Namibia's south

ABOUT THIS TRIP

The south of Namibia is drier than the north of the country and is not dominated by game viewing, yet the landscape here is more diverse. Start your round trip in the Kalahari with its colorful contrasts, experience the breathtaking scenery at the Fish River Canyon, Namibia's must-see Sesriem Canyon and the huge dunes of Sossusvlei or a cold breeze in Swakopmund. Individual changes to the tour itinerary or the rental car category are possible on request, we will be happy to send you a personalized offer. Please contact us for your personal offer. Note: An SUV vehicle with a higher wheelbase is generally recommended, as there are many gravel tracks and unpaved roads. In the rainy season (November to May) we strongly recommend a four-wheel drive vehicle!

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 1x Windhoek
• 1x lime edge
• 1x Keetmanshoop
• 2x Fish River East
• 2x Luederitz
• 1x Tiras Mountains
• 2x Sesriem
• 2x Swakopmund
• 1x Greater Windhoek

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 13x overnight stay in the Comfort ***/**** category
• 13x breakfast, 4x dinner
• 1x rental car class BS (Toyota Urban Cruiser Automatic or similar)
• Comprehensive travel documents according to the booked tour itinerary
• Local offices with 24-hour hotline (German/English)
• Travel insurance certificate

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Meals not mentioned
• not mentioned or optional activities
• Flight performance
• Entrance fees and conservation fees not mentioned
• other personal expenses, tips
• personal travel insurance
• Additional costs for rental car (conditions see below)

DAY 1: WINDHOEK

MEET & GREET

On arrival at Windhoek airport or at the agreed station, you will receive your rental car. A member of staff from our partner in Namibia will meet you at your accommodation in Windhoek to discuss the tour with you and give you valuable and up-to-date travel tips. You will receive further information with your travel documents.

You will also receive a 24-hour emergency telephone number where our German-speaking staff are available around the clock.

DAY 1 TO DAY 2 (APPROX. 45 KM):

WINDHOEK

Welcome to the capital. Windhoek is the economic and political center of Namibia. The city is situated in the Windhoek Basin, the approximate geographical center of the country, bordered by the Eros Mountains in the east, the Auas Mountains in the south and the Khomas Highlands in the west. The name Windhoek is Afrikaans and is derived from "windy corner".
The colonial past and the influence of the German language and culture can be felt in many areas. Worth seeing are the monumental Supreme Court building, the Namibian National Museum in the "Alte Feste", the Christuskirche, the "Tintenpalast" parliament building and much more.

Maison Ambre Guesthouse is situated on the eastern slopes of Luxury Hill and is only 2 km from Windhoek's city center. The guesthouse offers a relaxing stay surrounded by green gardens
Relax on the terrace and by the pool. (5 rooms: bath/WC, air conditioning, fan, safe, heating, fridge, radio, TV, hairdryer. Guesthouse: pool, bar, lounge)

MAISON AMBRE GUESTHOUSE (STANDARD ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 2 TO DAY 3 (APPROX. 280 KM):

KALKRAND

In the south of the Tropic of Capricorn lies the Kalahari Desert, also known as the Kgalagadi. You will soon be able to see the reddish glow of the Kalahari Desert in the distance. Here, the green acacias and yellow grass stand in stark contrast to the blue sky and the red sand dunes of the Kalahari Desert, which stretch for hundreds of kilometers. The Kalahari shows its true beauty in the light of the setting sun, when it transforms the red sand into a shimmering fire and oryx antelopes or giraffes warm themselves in the last rays of the sun. The Kgalagdi is also a very special experience in the rainy season, when a green carpet emerges from the dried grass.

