Sesriem Travel Guide

Explore the stunning route from Mount D Urban Campsite to Sesriem, an unforgettable journey through Namibia’s most iconic desert landscapes, where every mile reveals a new natural wonder. The Sesriem Travel Guide takes you to the best spots in Namibia.

What to see on the Audio-Guided Tour of the “Sesriem Route”

Namib National Park Entrance

The entrance fee is 100 Namibian dollars (NAD) per person and 50 NAD per vehicle, valid for 24 hours. It’s recommended to bring cash, although cards are sometimes accepted. Park gates open at sunrise and close at sunset, so it’s recommended to plan your visit to make the most of the activities and iconic landscapes such as Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.

Le Mirage

Le Mirage Resort & Spa is a unique accommodation located on the edge of the Namib Desert, just 21 kilometers from the Sesriem Gate, which gives access to Sossusvlei, home to the highest dunes in the world..

The resort’s architectural design is reminiscent of a castle, with thick stone walls protecting from the desert heat. The rooms are spacious and offer panoramic views of the desert surroundings. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a minibar, and a coffee maker, ensuring a comfortable stay in the middle of the desert.

The resort’s restaurant serves international cuisine, complemented by a selection of South African wines. Guests can enjoy al fresco dining under the starry desert sky, creating a memorable dining experience.

Le Mirage also features a spa, known as “The Mystique Spa,” which offers a variety of body treatments, hydrotherapy, and massages, allowing guests to relax and rejuvenate after exploring the Sossusvlei dunes.

Available activities include guided tours to Sossusvlei, sunrise hot air balloon rides, and desert quad biking tours, giving visitors multiple ways to experience the beauty of the Namib.

Le Mirage Resort & Spa has been recognized with the 2023 Travelers’ Choice Award, reflecting its commitment to service excellence and customer satisfaction.

For reservations and more information, please visit the resort’s official website.

Sesriem

Sesriem is a small town located in the Namib Desert, in the Hardap Region of Namibia. Known primarily as the gateway to the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sesriem is the access point for visiting the iconic Sossusvlei dunes and Sesriem Canyon.

The name “Sesriem” comes from the Afrikaans language and means “six leather straps,” referring to the time when pioneers used six leather straps tied together to draw water from the depths of the Sesriem Canyon.

The Sesriem Canyon, located about 4 km from the town, is a geological formation approximately one kilometer long and up to 30 meters deep, carved by the Tsauchab River over millions of years. This canyon offers visitors the opportunity to explore its narrow gorges and permanent pools of water, which serve as a vital source of water for local wildlife.

Sesriem offers basic services for travelers, including a gas station, supply stores, and accommodation options ranging from campsites to lodges. Its proximity to the Sossusvlei dunes makes Sesriem an ideal base for those wishing to explore the Namib Desert and its stunning landscapes.

In addition to hiking and canyon exploration, visitors can enjoy sunrise hot-air balloon rides, offering panoramic views of the dunes and the vast desert stretching to the horizon.

Today, Sesriem is a key destination for those seeking to experience the majesty of the Namib Desert, combining history, geology, and unique adventure opportunities in one of Namibia’s most iconic landscapes.

Sesriem Canyon

The Sesriem Canyon is one of Namibia’s most impressive and accessible geological formations, located about 4 kilometers from the entrance to the Namib-Naukluft National Park, near the town of Sesriem. This canyon was carved over millions of years by the Tsauchab River, leaving a deep gorge that reaches up to 30 meters deep and stretches for approximately one kilometer.

The name “Sesriem” comes from Afrikaans and means “six leather straps,” referring to early settlers who needed to join six strips of leather together to draw water from the bottom of the canyon. This water was vital for survival in such an arid environment, and even today the canyon houses permanent pools that serve as a source of hydration for local wildlife.

The canyon is a marvel to explore on foot. Its narrow walls offer refuge from the desert heat, and visitors can walk along its floor, where pools formed by seasonal rainfall can still be found. These natural pools are not only essential for the animals but also create a unique microclimate that supports specific flora in the desert environment.

Geologically, the canyon exposes layers of sedimentary rock that tell the story of the formation of the Namib Desert, considered one of the oldest in the world. The different hues of the canyon walls, ranging from ochre to reddish, provide a visual spectacle, especially at dawn or dusk.

Sesriem Canyon is a perfect complement to the nearby Sossusvlei dunes, offering a distinct but equally impressive experience of the Namib Desert. Its easy access and suitable for most visitors make it a must-see for those wishing to discover the geology, history, and serenity of this unique landscape.

Sesriem Gorge

Sesriem Gorge, located at the entrance to the Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia, is a stunning geological formation that offers a fascinating glimpse into the geological and ecological history of the region. Carved by the Tsauchab River over millions of years, this gorge is one of Namibia’s oldest and best-preserved natural canyons and an entry point for exploring the Sossusvlei dunes, renowned for being some of the highest in the world.

The name “Sesriem” comes from Afrikaner settlers and translates as “six straps,” referring to the length of the leather straps pioneers used to lower buckets to the bottom of the canyon and draw water. This detail reminds us of the importance of the gorge as a water source in an extremely arid region.

The gorge is about 30 meters deep and approximately one kilometer long. Its formation began about 15 million years ago, during an era when the Tsauchab River flowed at its most intense. As water eroded the sedimentary rocks, narrow walls were created that today stand as a natural monument to the transformative power of water in the desert. These walls are composed of conglomerates and sandstones, with visible layers that tell the geological history of the region.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Sesriem Gorge is its microecosystem. Although seemingly inhospitable at first glance, the canyon is home to a surprising variety of flora and fauna adapted to the extreme climate. During the rainy season, small pools form at the bottom of the gorge, providing essential water for animals such as antelopes and birds, as well as a variety of insects.

