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HOME > Namibia > Itineraries > Namibia’s Magical South

Namibia’s Magical South
9 night Self-Drive Holiday

A fascinating itinerary focusing on the southern regions of Namibia, taking in the stunning Kalahari Desert, the Fish River Canyon - the second deepest on earth - the Orange River on the border of South Africa, and the wilderness regions and towns of the deep south including quirky Luderitz. Return to Windhoek via the dunes of Sossusvlei to complete an epic adventure.

Day 1 Windhoek

Having arrived at the International Airport, you collect your vehicle at the relevant car rental company kiosk and travel the short distance to Windhoek. Having checked into your modern and luxurious guest house, enjoy the day at leisure or explore the city centre with its colonial-style buildings, street cafes and craft markets. Overnight: Pension Moni.

Day 2 Kalahari Desert

In the morning you travel into the largest sand mass on earth, the Kalahari Desert. The bushman refer to it as the "Soul of the World", an emotive description for this area! With its deep red sand dunes and endless grass plains interspersed with Acacia's and shrubs, it is the only form of survival for a vast amount of specially adapted wildlife such as Oryx, Springbok and Ostrich. Enjoy the opportunity to experience the fauna and flora that has survived this desert environment for thousands of years on an optional nature drive in the late afternoon. Overnight: Kalahari Anib Lodge. Approximate Distance: 280km (breakfast included).

Day 3 Fish River Canyon

Leaving the Kalahari dunes behind you, your road takes you via scarce vegetation, isolated hills and endless rocky plains to the Quiver Tree Forest: here you find over 250 of these indigenous aloes in a single area. Proceed further into the vicinity of the Fish River Canyon. It is set in a harsh, rocky plain dotted with drought resistant plants, and undoubtedly counts as one of the rare natural wonders on earth. Overnight: Canon Roadhouse. Approximate Distance: 440km  (breakfast included).

Day 4 Fish River Canyon

This morning you can visit the Fish River Canyon. With a length of 170 kilometres and an average depth of 550meters, it represents the second largest canyon on earth. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your lodge at leisure or take part in optional activities offered such as nature drives, horse riding, rhino tracking or scenic nature walks. Overnight: Canon Roadhouse (breakfast included).

Day 5 Orange River

In the morning travel south to the Orange River, which forms the natural border to South Africa. Your lodge is situated directly along the calm flowing water, and offers exceptional birding and walking opportunities. More adventurous clients have the option of exploring the river and its beautiful environment on a canoe. As the river does not serve as a habitat for crocodiles or hippos guests also have excellent opportunities to cool off in the Orange River. Overnight: Norotshama Lodge. Approximate Distance: 280km (breakfast included).

Day 6 Aus

After breakfast, travel to the edge of the Namibian escarpment and via the Succulent Karoo to the coastal town of Luederitz. En route you can stop at Garub to try and find some of the unique Namib Dessert Horses that survive in the desert due to their acquired adaptations. Your hotel awards you a magnificent view over the Atlantic Ocean and is the basis for a variety of exciting activities over the next two days. Enjoy a magnificent sundowner from the deck of your hotel prior to having dinner in the cozy restaurant. Overnight: Seaview zum Sperrgebiet Hotel. Approximate Distance: 420km (breakfast included).

Day 7 Aus / NamiNus

A full day can be used for excursions in and around NamiNus, where the highlights include a visit to Kolmanskop, a Ghost Town established after the first diamonds were discovered here in 1908. Another highlight of the area is Diaz Cross, a commemoration to the firs Europeansailor who sailed past the point in 1488 and erected a cross to mark this important point in history. You can also do a full day excursion into the prohibited Sperrgebiet area to visit the awe-inspiring Bogenfels rock arch, or travel to the unspoilt concession area of the Khoichab dunes, an area reminiscent of Sossusvlei. Luederitz also offers marine cruises on a boat or catamaran to experience the islands and Namibia's only penguin colonies. Overnight: Seaview zum Sperrgebiet Hotel (breakfast included).

Day 8 Sossusvlei

This morning you travel via endless plains and along striking mountain ranges into the Namib Desert, the oldest desert on earth. Your lodge is situated very close to Sesriem, the gate to two of Namibia's most celebrated attractions: Sossusvlei, with some of the highest sand dunes on earth, and Sesriem Canyon. Both are molded and shaped by the brute force of the Tsauchab, a non-perennial river that meanders through this majestic ocean of sand with its ever-changing colours. At your lodge you have a wide variety of activities on offer, only some of which include scenic nature drives, sundowner drives or quadbike rides over the private nature reserve. Alternatively relax on the large verandah of the lodge with a view onto a frequented waterhole. Overnight: Desert Homestead. Approximate Distance: 350km (breakfast included).

Day 9 Sossusvlei

The best time to experience the Sossusvlei area is at sunrise when the light paints the dunes and desert palette into deep red, apricot and purple - this part of the day is also the most forgiving, as you are not exposed to the hot afternoon sun when clambering one of the mighty dunes. From Sossusvlei visit Dead Vlei, a surreal white clay pan surrounded by monumental dunes and dotted with age-old camelthorn trees. Traveling back, visit the Sesriem Canyon, an 18 million year old gorge eroded into the conglomerate floor. Having returned to your lodge, cool off in the sparkling pool or take a refreshing drink in the bar overlooking the waterhole. Overnight: Desert Homestead. Approximate Distance: 150km  (breakfast included).

Day 10 Return

After a relaxed breakfast, travel up the Namibian plateau and back to Windhoek, where you return your rental vehicle and where the tour ends. Alternatively, travel to Swakopmund to connect with other tour options. Approximate distance to Windhoek: 350km (breakfast included).

Magical

South

2022 Namibia fly-drive holidays Holiday prices are per person based on two sharing.

Prices include flights, transfers and accommodation, and are subject to availability. Flights from Heathrow - other departures also available, call for details. Holiday ref JET0917MU.

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