comfort and a more pleasant atmosphere. The best choice depends on your preferences, travel style and itinerary. During a free travel consultation, we will be happy to advise you on which accommodation best fits your route.

Question 3

Is Dune 45 the best place for sunrise?

Accepted Answer

Dune 45 is undoubtedly a beautiful dune, but also one of the busiest places in the park. If you would rather enjoy the sunrise in peace and quiet, we recommend  Elim Dune  . This dune is closer to the park entrance, much less busy and offers a magnificent view over the surrounding desert.

Question 4

Is NamibRand worth visiting?

Accepted Answer

We certainly think so. NamibRand Nature Reserve is a wonderful addition to Sossusvlei. You will find the same impressive desert landscapes there, but with far fewer visitors. NamibRand is also one of the darkest places in the world. On clear nights, the starry sky here is truly spectacular.

Question 5

What is Solitaire?

Accepted Answer

Solitaire is a tiny desert village that serves as a regular stop for many travellers on their way to or from Sossusvlei. The village became known through the book  Solitaire  by the Dutch writer  Ton van der Lee . In this true story, he describes his life in the remote desert village and the remarkable people who live there. Since then, Solitaire has been on the map for many Dutch and Belgian travellers. By now, the  apple pie from Moose McGregor's Desert Bakery is at least as well known. For many travellers, a stop in Solitaire has become almost synonymous with a slice of fresh apple pie and a cup of coffee. But do take some time to look around as well. The old, rusty cars, the vast desert and the fascinating history give Solitaire an atmosphere you will not find anywhere else in Namibia.

Question 6

Why visit Sossusvlei with Beyond Routes?

Accepted Answer

For us, visiting Sossusvlei is about more than just the famous photographs of Deadvlei. Precisely because we have visited this region several times, we know how to avoid the crowds as much as possible and which places are every bit as impressive but attract far fewer visitors. We are happy to advise you on which accommodation best suits your trip and how to combine Sossusvlei with other remarkable areas such as NamibRand or Solitaire.  That way, you will discover not only the famous highlights, but also experience why the Namib Desert is one of Africa’s most impressive landscapes.

Question 7

Are Sossusvlei and Deadvlei in the same place, and can you visit them one after the other on a self-drive?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they are in the same part of Namib-Naukluft National Park. From the main car park (where the tarmac road ends), you continue driving your 4x4 through deep sand for approximately another 4 to 5 kilometres. For  Deadvlei  you park the car at the end of this sandy track and walk the final stretch (approximately 15 to 20 minutes) over and between the dunes to the hidden pan. Sossusvlei  is located just a little further on, at the end of a side track off the same sandy road. You can therefore easily visit both locations in one morning in your own  self-drive  car. Tip: start early in the morning at Deadvlei for the best photographic light, then continue on to Sossusvlei.

Question 8

What is the difference between Sossusvlei and Deadvlei in Namibia?

Accepted Answer

Although they are often mentioned together and lie close to each other, they are two completely different landscapes: Sossusvlei  is a large, sandy clay pan ( vlei ) surrounded by gigantic red sand dunes. It is the endpoint of the Tsauchab River. In rare, exceptionally rainy years, the river fills up and Sossusvlei becomes a beautiful turquoise lake amid the desert, attracting birds and wildlife. Green trees also grow here. Deadvlei  by contrast, is a completely dried-out, surreal white clay pan that has not seen water for hundreds of years. This pan is world-famous for its distinctive, blackened skeletons of thousand-year-old camel thorn trees, which stand out sharply against the white ground and the bright orange dunes.

Question 9

Do you need a 4x4 vehicle to reach Deadvlei in Namibia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the final 4 to 5 kilometres from the 2WD car park to Deadvlei consist of very deep, loose sand, making a 4x4 vehicle absolutely essential. If you are taking a self-drive in a fully equipped 4x4, you can easily drive through it yourself (don't forget to lower the tyre pressure!). Don't have a 4x4 or not confident tackling the sand? You can pay to use an organised shuttle operated by the park service on site.

Sossusvlei & Namib-Naukluft National Park