Overview

Sesriem Canyon is located approximately 2.8 miles from the entrance gate of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The Tsauchab River has shaped the Canyon over millions of years and it is one of the few places in the area that holds water all year round. The name ‘Sesriem’ refers to the six straps which early settlers tied together to reach the perennial water at the bottom of the canyon. If you visit Namibia’s UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Sand Sea and the dunes in Sossusvlei - you are only a stone’s throw away from the Sesriem Canyon.

Things to See

There are several wonderful attractions to enjoy around Sesriem, situated by the largest conservation area in Namibia, the Namib-Nakluft National Park. The top attraction of the park and the second most popular attraction in Namibia, Sossusvlei is renowned for its majestic, warm red, star-shaped dunes contrasting against the stark white floors of the pans.

Sossusvlei is often used to refer to the entire area of the National Park, containing Big Daddy dune and Deadvlei. But Sossusvlei is actually another dried up oasis. Big Mama sits opposite Big Daddy, on the other side of Sossuvlei and can also be climbed. The entire salt pan is surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world! This popular tourist attraction is part of the Namib Sand Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dune 45 is named for its proximity to Sesrium Gate. It is situated 28 miles from the gate, along a paved road and is easily reached using a 2×4 vehicle. Its fascinating shape and accessibility makes it the most photographed dune in the world. The sand here is 5 million years old and is red in color due to its iron oxide content. As the lighting changes with the time of day, so does the appearance of the dunes’ characteristic color, allowing interesting photo ops. If you plan to climb Dune 45, be sure to do so early in the morning to watch the sunrise over the vlei from the top of the Dune. The Dune is 279 feet high and the climb is well worth the effort as from the top you’ll get breathtaking views of Dune Valley. In the morning and evening, the light from the floor of the pan has been described as “moonscape” and is truly amazing.

Discover the Big Daddy, the tallest dune in the Sossusvlei area. This fabulous dune is located between Sossusvlei and Deadvlei and at 1,066 feet it towers over the other dunes in Sossusvlei. You can climb to the top and look down onto Deadvlei.

Located about 50 miles north of Sesriem Gate, Solitaire is a tiny settlement that started as a single cottage back in 1948. Over the years a few more facilities were added and today, you’ll find a gas station, a small shop, accommodations, and Big Moose’s Bakery.
Close to Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, translating to “dead marsh” is a clay pan characterized by dark, dead camel thorn trees contrasted against the white pan floor. The pan was formed when the Tsauchab River flooded and the abundance of water allowed camel thorn trees to grow. An estimated 700-800 years ago these trees were cut off from their water source, causing them to die. But rather than decompose, a funny thing happened. The climate was incredibly dry and the clay ground super hard, causing the dead trees to appear petrified. This area is a paradise for photographers as the contrast between the pitch black trees and bleached-white pans, and the rusty-red dunes and dep blue sky makes for an incredible image.

Things to Do

From the Sesriem gate and along the main paved road, there are many dunes that you can easily stop at if you have your own vehicle. Visiting this area means you'll be climbing, at least if you want to take in the vastness of the area and enjoy the endless dunes from up top. It is best to climb the dunes in the early morning when the sand is still cold, the heat manageable and the early sun casts dark shadows on the dunes' side outlining beautifully the crests' curves.

Walk down into the Sesriem Canyon. Shaped by the ephemeral river Tsauchab over the centuries, the canyon is about a 0.6 mile long and quite a unique and surprising place to visit after a long day surrounded by thousands of dunes. It's the only place in the area that still holds small water ponds all year long, making it an important source for the local wildlife. This is an excellent area to cool down and get away from the desert heat.

Visitors can also enjoy activities such as hiking, sandboarding, and scenic drives. It's also possible to go ballooning or take a helicopter ride over the dunes. Many flights depart before sunrise, where you'll be treated to an epic live show of Mother Natures beauty.