The NWR Sesriem campsite is one of the most strategically valuable pieces of accommodation in Namibia. Not because of its facilities, which are clean, functional, and thoroughly unimpressive, but because of where it sits: inside Sesriem Gate, giving its guests the pre-gate access to the park that day visitors cannot have.
A photographer staying here, departing camp at 05:30 in June, reaches Dune 45 by 06:05 and stands at the base of the slip face as the sun rises over the dune horizon. No other vehicle is present. The footprints in the sand are theirs. This situation, which photographers plan entire trips around achieving, costs approximately NAD 250 per person per night at the campsite.
Facilities
Campsite: Multiple pitches with shade structures; electricity hookups at most sites; communal ablution blocks (flushing toilets; hot showers); braai grids; communal kitchen area (sinks; benches; no appliances).
Chalets: Brick-built units with bathroom and small kitchen area. Air conditioning (important; the Namib heat is significant without it). Beds made with linen. Private braai area.
Camp restaurant: Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; reasonable quality and price; the only restaurant option inside the gate. The camp bar serves cold drinks.
Camp shop: Basic supplies, water, soft drinks, limited tinned food, snacks, firewood. Not a substitute for proper provisioning at Solitaire or Swakopmund.
Swimming pool: A genuine asset; the midday refuge when temperatures push toward 40°C.
Petrol: Available at the camp; fill before the park road to avoid running low between camp and the 2×4 parking.
Booking
Through nwr.com.na. Peak season booking opens 6 months in advance (exact opening date on the NWR website). The campsite fills before the chalets; camping clients need the earliest possible booking.
Payment in advance through the NWR system; a credit card is required. Changes and cancellations are subject to NWR’s standard policy.
The Elim Dune Access
For camp guests, the 5km gravel road to Elim Dune remains accessible after the park road closes. This is one of the most under-appreciated aspects of inside-gate accommodation. After the day visitors have left and the gate has closed, camp guests can drive to Elim Dune for the final 90 minutes of golden light. The drive there is also productive for Namaqua chameleon and oryx in the late afternoon.
No booking or additional fee is required; simply drive the Elim Dune road from camp.
Was sollte ich mitbringen?
- Full self-catering supplies for any meals you plan to cook (the restaurant is adequate but self-catering is significantly cheaper)
- Sleeping bag for camping; the camp nights are cold in June and July despite the daytime heat
- Torch; the camp has lighting but the paths between facilities are not brightly lit
Contact Mat-Travel for NWR booking assistance.