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Southern Namibia Safari

Southern Namibia

15 days self drive experience to the sights in the south of Namibia

The south of Namibia has much more to offer than the dunes at Sossusvlei and the Fish River Canyon. This self-drive tour takes you for two weeks to the well-known and lesser-known sights and gives you the opportunity to experience them in a relaxed and intensive way. A tour for friends of the endless expanses and "repeat offenders" who want to get to know Namibia more intensively.

You can choose between a lodge tour or a mixed lodge/camping safari.

Duration: 15 days

But do take care: Once Namibia - Always Namibia!

Safari Overview - "South of Namibia Safari"

  • Day 1: Windhoek - Arrival, city tour of Namibia's capital.
  • Day 2-3: Sossusvlei - The magnificent sea of dunes of the Namib, Sesriem Canyon
  • Day 4: Tiras Mountains - Peace and undisturbed nature
  • Day 5-6: Lüderitz - Harbour town in the diamond restricted area
  • Day 7: Rosh Pinah - Mining and minerals
  • Day 8: Noordoewer - The green oasis and border to South Africa
  • Day 9-10: Fish River Canyon - The second largest canyon in the world
  • Day 11: Keetmanshoop - Quiver trees and fossils
  • Day 12-13: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park - Wildlife of the Kalahari
  • Day 14: Kalahari Desert - Kalahari lime pans
  • Day 15: Journey home - Goodbye Namibia!

Costs

From N$ 31.000
(Camping/Lodge)
From N$ 46.000 
(Lodge - Comfort)
From N$ 52.500
(Lodge - Luxury)

Rate example per person during the low season. Here you can find the detailed rates.

Rates in detail

Tour overview- "Southern Namibia Safari"

Day 1: Arrival in Namibia ~ 45 km

Upon your arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, approximately 45 km east of Windhoek, you will be met by a car rental representative and transferred to Windhoek where you pick up your vehicle with all necessary instructions and information. You will then drive to your accommodation to freshen up and rest. In the afternoon, you will be picked up by your guide from Bwana Tucke-Tucke for an interesting Windhoek city tour, where you will see historic buildings and the township of Katutura. In the evening you can go out for a relaxed dinner. We can recommend Joe's Beerhouse, Cape Town Fish Market or The Stellenbosch.

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge / Camping

  • Pick up at the airport and vehicle introduction.
  • Windhoek city tour
  • Accommodation in B&B or Hotel (Comfort: Haus Sonneneck)

Day 2: On the way to Sossusvlei~ 340 km (6h)

After breakfast you can buy provisions at the supermarket. Afterwards the journey starts towards the Namib Desert. Either via gravel roads and the Khomas Highlands or Rehoboth towards the Namib. Enjoy the breathtaking view from Spreetshoogte Pass and then stop in Solitaire at Moose McGregor's desert bakery. The apple pie there has made it to some fame. Strengthened, you will drive partly along mountains and partly along sand dunes to Sesriem.

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 3: Sossusvlei & Sesriem~ 130 km (2.5h)

You will stay near Sesriem, the gateway to an individual excursion into the dunes at Sossusvlei. For photographers we recommend to start as early as possible. The opening hours of the entrance gate are known by the llodge. The Tsauchab River with its enormous wild fig trees supplies the nearby Sesriem Canyon and Sossusvlei with water when it rains a lot. The beautiful sunsets and the breathtaking fauna and flora will leave a lasting impression on you.

Services included:

Lodge

Day 4: To the Tiras Mountains~ 250 km (3.5h)

Today you travel further south to the Tirasberg Mountains. The day takes you through the NamibRand Nature Reserve with its dreamlike desert landscape. In the tiny settlement of Betta you should take a break - here you can get petrol for the vehicle and refreshments for the travellers. Before continuing on the D707, which is one of the most scenic roads in Namibia, you can make a detour to Duwisib Castle - a curiosity of Namibia. Arriving in the Tiras Mountains there is time to relax.

Services included:

Lodge

Day 5: Through the restricted diamond area to Lüderitz ~ 240 km (3.5h)

Continue to Aus. The Bahnhof Hotel is highly recommended for a refreshment stop. Afterwards you will drive through the diamond restricted area to the Atlantic coast to Lüderitz. On the way, with a little luck, you can observe the Namib Wild Horses at Garup. Lüderitz, the birthplace of old South West Africa, almost sinks into slumber with its leisureliness. The houses were built around the bay on the bare rock and often cooling coastal fog lies over the small town.

