The 2 day Sossusvlei tour is a short time saving Namibia safari to the world’s oldest desert. Look forward to a quick landscape snapshot to enjoy the world  highest dunes on this 2 day Sossusvlei tour from Windhoek. The 2 day Sossusvlei tour from Windhoek is a Namibia tour to perfect specimen of Nambia’s unspoilt desert beauty.

Where does the 2 Day Sossusvlei Tour Go

The 2 day Sossusvlei tour starts from Windhoek either at your hotel in the city or at the airport. You will be heading south of Windhoek on this tour in Namibia. Your destination will be the Namib-Naukluft National Park. This is one of the largest parks in Africa. It is at this largest African park where Sossusvlei is found.

Sossusvlei is a salt and clay pan that is located in the largest conservation area in Africa. The 2 day Sossusvlei tour will thus take you to a photogenic area is famous for its large, red sand dunes. You will be here to encounter some of the tallest sand dunes in the world. This is one of Namibia’s most visited attractions.

There are many other activities to do in Sossusvlei. However, this is a 2 day safari, you will be limited to just but the major attraction, the dunes. This is because Sossusvlei includes the entire aof Dune 45, Deadvlei and Hiddenvlei is referred to as Sossusvlei. You can add an extra day on this tour for the 3 day Sossusvlei tour safari.

What Does the Word Sossusvlei mean?

The term Sossusvlei has its origins from two different languages. There is the Nama and Afrikaans. Sossusvlei simply translates to “dead-end marsh”. It can be divided into two with the first part from the Nama word “Sossus” that means “marsh”.

The second part is from the Afrikaans word “Vlei” that refers to end. Strictly, Sossusvlei therefore refers to the salt and clay pan at the end of the Tsauchab River’s course.

It is at Sossusvlei where the dunes meet. As a result, they prevent the Tsauchab River from flowing any further. It is for this reason that the term Sossusvlei or “dead-end marsh” arises.

Namib desert is very dry and the Tsauchab River will seldom flow up to the pan. However, there are some exceptional long rainy seasons in the Naukluft Mountains. During such seasons, the pan gets filled and appears as a lake. It often draw visitors from all over the world to witness this remarkable site.

The Main Attraction on the 2 Day Sossusvlei Tour

Dune 45

This is the major attraction on your 2 day Sossusvlei tour from Windhoek. Dune 45 is named for its proximity to Sesriem Gate. It is located 45km from this gate along a paved road and is easily reached using a 2×4 vehicle.

The 2 day Sossusvlei tour takes you to the tallest dune in the Sossusvlei area.  This magnificent dune is situated between Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.

Visitors on the 2 day Sossusvlei tour from Windhoek are allowed to climb Dune 45 on day 2. Be sure to visit early in the morning to watch the sunrise over the vlei from the top of the Dune.

The Dune 45 is 85 meters high and the climb is well worth the effort as from the top you will be spoilt with the incredible panoramic view of Dune Valley. In the morning and evening light the floor of the pan has been described as a “moonscape” and is truly a sight to behold.

How Were the Dunes in Sossusvlei Formed

The dunes of the Namib Desert were created by sand carried by the wind from the coast of Namibia.  The sand here is 5 million years old and is red in colour due to its iron oxide content.

The characteristic red dunes of the Namib Desert have developed over many millions of years. The red sand that forms the dunes was deposited into the Atlantic Ocean from the Orange River.

The Benguela current then carried the sand northwards, to be deposited back onto the land by the ocean’s surf. From here the wind carried the red sand inland to form the dunes over time.

As the lighting changes with the time of day, so does the appearance of the dunes’ characteristic colour. This allows for interesting photographs at any time.

The wind in the Sossusvlei area blows from all directions. This means that the type of the dunes here is known as “star dunes”.  This is because the winds cause the sand to form a star shape with multiple arms.

Accommodation on the 2 Day Sossusvlei Tour

The 2 day Sossusvlei tour is a budget camping safari in Namibia. You will therefore be accommodated in tents while on this Namibia tour. For budget accommodation in Sossusvlei will be at Agama River Camp, Sossusvlei camp or Desert Camp.

2 Day Sossusvlei Tour Outline

Day 1: Windhoek – Sossusvlei

Meet and greet at your hotel in Windhoek or at the airport in the morning. After briefing on your 2 day Sossusvlei tour, transfer to Sossusvlei. Overnight will be at your budget accommodation in Sossusvlei.

Day 2: Sossusvlei – Windhoek

Start early in the morning climbing Dune 45 after breakfast. Upon reaching the summit enjoy time up before descent and transfer back to Windhoek.  Drop off at your hotel in Windhoek or at the Hosea Kutako International Airport.