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Sesriem Canyon Adventure

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Sesriem Canyon Adventure (Namibia)

Weather…

Sesriem Canyon is a fascinating natural gorge located at the edge of the Namib Desert, carved into rock layers by the Tsauchab River millions of years ago. It stretches about one kilometer in length and reaches depths of up to 30 meters, narrowing to just a few meters wide in certain sections. The name 'Sesriem' originates from early settlers who had to tie six (ses) leather thongs (riems) together to fetch water from the deep pools at the canyon's bottom. For visitors, the canyon provides an exciting exploration through various geological layers of conglomerate and sandstone. Even during the dry season, water pools often persist at the base, attracting birds and small mammals. The cooler temperatures within the gorge provide a welcome respite from the intense heat of the surrounding dune landscape. Serving as the gateway to the famous Sossusvlei, Sesriem is an essential stop for nature enthusiasts. The canyon's striking shape and the shadows cast upon its walls make it a popular subject for photographers and an educational site for those interested in geology.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262625211814141520232426
Rain mm2735222441111367

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Sesriem Canyon is freely accessible and can be explored on foot. It is an open canyon outdoors that can be visited without a guide - caution is needed at the edges.
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Typical hours
The canyon is accessible during daylight hours, best visited early morning or late afternoon. In the rainy season it may be closed due to flooding - inquire ahead.
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Photography
Photography is expressly encouraged, the rock walls provide fantastic subjects. For the best shots, a wide-angle lens and a visit during the golden hour are recommended.
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Time needed
For a walk through the canyon, about 30 to 60 minutes is enough. Those who want to explore the surrounding dunes as well should plan half a day.
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Combine with
Sesriem Canyon lies at the entrance to the Sossusvlei area and is often combined with the famous dunes. Trips to Deadvlei are also very popular.
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Getting there
The canyon is accessible by car via the main C19 road, about five hours from Windhoek. A 4x4 is not strictly necessary, but the last kilometres are gravel road.
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Insider tip
Bring plenty of water and sun protection as there is little shade in the canyon. A pair of sturdy shoes with good grip is essential for climbing on the rocks.

Geography

Coordinates
-24.49000, 15.79000

Facts

  • The gorge is approximately 15 to 18 million years old.
  • It measures only about one kilometer in length.
  • The Tsauchab River was responsible for shaping the canyon.
  • The name translates to 'six thongs' in Afrikaans.
  • A cooler microclimate exists inside the canyon walls.
  • The Sesriem campsite is located in the immediate vicinity.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

SesriemSesriem3 km · WExplore →
Tsauchab RiverTsauchab River32 km · SExplore →
NaukluftNaukluft54 km · NEExplore →
Naukluft MountainsNaukluft Mountains57 km · NEExplore →
SossusvleiSossusvlei59 km · SExplore →
NamibRand Nature ReserveNamibRand Nature Reserve59 km · NWExplore →
SolitaireSolitaire68 km · EExplore →
Namib DesertNamib Desert88 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Sesriem Canyon Adventure (1)

Elim Dune🌿 nature

A distinctive red-sand viewpoint accessible near Sesriem that provides striking panoramic vistas, particularly at sunset.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Sesriem Canyon?
It is a narrow gorge you can explore on foot, a great adventure for children.
Is the canyon safe for children?
Yes, as long as they are good at walking and accompanied by adults.
Can you swim in the canyon?
After rain there can be water, but it is not for swimming.
What is the best time of day?
Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the extreme heat.
Is an entry fee required?
Access is part of the national park and therefore requires a fee.
Sesriem Canyon Adventure: where is it located?
Sesriem Canyon Adventure is located in Namibia.
Sesriem Canyon Adventure: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.
Sesriem Canyon Adventure: why is it worth visiting?
Sesriem Canyon is a fascinating natural gorge located at the edge of the Namib Desert, carved into rock layers by the Tsauchab River millions of years ago.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Rehoboth — Sesriem Canyon Adventure (Namibia)
Rehoboth
A historical town south of Windhoek, serving as the traditional home of the Baster community.
Mariental — Sesriem Canyon Adventure (Namibia)
Mariental
The commercial hub of the Hardap Region, heavily focused on sheep and ostrich farming.
Aranos — Sesriem Canyon Adventure (Namibia)
Aranos
A peaceful desert settlement built along the dry Nossob River, thriving on underground water.
Gibeon — Sesriem Canyon Adventure (Namibia)
Gibeon
A historic village famed globally for a massive prehistoric shower of iron meteorites.
Maltahöhe — Sesriem Canyon Adventure (Namibia)
Maltahöhe
A small desert outpost primarily serving as a key stopover for tourists heading towards Sossusvlei.
Stampriet — Sesriem Canyon Adventure (Namibia)
Stampriet
An oasis town recognized for its artesian springs that support surprising green agriculture in the desert.
Naukluft — Sesriem Canyon Adventure (Namibia)
Naukluft
A spectacular mountain range within the Namib-Naukluft National Park, known for deep gorges and rare mountain zebras.

History & landmarks

Kalkrand — Sesriem Canyon Adventure (Namibia)
Kalkrand
A small transport hub in the Hardap region, known as the gateway to the red dunes of the Kalahari Desert.
Sesriem — Sesriem Canyon Adventure (Namibia)
Sesriem
The gateway to the Sossusvlei dunes and home to a deep limestone canyon.
NamibRand Nature Reserve — Sesriem Canyon Adventure (Namibia)
NamibRand Nature Reserve
One of Africa's largest private nature reserves, famous for its red dunes and exceptional dark skies.
Sossusvlei — Sesriem Canyon Adventure (Namibia)
Sossusvlei
A stunning salt and clay pan surrounded by high red dunes in the Namib Desert.
Solitaire — Sesriem Canyon Adventure (Namibia)
Solitaire
A tiny, legendary desert settlement famous for its apple pie and rusted vintage car wrecks.
Duwisib Castle — Sesriem Canyon Adventure (Namibia)
Duwisib Castle
An impressive medieval-style fortress in the middle of the Namibian desert, built by the German Baron von Wolf.

Nature

🗺️
Hardap Dam
The largest reservoir in Namibia.

More places

Naukluft Mountains — Sesriem Canyon Adventure (Namibia)
Naukluft Mountains
A mountain plateau with many springs.
🗺️
Hardap Dam Region
An important agricultural irrigation area in central Namibia.
Mariental Agricultural Hub — Sesriem Canyon Adventure (Namibia)
Mariental Agricultural Hub
Center for irrigation farming and livestock industry.
Kalahari Desert Reserve — Sesriem Canyon Adventure (Namibia)
Kalahari Desert Reserve
A part of the Kalahari basin with specialized animal species.
🗺️
Duwisib Castle
A seemingly German medieval castle in the middle of the Namibian semi-desert, built by Baron von Wolf.