Intu Afrika Camelthorn Lodge is situated in a magnificent panoramic landscape of open grass plains, acacia woodlands and red sand dunes about 70km from Mariental. The main building of the rustic lodge blends into the landscape. Discover the Kalahari Desert in an open off-road vehicle, on a quad bike tour or follow in the footsteps of the Bushmen on a guided hike (for a fee, English-speaking, with additional persons). (12 rooms: bath/WC, air conditioning, coffee and tea making facilities. Hotel: pool, restaurant, boma, bar)

INTU AFRICA CAMELTHORN LODGE (STANDARD ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 2: LIMESTONE EDGE

SUNDOWNER DRIVE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 40 € PER PERSON

You take part in an approximately 3-hour guided sundowner drive in the Kalahari Desert. The sundowner drive is the ideal way to get to know the Kalahari Desert. As you drive over the red dunes, you have the opportunity to see various animals such as springbok, giraffe and oryx antelope. The drive into the sunset with a panoramic view over the Kalahari dunes is an unforgettable experience.

The tour language is English and the tour is conducted with additional people.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 3 TO DAY 4 (APPROX. 265 KM):

KEETMANSHOOP

Keetmanshoop is the most important town in southern Namibia. The town was founded in 1866 from a former mission station, which was named after a German merchant, Johann Keetmann. A highlight of the town is the quiver tree forest, which is located about 20 kilometers northeast of the town. The forest consists of around 250 trees scattered between granite rocks. The scenery is particularly photogenic at dawn or dusk. Another attraction is the Giant's Playground, where you will find bizarre rocks left behind by the "giants".

Stay at the modern Quiver Inn Guesthouse in the center of Keetmanshoop. Feel at home as you are warmly welcomed by the owners themselves. Warm days are particularly enjoyable in the cool courtyard under the trees. In the evening you can walk to the restaurants just a few meters away. (10 rooms: bathroom/WC, kitchen. Hotel: inner courtyard.)

QUIVER INN GUESTHOUSE (STANDARD ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 4 TO DAY 6 (APPROX. 150 KM):

FISH RIVER EAST

At around 650 km, the Fish River is the longest river in Namibia. It has its source in the eastern Naukluft Mountains and flows into the Orange at the South African border. The river, which rarely carries water, meanders through the famous Fish River Canyon. This is one of the most impressive natural beauties in the southern part of Namibia. With a depth of up to 550 meters, the Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon in America. The canyon winds its way over a distance of around 160 kilometers through the rugged Koubis mountain range down to Ai-Ais. The canyon is dotted with pools fed by groundwater. This is the only reason why various antelope species and leopards can survive here.

The village-like buildings of Canyon Village are scattered among the scattered piles of rocks as if they had grown out of the ground. The comfortable Cape Dutch-style bungalows offer a view of the vast canyon landscape. The thatched main building is built directly into mighty granite rocks. Dozens of murals tell the stories and culture of the former inhabitants of this area, the Bondelswart-Nama. Take a hike or a panoramic tour offered by the lodge for a fee. (42 rooms: bath/WC, air-conditioning, heating, safe, bar, mosquito net, tea and coffee making facilities. Lodge: pool, restaurant, bar).

CANYON VILLAGE (STANDARD ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 5: FISH RIVER EAST

CANYON DRIVE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 75 € PER PERSON

Today you will explore the Fish River Canyon. You head for two special viewpoints from where you have a great view over the Fish River Canyon. An experienced guide will explain the geological features to you. During this tour, kudu, oryx, klipspringers and, with a bit of luck, mountain zebra can often be seen (English-speaking, with additional people).

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 6 TO DAY 8 (APPROX. 410 KM):

LUEDERITZ

Lüderitz is a port city on the eastern South Atlantic. The town on Lüderitz Bay was founded on May 12, 1883 and named after the Bremen merchant Franz Adolf Eduard Lüderitz. Lüderitz is located on one of the few natural bays, the otherwise unreal Diamond Coast, which is characterized by the Namib Desert. The somewhat nostalgic, colorful little town with its lovingly restored houses from the Art Nouveau period with their playful half-timbered gables is dominated by the rock church.
Don't miss the ghost town of Kolmanskop, which was once built as a diamond prospecting camp. Guided tours are also offered to the restricted diamond area south of Lüderitz. As an alternative to the desert activities, boat tours are also offered. With a lot of luck, you may see large numbers of seals. Penguins also live in the bay, as well as whales and dolphins (depending on the time of year).

