Stuck in Windhoek and looking for a perfect adventure for an African safari tour in Namibia? The 2 day Sossusvlei Tour in Namibia gives you the perfect reason to get active over the weekend.
About the 2 Day Sossusvlei Tour From Winhoek
The 2 day Sossusvlei tour from Windhoek is the perfect African safari trip to Namibia. This is for those people with few days in Windhoek. This is a perfect Namibia safari tour over the weekend or if you are looking for a short budget getaway on a Saturday.
This 2 day Sossusvlei safari is for the first timers in Namibia. It is for those looking for a time save you would not want to miss the absolute highlight this country has to offer.
This is a high adrenaline adventure tour in Namibia. The 2 day Sossusvlei safari includes climbing the most popular dune in the country, the Dune 45. From here you can witness the beautiful changing colors of the sand dunes while the sun rises.
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.
2 Day Sossusvlei Tour Highlights
- Hike Elim Dune and Dune 45
- Great sunrise views
- Desert camping
- Wonderful landscape and scenery
- Beautiful lodge accommodation
2 Day Sossusvlei Tour Itinerary
Day 1: SATURDAY – SESRIEM
Meet and greet will be at a central point in Windhoek. This is by our Namibia Safari representative every Saturday. After a briefing on the 2 day Sossusvlei tour from Windhoek, you will leave at 1000 hrs.
You will be taking the journey to Sesriem via Gamsberg Pass and Solitaire. You will be aiming to arrive in the desert by 14h00 at your safari camp in Namibia.
Upon arrival, you will settle for lunch after setting up camp. You will get some time on relaxation before the evening excursion to Elim’s Dune.
Later in the evening have your 2 day Sossusvlei tour takes you to Sesriem Canyon. You will stop at Elim’s Dune for sunset and a refreshing 30 minute hike. You will later return to Agama River Camp or Sossusvlei Camp in time for dinner and an overnight. Your accommodation will be in tents under the start filled African sky.
About Elim Dune
One of the most photographed dunes is the Elim Dune. It is the farthest inland dune in Sossusvlei. Visitors can reach the dune by taking a short detour on their way from Sesriem to Sossusvlei.
A few tufts of grass cover the dune and it is quite easy to climb. The name of the Dune comes from the farm that was once located here. This was before the dune became part of the nature park during its establishment.
The dune is especially beautiful during sun rise and sun set when the light cascades over the dune.
Day 2: SUNDAY – WINDHOEK
Your day on the 2 day Sossusvlei tour from Windhoek begins with an early breakfast. With an experienced leave for the early morning excursion to Sossusvlei. You will explore the dunes from the comfort of a 4×4 vehicle. Please note that the excursion into Dead Vlei is still on foot. You will return for lunch and the long drive back to Windhoek.
The return journey on this 2 day Sossusvlei tour takes you via the Naukluft Mountains and Rehoboth. You will arrive back in Windhoek late afternoon. Upon arrival, we will let you check in back into your hotel in .
About Dune 45
Dune 45 in Namibia is one of the star attractions in the country. Thanks in part to its proximity to the road through the desert. Dune 45 offers visitors an opportunity to climb a sand dune. You can also take in the spectacular desert scenery.
It is all well and good that we recommend you to climb this sand dune. Yet, there are a few special considerations to keep in mind before ascending.
End of 2 Day Sossusvlei Tour From Windhoek
Sossusvlei Safari Cost
Included in 2 Day Sossusvlei Tour in Namibia Cost
- Transport in a custom built safari vehicle (no air-conditioning)
- Services of a professional English speaking driver/guide
- 1 night accommodation in a tent
- Meals as above (L – lunch D – dinner B – breakfast )
- National park entry fees (1 day Sossusvlei)
- Activities: excursion into Sossusvlei (including 4×4 shuttle) & cheetah tracking activity at Solitaire
- Pick up from Windhoek city limits and drop off within Windhoek city limits
Not Included in 2 Day Sossusvlei Tour Cost
- Snacks & drinks
- Optional activities
What to Carry on 2 Day Sossusvlei Tour in Namibia
- light and heavy clothing
- hat
- sun glasses
- Sun screen
- comfortable hiking shoes
- sandals
Related African Safaris in Namibia
- 3 day Namib Desert Safari
- 7 Day Northern Namibia Tour
- 3 day Etosha Safari in Namibia
- 7 Day Southern Namibia Budget Safari
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.