South Namibia Self-drive Tour (11 Days)

South Namibia Self-drive Tour Map

This 11 day South Namibia self-drive tour visits the highlights of southern Namibia. From the Fish River Canyon to the Namib Desert including Sossusvlei and Swakopmund. There are 2 budget options for this package – Classic and Superior.

Tour highlights:
Explore the unique Kalahari landscape, the world’s largest sand mass.
View the awesome Fish River Canyon, reputedly the second-largest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon.
Get drawn back in time by visiting the ghost town of Kolmanskop.
Climb the highest sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei and visit Dead Vlei.
Visit the seaside town of Swakopmund; Namibia’s playground with an abundance of activities on land and sea.

A tour of unique sights and vast landscapes with two options available to suit your budget; either Comfort (Affordable) or Superior (Upmarket). As this is a self-drive tour you can depart on any day.

Vehicle recommendation: SUV or 4WD Double Cab. This is not included, but we will quote you at the time. Depending on the most suitable vehicle for your party.

Skip to 11 day South Namibia Self-drive Tour Package Rates

South Namibia Self-drive Tour Summary

DayNumber of NightsPlace
11 nightKalahari Desert
2 and 32 nightsFish River Canyon
41 nightLüderitz
51 nightSouthern Namib Desert via Kolmanskop
6 and 72 nightsSossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon
81 nightNamib Desert
9 and 102 nightsSwakopmund
11N/AReturn to Windhoek

11 day South Namibia Self-drive Tour Package Daily Itinerary

Day 1, Kalahari Desert (260 km)

In the morning you travel into the largest sand mass on Earth, the Kalahari Desert. The bushman refers to it as the “Soul of the World”, an emotive description for this area! With its deep red dunes and endless grass plains interspersed with acacia and shrubs; it is the only form of survival for a vast amount of specially adapted wildlife.

Classic: Overnight at Intu Africa Camelthorn Lodge.
Superior: Overnight at Intu Africa Zebra Lodge – Dinner.

Day 2, Fish River Canyon (420 km)

Leaving the Kalahari dunes behind you the road takes you via scarce vegetation, isolated hills, and endless rocky plains to the Quiver Tree Forest. Here you find over 250 of these indigenous aloes in a single area. Proceed further into the vicinity of the Fish River Canyon. It is set in a harsh, rocky plain dotted with drought-resistant plants. And it undoubtedly counts as one of the rare natural wonders on Earth.

Classic: Overnight at Canyon Village on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Superior: Overnight at Fish River Lodge on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis.

South Namibia Self-drive Tour
Quiver Trees

Day 3, Fish River Canyon (40 km)

This morning you can visit the Fish River Canyon. With a length of 170 kilometers and an average depth of 550 meters, it is the second largest canyon on Earth. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your lodge at leisure. Or take part in optional activities offered.

Classic: Overnight at Canyon Village on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Superior: Overnight at Fish River Lodge on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis.

Day 4, Lüderitz (420 km)

Traveling past the Naute Dam; where the Naute Kristal Distillery is. Here locally produced gin together with many other fine spirits can be bought as tasteful and original souvenirs. A stop not to be missed by gin lovers. Continue towards the edge of the Namibian escarpment and via the succulent Karoo to the coastal town of Lüderitz. En route stop at Garub. Try and spot some of the unique Namib Desert Horses that survive in the desert; due to their acquired adaptations. Your accommodation awards you a magnificent view over the Atlantic Ocean.

Classic: Overnight at Kairos Cottage on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Superior: Overnight at Lüderitz Nest Hotel or Alte Villa on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis.

Day 5, Southern Namib (250 km)

Before continuing to the southern Namib Desert, a visit to Kolmanskop; just outside of Lüderitz, is very rewarding for all those who wish to travel back in time. To a unique remnant of a bustling diamond town that flourished here from 1908 to 1950.

Traveling further east, your next stop is situated in a more solitary desert landscape; just outside the small town of Aus.

