Sesriem Canyon

Geologically very interesting and around a kilometre long and 30 metres deep, the Sesriem Canyon was carved from the sedimentary and conglomerate rock by the Tsauchab River over the last 30 million years. In fact the name ‘Sesriem’ was given by Afrikaners on the Dorsland Trek and translates as ‘six belts’ for the number of leather straps (which fastened an ox to its wagon) required to be tied together for a bucket to reach the water at the bottom of the canyon. Most of the riverbed is normally dry, but there are some permanent pools which were historically an important water source for local people and are now enjoyed by birds, fish and occasionally bathing visitors.