Deadvlei is a dream. We arrived in the morning and as we were driving the mist was so thick that I didn't think we'd see anything. It was maybe 6:30 am in early November and pretty cold. There's a parking area that you are encouraged to park at and take the shuttle to the end where you're able to do some hiking. Or, you can drive the mile long stretch of thick sand and potentially get stuck. We love challenges. Not really but my husband was pretty confident and we managed to drive on our own to the end. It was still pretty misty so we decided to make ourselves some breakfast and coffee - there are a couple picnic tables in the parking lot. By 7:30ish we could tell the mist was lifting so we began to hike up Big Daddy dune. You don't have to hike up much to get to the white clay pan with the awesome trees, but the views of the pan and the surroundings are very worth it! There were some people around but not too many. The path to the top was pretty straightforward, with one short stretch being very steep - it felt a bit like we had to carve our own steps. That was hard, but we made it. Going down is also pretty epic. We were back to our car by 10:45/11, and by then it was HOT. If you love dunes, I can see the appeal of spending multiple days in the area. There are several dunes in the area and you can have many fun-filled days of hiking. Just watch out because it can get horribly hot. Make sure to wear proper clothing, sunscreen, and bring lots of water. The weather can also be difficult. We were lucky and one day was perfect for us. It is absolutely a place to visit - probably one of the most incredible places I've ever seen.

Wonderful place, just be prepared. We passed 2 vehicles (4x4) stuck in the sand before we ourselves got stuck, just 1 mile from the end. We sat there for 2 hours before a tour guide and his European tour group pulled us out with a tow strap. The point is, having a 4x4 doesn't prevent getting stuck. The phone number on the park permit does NOT work, and the park employees don't provide any help, even though several vehicles passed us and notified the permit office we were stuck. I get the distinct impression the park employee attitude is "let the tourists help the tourists." Note: We got back to the park entrance 1 hour after closing time and were harassed about being late. Thanks for all the help... TIA (This Is Africa).

Spectacular Namibia with its dunes among the largest in the world is an alien environment where the wind has formed these natural works of rare beauty it is a unique area whose name literally translated means "dead swamp" where the waterways create small very scenic salt basins mostly dry due to the aridity of the climate and few plant species survive the dry desert grazed by the symbolic animal the gemsbok antelope

It is out of this world amazing. Scenery one cannot see anywhere else in the world. Light makes a major difference, so make sure you be there for sunrise. A lot of folks also have this on their list so waking up early and driving to the site first is of importance to not have a crowded photo. It is a 20 min walk from the 2nd parking lot. If you do not have a 4x4, you can park at the 1st lot and the rangers will take you for a fee. It is a must see. An absolute must see.

Deadvlei is something truly unique to behold with the dried up lake being surrounded by beautiful dunes on all sides and dead trees spread around providing amazing contrasts to each other. The walk from the main Sossusvlei area, not to be confused with the Sossusvlei 4x4 Parking Area, is of a moderate difficulty and mainly on a sandy surface. If you take it slow, it isn't too strenuous, and you will have more time to take in the natural beauty around you. It is important to note that there is no shade or water available at the vlei. If you are planning to visit Deadvlei, as well as climb the Big Daddy Dune, I recommend you first climb the dune, as you have to walk back through the Deadvlei afterwards to get back to the main Sossusvlei area. Deadvlei is a must visit attraction within the greater Sossusvlei and something you will always remember.

Definitely worth the trip. However, the amount of tourists surprised me. To climb the dunes it is wise to start early, after 10 or 11 it is becoming too unbearebly hot.

Was a great experience with a nice scenery..To enjoy this experience you must to the excursion in the morning when the sun is not too hot, or rather do it in the evening if you have enough time. Pictures are also likely to be excellent when taken in the mornings or evenings. But after all, we enjoyed the experience, I did the Big daddy dune hiking I'm proud to say I was on top there..💪💪💪

it's just incredible! exciting! you definitely need to come here! we were lucky enough to be there twice! and of course, we want to do it again))) the road is very scenic… oryxes are found)) in our opinion, a good time to visit is before sunset… although the morning is also beautiful! must have a car with 4x4!!! otherwise you can get stuck.. by the way, we helped some people to get out of the sand trap…. And it is very important, you have to be careful not to get lost... because we almost got lost))) but it added even greater impressions and memories! and by the way, who doesn't know! in front of the main plateau of Deadvlei, there is a lesser known but no less interesting plateau… it is similar but also very beautiful! when traveling there, do not confuse them)))

Breathtaking.. we were also blessed with rain and even a rainbow! absolutely awesome! worth the walk and the climb..

