Sesriem Canyon
A narrow canyon cut by the Tsauchab River through conglomerate rock, about 1 kilometer long and up to 30 meters deep. You can descend to the canyon floor and walk along the dry riverbed.
The canyon lies about 4 kilometers from the Sesriem Gate. Millions of years of erosion by the Tsauchab River carved through the conglomerate to form it. The name Sesriem means 'six thongs' in Afrikaans. Early pioneers had to join six leather ox-hide thongs together to draw water from the bottom of the gorge. From the parking area, steps lead down to the canyon floor. You can walk back and forth between the narrow, shaded rock walls for about an hour. Admission is included in the entry fee to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It is a good stop early in the morning after seeing the dunes. The canyon floor is shady, but there is a small risk of flash floods during the rainy season.
Opening hours
Grounds open from sunrise to sunset
Nearby sights
- Sesriem Campsite
- Elim Dune
- Namib Desert Hot Air Balloon
- Dune 45
- Hiddenvlei
- Big Mama Dune
- Big Daddy Dune
- Sossusvlei