Big Daddy Dune
Big Daddy
One of the tallest dunes in the Sossusvlei area, at about 325 meters high. From the summit you can run straight down a steep slope to the white salt pan of Deadvlei.
Big Daddy is next to Deadvlei. The climb starts from the 4x4 parking lot and follows the dune crest. One way takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The slopes are steep and the sand is soft, so it is very tiring. From the top you can look down on the dead trees of Deadvlei, the Sossusvlei salt pan and the red sand sea stretching to the horizon. The most thrilling part is running down the steep slope to Deadvlei, which takes only a few minutes. Start soon after sunrise. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person, along with a hat and sunglasses. Sand gets into your shoes, so wear high-top shoes or go barefoot on the way down, keeping in mind how hot the sand can be.
Opening hours
Grounds open from sunrise to sunset