Sesriem Campsite

Sesriem Canyon and Sossusvlei

Sesriem is the gateway to the sand dune desert and is the location of the National Park campsite for this area. Set in a beautiful landscape with mountains to the east and dunes to the west. The camping area at Sesriem receives its name from a nearby canyon, the Sesriem Canyon. Early pioneers who came to the area and wanted to get water from the canyon had to tie six leather thongs to the handle of their bucket in order to draw water from the top of the canyon. These thongs were called leer riems in the Afrikaans language and the word for six in the same language is ses. The area became known as Ses Riems which was corrupted into English as Sesriem.

Camping for the dunes at Sossusvlei is available at Sesriem (camping is not permited at Sossuvlei). Ordinary sedan cars can travel the 63 km on the tarred road from Sesriem to the beginning of the vlei (although this road is in terrible condition and caution is advised), but the last 4 km are only negotiable by 4-wheel-drive vehicles. The nearest dunes are only a few hundred metres away from the sedan car park and are easily accessible on foot. There are no bungalows or tents at Sesriem, but accommodation is available at private lodges and hotels near Sesriem.

Camping is in the shade of ancient camel thorn trees, each camping site has its own fireplace and tap. Public telephones are provided and there is a small shop selling beer, soft drinks and basic foodstuffs. In the campsite there are ablution blocks that provide showers, toilets and basins with a mirror. The water is usually hot, but not always. There is also a swimming pool and a small thatched bar that has an excellent selection of ice cold soft and alcoholic drinks.

As demand is high for these camping places pre-booking is essential. To reserve campsites here in high season (June-September) bookings need to be made far in advance.

Important Information:

• Entrance for overnight and day visitors between sunrise and sunset only.
  
• The Sesriem Canyon and Sossusvlei may be visited between sunrise and sunset only.