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
• 2x Fish River West
• 2x Luederitz
• 1x off
• 2x Sesriem
• 2x Swakopmund
• 2x Usakos

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 13x overnight stay in the Superior category ****
• 13x breakfast, 8x 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.

The House on Olof Palme is located in an upmarket and quiet part of Windhoek near the Erosberg mountains. The house is lovingly and personally managed by the owners. The pool in the green courtyard is a wonderful place to relax. (7 rooms: bath/WC, TV, W-Lan, minibar, air conditioning, safe and private entrance. Guest house: lounge, coffee and tea station, terrace, pool, garden)

HOUSE ON OLOF PALME (STANDARD ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 2 TO DAY 3 (APPROX. 260 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 55 € 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 5 (APPROX. 450 KM):

FISH RIVER WEST

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.

Surrounded by unique quiver trees, the design of Fish River Lodge blends in perfectly with its surroundings. The interior is a mixture of traditional and modern furniture, many of the accessories are made in the workshops of the surrounding San and Nama tribes. Authenticity, comfort and simplicity as well as a breathtaking view characterize the unique ambience of the lodge. The lodge offers guided hikes, excursions into the canyon, fat bike tours and nature tours (English-speaking, with other participants) for a fee. (20 rooms: shower/WC, outdoor shower. Hotel: restaurant, two bars, pool).

FISH RIVER LODGE (STANDARD ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 4: FISH RIVER WEST

CANYON HIKE OR CANYON EXCURSION

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 145 € PER PERSON

Today you will explore the Fish River Canyon.

You have the opportunity to explore the canyon on foot from April to October. You should bring a very good level of fitness for this hike, as the hike covers a distance of 16 km, during which you first descend into the canyon and then hike back up out of the canyon. Alternatively, you can do the day hike down into the canyon and choose to return in a pick-up.

As an alternative to the hike, a 4×4 vehicle will take you right into the heart of the canyon and although the descent is safe, it is guaranteed to get your heart rate up. An experienced guide will show you the geological features on your journey into the depths of the canyon. You'll see rough limestone, shiny quartz, fine shale and dramatic faults as 500 million years of history reveals itself.

For lunch (included) you stop at a rock pool, also ideal for a refreshing dip on warm days. Kudu, oryx, klipspringers and, with a bit of luck, mountain zebra can often be seen there.

Tour language is English and is conducted with additional persons.

Places on these tours are limited, we recommend booking in advance.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 5 TO DAY 7 (APPROX. 340 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: LUEDERITZ

TOUR

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 440 € PER PERSON

At 55 meters high, the arch rock is the highest rock arch in southern Africa. It is particularly spectacular as it rises out of the sea. The immediate area is part of Namibia's Diamond Restricted Area 1, where diamonds are still being mined and therefore this area is not accessible to the general public.
The guide will pick you up at your accommodation between 8:00 and 9:00 in the morning. From Lüderitz you drive to the border post of the Sperrgebiet. Continue to Grillental, the former fresh water supply of Bogenfels and Pomona.
You will then drive over the large dune, where you will gain an insight into the unique flora (weather permitting!).
You will then drive to the old diamond mine of Pomona. You will visit the village and then have a small lunch snack. The tour continues to Bogenfels. Here you have enough time for a photo stop. Before heading back to Lüderitz, you stop for a coffee break. You will reach Lüderitz between 17:30 and 18:00.
The tour is in English and is conducted with additional people.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 7 TO DAY 8 (APPROX. 130 KM):

OFF

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)

EAGLES NEST (CHALET)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 8 TO DAY 10 (APPROX. 340 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. Especially in the early morning, the sun's rays create an indescribable play of colors on the sand of the dunes. 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.

Desert Homestead Lodge is located about 30 kilometers southeast of the entrance to Sossusvlei. It lies in the middle of a 7,000-hectare private nature reserve. From the lodge you can enjoy an impressive panoramic view. Feel at home and experience the informal natural hospitality. For a fee, you can take part in a Sossusvlei excursion, horseback riding, nature tours or guided hikes (English-speaking and with other participants). If you prefer to explore the area on your own, you can also hike alone. (28 chalets: bathroom/WC, mosquito net, air conditioning (with solar power, limited use), terrace, fan. Lodge: restaurant, bar, pool, terrace, viewing deck, WiFi)

DESERT HOMESTEAD LODGE (STANDARD ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 8 TO DAY 10:

SESRIEM

OPTIONALLY UPGRADEABLE FROM 290 € PER PERSON

The star dunes of the vlei, which reach a height of up to 300 meters, are among the highest sand mountains in the world. Especially in the early morning, the sun's rays create an indescribable play of colors on the sand of the dunes. 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.

