Overview: Hoodia Sossusvlei excursion
The Hoodia trip is run at a slower pace than most, in contrast with the sometimes crowded, often rushed and occasionally chaotic feeling of some of the alternatives. While the slower pace does mean that travellers will miss out on the earliest photos of Deadvlei, we believe that this is a compromise worth making. As this trip fills up quickly, it requires pre-booking; speak to us for more detail.
The details
You’ll be woken well before sunrise, giving you time to enjoy breakfast before leaving the lodge. Then jump into an enclosed safari vehicle for the 22km drive to Sesriem and the gates of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, arriving just before they open at sunrise.From the park gates, the 65km drive to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei is full of interest and colour. As the sun climbs above the Naukluft Mountains your guide will find a scenic spot where you can stop and enjoy the spectacle. He/she will explain a little about the geological processes that formed the unique Namib Sand Sea and tell you about the desert-adapted animals that call this desiccated environment home. Keen birders should keep their eyes peeled for Namibia’s only true endemic bird, the dune lark.
From here you will continue your leisurely drive to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, keeping a lookout for springbok, oryx and other larger wildlife along the way.
Once at the 4WD car park you’ll explore on foot, taking a route that your guide considers appropriate to the fitness of the group. Generally, you will take a relatively quiet route over some of the smaller dunes into Deadvlei, which usually allows some great photo opportunities of the iconic trees without crowds of people in the way. More adventurous and fitter groups will then have the chance to climb the dune known as ‘Big Mamma’ before returning to the vehicle for a tea break.
From here your guide will take you back towards the park entrance before diverting to Elim Dune, a picturesque area that is often missed by the casual visitor. This is the setting for your ‘Out of Africa style' lunch, a scenic sit-down meal set up in the shade of a camelthorn tree, complete with tablecloths and spectacular views.
The last stop on your trip takes you to Sesriem Canyon, some 30m deep in places and carved out over time by the Tsauchab River. From here, you’ll return to the lodge in time for afternoon tea.
Please note: Expert Africa can only arrange this desert and dune excursion as part of a full, Expert Africa itinerary including at least two nights staying at Hoodia Desert Lodge. See the Holiday ideas, below, for examples of such itineraries.
- Start location
- You’ll generally be woken up an hour before leaving Hoodia to get to the park gates in time for sunrise. This gives you time for breakfast before you leave.
- End location
- You'll return to Hoodia
- Meals included
- Picnic lunch is included
- Duration
- Full day, including lunch
- Maximum group size
- Customised Land Cruisers are used for this excursion, which can carry up to six passengers.
Photo gallery
What to look forward to.
Explore the iconic apricot dunes of Sossusvlei...
...your expert guide will teach you about the flora, fauna and geology of this unique park...
...you may even get up-close and personal with some of the deserts residents.
...before climbing some dunes...
...and admiring the view.
Once you've worked up and appetite enjoy an 'Out of Africa' breakfast.
And finally explore the unexpected Sesriem Canyon.
Hoodia Sossusvlei excursion reviews
25 independent first-hand comments from our travellers.
Ideas for holidays which can include Hoodia Sossusvlei excursion
Add this experience to these trip ideas or contact us to start planning your own tailor-made holiday to Namibia.
Brown Hyena Self-drive
14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
The perfect trip for those who want to mix the adventure and freedom of a self-drive with some of our favourite luxury camps in Namibia and a great mix of activities.
US$8,770 - US$9,870 per person
Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari
19 days • 10 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.
US$4,140 - US$4,250 per person
Pelican Fly & Drive Safari
10 days • 5 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
A unique itinerary visiting the must-see highlights combining the adventure of a classic Namibian self-drive with the ease and spectacular views of a fly-in safari.
US$7,090 - US$8,580 per person
Chongololo Self-drive Safari
21 days • 11 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
This self-drive safari focuses on the best walking experiences in Namibia. Get your boots ready for the apricot dunes of the Namib Desert and the ancient hills of Damaraland.
US$8,230 - US$9,890 per person
Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari
14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
A combination fly-in self-drive exploration of Namibia, with quick, easy and scenic flights in and out of Sossusvlei before a classic road trip adventure of the country’s rugged north.
US$5,270 - US$5,760 per person
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