The Alte Villa is located close to the city center in a historic building. The charming colonial villa was recently renovated by its German owners in 2017 and lovingly furnished in painstaking detail. The beautiful garden and large sun terrace overlooking the bay invite you to linger. In winter, you can relax by the fireplace in the lounge. The 5 individually furnished rooms have a garden or sea view and a private bathroom with a bath or shower. There is a restaurant serving delicious lobster and mussels right in the Old Villa. (5 rooms: bathroom/WC Villa: restaurant, sun terrace, garden, lounge with fireplace)

OLD VILLA (STANDARD ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 6 TO DAY 8 (APPROX. 280 KM):

OFF

OPTIONAL UPGRADE FROM 60 € PER PERSON

The settlement of Aus is situated in the Namib Desert, on the Huib Plateau, about 1500 meters above sea level. Due to its location, there is a second rainy season here in winter, which can transform the endless plains into a colorful sea of flowers. A place where you can come to rest, enjoy the silence, the endless expanses and the fantastic view of the Aus Mountains. The Gondwana Sperrgebiet invites active people to go on sporting excursions. The region is also home to the legendary wild horses of the Namib, which live in small groups on the barren plains. The small town of Lüderitz and the "ghost town of Kolmanskop" are also worth a day trip. There you can experience at first hand how people lived in the days of diamond fever.

At Eagles Nest in the Aus Mountains, you can enjoy solitude, endless silence and dramatic sunsets. From your bed you can marvel at the mountain landscape through the panoramic windows of the rustic chalets. You have the option of eating at the Desert Horse Inn or catering for yourself with a barbecue package. You can also discover the landscape on hikes, nature tours or mountain bike tours (for a fee, English-speaking, organized with other people). (7 chalets: shower/WC, fan, barbecue area, fridge, safe, veranda. Lodge: restaurant, bar and reception in the buildings of the Desert Horse Inn, approx. 15 minutes away by car)

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

EAGLES NEST (CHALET)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 8 TO DAY 9 (APPROX. 245 KM):

TIRASBERGE

The Tiras Mountains are still a real insider tip for hiking enthusiasts, nature lovers and for people who simply want to relax in beautiful surroundings. The fascinating landscape with endless expanses, undisturbed nature, mountains, plains and unsurpassable color variations as well as a breathtaking night sky can be hiked through, painted and photographed.
The Tiras Mountains area is home to many farms that also accommodate tourists. You should not expect high standards here, but you will experience rustic accommodation and Namibian hospitality, characterized by uniqueness and solitude.

Namtib Desert Lodge is nestled in a valley of the Tiras Mountains, on the edge of the Namib Desert and covers an area of 16 400 hectares. It offers accommodation in typical Namibian farm style. The focus of your time here is relaxation and recreation. However, there is also the opportunity to take part in nature tours, bird watching or various hikes (on your own or guided for a fee - English-speaking and with other participants). (5 bungalows: bath/WC. Hotel: restaurant, activities).

NAMTIB DESERT LODGE (STANDARD ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 9 TO DAY 11 (APPROX. 470 KM):

SESRIEM

The star dunes of the vlei, which reach a height of up to 300 meters, are among the highest sand mountains in the world. The sun's rays create an indescribable play of colors on the sand of the dunes, especially in the early morning. The dead, almost 500-year-old trees in Dead Vlei, which is a sandy clay and salt pan adjacent to Sossusvlei that no longer receives any water, are bizarre. Dead Vlei is reached after a strenuous walk through the dunes. If you have a 4×4 vehicle, you can drive to the dunes yourself; with a "normal" car, you have to change to a shuttle vehicle at the end. Alternatively, the lodges offer guided drives into Sossusvlei. Another attraction in the park is the Sesriem Canyon, which is located at the entrance to the Sossusvlei dune area and can be explored on foot.

