Hike through a dry riverbed surrounded by rock walls

Sesriem Canyon is a 1 km long and 30 m deep riverbed of the Tsauchab. As the canyon is dry apart from a few waterholes, you can climb down and explore the gorge with its high rock walls.

Sesriem Canyon was formed over millions of years by erosion. The erosion was caused mainly by the Tsauchab River, which flows through the canyon bed after heavy rains. Although the river is dry for most of the year, it can swell quickly after rainfall and fill the gorge with water. The water in the gorge collects in natural pools and in the past served as an important water source for early settlers. This is also where the gorge gets its name: “Sesriem”. Sesriem means “six thongs”, referring to the fact that six thongs (or leather straps) had to be tied together to lower a bucket deep enough to draw water.