11 Day Southern Adventurer

Day 1: Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch, Mariental

Upon arrival collect your vehicle and make your way to Windhoek City where you will meet your consultant who will go through your itinerary with you and answer any last minute questions you may have before continuing with your journey south onto the red dunes of the Kalahari Basin where you will be based this evening. If time permits perhaps join an optional guided nature drive around the reserve where red linear dunes rise over the grass and tree-lined valleys to look out for some of the desert-adapted wildlife such as ostrich, giraffe, oryx and springbok.
Approx. 3 hours drive from city Approx. 40 min from the airport.

Accommodated option

Overnight: Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch – DBB

Camping option

Overnight: Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch – no meals included 

Day 2-3: Fish River Lodge, Fish River Canyon

Day Itinerary
Today we journey further south towards the Fish River Canyon, reputed to be the second largest canyon in the world, you’ll be based here for two nights giving ample time to appreciate and explore the scale and harsh beauty of the canyon area whether you join a canyon drive, canyon hike, or simply sit with a sundowner drink. We recommend pre-booking the canyon drive or hike to avoid disappointment. Approx. 5-6hours (note the last section on the private reserve takes approx. 50mins-1hour). Hike only available during winter months.

Accommodated option

Overnight: Fish River Lodge – DBB

Camping option

Overnight: Canyon Roadhouse Camping – no meals included 

Optional
Canyon Rim Walk
PM Scenic Sundowner

Recommended
2 Days Hiking Package

Canyon Rim Walk
Awaken your senses with an easy un-guided walk from the lodge along the rim of the canyon, providing spectacular scenery, space to breath & time to reflect. Guided walks are available subject to demand. Our guides are experienced and keen to share their information on the resilient flora and fauna of this harsh environment and stunning geological features.
• It is recommended to do this walk either early morning or late afternoon.
PM Scenic Sundowner
The afternoon scenic drive will take you on top of the plateau where we will be stopping at two different viewpoints where you can admire the infinite vistas of the Canyon. The guide will also explain the geology, flora and fauna of this fascinating landscape. Watch the sunset while enjoying drinks, snacks and panoramic views of the canyon and meandering Fish River.
• Departure time from the lodge varies from summer 18h00 to 16h30 in winter.
Please leave plenty of time when arriving at the lodge by car as this enchanting excursion is not to
be missed.
• Minimum 2 guests per excursion – Max 9 per vehicle.
• Children under 12 are discounted at 50% of adult rate.

Day 4-5: Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn Gondwana Collection Namibia, Aus 

Day Itinerary
Onward to one of the best kept secrets of Namibia – Klein Aus, a truly beautiful spot, situated on the edge of the desert with endless views of open plains and mountains. You’ll be based here for 2 nights and have time to enjoy optional activities. Enjoy self-guided hikes or mountain bike in the Aus Mountains (bikes available to hire), take a guided excursion through the lodge into the surrounding region. We recommend you driving on a day trip to Luderitz for the remote and desolate coastal region as well as to Kolmanskop Ghost Town, a tribute to the diamond mining of the past. On the way back to Klein Aus, stop at the waterhole and visitors hide to view the wild horses of the Namib, one of only 2 or 3 truly recognized wild herds of horses in the world and be amazed at how they survive in this harsh environment. Day 4: Approx. 4hours. Day 5 1-1.15hours to Luderitz each way

Accommodated option
Overnight: Klein Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn – BB
Camping option
Overnight: Klein Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn Camping – no meals included

Optional
Kolmanskop
Diaz Point Coffee Shop

Kolmanskop
Amongst the sands of the Namib, the crumbling buildings of a small, once-luxurious town emerge from the drifting dunes. This ghost town is Kolmanskop, a reminder of the wealth of a time when diamonds could be picked by hand from the desert, and a remarkable photographic opportunity with few equals anywhere on earth.

Diaz Point Coffee Shop
A coffee shop located in perfect location. Diaz Point Coffee Shop is run by a characteristic older lady. The coffee shop serves excellent cake.

Day 6-7: Namibrand Family Hideout, NamibRand Nature Reserve

Day Itinerary

Depart after breakfast and head into the desert and south west to Namibrand Family Hideout, set among the stunning landscapes of the NamibRand Nature Reserve, in the heart of the desert. This is a wonderful location and sure to be a highlight of your trip offering seclusion and privacy; approx. 4 hours

Accommodated option

Overnight: Namibrand Family Hideout- DBB

Camping option

Overnight: Namibrand Family Hideout Camping – no meals included 

Day 8-9: Desert Camp, Sossusvlei

Day Itinerary

From here we journey further north towards Namib Naukluft Park, here, enjoy the wonder of the magnificent dunes of Sossusvlei – recommend you arrive here early or alternatively explore during late afternoon when the colour of the dunes change and the colours are incredible.  Sossusvlei and the surrounding sand dune sea is reputed to have some of the highest dunes in the world and is certainly part of one of the oldest deserts; this is an excellent location for photography and exploring on foot will give you a greater sense of understanding to this harsh and seemingly endless environment.  Approx. 2hours. 

Note: The last section into the region is 4×4 only and unless you are an experienced 4×4 sand driver we recommend you leave the vehicle at the 2×4 car park and walk or take a shuttle service the final 5km into the heart of this sea of sand (cost for shuttle not included)

Accommodated option

Overnight: Desert Camp – BB

Camping option

Overnight: Sesriem Campsite – no meals included

Recommended
Sesriem Canyon
Dead Vlei
Dune 45

Sesriem Canyon
Sesriem Canyon, a deep chasm carved through the rocks by water, is a striking natural feature of the area that is best explored on foot. Stony walls rise up sharply on both sides of the canyon, while birds roost in its crags and lizards dart along the ledges. The canyon’s name was coined when early settlers used it as a water source, using six lengths of leather (‘ses riem – six thongs) tied together to lower buckets into the water at the base of canyon.

Dead Vlei
This ancient clay pan was once an oasis, studded with acacias and fed by a river that suddenly changed course, leaving the earth to dry up along with the trees it previously supported. So dry were the climatic conditions that the trees never decomposed – instead they were entirely leached of moisture so that today, 900 years later, they remain as desiccated, blackened sentinels dotting the pan’s cracked surface. Surrounded by the red-pink dunes of the Namibia Desert, they create a surreal spectacle that is a photographer’s dream.

Dune 45
Named for its location 45 kilometres past the town of Sesriem, Dune 45 is renowned for its elegant shape, which – along with its position close to the road – have earned it the distinction of ‘most photographed dune in the world’. If you’re not keen for the strenuous hike to the top of Big Daddy, Dune 45 is a more forgiving alternative, standing at only 80 metres and featuring a much gentler gradient.

Day 10: Windhoek Gardens Boutique Hotel, Windhoek