You spend the night at Desert Camp. It is located around 5 kilometers from the entrance to Sossusvlei and therefore offers you a short distance to Namibia's colourful dune world. The view of the vastness and the surrounding mountains from your chalet is impressive. Meals can be taken at Sossusvlei Lodge, 5 kilometers away. Alternatively, you have the option of having a barbecue box or dinner delivered. The lodge's activity center also offers numerous activities and excursions for a fee (English-speaking and with other participants). (28 safari chalets: bath/WC, air conditioning, barbecue, terrace, kitchenette, fridge. Camp: bar, pool, WiFi)

DESERT CAMP (SAFARI CHALET)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 11 TO DAY 13 (APPROX. 345 KM):

SWAKOPMUND

Your destination is Swakopmund, located north of the mouth of the Swakop River on the Atlantic Ocean. The town was once the gateway to German South West Africa and the most important port at the time. Today, Swakopmund is an important recreational and vacation center, rich in beautiful colonial architecture. Swakopmund can easily be discovered on foot, visit the Woermannhaus, the landing stage, the lighthouse, the old district court, the railroad station or the Swakopmund Museum.
There is also a lot to discover outside the town, such as desert tours or boat trips in Walvis Bay. Those who prefer more action can also go skydiving, quad biking or sandboarding.

Meike's guest house is centrally located in the old town center of Swakopmund. All sights are within easy walking distance. Despite its proximity to the center, the stylish guest house offers peace and seclusion and invites you to feel at home. (7 rooms: bath/WC, TV, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, terrace. Guest house: garden).

MEIKES GUESTHOUSE (STANDARD ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 12: SWAKOPMUND

LIVING DESERT TOUR

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 55 € PER PERSON

The Living Desert Tour is a unique experience in four-wheel drive vehicles that shows you the impressive beauty of the Namib Desert and life in the desert. The coastal dune belt, which may seem barren and lifeless to some, is home to a fascinating variety of small animals that have adapted to the desert. They survive thanks to the fog that regularly drifts in from the cold Atlantic Ocean. During the tour, regular stops are made to look for tracks on the dunes (known as "reading the Bushman's newspaper") to see what animals have been at this spot the night before. Desert geckos, dancing spiders, scorpions, lizards, snakes, desert chameleons, legless lizards and a variety of beetles and insects are some of the creatures you may find on this tour.

The half-day tour starts at 8 am in Swakopmund (pick-up at the guesthouse) and ends there around 1 pm. The tour language is English and is conducted with other participants. (also available in German on request, subject to availability)

This excursion should be booked in advance during the high season, as places are rarely available at short notice.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 13 TO DAY 14 (APPROX. 345 KM):

GREATER WINDHOEK

Around Windhoek you can enjoy clean air without the hustle and bustle and noise. Experience the tranquillity of the African wilderness after your arrival or before your departure. The lodges near Windhoek are ideal to get in the mood for a round trip or to relax at the end of your journey. If you feel like it, you can also take part in activities such as game drives, nature or farm tours.

Windhoek Game Camp is located about 20 minutes' drive north of Windhoek. When you close your eyes, you hear nothing but the "call" of the African wilderness. The perfect place to come down and recharge your batteries!
You can immerse yourself in the wilderness here on foot. A beautiful hiking trail leads directly into nature. The tour of the 50-hectare site takes around 1.5 hours. If it gets too hot after the hike or on the terrace, the pool offers a wonderful way to cool off. Whether on the nature walk, swimming by the pool or enjoying a sundowner on the terrace - the "heraldic animal" is always close by. Oryxes, giraffes, springboks and many more enjoy the feeding and watering places near the pool. Cameras out!
The 8 luxury tented houses have their own bathroom (en-suite), a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, barbecue area and terrace. Breakfast is served in the restaurant, where dinner is also available if ordered in advance.

WINDHOEK GAME CAMP (STANDARD ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 13 TO DAY 14 (APPROX. 395 KM):

GREATER WINDHOEK

OPTIONAL UPGRADE FROM 155 € PER PERSON

Around Windhoek you can enjoy clean air without the hustle and bustle and noise. Experience the tranquillity of the African wilderness after your arrival or before your departure. The lodges near Windhoek are ideal to get in the mood for a round trip or to relax at the end of your journey. If you feel like it, you can also take part in activities such as game drives, nature or farm tours.

Voigtland Guesthouse is situated only 20 minutes from Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport. In the historic guesthouse, on the slopes of a hill, African and European style are combined in a relaxed farm atmosphere.
(4 rooms: shower/WC. Guesthouse: restaurant, pool).

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

Please return your rental car to Windhoek Airport or the agreed location at least two hours before departure.

VOIGTLAND GUESTHOUSE (STANDARD ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP

All prices quoted are subject to availability before booking. Errors excepted. Alternative availability, seasonal overlaps or exchange rate fluctuations may lead to price changes. Please request your personal tour offer with your desired travel dates. This tour offer does not include flights.

The child rate applies to one child under the age of 12 staying in their parents' room. One child under the age of two stays free of charge. For children aged 12 and over, the adult rate generally applies. Not all accommodation allows children of all ages.

We recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance and travel health insurance to cover the costs of assistance, including repatriation in the event of accident, illness or death. We can provide a corresponding offer on request.

A passport is required to enter the country. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa in advance. Minors under the age of 18 must carry additional documents. We will inform you of the exact requirements before you book. Travelers who have stayed in an area at risk of yellow fever must provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination.

This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please ask for suitable offers.

This trip is malaria free.

The organizer of this trip is South Africa Travel GmbH & Co. KG, Buddestraße 9, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany, Tel +49 521 33676880.

Left-hand traffic prevails on the roads of southern Africa.

CAR RENTAL CONDITIONS FROM BLUU CAR RENTAL

The following services are included in the price: unlimited free mileage, accident/theft insurance without excess (incl. tires, roof, windscreen, underbody damage), liability insurance up to 10 million euros, one spare wheel, one additional driver, local taxes and fees.

The following services are not included in the price and must be paid for locally: Gasoline, toll, deposit.

The following services are not included in the price and may be charged locally: Delivery and pick-up costs on request, additional additional driver 550 NAD, handling fee for traffic fines 400 NAD, young driver surcharge under 23 years per day 165 NAD, navigation device 120 ZAR per day (we recommend navigation with the free offline maps from Google).

To rent a vehicle, you will need a valid credit card issued to the main driver, an international driver's license and a passport. Each driver must have held a driver's license for at least two years. The deposit will be paid by credit card and will not be charged if the vehicle is returned with a full tank of fuel.

The local car rental company reserves the right to provide models of equal or higher value. The rental car mentioned is only an example of the confirmed vehicle class. The rates to be paid on the spot in NAD are determined by the local car rental company and are subject to change without notice.

This is an excerpt from the car rental conditions of the local car rental company, which you will receive when booking, or in advance if you wish. You will conclude a contract in English for the use of the rental car on site.

APPROXIMATE ADDITIONAL COSTS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Long-haul flights to Southern Africa in Economy Class cost from EUR 900, while prices can be well over EUR 1000 in the high season. Flights in Premium Economy Class are available from 1500 EUR, in Business Class flights cost from 2500 EUR (per person for outward and return flights). All prices are average values depending on the airline and season. The actual prices at a given time depend on the number of bookings and may vary. Early booking is recommended, especially in the high season.

A light lunch costs around EUR 5 (small salad, soup) to EUR 8 (pizza, pasta, burger) per person, a dinner around EUR 9 (pizza, pasta, burger, large salad) to EUR 12 (steak, fish) to EUR 21 (three-course meal) per person. Coffee, tea, beer or soft drinks cost around EUR 1.60 per cup or glass. Prices may vary upwards or downwards depending on the region or type of restaurant.

A liter of fuel (petrol or diesel) costs around EUR 1. Allow around EUR 239 for fuel for this trip.

Entrance fees to national parks cost between EUR 5 and EUR 25 per person per day, depending on the size and popularity of the park. Entrance fees to museums or other attractions cost between EUR 3 and EUR 20 per person. Children under the age of 12 usually pay half price.