3-Day Sossusvlei Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Sossusvlei tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaSossusvlei travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Namibia, incl. Swakopmund and Sossusvlei

  Red dunes and ancient landscapes await on this three-day tour from Swakopmund to Windhoek. Trek through Dead Vlei's ancient camelthorn forest, ascend Big Daddy dune, and delve into Sesriem Canyon's geological wonders, with comfortable lodge stays between adventures.

  

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  • Day 1

    Swakopmund to Sesriem (350 km)

    Start your day in Swakopmund with some exploration time. Book any morning activities like sandboarding or quad biking before 11 AM to avoid the intense desert heat. Begin your drive east into the Namib Desert around 11:30 AM. Your route takes you through two mountain passes: the striking Kuiseb Pass and Gaub Canyon. Stop for photos at the Tropic of Capricorn marker along the way. You should reach your lodge near Sesriem in late afternoon with enough time to watch the sun set over the Naukluft Mountains.

    
  • Day 2

    Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei Exploration (120 km)

    Get up before sunrise for the best desert experience. Drive 60 km from Sesriem to the 2x4 parking area, then take a 4x4 shuttle through deep sand for the final 5 km to Sossusvlei. Visit Dead Vlei between 7-9 AM when the lighting creates perfect photo conditions of the ancient camel thorn trees. If you want to climb Big Daddy dune (325m), start early. The sand becomes too hot to walk on by mid-morning, so wear closed shoes. For a less crowded experience, visit Dune 45 on your way back. Finish your day at Sesriem Canyon, which offers a cooler environment than the surrounding desert.

    
  • Day 3

    Sesriem to Windhoek (320 km)

    Your final day takes you to Windhoek through Solitaire, a small desert stop known for excellent apple pie. The road winds through the Khomas Hochland mountains where you might spot oryx and springbok. The drive takes about 5 hours with stops. Plan to arrive in Windhoek by mid-afternoon and schedule any flights for the evening since mountain driving after dark can be dangerous.

    

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• 3 Day Namibia Itinerary, incl. Windhoek and Sossusvlei

  The majestic dunes of Sossusvlei unfold over three days: ascend Dune 45 and Big Daddy, capture Dead Vlei's ancient trees, and venture into Sesriem Canyon's formations. Full-board stay at Namib Desert Lodge with expert guide throughout.

  

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  • Day 1

    Windhoek to Sossusvlei

    The road from Windhoek to Sossusvlei takes 4-5 hours and cuts through some incredible desert landscapes. Get an early start around 8 AM to avoid the worst of the day's heat. You'll need plenty of water since the desert air will dry you out quickly. The scenery changes dramatically as you drive from bushy savanna into stark desert territory. Bring your camera. As one traveler put it: "The drive itself is an adventure – watching the landscape transform from city to complete wilderness is incredible."

    
  • Day 2

    Sossusvlei's Famous Dunes

    You'll want to be up and moving by 5 AM to see the dunes at their best and avoid the intense midday sun. Start with Dune 45. It's a tough 80-meter climb but the sunrise views make it worth every step. Make sure you wear proper closed shoes with good grip because the sand heats up fast after 9 AM. Take the shuttle over to Dead Vlei next to see ancient dead trees standing against massive red dunes. If you're feeling ambitious Big Daddy dune stands 325 meters tall but start climbing before 10 AM. In the afternoon head to Sesriem Canyon when it's cooler and less busy.

    
  • Day 3

    Return to Windhoek

    On your way back stop at the tiny town of Solitaire. They're known for their fresh apple pie which tastes even better in the middle of the desert. The route through Spreetshoogte Pass offers great views but take it slow on the steep gravel roads. Plan to get back to Windhoek around 2 PM. Leave early enough to avoid driving west into the setting sun.

    

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• 3 Days in Namibia, incl. Windhoek and Sossusvlei

  Dramatic desert landscapes fill three days in Sossusvlei, featuring sunrise at Dune 45, ancient Deadvlei, and the rugged Sesriem Canyon. Two nights camping under desert skies at Sesriem Camp, with optional hot air balloon adventures.

  

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  • Day 1

    Windhoek to Sossusvlei

    Leave Windhoek around 7 AM for the 4.5-hour drive to Sossusvlei. You'll travel through the stunning Spreetshoogte Pass. Pack motion sickness pills if you get queasy on winding roads. Stop at Solitaire, a small desert outpost where you can grab their famous apple pie and fill up on gas - it's the last station before the dunes. Plan to reach Sesriem Camp in early afternoon when temperatures peak at around 104°F/40°C. This is a good time to cool off by the pool and plan for tomorrow's early start. Money-saving tip: Buy your water in Windhoek since it costs much more inside the park.

    
  • Day 2

    Sossusvlei and Deadvlei Exploration

    Set your alarm for 4:30 AM to be at the park gates when they open at sunrise. Your first stop will be Dune 45, located 45 km from the entrance. It's best to climb this 80-meter dune right away while the sand is still cool and firm. Next, head to the main Sossusvlei area. You'll need a 4x4 for the last 5 km of deep sand, or you can take the shuttle. Visit Deadvlei before 10 AM to see the dead trees cast long shadows on the white clay pan. Make sure to carry at least 2 liters of water per person. Take the afternoon to explore Sesriem Canyon. It might not be as famous as the dunes but offers interesting rock formations and welcome shade. A recent visitor shared: "The contrast between the morning's vast dunes and the intimate canyon walls was incredible. Go down into the canyon - the temperature drops noticeably and you can spot small birds nesting in the rock faces."

    
  • Day 3

    Return to Windhoek

    Start your drive back to Windhoek after breakfast. If you have a late flight, you'll have time to shop for souvenirs at the Namibia Craft Centre in the city. Remember the airport is an hour from central Windhoek and you need to arrive 2 hours before international flights. Leaving Sesriem in the morning gives you plenty of buffer time.

    

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