Sossusvlei 3-Day Safari Tour: Star Dunes & Dead Vlei

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

A 3-day small-group safari tour from Windhoek into Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert, with accommodation at the lodge, all park fees, a professional guide, and transport by safari vehicle. Day one brings you through the Naukluft Mountains to the desert floor; day two is a guided half-day hike up Big Daddy dune and down to Dead Vlei's fossilized trees; day three returns you to Windhoek. Minimum age is 13. Breakfast and refreshments are included each day, though lunch on day one is on your own account.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Namib Desert and Sundowner Drive

• Arrive Windhoek Truck Port by 06h45
• Travel 5 hours to Sesriem via scenic route
• Check in at Namib Desert Lodge
• Enjoy lunch and leisure time
• Take 2-3 hour Sundowner Dune Drive
• Have dinner at the lodge

Day 2: Explore Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon

• Climb Big Daddy dune early morning
• Visit Dead Vlei ancient camelthorn trees
• Explore Sesriem Canyon
• Return to lodge for leisure time
• Have dinner at the lodge

Day 3: Return to Windhoek from Namib Desert

• Enjoy breakfast and leisure time
• Depart Namib Desert Lodge at 13h00
• Travel 5 hours to Windhoek Truck Port
• Arrive Windhoek Truck Port around 18h00

The experience

The tour starts before dawn at Windhoek Truck Port at 07h00 for a 5-hour drive southwest through the Naukluft Mountains and past Heroes' Acre, arriving at Namib Desert Lodge around noon. After check-in and lunch on your own, a 2- to 3-hour Sundowner Dune Drive departs 2 hours before sunset, passing fossilized and red dunes with refreshments included, then dinner at the lodge.

Day two is the core of the trip: an early start for a guided half-day excursion (5 to 6 hours) that includes park entrance fees and brunch. You climb Big Daddy, the world's highest dune (a challenging ascent rewarded by views across the Namib), then descend to Dead Vlei, where ancient camelthorn trees stand bleached white against the red sand. The route also takes in Sesriem Canyon before returning to the lodge for the evening. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera.

Day three is a leisurely morning with breakfast and free time before a 12h45 checkout. The return transfer departs at 13h00 for another 5-hour drive north through desert landscapes, passing Solitaire and the Remhoogte Pass, arriving at Windhoek Truck Port around 18h00. Water, snacks and refreshments are provided during the drives. The professional guide and driver speak English and handle all logistics.

What’s included

• Accommodation at Namib Desert Lodge.
• breakfast on days one and two.
• snacks and refreshments during all transfers and the Sundowner Dune Drive.
• the guided half-day Sossusvlei excursion with park entrance fees and brunch.
• professional English-speaking guide and driver.
• all transport by safari vehicle from Windhoek to the lodge and back.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 to 80 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 6 days before the start.Between 2 and 6 days before the start, 50% refund.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?Small groups keep the experience intimate while sharing the cost of the guide and vehicle. The fixed 3-day schedule fits the drive time, the dune hike, and the return journey into one continuous loop without backtracking.

Traveler reviews

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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 6 days before the start.

How long is the drive from Windhoek to the Namib Desert?

The first day's transfer from Windhoek Truck Port to Namib Desert Lodge is 5 hours covering 345 kilometers, departing at 07h00 and arriving around noon.

What is Big Daddy and why climb it on day two?

Big Daddy is the world's highest dune, located near Sossusvlei. The guided half-day excursion on day two includes the challenging climb to its summit for panoramic views across the Namib, then a descent to Dead Vlei's ancient fossilized trees, a photographer's destination.

What does the Sossusvlei excursion include?

The guided half-day tour on day two includes Sossusvlei park entrance fees, brunch, and refreshments. It runs 5 to 6 hours and covers Big Daddy dune, Dead Vlei, and Sesriem Canyon.

Is lunch included on day one?

Lunch on day one at the lodge is on your own account. Breakfast on days one and two, plus snacks and refreshments during the game drives, are included in the tour price.

What is the minimum age for this tour?

The minimum age is 13 years old. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though the Big Daddy dune climb is physically demanding.

Does the return transfer on day three follow the same route?

The return drive on day three departs at 13h00 and takes 5 hours to cover the same 345 kilometers back to Windhoek, passing Rehoboth, Solitaire, and the Naukluft Mountains, arriving at Windhoek Truck Port around 18h00.