Sesriem Canyon

When looking for hotels for Sesriem Canyon, three specific reference points help with understanding the area: the canyon nearby, Sesriem’s outer gate, and the access route to the parking area before Sossusvlei. Different questions help with orientation: Where is the distinctive landform, which named places lie beyond the gate, and how does the onward route run?

The nearby canyon

The Sesriem Canyon lies near the destination. It is about one kilometre long and 30 to 40 metres deep. The length describes its extent, while the depth figure describes the gorge.

There are pools at the bottom of the canyon. They fill up again after good rains. The canyon itself is a permanent landform, while the water in the pools depends on rainfall. So if you plan to see the pools as part of the landscape, adjust your expectations according to the rainfall.

Outer gate and access route

Sesriem Campsite, Sossus Dune Lodge, and Dead Valley Lodge are located beyond Sesriem’s outer gate. There is also a permit office at the outer gate. As its availability may change, check the current status before your trip.

A 60-kilometre paved road runs from the gate to the parking area before Sossusvlei. From there, a five-kilometre route through deep sand follows. The access route is therefore divided into two stages: the paved road to the parking area, followed by the sandy stretch. Check current conditions along the access route before setting out.

Hardap as the wider destination

The Hardap Game Reserve is located in the wider destination of Hardap, by the Hardap Dam on the Fish River. The Hardap Dam covers an area of 25 km². Open savannah and mountain areas such as the Gemsbok Plateau are part of the reserve’s landscape—a different focus from the canyon depths and rain-dependent pools of Sesriem Canyon.

The Hardap Game Reserve offers freshwater fishing, water sports, boat trips, game drives, and birdwatching, as well as hiking trails of 9 km and 15 km. The two trail lengths differ by six kilometres, making the route options easy to compare. The other activities focus on water, drives, and observation. Check current conditions locally.

Fishing competitions for those interested are held annually in the wider destination of Hardap. If you would like to plan your trip around a competition, check the specific dates in advance.

A total of 284 bird species have been recorded in the Hardap Game Reserve, including Bradfield’s Swift and Stark’s Lark. Wildlife includes, among others, Black Rhino, Kudu, Oryx, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, Springbok, and Red Hartebeest. Sightings of individual species are not guaranteed.

Discover more destinations: Rietoog, Aranos, Uhlenhorst, Gochas, Hoachanas, Naukluft, Maltahöhe, Strampriet

Return to the wider travel overview: Hardap.