Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei is a common tourist destination in the southern part of the Namib Desert, Namibia. The word vlei is an Afrikaans word that means "marsh" and Sossusvlei is in a small valley between the dunes which sometimes gets snow! The name of the 'town' (i.e. petrol station) is Sesriem, also the name of a nearby canyon.

Sossusvlei Halal Travel Guide

Sossusvlei-view-from-above - Sossusvlei and surrounding dunes

The Namib

Deserts, though they are very harsh, are a delicate ecosystem with a surprising amount of life living around and underneath the dunes. Keep this in mind when roaming around and driving in the area.

The Namib Desert is the oldest desert in the world and stretches over 1,500 kilometers from the Orange River in the south into Angola in the north. There is a wide range of landscapes in the Namib, from gravel, to rocky mountains to huge dunes in varying colours of sand.

Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei is a mud pan created by the Tsauchab River that flows through the Namib every 5 to 10 years. Even in very wet years it does not reach the Atlantic Ocean but drains away into the sand. The clay that the Tsauchab deposits has created Sossusvlei and, centuries ago with a different river course the Dead Vlei. Sossus means "place of no return" (note: there are other explanations, this is the one given by local guides), and a vlei is Afrikaans for 'clay pan'.

Dead Vlei

The mud from the river stacks up at Sossusvlei and after some 1000 years the river searches its way through the next row of dunes. This is how the place called Dead Vlei was created, here the river used to drain away many years ago. Because of the lack of water all the trees in this valley have died, so the meaning of "Dead Vlei" becomes clear.

What makes the sight of the Dead Vlei so remarkable is that there is not even moisture enough for normal decomposition to occur. So all the trees here, though dead, have been nearly perfectly preserved for centuries.

Travel to Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei/Sesriem are the better part of a day's drive from Windhoek. There are some rather difficult mountain passes on some secondary roads, so you'll have to choose your route wisely if you don't bring a high-clearance vehicle (there are several routes from Windhoek). The best route without nasty mountain passes would be from the south-central town of Mariental. On the other hand and the passes provide excellent viewpoints.

Several tour companies operate tours from Windhoek and Swakopmund to Sossuvlei, so then you don't have to worry about the driving at all.

Sossusvlei is inside Namib-Naukluft National Park so a permit is required to enter. Permits can be purchased at the park office just inside the gate at Sesriem. The gate opens at sunrise and closes at sunset.

How to get around in Sossusvlei

The road from the accommodations in Sesriem to Sossusvlei itself is 65 kilometers and tarred for all but the last 5 km. The last 5 kilometers are through deep soft sand. In any case you will need an all-wheel-drive to drive it, but if you have no experience driving off-road this is probably not the track to gain some. Inexperienced tourists burying their rented vehicle in the deep sand are a major entertainment for professional guides and local residents alike! Alternatively, you can park your vehicle at the end of the tarred road and either walk the last 5 kilometers (but remember, deep sand!) or take one of the shuttles that regularly run between the end of the tarred road and Sossusvlei (for 110N$, kids free, January 2022). You can also walk one way and take a shuttle the other.

Transport and guided tours to and from Sossusvlei are also provided by some of the lodges for their guests.

What to see in Sossusvlei

Gemsbok sossusvlei - |A gemsbok grazing in Sossusvlei

• Sesriem Canyon A small canyon just south of the petrol station. It's a nice place to watch the sunset, and you can easily climb down into the canyon and walk along the dry riverbed. The old Dutch name means the place where six thongs are required to get water, ses meaning six, and riem meaning thong.
• The Namib Desert All around, dunes ranging from 100m-450m, including some petrified dunes.
• Sossusveli and Dead Vlei in two valleys side-by-side in the Namib. One has living trees. The other is completely cut off from all water sources and the trees are just dead stumps.
• Wildlife isn't the main reason to come to Sossusvlei, but it isn't unusual to see springbok, gemsbok (oryx) and ostrich.

Best things to do in Sossusvlei

Dune 45. Dune 45 at sunrise, Sossusvlei - Dune 45, one of the most accessible dunes

• Climb one of the dunes. The view from top is spectacular.
• Watch the sunrise. This sounds like a see activity, but is actually very much a do thing. Climb dune 45 (or any other) in the dark and then watch the sunrise in the world's oldest desert. Note that this is only feasible if you stay in accommodation run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. For all other visitors the gate only opens at sunrise. Dune 45 takes another 45 kilometers to drive, that's where the name comes from, and about an hour to climb.
• Hike in the Namib. Hike from the end of the tarred road in to Sossusvlei. Get some nice close contact with dried mud flats, dunes, and the odd animal. Don't get lost.

Halal Restaurants in Sossusvlei

There is a small general store at the Sesriem petrol station, offering light meals like sausage and hamburger. The NWR campsite has a bar, a shop, and a restaurant. The restaurant at the posh Sossus Dune Lodge cannot be used for dinner unless you stay there overnight, as day visitors have to leave at sunset. There is a bar at the Sesriem campground where people hang out after a hard day of hiking in the desert.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Sossusvlei, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sossusvlei. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Sossusvlei and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Sossusvlei. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Sossusvlei. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSossusvlei: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Sossusvlei.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Sossusvlei: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Sossusvlei, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Sossusvlei.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Sossusvlei, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Sossusvlei, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Sossusvlei and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Sossusvlei, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Sossusvlei, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Sossusvlei without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sossusvlei is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Sossusvlei.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Sossusvlei is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Sossusvlei, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Sossusvlei Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

There are a number of luxury resorts in the surrounding area, as well as a government-run campground with good facilities which is very close to Sossusvlei.

• Sesriem Restcamp | Sesriem just past the park gate, behind the permit office ☎ +264 61 285 7200 - N$125 per person (max 8 people per campsite) Campsite run by Namibian Wildlife Resorts. There are 24 sites with a thorn tree for shade and a fire pit at each site. Showers and toilets are available at the two ablution blocks and there is a swimming swimmingpool (although it's not always cleaned). There is also a bar with a small menu and gift shop in the building with the permit office. Reservations are made through Namibian Wildlife Resorts or some travel agencies and are recommended during the busy season.
• Sossus Dune Lodge | Sesriem take the road to Sesriem Canyon and turn right just before reaching the Canyon parking lot, follow this road to lodge's parking lot (about 4km from the park gate) ☎ +264 61 285 7200 - Chalet: N$1800-$2300 pp (double/single), Suite: N$2500-3000 pp, dinner buffet included. Guided Tours in Sossusvlei by ehalal.io (email for prices) to the dunes and drives in the park $500. Reservations are made through Namibian Wildlife Resorts Check-in: 2PM / Check-out: 10AM This is the upscale option if you want to stay inside the park, with 25 individual chalets set at the foot of a mountain. The chalets have a wood frame with canvas walls and a thatch roof, and a veranda for taking in the view. There is a restaurant, and gift shop on site and a swimming pool.

Stay Safe

Don't get lost while wandering in the desert. And remember to drink plenty of water (as you should be doing throughout your time in Namibia, as it is a very dry country).

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