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 6: Lüderitz~ 0 km

Today you have a day at leisure in Lüderitz and surroundings. In the morning you can visit the ghost town of Kolmanskop and in the afternoon you can take a bay tour to Diaz Cross. A stroll through the town with a visit to the rock church is also a must! From up here you have a beautiful view over the town all the way over to Shark Island. Next door is the Goerkehaus, the most beautiful art nouveau building in Lüderitz.

If you would like to get to know the Diamond Barrier Area more intensively, then you should definitely book the day trip to Bogenfels (bowed rock). This must be done in time.

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 7: Via Rosh Pinah to the Orange River~ 400 km (4h)

If you participated in the excursion to the Bogenfels yesterday, then today you can visit the ghost town of Kolmanskop before continuing your journey. Then return to Aus and continue to the mining village of Rosh Pinah. Here, a visit to the Geo Center is an experience for any mineral lover. The director, Gisela Hinder, was employed by the mining company as a geologist for many years and knows every stone in the area.

After travelling through the barren landscape of the Karoo, today you will reach the Orange River, the border river to South Africa and a green oasis - an unusual sight after days of travelling through dry land. A scenic road runs along the shore, on which you will reach the settlement of Aussenkehr and its huge cultivation area of table grapes.

Services included:

Lodge

Day 8: Orange River & Wine Growing Area~ 0 km

The day is free to explore the area. You can take a side trip to King's Thrown Canyon (a permit is required for this). Various activities are offered such as fishing, canoeing & river rafting, hiking, climbing and guided four-wheel drives.

We recommend to do an unguided half-day canoe tour on the picturesque Orange River, organized by Amanzi Trails. The Orange River is one of the view rivers in Namibia, which does not have crocodiles nor hippos. The canoe tour is hence not dangerous and meanders through the breath-taking gorges of the South African / Namibia border area. Thera are lots of swimming possibilities.

Services included:

Lodge

Day 9: To the Fish River Canyon~ 255 km (3h)

From the Orange River valley up past Grünau, where you can refuel and buy refreshments, you will drive to the Fish River Canyon today. Alternatively drive via Ai-Ais on gravel roads to the Canyon Roadhouse or Canyon Lodge (approx. 140 km). Time to relax, and for sunset you should not miss the short hike up the local mountain! A sundowner is part of every evening in Namibia!

Services included:

Lodge

Day 10: Fish River Canyon~ 100 km (2h)

Today is completely yours to explore the Fish River Canyon. There is a 20 km four-wheel drive trail from the main viewpoint along the canyon rim, which you can also hike. The lodge also offers a guided drive through Gondwana Canyon Park, where you will learn a lot about the geology, fauna and flora of the area.

Services included:

Lodge

Day 11: Keetmanshoop~ 200 km (3h)

Past the Naute Dam to Keetmanshoop and on to the Mesosaurus Fossil Camp. In the afternoon Giel (the fossil, that's what he calls himself) will take you to see the fossilised dinosaurs on his farm and also let you play the Bushman xylophone.

Services included:

Lodge

Day 12: Auob Valley and Kalahari ~ 240 km (4h)

Continue into the Kalahari. Pass Koës and enter the fertile Auob Valley close to the South African border. Don't miss the lion tracking here in the lodge's 24 000 hectare enclosure!

Services included:

Lodge

Day 13: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park~ 200 km (6h)

Time for a full day excursion on your own to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. At Mata Mata you will cross the border into South Africa and head south to Kamqua, where you can have a picnic lunch, and then return the same way. If you are lucky, you may see lions here, but certainly giraffes, oryx, springbok and abundant birdlife.

More information on our partner website Info-Botswana.com

Services included:

Lodge

Day 14: Kalahari~ 300 km (4h)

Today you will set off again towards Windhoek. Leisurely, always along the scenic Auob Dry River, you will drive via Gochas to Stampriet, where you can refuel and buy refreshments. Afterwards you will drive relaxed through the foothills of the Kalahari to Kalkrand.

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 15: Back to Windhoek – Farewell from Namibia ~ 280 km (3h)

It is the last day of your safari. Say goodbye to the Kalahari and to Namibia! Depending on your return flight, you may still have some time for souvenir shopping in Windhoek.
The drive to Windhoek takes about three hours.

You will return your vehicle to the car rental agency in Windhoek and be transferred to Hosea Kutako International Airport, as arranged at the beginning of your safari.

