The Sossusvlei Shuttle is a 3-day tour to the famous Sossusvlei Dunes in the Namib Desert. It departs daily by road from either Windhoek or Swakopmund. Or start at one point and end at another. Breathtaking beauty – the Sossusvlei Dunes are a must-see in Namibia. Be captivated by the endless desert vista and surreal dunes at Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Sossusvlei Shuttle offers a stress-free experience at Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert. Exciting adventures await those who partake in this exhilarating safari!
En-route to this ancient desert, visitors journey down breath-taking slopes as the Spreetshoogte Pass unfurls to the Namib Desert floor. Unexpected canyons and vleis, and unique local settlements add awe-inspiring scenery and diversity to the trip. The magnificent star dunes of the Namib are a photographer’s dream, and the spectacular landscape will leave memories to last a lifetime.
Days / Nights: 3 / 2 Departure: Daily with no minimum number of people (rare to find). Pick up & drop off: Windhoek or Swakopmund
Highlights: Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei and Sesriem Canyon.
This Sossusvlei Shuttle can either be done by road transfer or light aircraft transfer so you are sure to find a package to suit your budget.
Sossusvlei Shuttle road transfer packages This tour package is available with 2 different budget options. The standard package is comfortable accommodation & the superior package is slightly more upmarket accommodation. With private plunge pool! Both accommodation options have en-suite bathrooms.
Don’t forget we can do any other properties in the Sossusvlei area using this shuttle. Or take a light aircraft transfer. We are able to arrange any of this.
Day 1, Namib Desert (5-hour drive – 345km / 350km)
Make your way to either the Windhoek Truck port or The Delight Hotel Swakopmund by 6.45 am. The transfer will depart at 7 am sharp.
See below for information of the journey either from Windhoek or Swakopmund to Sossusvlei.
Arrival at Namib Desert Lodge is about midday. For those staying at The Desert Grace Lodge, it is a short transfer from Namib Desert Lodge. After your check-in at either lodge, you can enjoy a lunch (on own account) followed by a few hours at leisure before your activity.
About 2 hours before sunset, depart on the Sundowner Dune Drive. Discover the mysterious fairy circles and the many other wonders of the Namib Desert. This drive is on Gondwana Namib Park. Refreshments and light snacks are included.
Scenic drive
Accommodation: Namib Desert Lodge or The Desert Grace
The Journey From Windhoek to Sossusvlei
The route from Windhoek to Sesriem follows the main road southwards to Rehoboth before turning onto the gravel. It heads in a south-westerly direction to Sesriem, gateway to the famed dunes of Sossusvlei, skirting the impressive Naukluft Mountains. Soon after leaving the Windhoek Truck Port, you will notice the White Marble Obelisk to the left of the road in the mountains. This is Heroes’ Acre, a war memorial built to honor Namibia’s freedom fighters. It is an unmistakable landmark with its towering marble obelisk that comes into view soon after the police checkpoint. It was built after Namibia gained its independence in 1990 to honor all those who lost their lives fighting for freedom.
As the road from Windhoek meanders through the mountains, you will pass through the ‘Window Bridge’. Which perfectly frames the landscape, into the valley below. The hills are tawny-colored in the dry mid-year months and vivid green after summer rainfall.
South of Rehoboth, the route veers off onto the gravel towards Sesriem and continues in a south-westerly direction past the small settlements of Kobos, Klein Aub and Lepel. Thereafter, you will travel via the picturesque Remhoogte Pass to finally reach the spectacular scenery of Namib Desert Lodge.
The Journey From Swakopmund to Sossusvlei
The route southwards from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay is a breathtaking stretch. Between the sand dunes and the crashing Atlantic Ocean. As you leave Walvis Bay, you pass the lofty Dune 7 on the left-hand side. Soon the gravel plains of the desert surround you. Vogelfederberg, an outcrop of giant granite boulders, is a landmark on this section. Eventually the road dips into the Kuiseb Canyon to cross the bridge over the Kuiseb River. And snakes through the tawny hills before leveling out again.
Next is the rugged, hilly land and small chasms of the Gaub Pass, which meanders through a tapestry of earthy shades and textures. Thereafter, signs for the Tropic of Capricorn come into view. The signposts adorned with colorful stickers from the many travelers who have stopped to acknowledge one of the five major circles of latitude. Solitaire, with its old rusting automobiles and its cacti, has become a popular stop over the years for its frontier-like atmosphere and its apple crumble. Besides Moose McGregor’s Desert Bakery, there is a fuel station and general dealer store. Reminiscent of shops of old. The yearly rainfall levels are scrawled onto the blackboard on the outside wall. Always an eye-opener in this arid part of the world.
After a scenic view of yellow grassland bisected by a line of green trees marking the Tsondab River and edged in the distance by the mountains, you reach Namib Desert Lodge.
Day 2, Sossusvlei (240km)
An early morning rise enables you to arrive at Sesriem, the Park’s gate at around sunrise. The route leads along and also across the Tsauchab dry riverbed. Which has found a way through the dunes until it reaches the clay pan – the Sossusvlei. After a good rainy season, about every 7 to 10 years, the Tsauchab River runs in full flood and fills the Vlei with water. For months it remains here and offers sensational scenery with prolific bird life.
