Sossusvlei is managed by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism as part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Entry fees are charged per person and per vehicle at Sesriem Gate.
Fee Structure
Conservation fee: Per person per day; charged for each calendar day you are in the park. Foreign visitor rates are higher than Namibian resident rates.
Namibians
Adult 16 and above: N$60
Child 8-16 Years: N$ Nil
Below 8 years: N$ Nil
SADC (Southern Africa Development Countries)
Adult 16 and above: N$180
Child 8-16 Years: N$100
Below 8 years: N$ Nil
Other Foreign Nationals
Adult 16 and above: N$280
Child 8-16 Years: N$180
Below 8 years: N$ Nil
Vehicle fee: Per vehicle per day.
10 Seats or Less: N$60
11-25 Seats: N$150
26-50 Seats: N$600
51 Plus Seats: N$1000
Shuttle fee: Separate fee per person for the shuttle from the 2×4 parking to the Sossusvlei pan or 4×4 parking area. Payable at the 2×4 parking area, not at the gate.
Adult: N$200
Children under 12: N$100
Accommodation fee: Charged separately at check-in for NWR camp accommodation; not included in the gate conservation fee.
Payment
Cash (Namibian dollars) and credit/debit card (at most gates; connectivity not guaranteed). Carry sufficient Namibian dollars as backup. The last ATM before Sesriem is in Rehoboth (from Windhoek direction) or Swakopmund (from the coast).
Key Regulations
| Regulation | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gate hours | The gate opens from Sunrise to Sunset |
| Speed limit | 60km/h throughout |
| Vehicle exit | Exiting the vehicle is permitted |
| Dune climbing | Permitted on all designated dunes |
| Dead tree contact (Deadvlei) | Prohibited; fine issued |
| Off-road driving | Prohibited |
| Collecting | No collecting of any material |
| Drones | Drones are not permitted in National Parks |
| Camping | Designated camping sites only |
| Pets | Not permitted inside the park |
A Note on the Dead Trees
The prohibition on climbing or touching the Deadvlei trees is genuinely important. The trees have stood for approximately 900 years because the aridity has preserved them; human weight causes structural damage that this preservation cannot compensate for. Rangers are present in the park and the fine for touching the trees is significant. Observe and photograph; do not touch.