Classic: Overnight at Klein Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Superior: Overnight at Klein Aus Vista Eagles Nest on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis.

Day 6, Namib Desert (340 km)

This morning travel via endless plains and alongside stunning mountain ranges; into the Namib Desert. The oldest desert on Earth. Your lodge is situated very close to Sesriem, the gate to two of Namibia’s most celebrated attractions. Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon.

Classic: Overnight at The Elegant Desert Lodge on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Superior: Overnight at Sossusvlei Lodge on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis.

Day 7, Sossusvlei (210 km)

The best time to experience the Sossusvlei area is at sunrise; when the light paints the dunes and desert palette into deep red, apricot and purple. From Sossusvlei visit Dead Vlei, a surreal white clay pan surrounded by monumental dunes and dotted with age old Camelthorn trees. Traveling back, visit the Sesriem Canyon.

Classic: Overnight at The Elegant Desert Lodge on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Superior: Overnight at Sossusvlei Lodge on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis.

South Namibia Self-drive Tour
Sossusvlei Dunes

Day 8, Namib Desert (80 km on Classic / 60 km on Superior)

After enjoying a breakfast amidst the spectacular scenery of the Namib Desert; depart to your next lodge at the foot of petrified dunes. Here you have the opportunity to explore the Namib Desert on spectacular scenic nature and sun downer drives or relax by the side of the lodge pools.

Classic: Overnight at Namib Desert Lodge on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Superior: Overnight at Desert Grace on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis.

Day 9-10, Swakopmund (300 km)

Today you travel via the Namib Naukluft Park to Swakopmund. This is a tranquil coastal town situated between the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the Welwitschia plains and the aptly named Moon landscape. Two of the attractions during this scenic drive. The Welwitschia Mirabilis is unique to the Namib. It is in fact a coniferous dwarf tree that is related to the pine tree.

In Swakopmund, you have the option of participating in some of the adventurous activities on offer. Walvis Bay is a short drive away and some activities start there. It’s well worth a drive to see the fairly busy harbor and Dune 7. Dune 7 is actually the highest dune in Namibia at over 1 256 feet / 383 meters. Activities include scenic flights, dolphin cruises, quad biking, parasailing, dune boarding; plus many more.

Classic: Overnight at Organic Square Guest House on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Superior: Overnight at Strand Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.

Day 11, Departure (350 km)

After a relaxed breakfast, travel up the Namibian plateau and back to Windhoek; where you return your rental vehicle and your tour ends. Alternatively; connect with other tour options. If you have the time; the northern safari is a great tour to combine with this one in order to cover the north and south of Namibia.
Breakfast.

11 day South Namibia Self-drive Tour Package Rates

Rates are in Namibian Dollars (N$) which is equivalent to the South African Rand. Child rates are available on request.

The Classic (Affordable) South Namibia self-drive tour

Per Person SharingSingle Supplement
1st to 30th November 2024N$ 18 050N$ 5 350
1st December 2024 until 30th June 2025N$ 17 125N$ 4 700
1st July until 31st October 2025N$ 18 825N$ 5 625

The Superior (Upmarket) South Namibia self-drive tour

Per Person SharingSingle Supplement
1st to 30th November 2024N$ 40 525N$ 15 200
1st December 2024 until 30th June 2025N$ 40 100N$ 14 800
1st July until 31st October 2025N$ 43 300N$ 16 300

South Namibia Self-drive Tour Rates Include

Both itineraries include accommodation and activities as specified
The Classic Itinerary includes 10 x Breakfasts. While the Superior Tour includes 10 x Breakfasts and also 8 x dinners
A Deluxe Travel Planner
Namibian Tourism levy and government taxes; where applicable.

South Namibia Self-drive Tour Rates Excludes

All International / Domestic Flights and taxes,
Rental Vehicle,
Travel and Personal accident insurance,
Personal Expenses, Visas, and Gratuities,
Excursions / Activities not specified.

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