3-Day Sossusvlei Tour Packages
Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Sossusvlei tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaSossusvlei travel expert at TourRadar
3 Days in Namibia, incl. Swakopmund and Sossusvlei
Red dunes and ancient landscapes await on this three-day tour from Swakopmund to Windhoek. Trek through Dead Vlei's ancient camelthorn forest, ascend Big Daddy dune, and delve into Sesriem Canyon's geological wonders, with comfortable lodge stays between adventures.
- Day 1
Swakopmund to Sesriem (350 km)
Start your day in Swakopmund with some exploration time. Book any morning activities like sandboarding or quad biking before 11 AM to avoid the intense desert heat. Begin your drive east into the Namib Desert around 11:30 AM. Your route takes you through two mountain passes: the striking Kuiseb Pass and Gaub Canyon. Stop for photos at the Tropic of Capricorn marker along the way. You should reach your lodge near Sesriem in late afternoon with enough time to watch the sun set over the Naukluft Mountains.
- Day 2
Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei Exploration (120 km)
Get up before sunrise for the best desert experience. Drive 60 km from Sesriem to the 2x4 parking area, then take a 4x4 shuttle through deep sand for the final 5 km to Sossusvlei. Visit Dead Vlei between 7-9 AM when the lighting creates perfect photo conditions of the ancient camel thorn trees. If you want to climb Big Daddy dune (325m), start early. The sand becomes too hot to walk on by mid-morning, so wear closed shoes. For a less crowded experience, visit Dune 45 on your way back. Finish your day at Sesriem Canyon, which offers a cooler environment than the surrounding desert.
- Day 3
Sesriem to Windhoek (320 km)
Your final day takes you to Windhoek through Solitaire, a small desert stop known for excellent apple pie. The road winds through the Khomas Hochland mountains where you might spot oryx and springbok. The drive takes about 5 hours with stops. Plan to arrive in Windhoek by mid-afternoon and schedule any flights for the evening since mountain driving after dark can be dangerous.
3 Days in Namibia, incl. Windhoek and Sossusvlei
Dramatic desert landscapes fill three days in Sossusvlei, featuring sunrise at Dune 45, ancient Deadvlei, and the rugged Sesriem Canyon. Two nights camping under desert skies at Sesriem Camp, with optional hot air balloon adventures.
- Day 1
Windhoek to Sossusvlei
Leave Windhoek around 7 AM for the 4.5-hour drive to Sossusvlei. You'll travel through the stunning Spreetshoogte Pass. Pack motion sickness pills if you get queasy on winding roads. Stop at Solitaire, a small desert outpost where you can grab their famous apple pie and fill up on gas - it's the last station before the dunes. Plan to reach Sesriem Camp in early afternoon when temperatures peak at around 104°F/40°C. This is a good time to cool off by the pool and plan for tomorrow's early start. Money-saving tip: Buy your water in Windhoek since it costs much more inside the park.
- Day 2
Sossusvlei and Deadvlei Exploration
Set your alarm for 4:30 AM to be at the park gates when they open at sunrise. Your first stop will be Dune 45, located 45 km from the entrance. It's best to climb this 80-meter dune right away while the sand is still cool and firm. Next, head to the main Sossusvlei area. You'll need a 4x4 for the last 5 km of deep sand, or you can take the shuttle. Visit Deadvlei before 10 AM to see the dead trees cast long shadows on the white clay pan. Make sure to carry at least 2 liters of water per person. Take the afternoon to explore Sesriem Canyon. It might not be as famous as the dunes but offers interesting rock formations and welcome shade. A recent visitor shared: "The contrast between the morning's vast dunes and the intimate canyon walls was incredible. Go down into the canyon - the temperature drops noticeably and you can spot small birds nesting in the rock faces."
- Day 3
Return to Windhoek
Start your drive back to Windhoek after breakfast. If you have a late flight, you'll have time to shop for souvenirs at the Namibia Craft Centre in the city. Remember the airport is an hour from central Windhoek and you need to arrive 2 hours before international flights. Leaving Sesriem in the morning gives you plenty of buffer time.
3 Day Sossusvlei Budget Safari (Windhoek-Swakop)
This desert odyssey spans three days across Sossusvlei: Day 1 covers 320km to Sesriem, Day 2 features Dead Vlei and Dune 45, and Day 3 traverses 350km through Kuiseb Canyon to Swakopmund. Visit 6 major sites including the ancient Tsauchab Riverbed.
Sossusvlei 3 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
3-Day Sossusvlei Express Lodge Safari * DEPARTING SUNDAYS
3 Days Sossusvlei Amazing Red Dunes | Private Guided Camping
3 Day Sossusvlei Budget Safari (Windhoek-Swakop)
3 Day Sossusvlei Express Accommodated Safari
3 Days Sossusvlei Amazing Red Dunes | Private Guided Lodge
3-Day Sossusvlei Express Lodge Safari * DEPARTING FRIDAYS
3-Day Desert Safari in Sossusvlei – Budget Friendly
3-Day Namib Desert & Sossusvlei Safari Adventure
More about Sossusvlei
Etosha National Park