Sesriem Campsite

Sossusvlei - Namibia

The camp site at Sesriem receives its name from the nearby canyon of the same name. This is the gateway to the sand dune desert and on to one of Namibia's most popular and famous tourist attractions, the dunes at Sossusvlei. It is set amongst a beautiful surrounding landscape, with mountains to the east and dunes to the west.

Sesriem gets it's name from early pioneers, who wanted to get water from the canyon. They had to tie six leather thongs to the handle of their buckets, in order to draw water from pools that were inaccessible to their livestock. These thongs were called 'leer riems' in Afrikaans, 'ses' being six in the same language. The area soon became known as 'Ses Rieme' or Sesriem.

Sossusvlei means 'the gathering place of water' in the local Nama language. Seasonal rains from the Naukluft and Tsaris Mountains that succeeded in reaching the vlei, create temporary lakes that reflected the sand dunes surrounding them. The high, red sand dunes which surround Sossusvlei form part of the sand sea, which stretches from just north of Luderitz to the Kuiseb River. Some of these dunes reach as high as 220m.

Vegetation, such as the camelthorn tree, (many a breakfast or lunch is taken under these trees here) is watered by infrequent floods of the Tsauchab River, which slowly soak into the underlying clay. Sossusvlei is one of 4 clay pans in the area, the others being The Dead Vlei, Hidden Vlei and Nara Vlei.

Camping for the dunes at Sossusvlei is available here at Sesriem. (Camping is not permitted at Sossusvlei). Ordinary sedan cars can travel the 63 km on the tarred road from Sesriem to the beginning of the vlei, but the final 5kms have to be driven in 4WD vehicles. The nearest dunes are only a few hundred metres away from the car park and are easily accessible on foot.

There are 24 campsites at Sesriem, each in the shade of camelthorn trees. Each site has its own fireplace and tap. There are public telephones, a petrol station, and a small kiosk that sells beer, soft drinks and basic groceries. There is also a swimming pool and a small thatched bar serving cold beers and cool drinks. The ablution block has showers, toilets and wash basins. As electricity is not always guaranteed here, it is advisable that visitors take a torch/night light when going for an evening shower. Cool drinks are also available from a vending machine.

Demand for these camp sites is high and pre-booking is essential, especially in the high season. (June-September) Bookings need to be made far in advance.

Important Information:

Entrance to the park for overnight and day visitors, is between sunrise and sunset only.
As Sesriem Campsite is inside the Namib/Naukluft Park, overnight visitors are allowed access to Sossusvlei 1hr before sunrise.

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Activities at the Lodge
Activities around Sossusvlei

Sesriem Canyon: During the raining season rock pools sometimes form in the canyon and provide excellent swimming opportunities. During drier months you can walk up the canyon.
Sossusvlei: This is the reason you are staying here - popular opinion is that the dunes are best seen early in the morning or late afternoon.
Elim Dune: A petrified dune near the Sesriem Camp proves a popular spot to watch the sunset (for those not rushing back from a late afternoon visit to Sossusvlei)

Ballooning over Sossusvlei: Drift over the dune fields at Sossusvlei and enjoy a champagne breakfast wherever the wind takes you
Guided Hikes: learn about the dune fields on an expertly guided walk
Scenic Flights: light aircraft regularly depart on scenic flights over Sossusvlei and its surroundings

Directions: