5 dreamy desert lodges in Sesriem, Namibia, near the Sossusvlei salt pan
by ling and jace
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Walking across Deadvlei
The Sossusvlei salt pan is one of the dreamiest places that we’ve ever visited. We spent four days in the middle of the oldest desert in the world climbing some of the tallest dunes in Namibia to see its iconic dead trees.
The Sossusvlei salt pan is one of the main attractions in Sesriem, deep within the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It’s one of the largest conservation areas in Africa, covering over 50,000 square kilometres. As there are long driving distances inside the national park, it was important to find convenient accommodation near the entrance.
The most common place to stay is in the area of Sesriem, which is closest to the entrance of the National Park. There are a lot of accommodation options within 2-10 minutes’ drive from the entrance gate, including camping and lodges. From the entrance, you can take shuttle services to the main sites inside the national park, or simply drive in.
We stayed in three different lodges during our time in the Sesriem area. The one that we’d recommend the most is Sossusvlei Lodge, which is located just outside the entrance of the National Park. Our time in Sesriem wouldn’t have been be the same without this stay, which put us so close to the beautiful natural landscapes and the Sossusvlei salt pan.
Note: this post contains some affiliate links. If you decide to book a similar experience, we might make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips for planning a trip to the Sossusvlei Salt Pan
When to visit Sesriem and Sossusvlei
The best time to visit Sossusvlei is between April to October when the weather is cooler (by African standards!). During the summer months from November to March, the temperatures can regularly exceed 40°C (104°F). However, no matter the time of year when you visit Sossusvlei, it is always recommended that you limit outdoor activities to either the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak of the heat throughout the middle of the day.
How to drive to Sesriem and Sossusvlei
Sesriem Airport is the nearest major airport to Sossusvlei, however, it is a private airstrip and usually limited to charter flights. Most travellers fly into Namibia’s capital at Windhoek airport, and then travel to Sossusvlei by car or private tour.
Sossusvlei is around 350km from Windhoek and takes around 5 to 6 hours along the B1, C14 and C19 roads. Most of these roads will have long gravel sections which are more comfortable in a 4x4, especially as you get closer to the iconic small town of Solitaire. However, when the roads are completely dry (from April - November), 2WDs can also manage.
We use Rental Cars to compare cars across the major hire companies.
Multi-day Tours to Sesriem and Sossusvlei
If you don’t want the hassle of organising a trip and would prefer to take a tour to the area, this is one of the most highly rated overnight tours on GetYourGuide. It departs from Windhoek and includes lodge accommodation. Private tour options can also be booked with Motema Tours and Safaris on GetYourGuide here.
Card and cash payments in Namibia
To easily exchange international currency, we always use a WISE card while travelling. We used our WISE card loaded with South African Rand all throughout Namibia with no issues.
Card and cash are generally accepted everywhere in Namibia. It’s a good idea to carry cash with you in case card payments aren’t available for some reason (like a power outage) and for tips (mainly for car park and/or petrol station attendants). The Namibian Dollar is pegged to the South African Rand, so both currencies are widely accepted in Namibia. It is not uncommon to pay in Namibian Dollars and receive South African Rand in change, and vice versa.
Mobile data in Namibia
Mobile data in Namibia is an essential. You’ll be driving long distances through remote places and, if you’re doing a self-drive safari, you’ll be driving around wild animals. Mobile data will give you that added bit of convenience and security on your travels.
You can access mobile data in Namibia by a physical SIM card or an eSIM. Both are easy to set up, but the most convenient way is to get an eSIM. Airalo now offers an eSIM package for Namibia, which you can organise ahead of your trip through this link or the QR code below.
Scan for mobile data in Namibia
A physical SIM can also be purchased at most airports and shopping areas in Namibia. The main provider with the most coverage over Namibia is MTC. Look for their pre-paid SIM line called ‘Aweh’ which offer 7 and 30 day voice and data packages. However, if you’re entering Namibia from Windhoek Airport, beware of the expensive MTC Tourist SIM package that is sold at the MTC store in the baggage pickup area. That MTC store does not sell the Aweh SIM, so you need to leave the baggage area and visit the MTC store in the main airport near the exit.
Compare the best desert lodges in Sesriem near Sossusvlei, Namibia
Here is a quick overview of the five of the best desert lodges in Sesriem near Sossusvlei. The prices of each depend on the season, but this is a range for comparison:
Sossusvlei Lodge: The closest lodge to the entry to the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
Prices from AUD $630
Desert Quiver Camp: Quiet and comfortable lodges that are a short drive to entry of the National Park.