Out of this world experience. Sliding down a massive dune was so much fun: it really ignited the child within. Make sure to bring water and hat as it gets scorching hot.

One of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen! Stunning salt pan with trees reaching over 900 years. Suggestion: try to sleep in Sesriem Camp - you would be rewarded with early access to Sossusvlei before all the crowds. Best way to get there is having your own vehicle ideally 4x4.

Absolutely beautiful and unlike any other place. Get there early to avoid crowds and heat. You'll have to park a ways away and pay for transport unless you have 4 wheel drive and want to brave the sand.

The best thing I've ever seen

MUST VISIT IN NAMIBIA! Stay in NWR so you’re able to enter before most tourists. 4x4 with high clearance required for last 5km!

The deadvlei is situated in a massive park area that is home to a few dunes, hotels, and sossusvlei. For a permit of 150N$ (a discounted price for South Africans, Africans [depending on currency] and locals)acquired at the information center by the main boom gate you can explore the park. 5kms before sossusvlei there is a parking area. In this parking area after failing to see signage of tours driving in onto the road of complete sand I tried to drive in with a 4x4 and got stuck very quickly. Luckily a tour guide saw me and parked the car and drove me in a tour guide truck for 180N$. He informed me that if you get stuck in your private car and they have to pull you out with a truck they charge 1800N$. At deadvlei I was the only one there for a few minutes as I went in the blistering heat around 1pm. The vlei is just breathtaking natural. Dry landscapes and dead trees and surprisingly a very cool breeze. No toilets for miles (only at parking area before sandy road) and very little signage. No cellphone reception at all. It's still a very completely natural sight that takes some grit walking up the sand banks but worth every bead of sweat. Closed shoes help but walking is very difficult, especially due to all the feet that have walked the same sandy path if you go after or during peak times. Take a bottle of water, wear a hat and or take an umbrella.

nice place. but very hot. don't just walk with the tourist caravan. also take the time and visit the other vlei. possibly to see many oryx under the trees. fantastic view from the high dunes

Most iconic place in the Namib Desert. Extremely recommended the visit. Wear sunglasses good shoes for sand hiking and a hat. Carry enough water with you. And don’t forget your camera

It was incredible. I have never seen this kind of place ever. I felt it was worth visiting here. But be careful it was extremely hot and had strong sun light. So must bring your sunscreen and sunglasses. Also bring bottled water. Don't wear sandals here, it feels like fired on your feet.

Out of this world! Better go the latest possible, check a sunlight app for photos. Be careful to leave the gates on time.

Spectacular! And beautiful!! The view from the tallest dune (the Big Daddy) is amazing - it's quite a climb up - take your time. Be sure to NOT touch the trees - they'll get destroyed. And if you think you're just one person who couldn't cause harm, then you're one of thousands who contribute to the damage. Let's please collectively preserve the Deadvlei.

Beautiful (but quite windy) in the morning. One can easily go with their own 4x4, just lower the tire pressure. Otherwise the van is 180 Namibian Dollars per person and quite efficient. No need to go super early, it gets more impressive when the sun is out

A must see if you’re going to Sossusvlei. One of the most famous places in that area. I recommend to go early so you don’t have to much other people around. Big daddy Dune is right next to it. Watch out if your are driving by yourself, you have to have 4x4 drive or get a tour to get there.

Well what can you say…? It is a must of course. I believe you can enjoy even multiple times coming here because different sunlight, clouds and time of the day will result in different view and experience. You can add some fitness if climb the dune, not walk straight to the valley. And be mindful of gate opening time if you live outside the park

Doing #sossusvlei #deadvlei today! For me on the bucket list since a long time and actual experience surpassed our high expectations. Top three of all travel memories and must to do in life. We started the walk from 4x4 wheel drop of point and hiked along the ridge of the enormous #bigdaddy dune. We only had two hours including photo time down at Deadvlei so we had to go down the slope after halfway. If you have three hours you will reach the peak easily. Amazing experience 🧡 Deadvlei was a riverbed 800-900 years ago but the desert finally closed the water flow and turned into a tree graveyard. Unbelievable beauty with contrast from the soil, tree’s and dunes in the background.