Services included:

Lodge

  • Breakfast, Airport transfer

Lodge/Camping

  • Breakfast, Airport transfer

Good-bye Namibia!

Rates / Info-Namibia price guarantee

As with single bookings, our price guarantee also applies when booking a complete safari, meaning that you pay exactly the same amount as you would when booking the tour yourself (exception goes for campsite bookings).

  • The price indicated is based on bookings for two people.
  • For groups of four the rate will decrease as the rental car costs will be divided by the number of persons. This will be taken into account upon your booking request.

Low season 2024

01.01.2024 - 30.06.2024

From N$ 31.000 (Camping/Lodge)
From N$ 46.000 (Lodge - Comfort)
From N$ 52.500 (Lodge - Luxury)

High season 2024

01.07.2024- 31.12.2024

From N$ 31.000 (Camping/Lodge)
From N$ 52.500 (Lodge - Comfort)
From N$ 59.000 (Lodge - Luxury)

The standard rates of the tours are approximate costs to give you an idea of the budget you can work with. The price is subject to availability of the accommodation and the rental vehicle and might change slightly if we have to book alternatives. We prefer working with smaller, more personal accommodation facilities and car rental companies, guaranteeing a consistent quality of service. Thus it is advisable to book at least one year in advance, especially when planning to travel during Namibia's touristic high season. Should we need to book alternative accommodation / rental vehicle we try to stick to this policy.

Tour enquiry "Southern Namibia"

1. Personal details

First name *
Name *
Email *
Phone *
Country of origin *

2. Travellers

No. of adults *
Will you travel with children?*
Yes
No
Please indicate number and age of children

3. Travel period

Do you know already when you will arrive in Namibia*
Yes
No
Please indicate period of travel

4. Accommodation

Travel category*
Lodge Comfort
Lodge Luxury
Camping / Lodge

5. Your message to us (optional)

I hereby confirm that I have read and understood the Terms and Conditions.

Dream holiday Namibia

Kathrin von Info-Namibia

After receiving your booking request, we will check availability of accommodation, before getting back to you with the exact cost of the tour. For special requests (amendments to the routing / accommodation / time frame.....) please use the field "Your message to us".

Should you prefer a complete individual routing for your self-drive or fly-in safari, please fill out our "dream travel questionnaire".

Dream Travel

Services

Services included:

  • Accommodation, activities and meals as per itinerary
  • 4x4 rental vehicle with the lowest excess
  • Airport transfers
  • 24 hour backup support
  • Detailed tour description with insider hints, telephone list for emergencies, vouchers – all sent in advance by e-mail for you to print and to familiarise yourself with.

Services excluded: 

  • International flight
  • Personal travel insurances
  • Fuel costs
  • Park and entrance fees
  • Activities
  • Tipps
  • Drinks and missing meals in the itinerary

Travel information / FAQs

Namibia is a safe country to travel in and with its good infrastructure it is ideal for self-drive safaris. Especially those, who like to get an individual impression of the country a tour in a rented vehicle is highly recommendable. You’ll have the opportunity to learn a lot about the country and people and also to experience a lot off the beaten track.

Here we answer the most important and most frequently asked questions:

Take it easy

To be able to really enjoy your self-drive safari you should be open-minded, serene and patient to a certain extent – in Africa and thus also in Namibia, the clocks often tick a bit differently.

On the other hand, compared to other African countries, Namibia is in many regards nearly European. Not without reason Namibia is seen as the perfect country for introducing novices to the African continent.

Gravel road

With the material and pre-information provided like route descriptions, distances and approximate travelling times you will be well prepared for your safari. However, one should be an experienced driver and should be in the possession of the licence for more than just a couple of weeks. 4x4 experience is not necessary. The tarred and gravel roads are overall in good condition.

The driving routes and distances have been selected in a way that you can have a rather relaxed experience.  

Check road signs

In Namibia you don’t need to be scared (just respectful) of spiders, snakes and lions, but rather of overestimating your own driving capabilities. Every car rental company will tell you that the average travelling speed on gravel roads should not exceed 80 km/h and 120 km/h on tarred roads. However, on some gravel roads 80 km/h is already too fast. Take your time – you are on vacation! And please take note of the road signs.

