Sesriem lies on the Tsauchab River-one of two large rivers (the other being the Tsondab, further north) which flow westward into the great dunefield of the central Namib but never reaches the ocean.
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| Sesriem travel info | |
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Sesriem travel info In the centre of the park, at Sesriem, the Tsauchab River meanders into the heart of the desert. Along its course the river has carved smooth tunnels from the sandstone, forming the beautiful Sesriem Canyon. This is a narrow fissure in the sandstone, 30m deep in places, carved by the Tsauchab River. The early settlers drew water from the river by knotting together six lengths of hide rope (called riems). Hence it became known as ses riems (six hide ropes). Emerging into the desert, it has cleared sand from a flat avenue, now lined by towering apricot dunes. This is a breath taking 60km drive that you will never forget. At the end, one can walk across a small bar of sand into Sossusvlei: a photogenic clay pan dotted with green acacia trees and ringed by graceful curving dunes. Many call this the most beautiful place they have ever seen.
Seasons
The best time to go is in the dry winter months from Apr-Sep, as days are pleasant with temperatures averaging at around 25 degrees Celsius. Nights, however, can be very cold. Summer (Oct-Mar) can be very hot with temperatures soaring to above 40 degrees Celsius.
Wildlife
The Namib is not so much a wildlife destination but a "landscape" destination. 200 bird species have been recorded in the region.
Wildlife that you may see includes oryx, springbok, kudu, zebra, steenbok, jackal and baboon. back to Sesriem top
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