Know before you go
Cost: Entrance into the Namib-Naukluft National Park costs R60 per adult for SADC citizens, and R10 per car. It’s free for kids under 16. What vehicle do I need? Getting to Sesriem involves hundreds of kilometres of gravel roads. The roads are good and you could get there in any car, in theory, but it’s advisable to travel in a bakkie or an SUV with good ground clearance and at least one full-sized spare wheel (not the bin lid you find in smaller cars these days). You don’t need a 4x4, except for the final couple of kilometres to Sossusvlei itself, through thick sand. There are 4x4 “taxis” for this section – a ride costs about R130 per person. Fuel? Available at Sesriem and also at other places along the way like Solitaire and Betta. (Sometimes the fuel runs out, but never for long.) Groceries? If you’re self-catering, do the bulk of your food shopping in a bigger town like Swakopmund, Maltahöhe, Windhoek or Keetmanshoop. Don’t stress if you run out of something: The shop at the Engen at Sesriem is relatively well stocked. Stay sun safe: Always carry enough drinking water with you, even for a short stroll in the desert. Dehydration can strike before you know it. Wear a hat, a long-sleeved shirt and sunscreen at all times during the day. Save money: If you’re planning a long road trip through Namibia, consider signing up for the discount cards offered by NWR (NamLeisure Card) and the Gondwana group (Gondwana Card). These won’t help you if you plan to camp, but they offer good discounts on lodge accommodation throughout the country. Contact: namleisurecard@nwr.com.na; gondwana-collection.com During high season (June to October) it’s a hefty R2 700 per person sharing, with breakfast. In low season the rate comes down to R1 650 per person sharing, with breakfast. Where? 5 km from Sesriem. GPS: S24.50717 E15.78902 Contact: 021 422 3761; ctbookings@nwr.com.na
JUST OUTSIDE THE PARK
The lodge group Taleni Africa has four different places to stay just outside the park gate at Sesriem. Because you’re so close, you can be first in line in the morning when the gate opens. Taleni also gives SADC residents discounted rates.
SOSSUS OASIS
This campsite is laid out in a big oval shape, with all 12 stands facing the pool in the middle. Each stand has its own ablution facilities and power point, and shelter from the wind and the sun. Camping costs R180 per adult; R90 per child aged 5 – 11; free for kids under 5. Up to six people can share a stand. (Rates valid until end October 2016.)