Sesriem Canyon Namibia: A History of Amazing Facts and Things to Do
Located in the Namib Desert, Sesriem Canyon is a stunning natural wonder that has been the subject of awe and admiration for centuries. It is a deep, narrow gorge that is nearly a kilometer long and up to 30 meters deep. The canyon is part of the Tsauchab River, which is a seasonal river that flows from the Naukluft Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. The canyon walls are made of sandstone, which has been carved and eroded by the Tsauchab River over the years.
The name Sesriem comes from the Afrikaans language and means “six belts”. This name comes from the fact that early explorers had to use six leather belts to tie together in order to lower themselves into the canyon. Today, the canyon is accessible by a ladder that has been installed for visitors.
Sesriem Canyon is a popular tourist destination and is home to some amazing facts and things to do. Here is a look at some of the most interesting facts and activities that make Sesriem Canyon an incredible place to visit.
History
The canyon has been around for centuries, but it only gained attention in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when European explorers and settlers started to explore the area. The first recorded visit to the canyon was by a German explorer, Dr. Karl von Francois, in 1884. He was the first to document the canyon and its features.
In the early 20th century, the canyon was used as a source of water for the local Nama people. They built dams and channels to divert the river water for irrigation and other uses.
The canyon was also the site of a major battle in World War I. In 1915, the South African forces led by General Louis Botha fought against the German forces in the canyon. The South African forces were victorious and the canyon was named Sesriem in honor of their victory.
Amazing Facts
Sesriem Canyon is home to some amazing facts that make it a unique and fascinating place to visit. Here are some of the most interesting facts about Sesriem Canyon:
• The canyon is home to a variety of animal species, including hyenas, jackals, baboons, and even the rare desert elephant.
• The canyon walls are made of sandstone, which has been carved and eroded by the Tsauchab River over the years.
• The canyon is home to some of the oldest fossils in the world, dating back millions of years.
• The canyon is home to a variety of plant species, including rare species of succulents and cacti.
• The canyon is home to a variety of bird species, including the rare Cape Vulture.
Things to Do
Sesriem Canyon is a great place to explore and experience the beauty of the Namib Desert. Here are some of the best things to do when visiting Sesriem Canyon:
• Hiking: There are several hiking trails in the canyon, ranging from easy to difficult. The trails offer stunning views of the canyon walls and the Tsauchab River.
• Photography: The canyon walls and the surrounding landscape are perfect for photography. Visitors can capture stunning shots of the canyon walls and the river.
• Camping: There are several campsites in the canyon, offering visitors a chance to stay overnight and experience the beauty of the canyon at night.
• Wildlife Watching: The canyon is home to a variety of wildlife, including hyenas, jackals, baboons, and even the rare desert elephant. Visitors can spot these animals from the safety of the canyon walls.
Sesriem Canyon is an amazing natural wonder that is filled with history and beauty. It is a great place to explore and experience the beauty of the Namib Desert. With its amazing facts and things to do, Sesriem Canyon is sure to be an unforgettable experience.