3-Day Sossusvlei Safari from Windhoek: Desert Grace Lodge

Climb the world's highest dunes and walk among ancient trees at Dead Vlei

A 3-day guided safari from Windhoek to Sossusvlei in Namibia's Namib Desert, with two nights at Desert Grace Lodge, professional driver-guide, park entry, transfers and most meals included. Day one brings a scenic 5-hour drive through Naukluft Mountains and a sunset dune drive; day two centers on climbing Big Daddy dune and exploring Dead Vlei and Sesriem Canyon; day three returns to Windhoek. Additional accommodation before or after the tour is available at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Namib Desert and sundowner drive

• Meet at Windhoek Truck Port at 6:45 AM
• Depart for Sesriem via Naukluft Mountains
• Pass Heroes' Acre and Window Bridge
• Travel through Rehoboth and settlements
• Arrive at Namib Desert Lodge around noon
• Transfer to Desert Grace Lodge
• Enjoy lunch and leisure time
• Take 2-3 hour sundowner dune drive
• Have dinner at lodge
• Rest overnight at Desert Grace Lodge

Day 2: Explore Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon

• Climb Big Daddy dune early morning
• Visit Dead Vlei for photos
• Explore Sesriem Canyon
• Enjoy guided half-day Sossusvlei tour with brunch
• Relax before dinner
• Overnight at Desert Grace Lodge

Day 3: Return to Windhoek

• Have leisurely breakfast and free time
• Transfer to Namib Desert Lodge by noon
• Depart at 1:00 PM for Windhoek
• Travel via Naukluft Mountains and Remhoogte Pass
• Pass fossilized dunes and settlements
• See White Marble Obelisk of Heroes’ Acre
• Arrive at Windhoek Truck Port around 6:00 PM
• End of tour

The experience

The tour departs Windhoek Truck Port at 7:00 AM for a 345-kilometer drive south through the Naukluft Mountains to Sesriem, passing the Heroes' Acre monument and the Window Bridge. You'll arrive at Desert Grace Lodge around noon, settle in, then head out two hours before sunset for a 2–3 hour dune drive across fossilized dunes with refreshments included. Dinner and overnight accommodation follow.

Day two starts early with the main event: climbing Big Daddy, one of the world's highest dunes, for views across the Namib. You'll descend to Dead Vlei, where ancient camelthorn trees stand bleached against rust-colored sand: a photographer's anchor point. A guided half-day excursion covers Sesriem Canyon, national park entrance, brunch and refreshments (5–6 hours total). The afternoon is free to rest before dinner.

The return journey on day three leaves at 1:00 PM after breakfast and leisure time. The 5-hour drive north retraces the route through the Remhoogte Pass and Naukluft Mountains, arriving at Windhoek Truck Port around 6:00 PM. Bottled water travels with you on both transfers. A professional English-speaking guide leads the entire trip. Breakfast is included each morning, and lunch or brunch is provided on the Sossusvlei day.

What’s included

• Accommodation at Desert Grace Lodge for two nights.
• professional driver-guide in English.
• all transfers between Windhoek and the lodge.
• breakfast each morning.
• lunch or brunch on day two.
• dinner each evening.
• bottled water during transfers.
• Namib-Naukluft National Park entrance fees.
• sunset dune drive with refreshments on day one.
• guided Sossusvlei excursion with brunch on day two.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 to 85 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Beyond Africa Safaris (Pty)Ltd

Is this one for you?The early 7:00 AM start and full-day climbing on day two suit travelers with energy for walking and scrambling. The fixed itinerary means you move with the group and cannot adjust the pace once the tour begins. If you prefer a later start or want to set your own rhythm, a self-guided option or different departure time may fit better.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the drive time from Windhoek to the desert lodge on day one?

The journey from Windhoek Truck Port to Desert Grace Lodge takes five hours and covers 345 kilometers, passing through the Naukluft Mountains and settlements like Rehoboth before reaching the Namib Desert.

Do I climb the dunes or just view them?

You climb Big Daddy dune yourself, it's a challenging ascent, then descend to Dead Vlei to walk among the ancient camelthorn trees. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are essential.

What meals are included, and what do I pay for separately?

Breakfast is included all three mornings, and the Sossusvlei day includes brunch and refreshments. Lunch on day one is at your own expense. Dinner is included each evening. All beverages beyond water are separate.

Is there a guide with the group the whole time?

A professional driver-guide in English leads the entire 3-day tour, including transfers, the sunset dune drive, and the Sossusvlei excursion.

What's included in the Sossusvlei half-day tour on day two?

The guided tour includes national park entrance fees, brunch, refreshments and visits to Big Daddy, Dead Vlei and Sesriem Canyon, running 5–6 hours total.