Big Daddy Dune

Start at the Deadvlei Parking Area and follow the ridge that leads up to the top of the dune. There is no marked trail, but the path is generally easy to follow.

• Distance: The round trip distance is approximately 7 kilometers.
• Elevation Gain: The elevation gain is around 249 meters.
• Time: The hike typically takes around 2.5 hours to complete, including time for rest and taking in the views.

Important Notes:

• Best Time to Hike: The best time to hike Big Daddy Dune is early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day.
• Water: Be sure to bring plenty of water, as it can get very hot and dry in the Namib Desert.
• Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
• Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction.
• Permits: You will need a permit to enter the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are two of the most iconic and otherworldly landscapes in the Namib Desert, Namibia.

Sossusvlei

• A Salt Pan: Sossusvlei is a salt and clay pan surrounded by towering sand dunes. It's the endpoint of the Tsauchab River, which rarely flows, bringing water to the pan only after heavy rains.
• Towering Dunes: The area is famous for its massive sand dunes, some of the highest in the world. Big Daddy, at 325 meters, is one of the most prominent.
• Otherworldly Beauty: The stark, red sand dunes contrasting with the white salt pan create a surreal and breathtaking landscape.

Deadvlei

• A Dried-Up Lake: Deadvlei is a clay pan located near Sossusvlei. It was once a wetland, but as the climate changed, sand dunes blocked the river, leaving the pan dry.
• Dead Trees: The pan is dotted with the skeletal remains of ancient camel thorn trees. These trees died centuries ago but haven't decomposed due to the extremely dry climate.
• Unique Contrast: The white clay pan, the dark, dead trees, and the towering red dunes create a striking and unforgettable scene.