On arrival, when taking over your vehicle you will receive an orientation on driving in Namibia and on road safety. It is essential that you follow the instructions given by the car rental company:

Here some safety guidelines for driving in Namibia in advance:

  • Namibia has left-hand traffic – Please stick to it.
  • Please avoid driving at night!
  • Off the accelerator on gravel roads – maximum 80 km/h. Especially on gravel roads: reduce speed before entering a bend! Also when the road visibility is not clear. Abrupt reduction of speed can lead to losing control of the vehicle and in the worst case “rolling” the car.
  • Only over-take when visibility is 100%.
  • Always lock your rental vehicle and don’t leave valuables visible from outside in an unmonitored car.

Many rental vehicles are equipped with tracking devices. Should you have an accident and the evaluated data shows that you were speeding your insurance will be nil and void. 

You need your national driver’s licence in connection with an international licence for driving in Namibia.

Individual accommodation

All accommodations described in the itinerary are known to us and classified as good to excellent (service, cleanliness, location, facilities). Most of them only have a limited number of beds though and when fully booked we have to book alternatives. These changes are subject to availability at the time of booking. When having to book alternative lodges, hotels or B&Bs we always strive to find accommodation of the same quality.

In most of the lodges dinner and breakfast are included in the rates. In towns you have the option to visit restaurants of your choice for dinner, thus only breakfast is included.

The campsites have also been chosen with care. All team members of Info-Namibia are dedicated campers and value good campsites.

In the itinerary of a lodge or lodge/camping safari we have chosen locations where you have access to supplies. Camping vehicles are equipped with a fridge for storing perishables up to five days.

It is always advisable to visit the website of your Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travelling abroad.

Please see the "African Risk Map". Copyright © Control Risks 2019

Riskmap - Copyright © Control Risks 2019

In general, this can be said: Namibia is a politically stable country. Compared to other African countries the crime rate is very low, however as a tourist (and as any inhabitant) there are certain ground rules to adhere to:

  • Don’t do anything, you wouldn’t do at home. For example, don’t let any stranger assist you when drawing money at an ATM.
  • In town and especially in outskirts you should not travel on foot carrying valuables.
  • Avoid walking around in darkness. In Swakopmund one can make an exception when walking to or from a restaurant in the evenings, but please inform yourself at the reception of your accommodation.
  • Should you want to use a taxi service, please use official taxis (CityCab, etc.) or make use of Leva (Namibia-Uber).

Souvenirs in a himba village

Changing money: At the airport in Windhoek you can exchange foreign cash at the teller or you can draw money at the ATM. This goes for all bigger towns in Namibia. Best ATM when using foreign cards are Nedbank (green) or Standard Bank (blue). Draw or exchange about N$ 5000 per person at the beginning of your tour and try to pay with credit card during the rest of your travel. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted.

Costs for provisions during the safari: As mentioned above, dinner and breakfast are usually included in the lodge tour. Lunch and any missing, additional meals in restaurants can usually be paid with credit card.

On the mixed lodge/camping tour the accommodations and campsites are pre-paid.

Costs for supplies in shops are comparable to Europe or the USA. Eating out in restaurants is normally less expensive than in Europe.

Fuel: A large cost factor are costs for fuel. You can calculate with an average consumption of 10 litres on 100 km. One litre of fuel costs about N$ 12 (dated 07.04.2020). For a 2000 km journey you will need about 200 litres of fuel, which will cost you about N$ 2400.

Souvenirs: You can buy beautiful souvenirs relatively cheap all over the country.  Local producers of jewellery and artefacts benefit from this income.

Gratuities: A 10% gratuity for a good service in restaurants is common in Namibia. For services at fuel stations (re-fuelling, washing the windscreen…) a tip of N$ 5 is a guideline. Many accommodation facilities have a general “tip box”, the content of which gets equally distributed amongst all staff members. Tips are normally given once at the end of the stay and are usually about N$ 50 per person per night. Of course, the amount you want to give as gratuity is at your own discretion.

Visa and entry permit

  • You definitely need a passport which is at least 6 months valid and which has two open pages when entering the country.
  • Most Europeans (as well as US citizens and many others) receive a visa free of charge when entering the country. This visa is valid for the duration of the intended stay (make sure!). The maximum given stay is 90 days.
  • It is your responsibility to inform yourself about the visa regulations that adhere to your nationality before travelling to Namibia.
  • Double check the entry stamp at immigrations on the duration of validity of your visa.
  • Should you be travelling with minor children, please let us know as special documents are needed for that. 

Namibia does not prescribe any vaccination, but check with countries where you might be in transit! Malaria is restricted to certain areas of the country. Depending where you want to travel to, we will advise about malaria. As with the visa regulations please always inform yourself at your own Ministry of Foreign Affairs about regulations

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