Southern Explorer

After a good night’s sleep and a leisurely breakfast you begin your journey. Leaving the capital you head south to the Kalahari Desert, it’s an easy drive of roughly three hours. Arriving early afternoon settle into your accommodation, have a siesta or cool off at the swimming pool.  In the cooler afternoon hours, we recommend a farm drive to enjoy the soft evening light on the Kalahari.  Enjoy an excellent local beer or a glass of wine as you bury your toes in the ancient sands of the desert. Watch the sun dip below the horizon as the first of a billion stars sparkle overhead.   The silence of the desert is occasionally interrupted by the staccato call of the barking gecko and the evocative howl of a jackal.

You might want to enjoy an early morning walk amongst the noble Camelthorn trees this morning.  You will find plenty of tracks and trails crisscrossing the desert sands, evidence of seldom seen nocturnal species; and some of our hardy desert game like springbok, oryx and ostrich. After a hearty farm breakfast you continue your journey south.  It’s a long but interesting drive of around five hours. Along the way you can visit the Quiver Tree Forest, a gathering of around 250 of these unusual trees that are usually found individually.  Continuing south you turn off the beaten track and head deep into the wilderness to reach Fish River Lodge, perched on the edge of the second largest canyon in the world.  After a long drive relax and enjoy another magnificent sunset over this ancient landscape.

Awake to the sun rising over the canyon. Sip a coffee as you watch the light creep down into the canyon depths. You have a full day in this spectacular setting. For the energetic consider a morning hike or cycle along the rim of the canyon. For the super fit, there’s the option of a full day hike into the canyon, which is challenging!  Or you can take it easy and enjoy a drive down into the canyon or a meander in your own time.  Of course, you can also sit by the pool and soak up the incredible views. There’s plenty to do. Or not. As you chose.

Negotiating your way back to the main road you have smooth tarmac beneath your wheels again. Head west to the village of Aus, reputedly both the hottest and coldest place in Namibia. Once the location of a POW camp it is one of the possible origins of the wild horses of the Namib. Just west of Aus you may encounter these hardy desert horses at the Garub water hole. Descending toward the Atlantic you encounter fields of Barchan dunes before reaching the remote town of Luderitz, nestled between the ocean and the dunes.  After a drive of around four hours stretch your legs on an afternoon walk around the town.  There are some wonderful historical buildings dating back to the diamond era.  And a delight of fresh seafood is available for dinner.

There is plenty to see and do today.  We recommend starting the day early with a catamaran cruise to Halifax Island, home to a charming colony of African penguins.  You may also encounter seals, dolphins and a variety of marine birds en route. Back on land head out to Kolmanskop Ghost Town to learn more of the discovery of diamonds in 1908 and the resulting boom years.  By 1956 Kolmanskop was abandoned and the desert began reclaiming the town. This afternoon drive out along the bays to Diaz Point. A replica of the stone cross, left by the early explorer Bartolomeu Dias in 1488, stands vigil on the rocky point.  Standing on this windswept, wild coastline one can only marvel at the incredible feats of the early explorers.  Optional: a full day tour to the remote ghost town of Pomana and Bogenfels Rock Arch can be included with a two night stay in Luderitz.

Bidding farewell to Luderitz you head back inland, slowly climbing away from the sea into the interior. Turning north the road stretches as far as the eye can see, the odd plume of dust pinpointing the location of other intrepid travelers. It’s a drive of 4-5 hours to reach your overnight stop on the edge of the Namib Desert. Here you have the chance to experience life on a Namibian farm and learn about the challenges and rewards of farming in this arid region.  Close by is Duwisib Castle, a rather unexpected sight.  There is time to explore the castle, take a walk or join a farm drive. Tonight get to know your hosts and sample some excellent farm food at the family table.

You have an easy drive of around three hours today.  Enjoy a sleep in and a delicious farm breakfast before continuing your journey north.  You can travel via the Tsaris Pass or via the NamibRand Nature Reserve, the largest private reserve in Namibia.  All roads lead to Sesriem, the gateway to the magnificent dune fields of the Namib Desert.  Your accommodation tonight is conveniently close to the park gate allowing easy access to the dunes.

You have a full day to explore the dune fields and pans of Sossusvlei. We recommend an early start to experience the beautiful morning light on the dunes. As the sun rises it bathes the dunes in bright light but also casts deep shadows on the lee-ward slopes of the dunes. The contrast is spectacular. Sossusvlei is accessible by 4×4, ringed on three sides by high orange dunes. Hardy Camelthorn trees survive on the edge of the pan giving welcome shade while you soak up the scenery.  Only accessible by foot Dead Vlei is surrounded by towering orange dunes, reputedly amongst the highest in the world. A shimmering white pan is dotted with ancient dead trees, burnt black by decades of sun. A brilliant blue sky adds to the incredible palette of colours. Heading back to your camp enjoy a siesta and swim.  In the cooler afternoon hours head back into the park to explore the small but intriguing Sesriem Canyon.

Sadly, it’s time to bid farewell to the desert. It’s a 4-5 hour drive back to the city where you drop off your vehicle and are transferred to the airport for your outbound flight.  We know you will have many wonderful memories of Namibia to keep you company on your journey home.