Sossusvlei Sunrise
You leave before dawn to be at the Sesriem gate as it opens. Climb a dune, walk across Deadvlei among the old trees and finish with breakfast in the shade of a camel thorn.
Sossusvlei & Namib Desert
2 stays6 activities
About Sossusvlei
Inside the Sesriem gate a tar road runs 60 km between rows of orange and red dunes, some over 300 m tall. At the end lie Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, white clay pans where black camel thorn trees have stood dead for around 700 years. Oryx, springbok and ostrich cross the gravel plains, and the morning shadows on the dunes change by the minute.
We have two places here, both in the Ombara Dune Reserve: Dune Hollow, eight villas with plunge pools, and Stillwind Camp for campers and self-caterers. Plan two or three nights so you can be at the gate at sunrise without rushing.
The desert is dry all year. Winter mornings are cold and the light is clear. Summer is very hot by midday, so go out early and rest in the afternoon.
Things to do
Balloon Flight
A hot-air balloon lifts off at first light and drifts for about an hour over the dunes and gravel plains. You land for a breakfast with sparkling wine on the sand.
Reserve Nature Drive
An afternoon drive through the Ombara Dune Reserve looking for oryx, bat-eared fox and the small creatures of the sand, ending with a sundowner.
Sesriem Canyon Walk
A short walk into a narrow gorge carved by the Tsauchab River, where water sometimes stays in deep pools. Best in the late afternoon.
Desert Star Evening
A guide walks you through the night sky with a laser pointer and telescope. There is almost no light for 100 km in any direction.
Quad Biking on the Reserve
A guided ride on set tracks through the reserve's lower dunes, about 90 minutes. Short safety talk first, no experience needed.
