About Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei is situated in the Namib desert in Namibia. Sossusvlei is a popular backpacking tour destination for desert exploration.

Sossusvlei Budget Travel

Sossusvlei budget travel is very easy with great value for money backpacking tours and fantastic highlights. Below is useful information on Sossusvlei to help you plan your budget holiday in Sossusvlei. We offer a variety of budget tours and backpacking advice in Sossusvlei.

Airports

Sossusvlei airports include:
• Hosea Kutako Windhoek International Airport

Birdlife

Sossusvlei birds include some 60 bird species including the endemic dune lark, Ruppell’s korhaan, Ludwig’s bustard, short-toed rock-thrush, mountain wheatear, pale-winged starling, dusky sunbird and weaver. A number of birds of prey can be found within the Sossusvlei area, such as lappet-faced vulture, secretary bird, black-breasted snake-eagle, pale chanting-goshawk and pygmy falcon.

Conservation

Sossusvlei conservation is essential to protect the balance of the areas fragile ecosystems and habitats. Sossusvlei is situated within the Namib Naukluft Park, which is the largest conservation area in the country, and the vlei is surrounded by private farmlands and conservancies, including Sesriem Canyon.

Culture

Sossusvlei cultures are influenced include the following:
• Bushman, Himba and other ancient tribal cultures play a large role in this area’s culture
• Festivals are a popular aspect of current Namibian culture
• Sports are a popular pastime in the country
• Music and dance plays a key role in many local cultures
• Literature is important for ancient and current cultures

Customs

Sossusvlei customs allow for free import of the following for travellers over 16 years:
• 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco
• 2l of wine and 1l of spirits
• 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette
• Gifts to the value of N$50,000

Health

Sossusvlei health should not be a problem, as there is no malaria or any other pressing health risks in the region. However, the area is fairly remote and the town only has the most basic of medical facilities, and Windhoek is situated a fair distance away. Take precautions and pack a first aid kit with basic supplies, and take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover you in the event you need treatment.

AIDS

Sossusvlei HIV/AIDS precautions include the following:
• Don’t ever share needles or syringes
• Practice safe sex at all times
• Equipment should be sterilized
• If you require self-administered injections, take an adequate supply of your own needles
• Avoid tattoos, acupuncture treatment or body piercing

Vaccinations

Sossusvlei inoculations include:
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A
• Malaria
• Rabies
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever (if coming from an infected zone)

Languages

Sossusvlei languages include:
• English (official language)
• Oshiwambo
• Afrikaans
• German

Malaria

Sossusvlei malaria information includes:
• Sossusvlei is not a malaria zone, so no medication will be needed to visit this area
• Malaria medication includes Larium, Malarone, or doxycycline
• If you are coming from a malaria zone be sure to continue the course as prescribed
• Follow basic guidelines such as using mosquito repellent and mosquito netting
• Speak to your doctor about malaria medication you will need if you are continuing on to a malaria zone

Money

Sossusvlei money and banking information includes:
• ATMs can be found in town nearby
• US Dollars and South African Rands are often accepted at major retailers
• Most large hotels, game parks and shops accept credit cards
• Travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks, airports or hotels
• Banking hours are Monday to Friday 09h00-15h30 and Saturday 09h00-11h00

People

Sossusvlei people include the following groups:
• Herero
• Himba
• Nama

Phrase

Sossusvlei local phrases in Afrikaans include:
• Good morning - Goeimore
• How are you? - Hoe gaan dit?
• I'm fine - Goed
• Please - Asseblief
• Thank you - Dankie

Vaccinations

Sossusvlei inoculations include:
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A
• Malaria
• Rabies
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever (if coming from an infected zone)

Plants

With the stark backdrop of the Namib desert, Sossusvlei plantlife offer a fascinating contrast, with a large number of plant species including quiver trees, gnarled commiphora and spiny euphorbia shrubs and Namib edelweiss to be found. Seasonal tussock grasses as well as deep-rooted camel thorn and wild ebony trees are also found along the dunes.

Religion

Sossusvlei religion includes:
• Christian
• Indigenous beliefs

Safety Tips

• Do not wander around the area without a guide ' the Namib desert is easy to get lost in and you could lose your sense of direction easily
• Make sure you have water with you at all times and always wear high factor sunscreen
• The area is very safe with low crime, however just to be safe, keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Do not attempt to hike or climb the surrounding area if you have any health issues
• A satellite phone is very useful in the desert areas and is highly recommended

Transport

Sossusvlei local transport options include:
• Car
• 4x4
• Quad bikes

Travel Books

Sossusvlei recommended travel books include:
• Lonely Planet Namibia by Deanna Swaney
• Namibia - Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and culture by Sharri Whiting
• Namibia Footprint Travel Guide by Lizzie Williams
• Sossusvlei: Gateway to Planet Namib by Sakki Namis
• Shadows of Sand - A Photodocument of the Namib Desert Dunes by Colin Mead

Visa Requirements

Get more information on visas in Namibia

What To Buy

• Namib desert travel guide plus a current map of the area
• Sleeping bag and camping mattress if you are on an overlanding tour
• First aid box with basic supplies
• Good sized backpack plus a decent moneybag
• Insect repellent

What To Pack

Sunglasses, sunhat and plenty of sunscreen
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Long pants and warm jacket for cool nights or winter travel
• Loose, lightweight clothing with long sleeves for mosquito protection in summer
• Camera, batteries plus spare film or memory card

When To Go

• May to September are the coolest months and best time to visit the Namib area
• This season is also the dry season which is best for wildlife
• Temperatures can drop to freezing point in the desert during this time
• December and January are the hottest months of the year
• Temperatures can be extremely high during summer months
• The dunes are best during sunset or sunrise, with amazing views

Wildlife

Sossusvlei wildlife is surprisingly rich, with a large number of desert species to be found including rapier-horned oryx, aardwolf, bat-eared fox, springbok, mountain zebra and dassie rat. Other species such as spotted hyena, brown hyena, caracal, leopard and golden mole can all be found in the Sossusvlei region.