Dead trees in front of a red dunePhoto: Bernd Dittrich / Unsplash

Sossusvlei

The tallest dunes on Earth.

Best months
May–Sep
Door to door
~29hfrom · 2 stops
Time difference
…vs San Antonio, today
Luxury room
$1,200–2,500per night, typical
Ideal stay
3 nightsNamibia

Red dunes up to around 300 meters over white clay pans and dead camel-thorn trees. Fly in by light aircraft and sleep under some of the darkest skies anywhere.

Don’t miss

  • 01Climb Big Daddy dune at sunrise
  • 02Walk Deadvlei's white pan
  • 03Scenic flight over the Skeleton Coast

Browse tours and experiences in Sossusvlei ↗

When to go

BestGoodOff-seasonClosed

May: Dry season begins; cool and clear.

Where to stay

Our favorite hotels here. Ask for any of them, or tell us what you like and we’ll match you.

NamibRand

&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Glass suites with skylights for the stars.

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Kulala Reserve

Little Kulala

Private access gate to Sossusvlei for early starts.

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Our price promise

You pay the same public rate you’d find on Expedia or the hotel’s own site, or less. On top, at no extra cost: breakfast for two every day, a $100 property credit, and an upgrade and late checkout when available. On a 3-night stay that’s worth about $280.

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Before you go

Getting there
Fly into WDH. Light aircraft from Windhoek, about 1.5 hours.
US passport
Visa required since April 2025. Apply for the eVisa before you go, or pay a higher fee on arrival. State Department country info ↗
Money
Namibian dollar (NAD), pegged to the rand
Plugs
D and M · 220 V
Language
English, Afrikaans

Entry rules change. Your advisor confirms them for your passport before you book.

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Ready for Sossusvlei?

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