Undiscovered Southern Namibia
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Characterised by vast open landscapes and expansive vistas, Southern Namibia provides a stunning canvas of colours and textures. These majestic panoramas are home to plunging canyons and towering dunes that can boast some of the country’s least populated regions. Amongst the deserts of the Kalahari and the meandering course of the Fish River Canyon you can find some of the most serene and captivating settings anywhere in the country.
This stunning 12-day adventure takes you on a ...
Characterised by vast open landscapes and expansive vistas, Southern Namibia provides a stunning canvas of colours and textures. These majestic panoramas are home to plunging canyons and towering dunes that can boast some of the country’s least populated regions. Amongst the deserts of the Kalahari and the meandering course of the Fish River Canyon you can find some of the most serene and captivating settings anywhere in the country.
This stunning 12-day adventure takes you on a circuit through the heartland of the Bushmen and into the towering dunes of the Namib Desert. Along the way you will explore the plunging canyons along the Fish River, camp in the Kalahari Desert and hike to the top of the Sossusvlei dunes. A rich mixture of wildlife and scenery, this remarkable journey also offers a chance to see the wild desert horses of Aus before making your way onto the Gamsberg Plateau.
Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, you’ll end your time by enjoying fine food, genial hospitality and an array of optional activities from horse riding to Bushmen art, before taking the leisurely drive back north to Windhoek.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE WINDHOEK
DAY 1: ARRIVE WINDHOEK
Upon arrival in the Namibian capital, the rest of the day will be at leisure. After being transferred to your guesthouse, the afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the quirky German eccentricities of the old town or perhaps just lounge beside the hotel pool and soak up the warming rays of the African sun.
DAY 2: WINDHOEK - KALAHARI DESERT
DAY 2: WINDHOEK - KALAHARI DESERT
After taking delivery of your rental car this morning you will then head south towards Mariental and the red sands of the Kalahari Desert. You will be briefed on the walk ahead before having some free time to take part in optional activities at the lodge. Occupying the eastern fringes of the country, this region is home to springbok, zebra and wildebeest and a walk along one of the excellent nature trails that surround the lodge provides a first opportunity to encounter some of Namibia's abundant game.
DAY 3: EXPLORE THE KALAHARI DESERT
DAY 3: EXPLORE THE KALAHARI DESERT
Spend two nights in the vastness of the African savannah where you can be captivated by the red sand dunes and tree planes of the Kalahari; feel the hot desert wind on your skin; watch antelope herds and giraffes feeding; experience the sun setting in this isolated corner of the globe before stargazing whilst listening to the sounds of the night. The full day hike leads through the red Kalahari dunes alternating with tree savannah and stopping for a picnic lunch on the way. In the afternoon, arrive at the cosy and luxurious dune camp with a view deck and swimming pool. Enjoy an African Braai at the campfire on a dune before sundowners for desert either in a tent or outside under the starry sky.
DAY 4: KALAHARI DESERT - FISH RIVER CANYON
DAY 4: KALAHARI DESERT - FISH RIVER CANYON
In the morning, shortly before sunrise, grab a hot cup of coffee and watch gnus and zebras on the water hole before experiencing that magic moment when the sun comes up in glittering gold just behind the dunes. The short hike today leads back to the Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge through open grass and bush savannah, where the sighting of nyalas or impalas is highly likely. You then journey south, travelling through desert-dominated landscapes and on towards the spectacular setting of the Fish River Canyon, one of Namibia's most stunning natural treasures.
DAY 5: EXPLORE FISH RIVER CANYON
DAY 5: EXPLORE FISH RIVER CANYON
The second largest canyon of its kind on earth, this beautiful part of Namibia is best explored on foot and the lodge offers a chance to join guided morning and afternoon walks into its spectacular interior. For serious walkers, the mornings offer the best option, before the heat of the day makes conditions too hot; though a late afternoon stroll offers a more sedate exploration with sundowner drinks and a lengthy stop to enjoy the scenery.
DAY 6: EXPLORE FISH RIVER CANYON
DAY 6: EXPLORE FISH RIVER CANYON
A second full day in the canyon provides more opportunities to enjoy some more walking today. Alternatively, you may prefer a chance to relax and make the most of the lodge's pool or take a drive through the scenery of nearby Gondwana Canyon Park. The choice is entirely yours but however you choose to spend the day, you can be assured of some awe-inspiring views whichever way you look.
DAY 7: FISH RIVER CANYON - AUS
DAY 7: FISH RIVER CANYON - AUS
The next leg of your journey takes you north and westward, towards the historic desert settlement of Aus. As you approach, the scenery transforms into a majestic tableau of burnished sand and open grasslands as far as the eye can see and the old World War I ramparts that greet you on arrival take you back to another age. After lunch you can head out in search of the legendary wild horses for which this region is famed.
DAY 8: EXPLORE AUS
DAY 8: EXPLORE AUS
One of Namibia's most intriguing attractions is the old diamond mining town of Kolmanskop, lying some 100 kilometres to the west of Aus. Abandoned in 1954, this once thriving town has been reclaimed by the desert, its deserted buildings providing a haunting backdrop against the desert landscape. Continuing on to the coastal town of Lüderitz in time for lunch, you can then enjoy the charm of this unique 19th century community set beside the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
DAY 9: AUS - SOSSUSVLEI
DAY 9: AUS - SOSSUSVLEI
After enjoying a final morning around Aus, you then continue north towards the penultimate stop in your journey. Arriving at Sossusveil in time for a leisurely lunch, the rest of the day is then free to relax beside the pool before perhaps joining a late afternoon walk along one of the numerous trails that surround the lodge.
