The Southern Namibia is a 7 day accommodated tour, around the highlights of Southern Namibia, including:

• A visit to the red dunes of the Kalahari Desert. Learn how the desert flora and fauna adapt to the harsh conditions of the Kalahari Desert.
• A short visit to the Quiver Tree Forest near the town of Keetmanshoop. The name Quiver Tree refers to the Bushmen's ancient custom of hollowing out the tree's branches, and using them as quivers in which to carry their hunting arrows.
• The Fish River Canyon. It took hundreds of millions of years to evolve into its current shape and is161km long and up to 27km wide. The depth varies from 457m to 549m.
• Through the Namib Desert to the small settlement of Aus, and the desert-adapted feral horses.
• Northwards to Sossusvlei. A large clay pan, surrounded by massive dune fields.
• Coastal town of Swakopmund, before returning to Windhoek. The Welwitschia plant produces only two leaves throughout its life span, but the desert winds tear at the fibrous leaves, leaving them shredded into strips.

Day 1: Windhoek - Kalahari Desert

Guests will be collected from their Windhoek accommodation at around 07h30, before heading south to Rehoboth, (capital of Namibia's Baster community) for a short stop including a brief tutorial about the area. The travels continue to Kalkrand (comfort stop) crossing The Tropic of Capricorn via the settlement of Stampriet, looking out en-route for German War Memorials. Lunch is taken en-route (on own account) before continuing into the Kalahari.
After checking in at the overnight stop at Auob Lodge, it's time to proceed on a guided scenic drive in an open vehicle, topped off with a sundowner on top of a sand dune. This lodge is a wonderful green oasis, situated near a river of the same name, at the edge of the Kalahari Desert.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Auob Lodge

Day 2: Auob Lodge - Fish River Canyon

The journey moves on through the Kalahari to the Quiver Tree forest, situated north of Keetmanshoop. This is a much favoured topic for photographers as these trees grow about 3m -5m tall, producing bright yellow flowers during the winter months. The botanical name of the tree, Aloe dichotoma, refers to the way in which the branches grow. Di means two and toma means branches, as the branches of the tree always forks in two's. Kudu's eat the leaves of this tree, a repellent to parasites, once absorbed into the blood stream.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Canyon Roadhouse

Day 3: Fish River - Aus

After breakfast its on to the Hobas Campsite, an entrance to the Fish River Canyon, the 2nd largest canyon in the world. The vantage points offer a breathtaking and spectacular views over the northern fringes. From the Fish River Canyon, the tour heads eastwards towards the town of Aus and a visit to it's Information Centre and a lunch stop (on own account). See the desert-adapted feral horses on entering the Namib Desert. The arrival at Klein Aus Vista heralds the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Aus Mountains, on an un-guided walk or to join an optional scenic sundown drive.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Desert Horse Inn - Klein Aus Vista

Day 4: Aus - near Sesriem

Possible optional excursion to the ghost town of Kolmanskop near Luderitz (requires a minimum of 4 participants). From Aus it's northwards towards Maltahohe, along the small D707 (district road) - this road runs along the edge of the Namib Desert and is one of the most scenic drives in the country. Visit Duwiseb Castle - a pre World War 1 German extravaganza - before driving on to Hammerstein Rest Camp, situated between the Nubib and Tsaris Mountains and its beautiful surrounding scenery.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hammerstein Lodge

Day 5: Sossusvlei - Namib Naukluft Lodge

Early morning visit to Sossusvlei, a large clay pan, which is surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world, and is only filled with water in years of exceptionally good rainfall. From the 2x4 car park you 'shuttled' into the heart of the vlei, a photographer's paradise. Then on to the Sesriem Canyon, which was formed over millions of years by the Tsauchab River.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Namib Naukluft Lodge

Day 6: Namib Naukluft - Swakopmund

The route proceeds through the Kuiseb Canyon towards the coast and the unique Welwitschia mirabilis, a plant which lives more than 1000 years, is endemic to the Namib Desert. After a short stop to enjoy the birds on the Walvis Bay Lagoon, it's northwards to the popular holiday resort of Swakopmund. The name of the town is derived from the river which enters the Atlantic just south of the town. This afternoon's visit is to the Moon Landscape just outside of the town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hansa Hotel in Swakopmund

Day 7: Swakopmund - Windhoek

Time to yourselves to explore lovely Swakopmund (unguided) in the morning. After an early lunch (on own account), continue inland towards the towns of Usakos and Karibib. There is a short visit to the woodcarvers market in Okahandja and the tour ends on arrival in Windhoek during the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast

Mode of transport

Air-conditioned vehicle

Number Of Participants

Maximum of ten

Included

German & English guided, unless otherwise indicated. Enquire about other languages. The guide is also the driver.
Accommodation and meals as listed on the itinerary
Park entrance fees
Pick-up and drop off at any central Windhoek Hotel or Guest House included.
Bottled water on board
Passenger liability insurance

Excluded

Beverages
Items of a personal nature
Tips
Travel Insurance
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Any optional activities
Visas

Route & Accommodation

The itinerary above is a guideline only and whilst we try to adhere to it there may be circumstances when it may change - for example weather and/or road conditions, seasonal daylight hours etc. Overnight stops on occasion may be altered from those indicated.