Photographer's Guide to Sossusvlei: Capturing Namibia's Iconic Landscapes

Nestled within Namibia's Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossuslvei is a haven for landscape photographers. Its towering red dunes (the tallest and oldest in the world), stark white clay pans, and ancient camelthorn trees offer a surreal canvas for capturing nature's artistry. Over the years I’ve been visiting Sossusvlei multiple times and those incredible views never fail to amaze me. However there are a few things I learned over time that I wish I had known earlier. Drawing from my experiences and insights from fellow photographers, here's a comprehensive guide to making the most of your photographic journey in this mesmerizing desert landscape.​

1. Secure Accommodation Inside the Park

To truly capitalize on the enchanting light of dawn and dusk, it's imperative to stay within the park's confines. In fact, Sossusvlei operates with two main gates:​

• Outer Gate: Opens at sunrise and closes at sunset, restricting access during prime photography hours.​

• Inner Gate: Opens one hour before sunrise and closes one hour after sunset, granting photographers the coveted golden hours.​

If you consider that from Sesriem you still have to drive 40 to 60 km to reach your shooting location (plus 7km on sand and 20 mins walking for Deadvlei) it’s clear that the outer gate timing won’t allow you to capture the beautiful golden hour on the dunes. For this reason is paramount to get accommodation inside of the park, past the outer gate.

Accommodations like the Sossus Dune Lodge, Sesriem NWR Campsite, and Oshana Camp are situated inside the inner gate. Staying here ensures you're on location when the light is at its best. Given their popularity, it's advisable to book well in advance - and I mean, WELL in advance. Accommodation inside the park is limited and might fill up very soon. I’d suggest you to book at least 6 months before your visit to secure your access.

2. Plan Your Shoots Around Optimal Lighting

The desert's lighting transforms dramatically throughout the day:​

• Sunrise: Soft, golden hues illuminate the dunes, creating long shadows and enhancing textures.​

• Midday: Harsh light can wash out colors and reduce contrast, making it less ideal for photography.​

• Sunset: Warm tones return, casting a magical glow over the landscape.​

Prioritize shooting during the early morning and late afternoon to harness these favorable conditions. Midday can be reserved for rest, scouting locations, or capturing abstract shots that play with the intense sunlight.​

My go-to daily schedule in Sossusvlei includes waking up very early, having a quick coffee and packing up so that we can be at the gat at least 10 minutes before opening. This will allow me to be amongst the first car to drive into the park. At sunrise I usually go towards Deadvlei, shooting for about 2 hours till the light becomes too harsh and the main tourists start coming in from the outer gate. I will then leave and drive back to Sesriem for a good brunch and some hours of rest in the shade before heading back at mid afternoon, usually around dune 45 or dune 39, to find my spot for the sunset session.

3. Equip Yourself with Essential Gear

The unique environment of Sossusvlei demands specific equipment:​

• Lenses: you can use anything from super wide to super telephoto, but expect to be shooting more in the mid telephoto range. The landscape is very empty and vast and the telephoto helps compressing elements, making for interesting, minimal compositions.​

• Tripod: Essential for stability during low-light conditions and for precise compositions. While you can always shoot wide open, if you are going for stylized, minimalist landscapes my advice is to stop down to f8 or f11, especially on telephotos, so that all the lines in your frame are sharp and crisp.

• Filters: I rarely use polarizers but Sossusvlei is one of the exceptions. The dunes are reflecting an incredible amount of light and using a polarizer will improve dramatically the contrast in your image.​

• Cleaning Kit: Dust and sand are unavoidable here, and it’s paramount to bring some camera cleaning tools. Expect to be cleaning your gear multiple times a day, and try to avoid changing lenses out in the dunes to prevent dust to reach your camera’s sensor.​

4. Explore Iconic and Lesser-Known Locations

Sossusvlei offers a plethora of photographic opportunities:​

• Deadvlei: This clay pan, adorned with centuries-old dead camelthorn trees set against white sands and encircled by red dunes, provides a stark and captivating contrast. Photo opportunities are endless, but it might also be quite challenging. It’s the furthest location you can access in Sossusvlei: form the inner gate in Sesriem you must drive the 60km tar road to the end, then you switch on your 4x4 and drive about 7km on sand. Once you reach the parking area you still have to walk approx 20 min over a small dune to access it.

• Dune 45: Easily accessible and famed for its elegant shape, this 80-meter-high dune is often dubbed "the most photographed dune in the world." The number indicates the distance from the gate, meaning that we will have to drive 45km back to Sesriem. This is a go-to spot for sunset sessions, as we can stay till the sun is set before driving back.

• Big Daddy: Standing approximately 325 meters tall, it's one of the highest dunes in the area and offers panoramic views for those who undertake the climb. You can do it after a sunrise session in Deadvlei, but remember to bring with you a lot of water - it gets crazy hot out there!

• Hiddenvlei: A more secluded spot, it’s a good option for photographers that don’t want to deal with the crowds in Deadvlei. ​

5. Respect the Fragile Ecosystem

The beauty of Sossusvlei comes with a responsibility to preserve its delicate environment:​

• Stay on Designated Paths: Avoid creating new trails that can lead to erosion.​

• Avoid Touching Ancient Trees: The dead camelthorn trees in Deadvlei are estimated to be around 900 years old; avoid touching or, worst, sitting on them. ​

• Carry Out All Waste: Ensure no litter is left behind, maintaining the pristine nature of the desert.​

• Stay within the speed limits: The limit inside the park is 60km/h. If you are ready at the gate at opening time, there’s no need to speed. Also avoid staying too late in the park and then speed to get out in time. There’s plenty of orix running around when is dark and it’s very likely to end in a car accident when driving at night.

• Do not use drones: Drones are not allowed in the park. Unless you apply for a permit trough the park service, avoid using them or you can get a very high fine. ​ ​

Photographing Sossusvlei is a transformative experience, offering scenes that seem otherworldly. By planning meticulously, respecting the environment, and embracing the unique challenges of desert photography, you'll capture images that resonate with the timeless beauty of Namibia's iconic dunes.​

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If you're eager to explore Sossusvlei and other breathtaking landscapes with guided expertise, consider joining one of my photography workshops.

We offer tailored experiences that cater to various skill levels, ensuring you leave with both stunning images and enriched knowledge.

For more infos and inspiration about Sossusvlei check out this video guide: