Sossusvlei

Red Dunes Rising to the Sky

Sossusvlei, located within Namibia's Namib-Naukluft National Park, is celebrated for its striking red dunes—one of the tallest in the world. This iconic desert landscape includes a vast, white clay pan, Sossusvlei, attracting photographers and adventurers.

Accessible via well-maintained roads, the area presents a surreal contrast between the arid desert and occasional water-filled pans that mirror the dunes after rare rains. Despite the harsh environment, a surprising variety of flora and fauna survive here that are adapted to the extreme conditions. Sossusvlei remains an exciting destination year-round, with each season revealing its distinct beauty and challenges.

Top Experiences

Things to Do & Highlights

Sossusvlei

Hot Air Balloon Rides at Dawn

Soar above majestic dunes in a serene morning balloon. Glide peacefully and capture the desert awakening in breathtaking, panoramic early morning light.

Sossusvlei

Descend into Ancient Sesriem Canyon

Explore the depths of Sesriem Canyon, where history and geology merge, offering a glimpse into water sources that have sustained life here for centuries.

Sossusvlei

Quad Biking Adventure on Desert Dunes

Navigate the challenging terrain and vast beauty of Sossusvlei's dunes on an exhilarating quad bike tour guided by desert experts.

Sossusvlei

Starlit Camping in the Desert

Camp under the stars in one of the most hauntingly beautiful deserts in the world, experiencing the peace and vastness of the Namib.

Sossusvlei

Green Oasis Walk at Elim Dune

Visit Elim, a verdant oasis in the desert, for a refreshing walk and a chance to see wildlife enjoying this rare greenery.

Navigate To Know

Sossusvlei Map

Enriching encounters

Iconic Wildlife

See how life flourishes in Sossusvlei's extreme conditions, from the microscopic to the mighty, each species uniquely adapted to thrive in the arid expanses of the Namib Desert.

Ostrich
Ostrich
Springbok
Springbok
Gemsbok
Gemsbok
Spotted Hyena
Spotted Hyena
Brown Hyena
Brown Hyena
Bat-eared Fox
Bat-eared Fox
Black-backed Jackal
Black-backed Jackal
Aardwolf
Aardwolf

Best Month To Visit In Namibia

The best time to visit Namibia is during the dry season from June to October, when wildlife viewing is at its best, particularly in Etosha National Park. Namibia excels during the dry months of June to October, presenting clear skies and minimal malaria risk, with wildlife gathering around scarce water sources. The stark landscape enhances game-viewing opportunities. Early mornings and nights may be cold, especially from June to July, with temperatures rising significantly by September and October. Conversely, the wet season from November to April alters the terrain with lush greenery and brings challenges such as occasional floods, making wildlife harder to spot but enlivening the landscape with vibrant birdlife and lush vegetation.

Choose a month to learn more
DRY SEASON
SHOULDER SEASON
RAINY SEASON

January in Namibia is hot and marked by sporadic, heavy rains which may complicate travel, especially in the Zambezi Region. Despite the lush, green scenery and excellent birdwatching opportunities, including vibrant flamingo sightings, wildlife viewing can be challenging due to thick vegetation. The increased humidity also raises the malaria risk, making it essential for visitors to take precautions.

February remains the peak of Namibia’s summer, with high temperatures and frequent rainfall, including intense humidity. This month offers unique wildlife experiences, such as viewing newborn animals during Etosha’s calving season. Although spotting wildlife can be tricky, the lush landscapes and active birdlife provide ample photography opportunities.
March sees a reduction in rainfall but retains the heat and humidity of summer. Nighttime brings cooler temperatures, making it more comfortable for visitors. While not ideal for game viewing, the clear skies and vibrant landscape make it a great month for photographers and those interested in exploring Namibia’s lush scenery.
April is a transitional month with decreasing humidity and rainfall, leading to clearer skies and cooler conditions. It’s an excellent time for photography enthusiasts to capture the stunning clarity and colours of the Namibian landscape. Wildlife viewing begins to improve as water sources dwindle and animals start frequenting known watering holes.
May marks the beginning of the dry season, offering ideal conditions for wildlife viewing with cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall. The landscape starts to dry out, making animals more reliant on waterholes, increasing sightings for visitors. This month is considered the start of the peak safari season, perfect for game drives and experiencing the gathering of diverse wildlife in parks like Etosha.
June brings cold nights and pleasant daytime temperatures, providing comfortable conditions for visitors. The dry, sparse landscape enhances visibility for game viewing, making it one of the best months to visit. Wildlife, including large predators and herds of herbivores, can be seen more easily as they congregate around water sources.
July is the driest month, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The cold weather concentrates animals around waterholes, where visitors can see diverse species in significant numbers. This month is ideal for those who want to witness the peak of wildlife activity in Namibia’s parks, especially in the renowned Etosha National Park.
August continues with cold nights but sees an increase in daytime tourism due to mild weather. The landscape is dotted with wild spring flowers, enhancing the scenic beauty. Wildlife viewing remains superb, with clear skies and an abundance of animals visible near water sources. Early booking is advisable as this is a popular time for tourists.
September in Namibia is characterized by warming temperatures and dwindling water sources, which draw wildlife into open, accessible areas. This month is ideal for game viewing and enjoying the vast, dry landscapes of Namibia. The pleasant weather and less crowded parks make it a prime time for those seeking both adventure and solitude in nature.
October signals the end of the dry season with warmer weather and the occasional rain shower, which can start to bring the landscape back to life. It’s the last great month for game viewing before the wet season fully sets in, and also an excellent time for stargazing and enjoying the clear Namibian skies.
The onset of the rainy season in November transforms the landscape, cooling temperatures, and bringing unpredictable weather, including impressive thunderstorms. This rejuvenation of the land attracts a plethora of bird species, making it a spectacular month for birdwatching, especially around water bodies like Swakopmund, where flamingos gather.
December offers dynamic game viewing opportunities in Etosha National Park with notable sightings of elephants, lions, rhinos, and kudus. The rainy season welcomes migrant birds, enhancing the birdwatching experience. As the holiday season, this month sees an influx of tourists, so booking in advance is recommended to secure accommodations and safari tours. Despite the higher visitor numbers, the festive atmosphere and vibrant wildlife activity make December a rewarding time to explore Namibia’s natural wonders.

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