Very busy now compared to a few years ago! Still worth the walk up and down dunes. Best to get there early as very hot by 10.00...

It's just incredible! Interesting! You definitely need to come here! We were lucky enough to be there twice! And of course, we want to do it again))) the road is very beautiful ... there are oryx)) in our opinion, a good time to visit is before sunset ... although the morning is also beautiful! A must have car with 4x4!! Otherwise you can get stuck.. By the way, we helped some people to get out of the sand trap.... And this is very important, you have to be careful not to get lost... because we almost has lost

Definitely worth seeing! Info: Park entrance fee per person 150NAD and per car 50NAD. There are shuttles from the parking lot to the dunes. Per person 180NAD. If you try it yourself and get stuck, you will be charged 2000NAD to get it out (cash).

Stunning and surreal! Well worth a visit!

An absolute “MUST HAVE” on every trip to Namibia. Incredible impressions!

One of the most inspiring places we've ever been to. Don't bother with Sossulvlei though, it simply is nowhere near the Deadvlei in terms of scale and contrast. We bought our park entrance the day before so could just wizz there instead of queuing up to buy tickets.

Beautiful place and the highlight of Sossusvlei par excellence. It wasn't too crowded when we visited (late morning in February 2024). However, it gets very hot around midday, so it's best to visit in the morning or alternatively late afternoon/evening. The route from the parking lot to Deadvlei takes about 15-20 minutes on foot.

In the early morning the light is beautiful and the desert is stunningly beautiful

So worth the visit. We stayed at Sossus Oasis Campsite, which was amazing BUT it's situated outside the gates to go to see Deadvlei, so I'd recommend staying at Sesriem Campsite/Sesriem Oshana if you want to visit Deadvlei/Dunes for sunrise or sunset because the gates are only open from 6am-730pm. Deadvlei itself is 1km walk from the parking spot after you drive about an hour from gates (tarmac road + last 5km deep sand). Dune45 is on the way and it's worth going for either sunrise or sunset to really see the contrast of light and dark in the sand.

This place is big, even with the large number of people who visit you get a good sense of the emptiness. Except for the people who need to have loud conversations. The place could be awe-inspiring if not for the blabbermouths that ruin the vibe.

Well worth a visit, but try to go early to avoid the heat! Take water and be aware that you'll walk about 15-20 minutes there and back without shade.

An incredibly beautiful experience. The contrast between the red dunes, stark trees and clear blue skies are something that has to be seen. Highly recommend walking up big daddy and then running down into dead vlei. Its an hour walk up in soft sand, but the run down the other side is exhilarating and well worth it.

Incredible - a short walk from the 4x4 car park, about 5kms from the 2x4 car park. Take the shuttle from the 2x4 car park - but NWR do charge a shuttle fee.

Incredible!!! It's a must do if you ever visit the area.

Fantastic venue for photos, a bit of a walk but the result was fantastic. We spent about 2 hours at Deadvlei and took about 1000 photos between 6 people. Toilet is only available at car parking.

Favorite tourist destination in Namibia. This is a must see place in Sossusvlei. The trees and the rocks with the dunes around it is a phenomenal experience. It's so surreal

Amazing place. Lives up to the hype. Arrived before sunrise - Sesriem gate opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. 60km drive to the main parking but plenty of places to stop off on the way, all with amazing views, including dune 45, 45Km from the gate. At the main parking, if you have a 4x4 and fancy some exciting driving, you can drive for another 6Km over very rugged sandy terrain to arrive at the Deadvlei parking, or you can take one of the free shuttles. At Deadvlei, you can then walk up the Big Daddy dune (330m high, about 2 hours to the top and 10 minutes down!) or carry on to Deadvlei following the white posts - about 10 to 20 minutes walk. Deadvlei is where the amazing 1000 year old dead trees are in white clay with red 5 million year old fossilized dunes behind. We went to Deadvlei first and then climbed Big Daddy.

Beautiful nature. I enjoyed going up the dunes. If you are in Namibia, this should definitely be on your checklist BUT wear closed shoes!