Your first stop will be at Dune 45 before we continue to the Sossusvlei. Climb one of the dunes. There are plenty. And you might be overwhelmed by the sight of the dynamic and living desert! Big Daddy offers a strenuous climb. But the view along the crest is completely worth it. The early morning sun offers spectacular pastel colors in the star-shaped dunes. A variety of deep reds, apricots, and purples. This is the highlight for the keen photographer.
Breakfast will be in the form of a packed brunch under one of the shady camel thorn trees before you continue to the base of the ‘Dead Vlei’. It is quite a walk over patches of dunes that are crossing your way. When you arrive you will be paid off for your efforts. The scenery is awesome! We will visit the Sesriem Canyon, a 30-meter deep rift before we return to the lodge for the evening. Dinner at the lodge where you can relive all your memories.
Accommodation: Namib Desert Lodge or The Desert Grace
Walking on the Sossusvlei dunes
Day 3, Departure (345 / 350km)
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and a few hours at leisure. At 12.45 pm you need to be ready at reception. The transfers will depart at 1 pm sharp. The road trip takes about 5 hours so expect to arrive in Windhoek or Swakopmund about 6 pm. Hopefully you have booked the rest of your trip through us too.
Sossusvlei Shuttle Accommodation Options ↓
Namib Desert Lodge
Complementing the magnificence of a red sand sea, Namib Desert Lodge lies at the foot of ancient fossilized dunes. Enjoy the relaxed and friendly ambience. While cooling off at the pool, watching gemsbok arrive at the waterhole to drink, walking the trails into the dunes. Or dining in the cozy restaurant. Down-to-earth and homely, it is a place to put up feet, explore, discover and love.
There are 66 rooms. 53 x Twin, 5 x Double, 4 x Triple, 4 x Family. 1 of the rooms is suitable for guests with restricted mobility. Enjoy the quiet at Namib Desert Lodge away from the bustle around Sesriem, 60km away. A trip to Namibia is only complete with a sojourn in the Namib Desert.
BedroomExterior of Namib Desert Lodge
Extend Your Stay at Namib Desert Lodge
For the ultimate desert experience, spend a night in the dunes at Dune Star Camp (9 x bungalows). An intimate adventure, this slick and simple hideaway stands alone deep in the Namib Desert. The spacious wooden bungalows have beds with wheels to enable guests to sleep out under the stars and a dining area with a large wooden deck affords the best views of the landscape. Be prepared to fill up with desert splendor and a renewed energy for the incredible adventure of life.
Namib Dune Star Camp
The Desert Grace
Treat yourself to desert elegance and an extra touch of grace! The Desert Grace has the elegance of yesteryear, a spirited character and a refreshingly stylish interior. Making it a unique gem in this barren landscape. The lodge was inspired by Wes Anderson films from the 60’s. And entirely constructed using sandbags instead of bricks. Not only does this have a positive outcome for the environment. But, it also makes the rooms cooler and very well insulated.
Graceful spaces and gracious hospitality imbue this modern lodge with its quirky touches. From an ice cream trolley to it’s pink fridge out in the middle of nowhere! For that perfect Instagram photo at sunset. The lodge’s decor is a blend of marble, wood and metals with shades of grey and touches of pink. You even get a pink slushy as your welcome drink.
Sip on a pink gin while appreciating the expansive desert scenery from one of the 24 x bungalows. Each has its own plunge pool – life really doesn’t get better than this!
The Desert Grace bedroomPrivate plunge pool
Sossusvlei Shuttle Tour Rates
Rates in Namibian Dollars (equivalent to South African Rands).
There are 4 options for this trip: Windhoek – Windhoek Windhoek – Swakopmund Swakopmund – Windhoek Swakopmund – Swakopmund
Sossusvlei Shuttle Tour Rates
Namib Desert Lodge
The Desert Grace
1st November 2023 until 31st October 2024
Per Person Sharing
Per Person Sharing
From Windhoek or Swakopmund return to either
N$ 10 100
N$ 14 760
The single supplement for Namib Desert Lodge is N$ 1 110 and for The Desert Grace is N$ 2 230.
Pre- & Post accommodation:
Seeing that the Shuttle departs very early and only arrives in the late afternoon, we would recommend pre- and post accommodation in Windhoek or Swakopmund. Please feel free to contact us for assistance.
Includes: Return transfers to Sossusvlei or Swakopmund Accommodation at Namib Desert Lodge: 1 breakfasts, 1 brunch pack and 2 dinners OR: Accommodation at The Desert Grace: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners Included activities: Sundowner dune drive in the Gondwana Namib Park, Sossusvlei and Sesriem excursion and park fees Tourism levy & Government Taxes where applicable.
Excludes: Pre / post accommodation, Airport and city transfer to departure point, All International / Domestic Flights and taxes, Visas, Travel and Personal accident insurance, Personal Expenses, Excursions / Activities not specified, and Gratuities
Should you require any transfers from the airport or from your accommodation to the Shuttle departure point, please let us know.
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