Trade the long drive for a scenic flight
Reach the Namib's red dunes in little over an hour. Instead of some 350 km by road, you fly from Windhoek's Eros Airport across the Central Plateau and the desert, spend two nights at a mid-range lodge near Sesriem, and fly back in time for an afternoon in the city or an international departure.
Sunrise at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
Enter through Sesriem Gate at first light, with the option of climbing Dune 45. A 5 km deep-sand drive brings you to Deadvlei, a white clay pan of ancient dead acacias framed by towering dunes and one of the most photographed places on Earth. Fit walkers can tackle Big Daddy or Big Mama for a 360° view over the sand sea.
Canyon, wildlife and starry skies
Later visit Sesriem Canyon, watching on the way for oryx, springbok, ostrich, bat-eared fox and desert birds; cheetah are seen occasionally. Evenings bring open-sky sunsets and some of the darkest, starriest skies in Africa.
Good to know
Accommodation is mid-range, at Dead Valley Lodge or a similar lodge. Light-aircraft flights depend on the weather and carry baggage limits, so pack soft bags. Helicopter and hot-air balloon flights over the dunes are optional extras; ask us for prices.
