Sossusvlei, Namibia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Sossusvlei, Namibia? If you're planning to go to Sossusvlei, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Sossusvlei, Namibia

Based on the climate and weather in Sossusvlei, Namibia, the best time to go is October. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Sossusvlei, Namibia

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Sossusvlei, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Sossusvlei, Namibia by month

January

January here can be sweltering. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Namibia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Sossusvlei may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Be sure to pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

Traveling to Sossusvlei in February, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Namibia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Sossusvlei may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Check that you choose the right kind. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

March

If you go to Sossusvlei in March, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Expect it to rain regularly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Namibia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Sossusvlei may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Be careful to find the right kind. The majority of adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

April dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Namibia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Sossusvlei may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Ensure that you pick the right kind. Many adapters available are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

If you are traveling to Sossusvlei in May, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Namibia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Sossusvlei may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Be sure to pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

June

If you are traveling to Sossusvlei in June, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Namibia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Sossusvlei may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Take care to pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

If you go to Sossusvlei in July, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Namibia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Sossusvlei may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Be careful to find the necessary kind. Many adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

August

If you are traveling to Sossusvlei in August, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C). There is frost once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Namibia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Sossusvlei may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Ensure that you pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

September

September in Sossusvlei very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Namibia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Sossusvlei may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

October in this region dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Namibia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Sossusvlei may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Be careful to find the correct kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

November

November here dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Namibia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Sossusvlei may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Be careful to choose the right type. Most adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

Traveling to Sossusvlei in December, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Expect it to rain once in a while. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Namibia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Sossusvlei may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Ensure that you pick the correct type. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

What to do in Sossusvlei, Namibia

Located in the heart of the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei is one of Namibia's top tourist destinations. With its unique landscape of towering sand dunes, iron-rich red sands, and shimmering salt pans, Sossusvlei offers visitors an otherworldly experience unlike anything else in the world. Here are some of the top tourist attractions that are a must-visit when you're in Sossusvlei.

1. Dune 45

Dune 45 is one of the most iconic landmarks in Sossusvlei. This towering sand dune towers at over 170 meters and is the most photographed dune in the world. For those up to the challenge, a hike to the top of Dune 45 provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding desert.

2. Dead Vlei

Located just a short distance from Dune 45, Dead Vlei is a dry salt pan surrounded by towering sand dunes. The stark white clay pan contrasts beautifully with the dark red sands of the surrounding dunes, making for some incredible photo opportunities.

3. Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei is a salt and clay pan surrounded by some of the tallest sand dunes in the world. The pan only fills with water every few years, but the stark white clay floor surrounded by towering dunes makes it a picture-perfect destination.

4. Sesriem Canyon

Formed over millions of years by the Tsauchab River, Sesriem Canyon is a narrow gorge with towering walls that glow in the sunlight. Visitors can hike through the canyon or simply take in the beauty of this natural wonder from the viewpoint.

5. Namib-Naukluft National Park

The Namib-Naukluft National Park is the largest conservation area in Namibia and home to Sossusvlei. The park offers visitors opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. It also hosts the Naukluft Hiking Trail, a challenging six-day hike through the rugged terrain of the park.

6. Big Daddy Dune

Standing at over 300 meters tall, Big Daddy Dune is the tallest sand dune in Sossusvlei. Climbing to the top of Big Daddy is a challenging but rewarding experience as visitors are treated to sweeping views of the desert and surrounding dunes.

7. Solitaire

A small village located near Sossusvlei, Solitaire is a popular stop for those traveling to the area. The village is known for its iconic bakery, which serves up delicious apple crumble and other homemade treats.

Sossusvlei is a truly magical destination that offers visitors an opportunity to step into an otherworldly landscape of towering sand dunes, salt pans, and rugged wilderness. With so many incredible sites to explore, it's no wonder that Sossusvlei is one of Namibia's top tourist attractions.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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