Southern Namibia

The southern Namib Desert and the edge of the Kalahari: the red dunes of Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, Fish River Canyon and the ghost town of Lüderitz, the essence of a Namibian self-drive.

This region is defined by administrative region and includes Hardap and Karas, the broad stretch south of Windhoek down to the Orange River. Namib-Naukluft National Park spans the Erongo and Hardap regions; Sossusvlei and Sesriem lie in Hardap and are included here.

Highlights: at Sossusvlei, Dune 45, "Big Daddy" dune and the dead trees of Deadvlei, plus Sesriem Canyon; the starry skies of NamibRand Nature Reserve; Fish River Canyon (one of Africa's largest canyons) and the Ai-Ais hot springs; Lüderitz's German-style town, Penguin Island and the diamond ghost town of Kolmanskop; the wild horses of the Namib near Aus; and, around Mariental, the red sands of the Kalahari and the Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanshoop.

Classic itineraries: Windhoek–Sesriem (2 nights at Sossusvlei)–Lüderitz–Fish River Canyon–Keetmanshoop, about 7–9 days by self-drive; most people make Sossusvlei the first stop on a Namibia loop.

Getting there: mostly self-drive, and much of it is gravel road, so rent a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle and carry two spare tires; petrol stations are scarce, so fill up whenever you see one. Note: Deadvlei is most beautiful in early morning and late afternoon light and scorching at midday.

Destinations

• Sossusvlei
• Lüderitz & Kolmanskop
• Fish River Canyon
• Keetmanshoop

Itineraries

• Southern Namibia Canyon, Ghost Town & Dunes – Head south to the Kalahari, Fish River Canyon, and Lüderitz, then travel north to a dark sky reserve and the red dunes.
• Coastal Town & Red Dunes Small Group Tour – Depart from Windhoek and cover the two major highlights of Swakopmund and Sossusvlei in four days.
• Namibia Classic Self-Drive Loop – A counter-clockwise loop covering dunes, the coast, rock petroglyphs, and Etosha, bringing together the best of Namibia…