Prices from AUD $229
Hoodia Desert Lodge: Luxury style accommodation close to the entrance of the National Park.
Prices from AUD $1500
Sossus Dune Lodge: The only lodge inside the national park itself, meaning that you can explore the dunes at sunrise or sunset.
Prices from AUD $650
Le Mirage Resort & Spa: Luxury style accommodation option with a spa, sauna, pool, massage, fitness centre and dining experiences.
Prices from AUD $600
5 Dreamy desert lodges in Sesriem near Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei Lodge
The best stay that we had was at Sossusvlei Lodge, which is located just outside the entrance gate to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It is one of the closest places to stay near the park entrance (about a two minute drive), which made it convenient for reaching attractions like Sossusvlei, Deadvlei and Dune 45 with less driving time.
The temperature regularly reached 40°C+ by midday on our trip, so we usually started in the National Park early in the morning, came back to our accommodation in the middle of the day, and then went out again later in the afternoon. The rooms are airconditioned, and the pool at Sossusvlei Lodge has an incredible view of the mountains in the distance. We also relaxed in the late afternoon with cool drinks at the bar while watching oryxes wander across the desert against the backdrop of the mountains—a truly majestic experience.
Sossusvlei Lodge also has a very large dining area that services other hotels in the area, and the food was incredible. Breakfasts and dinners are served in a buffet style with chefs at many different stalls to grill and stir-fry your choices.
If you book through Agoda, breakfast can be included in the booking and there is an option for free cancellation before the trip. You can search for your dates at Sossusvlei Lodge here:
Sossuvlei Lodge pool
Superior Unit, Sossusvlei Lodge
Room view from Sossusvlei Lodge
Desert Quiver Camp
On our first night in Sossusvlei, we stayed in the Desert Quiver Camp.
The chalets at Desert Quiver are inspired by the quiver tree which are found all over the region. Each building in Desert Quiver was designed with sustainability in mind, using solar energy for electricity, water conservation measures, and eco-friendly building practices. Each one is self-contained and has an en-suite bathroom and private outdoor area.
Desert Quiver Camp also has a barbeque in each chalet, and meat and vegetables can be ordered through the accommodation to cook in your private outdoor area. There is no restaurant onsite, but guests of Desert Quiver Camp can book a restaurant dinner at Sossusvlei Lodge, which is only a 5 minute drive away (both accommodation options are run by the same company, Taleni Africa).
There is also a swimming pool and an outdoor area with panoramic views of the mountains, which were very beautiful at sunset. We felt so at peace at Desert Quiver Camp.
Desert Quiver Camp accommodation in Sossusvlei/Sesriem
Hoodia Desert Lodge
Hoodia Desert Lodge is a family-run luxury-style accommodation with 11 chalets. It is located around 25km from the Sesriem Gate and takes around 20 minutes by car to get to the national park entrance.
The rooms at Hoodia Desert Lodge are partly tented but have air conditioning. The common areas include a shaded outdoor lounge and pool, and an indoor area with a lounge, fireplace, restaurant and bar.
Hoodia Desert Lodge is one of the more expensive stays in Sossusvlei, however if you book through Agoda, the listings include all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, beverages) and a period of free cancellation. Some other hotels require some meals to be booked in addition to the room fee.
You can check the availability of Hoodia Desert Lodge on Agoda here (just note that it needs to be booked for a minimum of two nights):
Deadvlei sand dunes in Sossusvlei
Sossus Dune Lodge
It is very rare to see the sunrise or sunset from the main attractions inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The main entrance gate to the National Park only opens around sunrise and closes around sunset, and there is a long drive from the gate to the dunes which means the timing never really works out. Staying inside the National Park is really the only way to see sunrise and sunset over the dunes.
The only lodge inside the National Park is Sossus Dune Lodge. It’s around 7km passed the entry gate, meaning you don’t need to plan your visit to the dunes around the open and close time of the entrance gate.
When we visited Sossusvlei, Sossus Dune Lodge was booked out months in advance. We’d recommend checking your dates early to avoid missing out. You can always cancel or change the dates within a certain period on Agoda:
The shadows on the red dunes in Sesriem near Sossusvlei
Le Mirage Resort & Spa
Le Mirage Resort & Spa is a luxury accommodation in Sesriem. It has many facilities including spa, sauna, pool, massage, fitness centre and dining experiences. It is probably one of the most unique accomodation options in the area because of the heritage building that it’s located in.
Le Mirage Resort & Spa is generally booked out well in advance. We’d recommend checking the availability as soon as possible and you can always cancel or change dates within a certain period on Agoda:
A one-horned oryx wandering around the dunes of Sesriem near Sossusvlei
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