Undiscovered Southern Self-Drive Namibia

Example Itinerary

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 ...

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

How Tailor-Made Works

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Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.

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Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.

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At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.

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Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.

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Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.

Example Itinerary

This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.

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.

Elegant Guesthouse Breakfast

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.

Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Fish River Lodge Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Fish River Lodge Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Fish River Lodge Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Desert Horse Inn Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Desert Horse Inn Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Desert Homestead Lodge Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Desert Homestead Lodge Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Corona Guest Farm Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Breakfast

EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

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.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

12 days from A$6,314

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers, unless otherwise stated.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 10408 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

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.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

Making a Difference

Community Tourism

People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.

Conservation and Climate Action

As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.

Wild Frontiers Foundation

The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

Meet the expert, Clem

Clem is our Namibia expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Clementine by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258

The best way to explore Namibia is on a self-drive adventure – set off with a paper map and old nokia phone in your 4x4. You will be rewarded with rolling red dunes, giant starry skies and epic moonscape like vistas.

OTHER ITINERARIES IN NAMIBIA

Check out our group tours in Namibia

As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Namibia. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.

View Group Tours in Namibia