About Sesriem

Sesriem is situated in Namibia. Sesriem backpacking tours allow you to experience the gateway to the Namib desert, with a host of attractions to see and experience.

Sesriem Budget Travel

Below is a list of Sesriem's top activities, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Sossusvlei Guided Walk

View all activities in Sesriem

Airports

Sesriem airports include:
• Hosea Kutako Windhoek International Airport

Birdlife

The beautiful desert canyons and endless plains of the Namib desert offer the ideal habitat for hundreds of Sesriem birds. With over 200 species recorded within the area, bird watching at Sesriem is an unforgettable experience, with amazing landscapes and a number of birds of prey among other species to be found across the area.

Conservation

Sesriem conservation is essential to protect the balance of the areas landscapes. Sesriem is situated within the Namib Naukluft Park and is surrounded by private farmlands and conservancies. Sesriem Canyon and Elim Dune form part of the Sesriem area, and play a key role as habitat for a number of bird and animals species.

Culture

Sesriem culture influences include the following:
• Bushman, Himba and other ancient tribal cultures play a large role in this area’s culture
• Festivals are a popular aspect of current Namibian culture
• Sports are a popular pastime in the country
• Music and dance plays a key role in many local cultures
• Literature is important for ancient and current cultures

Customs

Sesriem customs allow for free import of the following for travellers over 16 years:
• 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco
• 2l of wine and 1l of spirits
• 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette
• Gifts to the value of N$50,000

Health

With no major health threats, and no malaria or major diseases, Sesriem health should not be a problem. However, the area is fairly remote and the town only has the most basic of medical facilities, and Windhoek is situated a fair distance away. Take precautions and pack a first aid kit with basic supplies, and take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover you in the event you need treatment.

AIDS

Sesriem HIV/AIDS precautions include the following:
• Don’t ever share needles or syringes
• Practice safe sex at all times
• Equipment should be sterilized
• If you require self-administered injections, take an adequate supply of your own needles
• Avoid tattoos, acupuncture treatment or body piercing

Vaccinations

Sesriem inoculations include:
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A
• Malaria
• Rabies
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever (if coming from an infected zone)

Languages

Sesriem languages include:
• English (official language)
• Oshiwambo
• Afrikaans
• German

Malaria

Namibia malaria information includes:
• Sesriem is not a malaria zone, so no medication will be needed to visit this area
• Malaria medication includes Larium, Malarone, or doxycycline
• If you are coming from a malaria zone be sure to continue the course as prescribed
• Follow basic guidelines such as using mosquito repellent and mosquito netting
• Speak to your doctor about malaria medication you will need if you are continuing on to a malaria zone

Money

Sesriem money and banking information includes:
• ATMs can be found in Sesriem town
• US Dollars and South African Rands are often accepted at major retailers
• Most large hotels, game parks and shops accept credit cards
• Travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks, airports or hotels
• Banking hours are Monday to Friday 09h00-15h30 and Saturday 09h00-11h00

People

Sesriem people include the following groups:
• Herero
• Himba
• Nama

Phrase

Sesriem local phrases in Afrikaans include:
• Good morning - Goeimore
• How are you? - Hoe gaan dit?
• I'm fine - Goed
• Please - Asseblief
• Thank you - Dankie

Vaccinations

Sesriem inoculations include:
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A
• Malaria
• Rabies
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever (if coming from an infected zone)

Plants

Situated at the entrance of the massive and spectacular Namib desert, Sesriem is not known for its lush vegetation, and other than a thick row of towering apricot trees which have been planted along the edge of the canyon, there is very little vegetation or plant species to be found within this area.

Religion

Sesriem religion includes:
• Christian
• Indigenous beliefs

Safety Tips

• Do not wander around the area without a guide ' the Namib desert is easy to get lost in and you could lose your sense of direction easily
• Make sure you have water with you at all times and always wear high factor sunscreen
• The area is very safe with low crime, however just to be safe, keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Do not attempt to hike or climb the surrounding area if you have any health issues
• A satellite phone is very useful in the desert areas and is highly recommended

Transport

Sesriem local transport options include:
• Car
• Plane

Travel Books

Sesriem recommended travel books include the following:
• Namibia: The Bradt Travel Guide by Bradt Travel Guides
• Namibia Handbook: Tread Your Own Path by Lizzie Williams
• Lonely Planet Namibia by Deanna Swaney
• Namibia Travel Pack by Globetrotter
• Photographic Guide to the Birds of Namibia by Ian Sinclair and Jackie Sinclair

Visa Requirements

Get more information on visas in Namibia

What To Buy

• Namib desert travel guide plus a current map of the area
• Sleeping bag and camping mattress if you are on an overlanding tour
• First aid box with basic supplies
• Good sized backpack plus a decent moneybag
• Insect repellent

What To Pack

• Sunglasses, sunhat and plenty of sunscreen
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Long pants and warm jacket for cool nights or winter travel
• Loose, lightweight clothing with long sleeves for mosquito protection in summer
• Camera, batteries plus spare film or memory card

When To Go

• May to September are the coolest months and best time to visit the Namib area
• This season is also the dry season which is best for wildlife
• Temperatures can drop to freezing point in the desert during this time
• December and January are the hottest months of the year
• Temperatures can be extremely high during summer months

Wildlife

Sesriem wildlife is fairly diverse, with a large number of desert-dwelling species found in the area. Game species to be seen in the canyon and surrounds includes steenbok, springbok, oryx, kudu, mountain zebra, dassie rat, chacma baboon, rock dassie and klipspringer. Despite this, the canyon is not known for being a top game viewing area, and there is no large game such as lion or elephant within this area.