Let’s plan your trip to the dunes

Multi-day Sossusvlei tours on this site cost from US$600 to US$3,639 per person, depending on the number of days and whether you camp or stay in lodges. Day tours on the coast start at US$115.

Group camping safaris are the most affordable way to see Sossusvlei. Prices are higher in peak season, July to September. Compare all tour prices.

Plan on at least two days: one to drive in and one for sunrise in the dunes, Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon. Three days gives you a slower pace or time to continue to the coast at Walvis Bay or Swakopmund. The shortest tour on this site is the 2-Day Budget Sossusvlei Camping Safari, from US$600 per person.

Sossusvlei is about 350 km from Windhoek, and the drive from Windhoek or Swakopmund takes 6 to 8 hours each way. A same-day return leaves little time in the dunes and misses sunrise, so we recommend at least one night near the park gate at Sesriem.

These tours pick up in Walvis Bay, a short drive from Swakopmund:

• 2-Day Budget Sossusvlei Camping Safari, from US$600
• 3-Day Budget Sossusvlei Camping Safari, from US$700

Private tours can start anywhere on the coast.

Group tours leave on fixed days each week and cost less, because you share the vehicle and guide. Private tours run on the dates you choose, at your own pace, and can include lodges instead of camping.

Yes, if you stay inside the park gate at Sesriem. The inner gate opens one hour before sunrise, and only guests staying inside can drive into the dunes that early. Dune 45 is about a 40-minute drive from the inner gate.

For July to September, book as early as you can: it is the busiest time and places to stay near the dunes fill up first. Outside those months there is more flexibility, but booking early still gives you the widest choice.

No. Enquiries are free. You get options and prices first, and only pay once you choose to book.