Southern Highlights

14 days from £2675pp

This is a fantastic self-drive itinerary with a decent amount of time to explore to lesser visited south of Namibia. Highlights include the stunning Fish River Canyon, the fascinating ghost town of Kolmanskop, the beautiful towering dunes of Sossusvlei and finishing with time in Swakopmund where the choice of superb activities is endless.

All of the itineraries that you see on our website are samples of what is possible, every holiday that we operate is completely tailor-made to your requirements, likes and dislikes. Just let us know your ideas when getting in touch and we will craft your plans around these, get your feedback, and keep working on it until everything is perfect.

Tour Highlights

  • Enjoy visiting the second largest canyon in the world and the largest canyon in Africa, the stunning Fish River Canyon.
  • Take time to explore the beautiful coastal town of Luderitz and the fascinating Kolmanskop ghost town.
  • Go in search of incredible wild horses of Aus.
  • Explore the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei, the stunning dead vlei and the intriguing Sesriem canyon.
  • Time in Swakopmund to relax and enjoy the seemingly endless possible activities including kayaking with seals, catamaran cruises and quad or electric bike trips into the surrounding dunes.

Price Includes

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Day 1 - Overnight flight from the UK.

Depart from the UK for your flight to Windhoek airport. There is a huge range of airlines and routes available, please let us know your preferences when getting in touch.

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Day 2 - Private transfer on arrival. Car hire delivery, meet with local agent. Overnight Windhoek.

On arrival in Windhoek, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Stay overnight in Windhoek – this allows you to settle in and relax after your overnight flights, and for your itinerary briefing and vehicle to be delivered. We can suggest some great places to eat out tonight!

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Day 3 - Drive South to the Southern Kalahari – gateway to Southern Namibia.

An easy first day drive (the majority on tarmac), as you drive out of Windhoek and down to the Southern Kalahari region. Arriving relatively early in the day, you’ll have the majority of the day to settle in and relax, before exploring your surroundings...

...perhaps heading out on a sunset drive. Oryx, impala and springbok are commonly sighted, and you may be lucky to spot a meerkat over the dunes. A fantastic first glimpse of the dunes of Namibia, hued with rich red tones, a stay here is a wonderful way to start your Southern Namibia adventure. For those wanting to explore the area more fully ask us about the overnight Trans-Kalahari hiking trail.

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Days 4 - 5 - Onwards to Fish River Canyon, exploring the region.

The gravel roads down to the Fish River Canyon region are regularly graded, but it’s still worth taking your time and enjoying the ever-changing scenery. Look out for iconic Quiver trees and changing vegetation as you near the Canyon...

...There are options for accommodation on both sides of the rim, and also down at the bottom of the Canyon, all of which offer the chance to explore the area on foot, or on a guided drive. If you are staying near to the Hobas lookout, we suggest heading there for sunset for epic views as the afternoon sun heads down. Enjoy two nights here to experience the area fully.

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Days 6 - 7 - Drive up to Luderitz for a two-night stay.

A stunning drive north today, turning off the main road heading northwards to detour towards Luderitz. A small, coastal town on the South of the Skeleton Coast, a main reason to stay here (rather than inland Aus) is the proximity to Kolmanskop...

...a small ex-mining town slowly being lost to the wind and moving sand – hence the name ‘ghost town’. Photographers are well advised to head here early. Other activities include exploration into the restricted area on an official guided tour, or heading to sea for a boat cruise to see the small penguin colony near to the town.

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Day 8 - Drive to Sesriem (home to Sossusvlei).

A longer drive today, so we’d suggest an early start, driving through Aus (look out for the wild horses in the area), the NamibRand, and onwards to Sossusvlei...

...For those with more time, consider extending your trip to spend time in the magnificent NamibRand in the heart of the oldest desert of the world, where endless landscapes are dotted with petrified sand dunes and wandering oryx dotted on the horizon. But, we digress, and heading into Sesriem, you will settle in for the afternoon, ahead of an early start tomorrow.