The Dead Valley Lodge is situated within the Namib Naukluft Park near Sesriem. This location gives you the opportunity to set off half an hour before the park opens to the world-famous Dead Valley, which is around 65 kilometers away.
The stylish accommodation is very open and airy and the earth tones of the furnishings complete the harmonious picture. From the pool and the veranda of your luxury tent, you have a sweeping view of the desert landscape. Excursions to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon are offered by the lodge, for a fee (English-speaking and with other participants). (20 tented chalets: bath/WC, veranda with view, fridge, tea and coffee station, safe, mobile air-conditioning. Hotel: restaurant, bar, lounge, pool, terrace, WiFi).

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DEAD VALLEY LODGE (LUXURY ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD

DAY 9 (APPROX. 350 KM): SESRIEM

SOSSUSVLEI EXCURSION

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 145 € PER PERSON

With a total area of around 50,000 square kilometers, the Namib-Naukluft Park is Namibia's largest nature reserve. It covers a belt around 100 to 150 kilometers wide along the Namibian coastal desert, starting in the north at the Swakop River Valley and extending south to the B4 road to Lüderitz. Most of this vast area is inaccessible to humans. The Naukluft Mountains with their rugged rock massifs and deeply incised river valleys rise around 1000 meters above the surrounding area. The highest elevations reach 1949 meters.

With a guide and in a 4×4 vehicle, you head towards the gate before sunrise, which opens at sunrise. You will experience the large dunes, the Dead Vlei and the Sesriem Canyon. You return to the lodge in the late afternoon.

The tour language is English and is conducted with other people.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 10 TO DAY 12 (APPROX. 355 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.

The At the Sea Boutique Guesthouse in Swakopmund is located right next to the beach. The town with its numerous restaurants and historic buildings is just a few minutes' walk away. (Guesthouse: lounge, garden, pool, terrace, WLAN. 8 rooms: WC/shower, balcony/terrace, fridge, tea/coffee station, hairdryer, safe, TV).

AT THE SEA GUESTHOUSE (LUXURY ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 11: SWAKOPMUND

LIVING DESERT TOUR

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 65 € 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 12 TO DAY 14 (APPROX. 150 KM):

USAKOS

Spitzkoppe is an inselberg 120 km east of Swakopmund that towers 700 meters above its surroundings. Due to its striking shape, it is also known as the "Matterhorn of Namibia" and is one of the most photographed mountains in the country. Spitzkoppe was formed by an intrusion that did not reach the earth's surface. Over the course of millions of years, the surrounding cap rock weathered away and only the hard granite of the intrusion remained. This is also the site of the millennia-old rock paintings, the most famous of which is the Bushman's Paradise. However, these paintings have been largely destroyed by vandalism.

Spitzkoppen Lodge is situated on the north side of Spitzkoppe, nestled among massive rocks. From the main building and the pool, you can enjoy a sweeping view all the way to Brandberg. This stylish and cozy lodge invites you to relax and unwind. Take some time to unwind here or explore the countryside on foot at your own pace. You also have the option to participate in various activities such as horseback riding, bike tours, or hikes for a fee (tours are conducted in English and take place with other participants; booking is only possible on-site). (15 chalets: shower/toilet, mosquito net, balcony, sitting area. Lodge: pool, bar, restaurant, lounge, Wi-Fi)

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

SPITZKOPPEN LODGE (STANDARD ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP

All prices quoted are subject to availability before booking and are based on the number of participants stated. 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. From April 1, 2025, a tourist visa must be obtained upon entry. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa in advance. Minors under the age of 18 may need to 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 EUROPCAR

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 572 NAD, handling fee for traffic fines 432 NAD, young driver surcharge 21-22 years per day 173 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 10 (pizza, pasta, burger, large salad) to EUR 12 (steak, fish) to EUR 22 (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 224 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.