Namib Naukluft Park -
Central Namib
Sossusvlei / Sesriem Section
SOSSUSVLEI:
Sossusvlei has monumentally high dunes; their sinuous crests and warm
colours changing as the day waxes and wanes.
These gigantic star-shaped mountains of sand are formed by strong
multi-directional winds, they are at their highest and most spectacular
where the west-flowing Tsauchab River empties itself into the Vlei.
The warm tints of the sand, ranging from apricot to orange, red and
maroon, contrast vividly with the dazzling white surfaces of the large
deflationary clay pans at their bases. When it has rained sufficiently
in the interior for the Tsauchab River to come down and fill the main
pan, flamingos and other aquatic birds are drawn to the area.
SESRIEM CANYON:
At the park entrance to Sossusvlei is Sesriem Canyon, where centuries of
erosion have incised a narrow gorge about 1 km in length. At the foot of
the gorge, which plunges down 30 to 40 m, are pools that become
replenished after good rains. Sesriem derives its name from the time
when early pioneers tied six lengths of rawhide thongs together to draw
water from the pools.
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DIRECTIONS:
There are various approach routes. From Windhoek the best way to travel
is along the B1 to just south of Rehoboth and then to turn onto the C24
(signposted Klein Aub). Take the D1261 about 36 km further on, and then
the D1275 via the Spreetshoogte Pass to the junction with the C14. Turn
left to reach Solitaire after 9 km and continue along Route 36 to the
sign posted turnoff to Sesriem some 70 km further south.
Motorists are warned that the Spreetshoogte Pass is too steep for towing
caravans.
SESRIEM AIR STRIP:
NOT LICENSED: 2435 S, 1550 E
Elevation: 2500
Runway: 08/26, 1900 m, Gravel
ACCOMMODATION:
Accommodation facilities at Sesriem consist of a number of shady camp
sites laid out under huge camel thorn trees. Each camp site has its own
fireplace and tap, while some camp sites are encircled by a stone wall.
Two small ablution blocks, as well as scullery facilities, are provided.
FACILITIES:
Petrol, diesel, firewood and cool drinks can be obtained at Sesriem, but
there are no other amenities and visitors must, therefore, be
self-sufficient.
NOTE::
Camping only at Sesriem (not in Sossusvlei) where there are only 18
camping sites plus 2 ablution blocks with hot and cold water
Maximum, 8 people per site
No bungalows or tents available
Fuel, wood and a kiosk are available
Due to the limited number of camp sites, reservations for Sesriem should
be done well in advance especially for school holidays. Day visits to
Sossusvlei and Sesriem canyon only between sunrise and sunset
Ordinary sedan cars can travel the 63 km on the gravel road from Sesriem
to the beginning of the vlei, but the last 4 km are only negotiable by
4-wheel-drive vehicles. The nearest dunes are only a few hundred metres
away from the sedan car park and are easily accessible on foot. |
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