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Day 9 - Exploring Sossusvlei, the Deadvlei and the surrounding area

A early rise is recommended today, to best experience the changing dune colours within the National Park. Whether you decide to benefit from a guide’s expert commentary or tackle the dunes of Big Daddy and Dune 45 under your own steam...

...you are in for a truly memorable morning. Keep your eyes pealed for wildlife adapted to this extreme environment as you go, for example, oryx, ostrich, zebra, impala and springbok to name a few. For those wanting a view of the dunes from a unique perspective ask us about hot air ballooning (for an additional cost). In the afternoon, relax at your lodge or visit the Canyon, Elim dune or the famous fairy circles.

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Day 10 - Drive from Sossusvlei to Swakopmund.

This is undoubtedly, the longest drive on the itinerary, with highlights along the way including crossing the Tropic of Capricon line, stunning mountain passes...

...and not to forget a stop at Namibia’s smallest town for a slice of apple pie, made famous by Ewan McGregor in his book ‘A Long Way Down’ - the bakery has changed hands now but the quality remains! Approaching Walvis Bay, choose the coastal road for phenomenal scenery as Namibia’s largest sand dunes meet the sea. Use the afternoon to stroll around the quaint town of Swakopmund, before dining in one of the town’s excellent restaurants.

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Days 11-12 - Explore Swakopmund and the surroundings.

Swakopmund these days has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with plenty of art galleries and streetside cafes. However, for most travellers the real appeal of a stay here are to explore the areas just outside the town...

...Ask us about catamaran cruises, kayaking with the seal population at Pelican Point, living desert tours and visits to explore Sandwich Harbour. For those travelling with younger family members, there are plenty of activities to get the adrenaline pumping, primarily quad-biking, sandboarding and fat biking across the dunes.

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Day 13 - Return your hire car and then fly home.

Today, choose between driving back to Windhoek to fly out from the capital, or alternatively, dropping your car at Walvis Bay and flying out from there. Airline choice and onward timings may play a part in which one works best, and we will guide you through this. Having dropped your car, fly home – or consider adding on a few days elsewhere in Southern or South Africa.

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Day 14 - Arrive back into the UK.

Arrive back into the UK and then start planning your next adventure!

Get in touch now.

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Example accommodation options for this itinerary

Kalahari Farmhouse

3 Star. Farmhouse style with a lovely location on the river bed, clean, comfortable and super value for money.

Kalahari Anib Lodge

3.5 Star. Larger lodge with decent facilities. Very convenient for a stopover when heading further south.

Canyon Roadhouse

3.5 Star. Quirky lodge with bags of charm and a decent range of facilities on site.

Canyon Lodge

3.5 Star. Beautiful oasis among the stark desert area. Clean, comfortable and great value.

Fish River Lodge

4 Star. Stunning location on the edge of the crater with breath-taking views.

Luderitz – The Nest

4 Star. Good international style hotel with excellent facilities and a super location.

Aus – Eagles Nest

3 Star. Remote self-catering option in a beautiful setting. Simple but brilliant.

Aus – Desert Horse Inn

3.5 Star. Larger lodge with a good range of facilities and well positioned.

Desert Homestead

3.5 Star. Lovely little lodge about 20-minutes from the park gate.

Sossusvlei Lodge

4 Star. Larger lodge with excellent facilities and super location.

Hoodia Desert Lodge

Star. Stunning surroundings with very comfortable rooms.

Little Kulala

5 Star. Absolute luxury and superb staff with the best location.

Swakopmund Guesthouse

3 Star. Lovely little guesthouse with a good location just minutes from the beach.

Cornerstone Guesthouse

4 Star. Small owner run guesthouse with excellent service and super staff.

Cornerstone Apartments

4 Star. Great self-catering options, very comfortable and convenient.

The Strand

4.5 Star. Large and luxurious option with extensive facilities and superb location.

Galton House

3 Star. Lovely little guesthouse with a nice central location, clean, comfortable and great value.

Elegant Guesthouse

4 Star. High standard of accommodation with lovely staff and great facilities.

Olive Exclusive

5 Star. The top accommodation choice for Windhoek. High standards throughout, superb.