19 Day Southern Namibia Hiking & Game Self Drive

Day 1 Windhoek

Collect your vehicle and your first night is in the capital city where you can enjoy the sights

Day 2  Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch, Kalahari 

Your adventure begins as today takes you to beautiful Kalahari Desert with linear dunes and grassy tree–lined valleys, perhaps look out for desert–adapted game including oryx, ostrich, giraffe and springbok, there is a chance to enjoy a walk with the Bushman the following morning

Day 3–7  Fish River Canyon hiking & Canyon Roadhouse CAMPING TOUR

For those with the camping itinerary, this self–guided hike enjoys nights in dorm–style huts each night, with luggage transported between camps along with your food to prepare each evening so this hike is for the more adventurous individual.  Day hikes follow well–marked trails and cover around 8–12km a day, enjoy the stunning canyon landscapes, rugged valleys and stony plains bordered by the rock walls as you trek your way to each daily destination. Your final night will be spent in accommodation at Canyon Roadhouse

Day 3–7  Fish River Canyon hiking & Fish River Lodge ACCOMMODATED TOUR

For those on the accommodated tour, the 5night canyon hike departs from Fish River Lodge and the first/last nights are spent in the lodge. The hike itself is an invigorating 64km journey of discovery within a private reserve in the magnificent Fish River Canyon where you can explore the area and wonder at the impressive geological features.  A guide will accommpany you on the journey to reveal the resilient flora and fauna of this harsh landscape, and at the end of the each day hike, a private camp is set up with tents, stretcher beds and a private chef to serve meals.  Most days cover around 16–17km and will cross the Fish River, including scrambling over rocks, as well as descending and ascending the canyon watching out for game such as kudu, springbok and maybe even mountain zebra. 

Day 8&9  Klein Aus Vista for Luderitz & Kolmanskop

Making your way to Klein Aus, this little gem of a place sits beside the Aus Mountains with wonderful views across the Forbidden Desert landscapes – a region until recently was part of the diamond mining region and where visitors were forbidden to enter! You can enjoy further walks, hire a bike or perhaps take a day trip to Luderitz and Kolmanskop Ghost Town – great for photos and where historically, gem–quality diamonds were picked up from the ground.  This wild peninsula is home to African penguins – the northernmost colony, Agate beach and colonial buildings

Day 10&11 Tok Tokkie Hiking Trail, NamibRand Nature Reserve

A contrast in your hiking to the Fish River Canyon, here you’ll be immersed in the desert with a knowledgeable guide who will make the desert come to life – from cartwheeling spiders, to barking geckos and other desert specials, perhaps also spotting animals such as bat–eared fox, oryx, springbok and ostrich.  Your hike will take you through some spectacular landscapes in the oldest desert in the world and each night a private camp will be set up under the stars – this area was named as Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve so perfect to enjoy star–gazing.  A chef will provide your meals and a superb dinner at the end of each day.  Highly recommended  

Day 12&13  Sesriem area for Sossusvlei

As your hike comes to an end, its a short drive today towards the Namib Naukluft area, famed for the incredible Sossusvlei dunes. On day 13 we recommend you rise early and make the most of the soft, early morning light as you make your way to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, ensure you visit Dead Vlei famed for its ancient and skeletal camel thorn trees standing on the shimmering white pan with the backdrop of apricot dunes and blue sky.  Perhaps climb Big Daddy, a monumental sand dune to appreciate this endless sand sea

Day 14&15 Swakopmund Sands Hotel, Swakopmund

Make your way through to the coastal area of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, here you can enjoy optional activities such as scenic flights over the dunes and desert, marine cruise, or a trip to Sandwich Harbour, for the more adventurous you can sky dive, kayak or quad bike.  Wander around town, visit the quartz museum, and enjoy coffee and cake at one of the many cafes and restaurants offering a wide range of choice

Day 16&17  Erindi Private Game Reserve

Returning inland, the next two nights are spent at Erindi, one of Africa’s largest private game reserves and where game drives offer excellent sightings – look out for predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah and even wild dog, along with the giants of the veld – elephant and rhino.   Plains game abounds from giraffe, to springbok, zebra, wildebeest and much more. There’s even hippo and crocs at the permanent waterholes and the chance to track pangolin .

Day 18  N/’a’an Kuse Lodge, Greater Windhoek

Your final night takes you to N/’a’an Kuse, located about 1hour drive from the capital and an easy drive to the airport. One activity has been included (see itinerary for details), so perhaps join the Ancient San Skills tour to learn about the life of the Bushman, or enjoy a carnivore feeding tour, guided walk, even the meerkat experience – entertainment is guaranteed watching these wonderful animals

Day 19  Airport – end of services

Drop your vehicle and take onward connection. End of services