Sesfontein is named after the Afrikaans word for 'six fountains'. Although only a village, the settlement is the largest between Khorixas to the south and the Kunene regional capital, Opuwo, to the north. Sesfontein gives its name to the surrounding conservancy. Its main feature is a German fort, now converted into a popular tourist lodge, and the gardens of maize, vegetables and tobacco fed by irrigation from the springs.

The conservancy was registered in 2003 and covers 2,465 km². There are 1,491 people in the area. The landscape is a mix of hills, plains and wooded river valleys with the scenic Hoanib Valley, fountains and the historic German fort. Wildlife includes elephant, leopard, lion, black rhino, cheetah, mountain zebra, giraffe, kudu, gemsbok, springbok, duiker, steenbok, klipspringer, ostrich.

Income is derived from conservation hunting and tourism. In partnership with Torra and Anabeb Conservancies, the conservancy has joint-venture tourism agreements with Damaraland Camp and Desert Rhino Camp, both operated by Wilderness Safaris, and with Palmwag Lodge. All three are located in the Palmwag Tourism Concession, which is popular for game drives that include desert elephant and black rhino. The Sesfontein Fig Tree and Sesfontein Kanamub Campsites are owned by the community.