DAY 10: EXPLORE SOSSUSVLEI
DAY 10: EXPLORE SOSSUSVLEI
No visit to this part of the country would be complete without paying a visit to the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, located some 60 kilometres away. A pre-dawn start ensures the best chance to reach Sossusvlei in time to enjoy a breathtaking sunrise across the towering dunes. Spending the morning climbing these iconic dunes and soaking up the spectacular panoramas, you'll then return to the lodge for a relaxing afternoon.
DAY 11: SOSSUSVLEI - GAMSBERG PASS
DAY 11: SOSSUSVLEI - GAMSBERG PASS
The road back towards Windhoek takes you by way of the dramatic Gamsberg Pass today. The pass lies amongst a stunning mountain landscape that includes some of the highest peaks in the country. A relaxing afternoon then awaits, before a delicious dinner presents the perfect opportunity to reflect on your incredible journey through Namibia's extraordinary landscapes.
DAY 12: GAMSBERG PASS - WINDHOEK
DAY 12: GAMSBERG PASS - WINDHOEK
Departing Gamsberg after breakfast this morning, you will head back to the airport in Windhoek, where you will drop off your hire car before continuing on to catch your onward flight when your tour ends.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Desert Horse Inn, Aus
High in the Aus Mountains at 1,400 metres above sea level, Desert Horse Inn affords grand vistas of mountain scenery and sweeping desert plains. It is set Klein Aus Vista reserve, which is reminiscent of a 'Western' movie set and consists of 24 en-suite guestrooms rooms built in a style indicative of the late century farmhouse and painted a deep, rich sienna. Put up feet on your verandah enjoying Klein Aus calm, partake in a day or sunset drive or explore the numerous mountain-bike and walking trails that skirt the rocky hills. In the evening relax with sundowners on the wooden deck before enjoying a 3-course meal in the restaurant with superb views of the surrounding wilderness. Klein Aus Visa is family owned and this is reflected in the warm and friendly welcome you will get here.
Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge, Kalahari Desert
Found on a natural island in the heart of an old dried up lake, Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge is wonderfully traditional. The bedrooms, or guesthouses as they are referred to, are set in individual buildings; all are slightly raised off the desert floor and very spacious with teak flooring, en-suite bathrooms, outdoor terraces and an outdoor shower, discretely located to the side of each room with huge panoramic windows. With just 12 canvas-walled, thatched-roof rooms your stay will be peaceful and authentic. The lodge has a large stone and thatched lounge, dining area and bar, and outside there is a lovely viewing terrace and sparkling swimming pool.
Fish River Lodge, Fish River Canyon
Tantalizingly perched on the rim of the Fish River Canyon, the lodge arguably has one of the most stunning locations in all of Africa, with breathtaking views wherever you look. Accessing the lodge is an adventure in itself, as guests have to follow a 19km path across the plains and through riverbeds with kudu and ostrich often spotted along the way. A true eco lodge, Fish River Lodge has been built with conventional building materials and steps are constantly taken to ensure minimal impact on the local environment. With 20 chalets spread out across the canyon rim, this is a medium sized lodge with excellent service, great food and a wonderful variety of activities to enjoy.
Corona Guest Farm, Gamsberg
Situated mid-way between Windhoek and the Atlantic coast, Corona Guest Farm sits quietly in the centre of a plateau skirted to the east by the massive Gamsberg Mountain. Here, the owners have generated their own little oasis, a traditionally styled farmhouse surrounded by a garden of abundance, colourful flowers and tall trees offering plenty of shade. Accommodation varies from grand split-level suites to standard rooms separate from the main house, and four en-suite tents positioned away from the buildings. There is a lovely swimming pool and Corona has an excellent reputation for its delicious cuisine. The main homestead has plenty of verandas and lounges where guests can relax.
Desert Homestead Lodge, Sossusvlei
Located 30km to the East of Sesriem, Desert Homestead Lodge is ideally located for reaching and exploring the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei, as well as enjoying the wonderful variety of other activities that the area has to offer. The lodge is made up of 20 guest chalets and a family house suitable for up to 4 people travelling together. All of the rooms have air conditioning, well-appointed en-suite bathrooms, mosquito nets over the beds and large shaded terraces where guests can relax, enjoy the stunning views and even enjoy a private dinner should they wish. The rooms are all set either side of the large main lodge which houses the restaurant, bar, swimming pool and a viewing deck.
Elegant Guesthouse, Windhoek
An intimate modern bed & breakfast found in an upmarket part of Windhoek, the Elegant Guesthouse represents one of the best accommodation options in the capital. The six simple bedrooms are smartly furnished with modern fixtures and fittings and en-suite bathrooms. In addition to a lovely lounge area there is a small library where books can be borrowed and left for future visitors. The breakfasts here are truly magnificent, with a wonderful variety of fresh, seasonal produce served each morning. There is a small swimming pool set in the neat gardens where guests can sit and relax in the afternoons. We recommend this guesthouse if looking for an unassuming, quality B&B., which also focuses its attention on sustainability and conservation efforts.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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Clem is our Namibia expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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