Overview:
This three-day Sossusvlei Safari in Namibia offers a brief yet remarkable expedition through the Namib Desert at an exceptional value.
Experience Namibia’s enchanting landscapes by camping for two nights beneath an ancient camelthorn tree at Sesriem Camp in the historic Namib Desert. The highlights of our economical Namibia Camping Safari encompass the renowned ochre dunes of Sossusvlei in Namib-Naukluft National Park, featuring a sunrise at Dune 45, a 4×4 expedition to the bizarre Deadvlei encircled by the Sossusvlei dunes, and a walk through the old Sesriem Canyon.
The Namibia Budget Safari to Sossusvlei departs from Windhoek every Monday morning and returns to Windhoek on Wednesday afternoons.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Windhoek to Sesriem Camp, Namib Desert, Namibia
The brief Sossusvlei Safari in Namibia commences from Windhoek on Monday mornings. Your driver will pick you up from your pre-tour lodging at 09:00 AM. Following a brief introductory tour, we proceed southwest from Windhoek into Namibia’s renowned Namib Desert. The journey traverses challenging mountainous terrain as we navigate Namibia’s central plateau and halt at the village of Rehoboth for last supplies. We go across arid terrain, pausing to relish a picnic-style meal along the way.
Our objective is Sesriem, a small locality situated in the core of the Namib Desert, adjacent to the Namib-Naukluft National Park, which serves as the entrance to the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei. We intend to arrive in the mid-afternoon to establish our campsite beneath a vast, ancient camelthorn tree. An opportunity exists to explore the marvels of the world’s oldest desert in the late afternoon illumination. We embark on a brief trip to the adjacent Elim Dune to observe the exquisite golden light shortly before twilight as it illuminates the dune landscape.
The camp is a brief stroll from this location, allowing you the option to return around sunset. The evening is spent over the campfire among a breathtaking expanse of stars.
Distance of travel: 320 kilometers
Accommodation: Sesriem Camp – Twin-share tents, shared ablution facilities at the campsite.
Repasts: Luncheon & Supper
Day 2: Sesriem Camp to Sossusvlei, Namib Desert – Namibia
On Day 2 of our Namibia Camping Safari, we commence our journey with an early awakening before dawn, proceeding to the Namib-Naukluft National Park to witness the majestic red-orange dunes of the world’s oldest desert at sunrise. The dawn and dusk are optimal periods to see the dunes because to the remarkable lighting and exceptional depth of field.
Our initial destination is the renowned Namibian landmark, Dune 45, named for its location 45 kilometers from Sesriem. We ascend the dune to appreciate the sunrise from the summit, observing the changing light over the vivid ochre-hued dunes extending into the horizon. Upon returning, we partake in a substantial breakfast at the tour van before proceeding.
We thereafter drive the last few kilometers in our vehicle to the location designated for parking 2×4 vehicles. You will be transported in a 4×4 shuttle to the core of captivating Sossusvlei. The concluding 5 miles across the historic Tsauchab Riverbed, an intermittent river that is typically dry but occasionally experiences flow during significant rainfall events. Millennia ago, the Tsauchab River would reach the Atlantic Ocean during intermittent floods; however, some five million years ago, dune fields began to develop, causing the river’s route to be obscured by wind-blown sand. Sossusvlei now signifies the river’s terminus and experiences periodic flooding approximately every decade.
Our 4×4 transports us to Dead Vlei, an ancient, desiccated pan completely surrounded by red-orange dunes and notably adorned with the skeletal remains of camelthorn trees that have persisted for over a millennium. This is an extraordinary scene that will captivate photographers! There is an opportunity to wander, and you may attempt to ascend one of the world’s tallest dunes, which ascends 300 meters above us.
We subsequently proceed to our vehicle and return to camp for lunch and a rejuvenating swim in the pool. In the afternoon, we venture to Sesriem Canyon, located about 4 kilometers from our campsite, and embark on a stroll through the canyon, sculpted by the Tsauchab River over millennia. The temperature is significantly lower than the surroundings, and the warm late afternoon light accentuates the textures and hues of the canyon walls. Subsequently, we return to camp to experience another breathtaking evening beneath the stars, with the Milky Way becoming within reach.
Distance of travel: 120 kilometers
Accommodation: Sesriem Camp – Twin-share tents, communal ablution facilities at the campsite.
Repasts: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Sesriem Camp to Windhoek, Namibia
On Day 3 of our Sossusvlei Namibia Safari, we dismantle our camp and proceed to Windhoek. We pause at the small hamlet of Solitaire, a notable waypoint for several desert travelers in these expansive terrains. We have the opportunity to enjoy the renowned apple pie of the charming café.
Our journey to Windhoek traverses the stunning alpine landscapes of Namibia’s central plateau, passing through the little communities of BűellsPort and Rehoboth. The excursion concludes upon arrival in Windhoek in the mid-afternoon, when you will be dropped off at a designated accommodation inside the city limits.
Distance of travel: 320 kilometers
Repast: Breakfast
Namibia Camping Safari: Sossusvlei Observations
The Sossusvlei Safari in Namibia commences in Windhoek every Monday and concludes in Windhoek on Wednesday afternoons.
We recommend arriving in Windhoek the day prior to the safari’s departure and staying at least one night in Windhoek following the safari’s conclusion.
To get economical lodging in Windhoek (both prior to and following this safari), please request us to include it in your Sossusvlei Namibia Safari reservation.
This is a fully participatory Namibia Camping Safari, wherein each participant is accountable for erecting and dismantling their own tent and for cleaning their own dishes.
Individual tourists will be paired with another traveler of the same gender on a twin-share arrangement.
This Budget Camping Safari is executed in a Toyota Quantum Minibus equipped with air conditioning and towing a trailer for all camping gear and luggage storage.