SESRIEM CANYON

Sesriem canyon lies a few kilometers away from the Sesriem Gate, the primary entry point to the Namib Naukluft Park. Cut by the Tsauchab River this canyon got its name during the Dorsland Trek or "Thirsty Land Trek" which the Afrikaans settlers undertook to find new lands on which to live. The trekkers came across the Canyon and could see water at the bottom of it, but could not reach it. At the time there was no passage way down and in some places the canyon can be 30 meters deep. None the less they did hatch a plan, and tied six leather straps, called "Rieme" or leather thongs together. A bucket was then fixed to the end of the of straps and thus they could get the life giving water to the top of the canyon. From that day "Ses" Afrikaans for the number six and "Riem" for leather strap or thong birthed the canyons name, Sesriem.