This 9-Day Southern Namibia Camping & Lodging Guided Safari gives you a clear look at the unique landscapes and sights in southern Namibia.
You will explore the Kalahari Desert with its red sand dunes, visit the coastal town of Lüderitz and the Ghost Town of Kolmanskop, see the dry and rocky Fish River Canyon, and walk on the high red dunes of Sossusvlei.
During this 9-day tour, you will see different desert scenes and enjoy the special wildlife that lives there.
Day 1: Windhoek to Kalahari
After meeting your guide in Windhoek or at the airport, you will drive south past Rehoboth and Mariental. The drive takes about four hours, with stops for photos and views along the way.
You will arrive in time for lunch and some rest before the afternoon sundowner drive. Animals in this area include greater kudu, hartebeest, springbok, eland, giraffe, steenbok, blue wildebeest, and ostrich.
Day 2: Kalahari to Fish River Canyon
Today, you will continue south toward Fish River Canyon. On the way, you will pass the Quiver Tree Forest and Giant’s Playground, then visit the Mesosaurus Fossil Site.
The Quiver Tree Forest has a large group of aloe trees found only in a few places in Namibia and South Africa. The Giant’s Playground is full of big black rocks that look like they were placed by people.
After lunch in the town of Keetmanshoop, you will go to your next camp near the Fish River. Later in the day, a local guide will take you on a short drive to enjoy the sunset before heading to your campsite.
Day 3: Fish River Canyon
In the morning, your guide will lead a short walk from the camp. After the walk, breakfast will be served. Then you will go on a drive back to the lodge for lunch.
Tonight, you will experience a special under-canvas sleepout in Gondwana Canyon Park, Namibia’s second-largest private protected area.
This remote place has no city lights, giving you very dark night skies, perfect for stargazing. Sitting by the fire at night, listening to the sounds of the desert, is a very special part of the trip.
In the afternoon, you will visit Fish River Canyon. It is one of Africa’s least visited natural wonders. The canyon stretches about 160 kilometers long and is 550 meters deep in some places.
It is believed to be the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon.
Day 4: Fish River Canyon to Lüderitz
After breakfast, you will drive to Lüderitz and spend one night there. You should arrive in time for a walk around this small but unique coastal town.
Lüderitz is known for its fresh seafood such as west-coast rock lobster (locally called crayfish), oysters, and abalone. If you enjoy seafood, dinner here is a real treat.
Day 5: Lüderitz to Aus
After breakfast, you will visit Diaz Point and Kolmanskop Ghost Town before heading to the small town of Aus. Diaz Point has a replica of the cross put up by Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias, who visited in 1487. The area was later named Lüderitz in 1884. Birdwatching here is very good.
Kolmanskop is inside Sperrgebiet National Park. It became rich after diamonds were found in 1908. By 1915, the town had a butchery, bakery, furniture shop, and more.
Today, it is empty and open for visitors. After lunch, you will drive to Aus, where you may see the famous Desert Wild Horses. Their origin is still a mystery.
Aus sits where three desert regions meet: the Succulent Karoo, the Namib Karoo, and the Namib Desert.
Day 6: Aus to Namib Naukluft Park (Sossusvlei)
After a relaxed morning and breakfast, you will travel to Sossusvlei. The drive passes quiet desert areas, ranches, and private land with few people.
Along the way, you might see animals like oryx, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, giraffe, plains zebra, and springbok.
The background scenery is great for photos. After lunch at a small, remote stop called Betta Settlement, you will continue to your lodge near Sossusvlei.
Day 7: Namib Naukluft Park
You will start the day early to enter the Namib Naukluft Park. Morning light on the red sand dunes gives great photo chances. The Namib Desert has been dry for over 80 million years, with very dry conditions for the past 15 to 20 million years.
Animals living here include gemsbok, springbok, brown hyena, and black-backed jackal. If lucky, you might see the dune lark, a bird found only in Namibia.
If you feel fit, you can climb Big Daddy, one of the tallest dunes in the area. A visit to Dead Vlei is also included. This white clay pan has old dead camelthorn trees that are believed to be over 800 years old.
Later in the afternoon, you will visit Sesriem Canyon, which is about one kilometer long and 30 meters deep. Sometimes it has water, which is important for the local animals.
Day 8: Namib Naukluft Park to Windhoek
After an early breakfast, you will start your return journey to Windhoek. You will have lunch along the way and arrive in the afternoon. Your guide will take you on a short city tour before dinner. Afterward, you will be dropped off at your accommodation. Your guide will also let you know the time for your airport transfer.
Day 9: Departure
Your guide will drive you to the airport for your flight. This marks the end of your Namibian Deep South expedition.
