This is a must visit if you are in Sossusvlei. After driving the last couple of kilometers through challenging sand it is a fairly short( 20 minutes) walk to reach Deadvlei. If you are planing to climb "Big Daddy" then you are there already as they share the parking area. FAscinating place to see and contemplate, especially in the days of global warming where seasonal deserts and rivers are becoming closer to permanent.

Deadvlei is something truly unique to behold with the dried up lake being surrounded by beautiful dunes on all sides and dead trees spread around providing amazing contrasts to each other. The walk from the main Sossusvlei area, not to be confused with the Sossusvlei 4x4 Parking Area, is of a moderate difficulty and mainly on a sandy surface. If you take it slow, it isn't too strenuous, and you will have more time to take in the natural beauty around you. It is important to note that there is no shade or water available at the vlei. If you are planning to visit Deadvlei, as well as climb the Big Daddy Dune, I recommend you first climb the dune, as you have to walk back through the Deadvlei afterwards to get back to the main Sossusvlei area. Deadvlei is a must visit attraction within the greater Sossusvlei and something you will always remember.

As i wrote in my separate review for the Sossusvlei in general, which is a place for all abilities, the Deadvlei is at the easiest level (just walking on flat from 4x4 shuttle for about 10 minutes) In the Deadvlei, where the 900+years old ancient dead trees were, those who are waiting for others who climb the Big Daddy/Big Mama , you can relax on the flat Deadvlei and wouldn't be bored as there are lots of photo opportunities, with the black dead trees on the white pan, against the red dunes, below the blue cloudless sky....all seem to be surreal or photoshoped but they are real and natural.... You can also admire how those running downhill from the summit of the Big Daddy/Mama. There are various choices. Those in our group who didn't climb the Big Daddy, went to challenge the less intimidating Big Mama,or you can simply experience the tail (of the Big Mama to get a feel of climbing along the knife edge sand ridge for only 10- 15 min......or just like two in our group who simply walked on the flat to the Deadvlei. After about 1.5 hours including photo time, we enjoyed our picnic breakfast nearby admiring the dunes as backdrop. Go early before sunrise to avoid crowd.