9-DAY NAMIBIA SOUTHERN JOURNEY

Windhoek - Kalahari Desert - Fish River Canyon - Nama Karoo

Beautiful Road-Trip through the Wild Desert Landscapes of Southern Namibia

This 9 day self-drive holiday leads you from Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city to the southern reaches of the Kalahari Desert with its antique red sands to the gigantic 100-mile long ravine of the Fish River Canyon..

Highlights

• Sundowners atop a deep red sand dune in the Kalahari Desert.

• Walking along the spectacular rim of the world’s second largest chasm, the dramatic Fish River Canyon.

• Exploring the Namib Desert from the vast southern sand seas with their white clay salt pans to the towering red dunes.

Day One

Arrive in Windhoek. Collect rental vehicle and drive to your city hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day Two

After breakfast travel south to the edge of the Southern Kalahari. You have the afternoon at leisure. Later enjoy sundowners on a red Kalahari sand dune before returning to the lodge for dinner. Overnight at lodge. [BD]

Day Three

Travel to the Fish River Canyon in the heart of the Nama Karoo. Enjoy a packed lunch en-route. Undertake a sundowner nature drive over the plateau to the top of the canyon rim. Overnight and dinner at lodge. [BLD]

Day Four

After breakfast depart on a full day tour descending down into the canyon with a 4x4 vehicle. Bush lunch on the banks of the Fish River. Return to the lodge for dinner. Overnight at the lodge. [BLD]

Day Five

Depart for Aus at the edge of the Succulent Karoo Desert – one of the 20 most important biomes in the world. Sunset nature drive. Overnight at Aus. [BD]

Day Six

Travel north into one of the oldest deserts on earth, the Namib Desert, and arrive in the late afternoon. Enjoy a packed lunch en-route. Overnight and dinner at lodge. [BLD]

Day Seven

Early morning drive to Sossusvlei where you will visit the dunes, Dead Vlei and the Sesriem Canyon. Enjoy a picnic in the dunes. Return to the lodge. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight and dinner at lodge. [BD]

Day Eight

Start your day with early morning tea & coffee before departing on a scenic horse ride. Enjoy a picnic breakfast with great views before riding back to the lodge. Later travel back to Windhoek enjoying a packed lunch en-route. Overnight at hotel. [BL]

Day Nine

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Drive to Windhoek Airport where your journey ends. [B]

Accommodation

Day One

SAFARI COURT HOTEL

Conveniently located in central Windhoek, the four-star Safari Court Hotel offers luxury accommodation and first class service for all visitors. Well-furnished and modern suites are equipped with fine amenities and en suite bathrooms. Enjoy a delicious meal at the Acacia Restaurant where an extensive á la carte menu entices hungry patrons. After dinner relax with a drink at the elegant Palm Ladies Bar. After day of exploring Windhoek or travelling you can rejuvenate yourself with a relaxing treatment at the Okulele Day Spa.

Day Two

BAGATELLE KALAHARI GAME RANCH

An oasis of luxury in the unique Kalahari landscape, Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch embodies the spirit of Africa. Luxury chalets are constructed in three styles; all with the same attention to detail, care, warm African tones and exquisite furnishings. Wood and stilt chalets stand atop Kalahari sand dunes; ‘hay bale’ chalets nestle in the valleys between dunes; and four garden court chalets complete the ranch. A rambling, and expertly renovated, old farmhouse forms the heart of the ranch. Embark on fascinating guided drives and walks in the magical Kalahari and enjoy a sundowner as the sun sets over the dunes.

Day Three & Four

FISH RIVER LODGE

Sitting on the edge of the breath taking Fish River Canyon, the third largest in the world, the Lodge offers unsurpassed views of a monumental landscape. Luxury chalets hug the rim of the canyon like a jewelled necklace, perfectly spaced to create a feeling of intimacy and isolation. Huge windows allow for spectacular views of the Canyon and the sparkling African sky peeks through rooftop windows. The stylishly decorated chalets are equipped with first class amenities and en suite bathrooms. Dine on sumptuous and hearty meals next to a crackling fire in winter or on a wooden deck overlooking the canyon in summer.

Day Five

KLEIN AUS VISTA - EAGLES NEST CHALETS

Located in the remote Aus Mountains you are treated to grand vistas of mountain scenery and sweeping desert plains. Relax with sundowners on the deck before enjoying a meal in the restaurant, followed by a nightcap at the evocative Wild Horse Bar or around the cosy fireplace in the lounge.

Day Six & Seven

DESERT HOMESTEAD

This eco-sensitive desert lodge is situated near the Sesriem gate of the Namib Naukluft Park in a wide grassy valley sheltered by the Nubib, Tsaris and Naukluft mountain ranges with a view all the way to the distant desert dunes. In this exquisite setting, Desert Homestead offers simple yet stylish en suite accommodation in thatched chalets that have been designed with the fragile beauty of this remarkable environment in mind. Tranquil surroundings, alfresco dining, fresh farm cuisine, refreshing dips in the pool, stunning sunsets and sunrises are among the great pleasures at the lodge.

Day Eight & Nine

RIVER CROSSING

A world away in feeling but only a short drive in distance, River Crossing is a cosy yet elegant guesthouse close to Windhoek’s city centre. The guesthouse is built on a hill, giving great views of mountains on one side and the city on the other. Spacious and well furnished rooms come with en suite bathrooms and high-class amenities. Dine while enjoying fantastic views of the surrounding area at the hotel restaurant. Take a scenic game drive to view local wildlife, like giraffe, eland and wildebeest; or enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment.