Four kilometres from Sesriem Gate, the Tsauchab River has carved a 1km-long gorge through the sedimentary rock layers that underlie the entire Namib landscape. The canyon walls are 30 metres high at the deepest section, displaying approximately 40 million years of geological history in layers of conglomerate, sandstone, and silt. At the bottom of the narrowest section, a permanent water pool survives year-round, fed by underground seepage.
The name Sesriem comes from the six strips of rawhide (ses rieme) that historical travellers had to tie together to lower a bucket to the water at the canyon floor. The pool was a critical water source in the pre-road era; today it supports a small population of fish that live permanently in the canyon’s shade.
The Walk
The canyon is explored on foot via a descent at the upstream end. The standard route follows the canyon floor for approximately 1km to the narrowest section and the permanent pool, then returns the same way. The walk takes 60 to 90 minutes at a comfortable pace.
The canyon floor varies between open, sandy sections and narrow passages where the walls press close enough to touch both sides simultaneously. The geological layering in the walls is clearly visible throughout: pale sandstone, darker conglomerate bands, and sections of grey silt that represent ancient lake-bed deposits.
The pool: At the far end of the accessible section, the canyon narrows to its minimum width and the floor drops to a permanent pool approximately 15 metres below the surrounding plain. The pool is a few metres across, dark and still, with small fish visible near the surface. The sense of depth, the sound of the water, and the temperature drop in the shaded section make this the most atmospheric moment of the walk.
Practical Notes
Access: 4km from Sesriem Gate on the main road; signposted. 2WD accessible. Time needed: 90 minutes for the full walk and return Best timing: Late afternoon on arrival day, or early morning before the main park drive; the canyon shades quickly and is pleasant in both windows Entry: Included in the park entry fee; no separate charge
The canyon pairs naturally with the Elim Dune sunset session for guests arriving at Sesriem in the afternoon: canyon first (90 minutes), then drive the 5km to Elim Dune for the final 90 minutes of daylight.