Sossusvlei is managed by NWR (Namibia Wildlife Resorts) as part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Entry fees are charged per person and per vehicle at Sesriem Gate, payable on arrival.
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. Current rates at nwr.com.na (fees are reviewed annually; published figures in any guide may be outdated).
Vehicle fee: Per vehicle per day.
Shuttle fee: Separate fee per person for the shuttle from 2×4 parking to Sossusvlei pan. Payable at the 2×4 parking area, not at the gate.
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 | 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset; inside-gate guests have pre-gate access |
| Speed limit | 60km/h throughout |
| Vehicle exit | Prohibited on main road except at designated areas |
| 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 | Prohibited without NWR authorisation |
| Camping | Designated NWR 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.