Sesriem Accommodation

Sesriem is the gateway to one of Namibia’s most spectacular landscapes, where towering apricot-coloured dunes rise from the ancient floor of the Namib Desert. Small in size but huge in scenic appeal, the settlement serves as the principal access point for visitors exploring Sossusvlei, Deadvlei and the surrounding desert wilderness.

The name Sesriem is Afrikaans and means ‘six thongs’ or ‘six straps’. Early travellers and settlers reportedly used six lengths of leather, tied together, to reach water in the deep Sesriem Canyon. The canyon, carved by the Tsauchab River, is one of the area’s most intriguing natural features. Its narrow passages and layered rock walls reveal how occasional floods have shaped this otherwise extremely dry landscape over thousands of years.

For many visitors, the highlight is the drive into the Namib-Naukluft National Park towards Sossusvlei. The route passes enormous dunes that glow intensely in the early morning light, making sunrise one of the most memorable experiences in the region. Ambitious travellers can climb some of the dunes, including the famous Big Daddy near Deadvlei, for sweeping views across the sea of sand. Deadvlei itself is unforgettable, with ancient, blackened camel-thorn trees standing starkly against the white clay pan and surrounding dunes.

Wildlife may seem scarce in such an arid environment, but the desert supports a surprising variety of specially adapted species. Oryx, springbok, ostrich and smaller creatures can occasionally be seen, while desert plants demonstrate remarkable strategies for surviving with minimal water.

Sesriem lies in the Hardap Region and is much more than a collection of lodges, campsites and visitor facilities. It is a place where the immense scale and age of the Namib can be appreciated at close quarters. Whether climbing a dune, walking through Sesriem Canyon or simply watching the colours change across the desert, the experience is one of Namibia’s great travel highlights.