Sesriem is a small settlement near the southern point of the Naukluft Mountains in the Namib Desert. The town of Sesriem is particularly notable as the main access point to the Namib-Naukluft National Park, home to one of Namibia’s most popular tourist attractions: the dunes of Sossusvlei.
The Sesriem gate opens at sunrise and the otherworldly pans, sand-dunes and petrified dunes of Sossusvlei can be found some 60km from the gate after an hour-long drive. The second attraction in the area is Sesriem Canyon, only 4km from the town. Early Afrikaner trekkers moving through the canyon had to use six ('ses') leather belts ('riem') so that their buckets could reach the water far below, hence its name. Its sheltered expanse often holds water well into the dry season.
Sesriem functions fundamentally as a filling station offering basic services and a few small general stores where self-driving travellers can stock up on dwindling supplies. The surrounding area is home to a number of lodges and campsites. Sesriem can be reached by car in approximately 5hr from Windhoek and Swakopmund. There is also a landing strip in Sesriem and Solitaire reachable by charter flight.
Highlights
- Sesriem has grown over the years due to being the home of the main entrance gate to Sossusvlei
- General stores and other basic services are available in the town
- Many lodges and campsites in the vicinity provide accommodation for those wanting to explore the area
- Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon are two popular tourism sites in close proximity to Sesriem
- Activities range from hot-air ballooning and scenic flights to walking, hiking and 4x4 trails