The canyon also has cultural and historical significance, as it has been used for centuries by the region’s nomadic and pastoralist peoples. Its ability to retain water even during the driest periods made it a crucial stopping point for travelers on their way to the Namib desert.

The Sesriem Gorge is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the canyon on foot, walking between its narrow walls and descending to the riverbed. At some points, the space between the walls is so narrow that it barely allows a person to pass, creating an intimate and thrilling experience amidst an otherworldly landscape. The light that penetrates the canyon at different times of the day creates a visual spectacle, with hues ranging from gold to deep red, depending on the position of the sun.

Visiting Sesriem Gorge is not only an opportunity to admire Namibia’s natural beauty, but also to reflect on the relationship between humans, water, and survival in one of the most challenging environments on the planet. This place is a testament to the resilience of life and the power of nature, a must-see for any explorer of the Namib Desert.

Namib-Naukluft National Park

The Namib-Naukluft National Park, located in Namibia, is a vast protected area encompassing the Namib Desert, considered the oldest desert in the world, and the Naukluft Mountains. Covering 49,768 square kilometers, it is the largest park in Africa and the fourth largest in the world. This park was established in 1907 by the German Colonial Administration as “Game Reserve Number 3” with the aim of protecting local wildlife. Later, in 1979, the Naukluft Mountains and a stretch of the Atlantic Ocean were incorporated, significantly expanding its territory.

One of the park’s most iconic areas is Sossusvlei, a clay and salt basin surrounded by some of the world’s tallest dunes, such as Dune 45 and Big Daddy, which reach heights of up to 325 meters. These dunes, a distinctive deep red color due to the oxidation of iron in the sand, offer stunning views, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Despite the extreme conditions, the park is home to a surprising diversity of wildlife adapted to the arid environment. Species such as the oryx, springbok, hyenas, jackals, and various reptile and insect species have developed unique adaptations to survive in this environment. Fog blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean is a vital source of moisture, as the average annual rainfall is only 106 mm, concentrated between February and April.

The park is also home to the Gobabeb Research Station, founded in 1962, which studies desert ecosystems and species adaptation to extreme conditions. The park also protects unique geological formations, such as the Sesriem Canyon and the Naukluft Mountains, which offer opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.

The Namib-Naukluft National Park is not only a haven for biodiversity, but also a testament to the geological and ecological history of our planet, offering visitors an unparalleled experience in one of the world’s oldest and most spectacular landscapes.

Sossusvlei, Deadvlei and Big Daddy

Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, and Big Daddy are three of the main natural wonders of the Namib Desert, located within the Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia. This region is known for its surreal landscapes, which combine reddish dunes, white clay basins, and petrified trees, creating one of the most iconic and photographed environments in the world. The history of these formations is linked to the geological and climatic dynamics of the oldest desert on Earth, estimated to be 55 million years old.

Sossusvlei is an endorheic basin where the water of the Tsauchab River, flowing from the Naukluft Mountains, is held back by sand barriers that impede its progress toward the ocean. On rare occasions, after heavy rains, the basin fills with water, forming a temporary lake that offers a unique visual spectacle by reflecting the sky and the surrounding dunes. During these occasions, desert life resurfaces, attracting birds and other species that depend on water. However, in most years, Sossusvlei remains dry, notable for its reddish sand dunes, which are some of the highest in the world, reaching up to 325 meters.

Deadvlei, located near Sossusvlei, is a clay basin famous for its dead acacia trees, believed to be over 900 years old. These trees, although dead, do not decompose due to the extremely dry climate, remaining as natural sculptures that contrast with the white soil, red dunes, and intense blue sky. Deadvlei was once a fertile area fed by the Tsauchab River, but when the dunes blocked the flow of water, the ecosystem changed, leaving a desolate but fascinating landscape.

Big Daddy is the tallest dune in the region and one of the most impressive in the world, with a height of approximately 325 meters. Its proximity to Deadvlei and its aerodynamic shape make it a prominent landmark. Climbing Big Daddy is a challenging but rewarding experience, as its summit offers panoramic views of the Namib Desert, including the rolling dunes and salt flats of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. The descent from the summit, usually towards Deadvlei, is an exhilarating experience, allowing visitors to descend rapidly across the soft sand.

The formation of these dunes and basins is due to the action of prevailing winds that transport sand particles from the Orange River, located hundreds of kilometers away, into the desert interior. Over millions of years, these processes have created the characteristic star-shaped dunes typical of this region. Their reddish color is the result of the oxidation of iron in the sand grains, which gives them their distinctive hue.

The Sossusvlei region also holds cultural and historical significance. For centuries, Indigenous communities, such as the San, have inhabited the Namib Desert, adapting to the harsh conditions and utilizing the area’s natural resources for their survival. These communities venerate the dunes and landscapes of Sossusvlei, considering them sacred and linked to their spiritual beliefs.

Today, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, and Big Daddy are world-renowned tourist destinations, attracting visitors seeking to explore the unique beauty of the Namib Desert. The best times to visit these sites are at dawn and dusk, when sunlight accentuates the color contrasts and shadows of the dunes. However, tourism in the region must be carefully managed to minimize its impact on this fragile ecosystem.

Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, and Big Daddy are a testament to nature’s power to create landscapes of extreme beauty in inhospitable conditions. Their conservation is vital to preserve not only their ecological and aesthetic value, but also their historical and cultural significance for future generations.

Audio guide of the Sesriem Route