Things To Do Around Dead Valley Lodge Sesriem

Being one of only two lodges located inside the Namib-Naukluft Park, you’ll have a head start to experience an early morning sunrise over some of the worlds’ biggest dunes at Sossusvlei.

Relax at the pool at Dead Valley Lodge Sesriem

DUNE CLIMBING

The red dunes of the Namib developed over millions of years with the red sand brought down the Orange river deposited into the Atlantic Ocean and then being brought to land on the Benguela current and swept inland by the strong winds blowing over the Atlantic ocean. The dunes around Dead Valley Lodge and Sossusvlei, including the nearby Elim, Dune 45 as well as Big Daddy are called "star dunes" as they are shaped by the wind from all the directions. Dune 45 is famously the most photographed due in the world and was so named because it is 45km from the Sesriem entrance to the Namib-Naukluft Park. It is over 170 metres high and a challenge to climb for young and old. Big Daddy is the tallest dune in this area and lies between Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Daddy being 325 metres high, faces Big Mama, which is not much lower.

Beautiful red dunes at Dead Valley Lodge Sesriem

Early morning and late afternoon game drives can be booked in advance when making your reservation at Dead Valley Lodge. Because Dead Valley Lodge is inside the Namib-Naukluft Park, you can get an early start and be at the dunes when the sun peeks over the horison.

SCENIC DRIVE TO SESRIEM CANYON

The Tsauchab is a dry riverbed where water flows only during the rare times when rain falls in the Naukluft Mountains and there is enough water to run off, since the desert sand absorbs most of the flow. These waters never reach the ocean but flows through the Sesriem Canyon, into the salt pans from where it disappears into the sand and evaporates. Proof that the Namibian desert is millions of years old, can be found in the mesmerizing rock formations of Sesriem Canyon where the seldom flowing water carved a path through the sedimentary rock.

Sesriem Canyon at Dead Valley Lodge Sesriem

The one-kilometre-long canyon was so named by the Dorsland Trekkers who had to join 6 rawhide thongs (rieme) in order for a bucket to reach the water at the bottom of the canyon, measuring the depth of up to 30 metres. In some place only 2 metres wide, there is a portion that permanently contains water, where animals go to drink. Book a nature drive to Sesriem Canyon or go with your own vehicle. The canyon is 5km from the Sesriem entrance to the park and is not visible until you reach the edges and gaze down into the depts of it.

PHOTOGRAPHY AT SOSSUSVLEI

The word sossus, roughly translates from Nama as dead-end, and vlei is the Afrikaans word for marsh. Even though this is not really a marsh but a salt pan, this is where the Tsauchab river disappears into the desert after heavy rains in the Naukluft mountains. This doesn't happen very often but when it does and the pans fill up, it appears as a lake, drawing people from all over the world to witness this phenomenon.

Ancient trees in Dead Vlei at Sossusvlei at Dead Valley Lodge Sesriem

Deadvlei and the massive dunes in the area are normally included when referring to Sossusvlei. The 3km walk to Deadvlei takes you to a forest that has been frozen in time. It is a paradise for photographers, witnessing the 900-year-old skeletons of trees trapped in a white clay marsh, set against the backdrop of red dunes and brilliant blue sky.

GUIDED EXCURSIONS TO SOSSUSVLEI

Guided trips to Sossusvlei, Sesriem Canyon and Elim Dune are offered by Dead Valley Lodge. Early morning trips to see the sunrise over the dunes and late afternoon sunset trips can be booked in advance, when booking your accommodation or at the Tour Desk at the lodge.

Magnificent dunes at Sossusvlei at Dead Valley Lodge Sesriem

There is a car park at Sossusvlei but take note that the sand is thick and even experienced 4x4 drivers often get stuck in the sand - especially in the heat of the day. Book a guided drive to the vleie to enjoy a worry-free experience.

VISIT SOLITAIRE

Only 83km from Sesriem is a small settlement at the crossing of the C14 and C19. A small cottage was built in 1948 by Christoffel van Coller and his wife Elsie and due to its remoteness, called it Solitaire. Over the years the place was developed and more facilities added and by now, there is a filling station, accommodation, small shop and Big Moose's Bakery.

Solitaire near Dead Valley Lodge Sesriem

Big Moose's Bakery bakes an amazing Apple Strudel, which gained some fame over the years and is well worth a visit! Relax in the shade of the trees outside the bakery and feast on this exquisite treat.

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES

Climbing the dunes and photographing the tree skeletons at Sossusvlei is an unqualified photographer's dream, but seeing all these sights from the air, is just out of this world. Watch the sunrise over the desert landscape from the peaceful silence of a hot air balloon. Witness the fairy circles which are not visible to you when earthly bound, to see for yourself that magic still exists.

Fairy circles visible from hot air balloon at Dead Valley Lodge Sesriem

Namib Sky Balloon Safaris has flown over 55 000 passengers, over 20 years, with a 100% safety record. Your safety is their priority! Namib Sky's pilots are all highly qualified holders of commercial pilot licenses.