Sesfontein

Sesfontein ("six fountains") is a remote settlement in the Kaokoveld, named for the springs that make it a rare source of year-round water in this arid region. The German colonial administration built a fort here in 1896 to police cattle disease, poaching, and arms smuggling in the surrounding hunting grounds; the garrison was withdrawn in 1914 and the fort fell into disuse. It was reconstructed from historical photographs in 1995 and now operates as a lodge. Sesfontein serves as a gateway to the Skeleton Coast and the northern Kunene, and to the desert-adapted elephants that range the ephemeral rivers of the area.

By Plane

Nearest airport is Opuwo.

By Car / Road

Sesfontein is accessible from Palmwag via the C43 gravel road. 4x4 required.

The settlement is walkable. The fort is the main attraction.

• Fort Sesfontein — a German colonial fort built in 1896, reconstructed in 1995 and now a lodge

• Explore the surrounding Kaokoveld landscape

Meals are available at the fort lodge.

Bring water.

• Mid-range: Fort Sesfontein Lodge

• Skeleton Coast National Park (west)
• Palmwag (south)