Dune 45 got its name because of its closeness to the Sesriem Gate. It is 45 kilometers from the gate and can be easily reached by a 2×4 vehicle on a paved road. It is the most photographed dune in the world because of its special shape and easy access.
The sand that formed the dunes of the Namib Desert was carried by wind from Namibia’s coast. The red sand is about 5 million years old, and its color comes from the iron oxide in it.
Because the lighting changes during the day, photographers can take nice pictures at any time. The wind in the Sossusvlei area blows from many directions, shaping the dunes into “star dunes” with many arms, like a star.
Visitors are allowed to climb Dune 45, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning to watch the sunrise over the vlei from the top. The 85-meter climb is worth the effort because the view of Dune Valley from the top is wide and beautiful.
In the morning and evening light, the flat pan below looks like a “moonscape,” and it’s a lovely sight.
How to Get There:
The closest airport is in Lüderitz, which is five hours away. You can also drive to Sesriem Gate, which is four hours southwest of Windhoek. After entering the inner gates, Dune 45 is about 40 minutes away and can be reached by a 2×4 vehicle.
To go to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei, you will need a 4×4 vehicle or you can pay to take the park shuttle from the 2×4 parking area.
Visit Sossusvlei in Namibia with these recommended Namibia tour operators or send us a direct inquiry below to book your tour directly through this Sossusvlei website.
