Southern Namibia Self–Drive

9 Day Self Drive Safari

Safari Description:

This Namibian self–drive covers the picturesque landscapes of the southern region of Namibia and is ideal for those who enjoy the tranquillity and solitude of wide–open spaces, as well as providing great photographic opportunities! Visit the Kalahari and Namib Naukluft deserts full of mountains, plains and spectacular dunes, the second–largest canyon in the world and the sheer cliffs of the imposing Naukluft Mountains. Walking can be enjoyed at many of the destinations along with other activities. As with all self–drive safaris, they can be tailored to suit you, this trip is shown as a camping, or mid–range accommodation option but further accommodation upgrades can be made.

Safari Highlights:

Kalahari Desert; Fish River Canyon; Namib wild horses; Luderitz and Kolmanskop Ghost Town; Namib–Naukluft Park–Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei, Dune 45, Sesriem; Naukluft Mountains for hiking.

Main Attractions:

Namibia: Sossusvlei, Fish River, Namib Desert, Naukluft Mountains, Kalahari

Map & Short Itinerary:

Camping

Day 1 Kalahari Anib – Camp
Day 2&3 Canyon Roadhouse Camp for Fish River Canyon
Day 4&5 Klein Aus Vista – Camp
Day 6&7 Sesriem  or Sesriem Oshana Camp near Sossusvlei
Day 8 Naukluft Mountains Rest Camp – Camp
Day 9 Return to Windhoek

Map & Itinerary
Accommodated

Day 1 Kalahari Anib Lodge
Day 2&3 Fish River Lodge
Day 4&5 Klein Aus Vista
Day 6&7 Le Mirage near Sossusvlei
Day 8 Naukluft Mountains Rest Camp accommodation
Day 9 Return to Windhoek

Map & Itinerary
Length 9 days
Safari Type Self Drive Safari
Price From NAD 14553
Countries Namibia
Accommodation Accommodation, Camping
Group Size Minimum 1 people
Single Supplement Yes
Please Note Subject to availability of accommodation
Departures On Request

Comfort Level:

How we rate comfort
Accommodation Comfort2 Star3 Star
Camping Comfort1 Star2 Star
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Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 Kalahari Anib

Your first day takes you in a southerly direction into the Kalahari Basin, it’s not a true desert but a fossil one and where deep–orange rolling linear dunes are interspersed with grassy and tree–lined valleys. Desert–adapted wildlife including meerkats, oryx, springbok and ostrich may be spotted

Day 2&3 Fish River Canyon

Leave Kalahari Anib after breakfast and drive south to Fish River Canyon, perhaps stop and wander around the Quiver Tree Forest, part of the branches were traditionally used by the Bushman to hold their quivers– hence the name) and Giants Playground–a large group of granite boulders, before continuing onto the Fish River region, a harsh, rocky landscape that without warning plunges into a canyon reaching 550m deep and where the Fish River meanders over boulders and sandy shores. Sit and take in the vastness and solitude

Day 4&5 Klein Aus Vista, Aus

Onward to the best kept secrets of Namibia– Klein Aus, a truly beautiful spot, situated on the edge of the desert with endless views of open plains and mountains. Recommend visiting the coastal and historic town of Luderitz along with nearby Kolmanskop Ghost Town, where gem–quality diamonds were picked the ground before being abandoned – the shifting sands now engulf many of the houses but it makes for great photography and maintains an ethereal feel

Day 6&7 Sossusvlei area

Enjoy the diverse scenery in this sparsely populated region as you drive north towards Namib Naukluft. It’s worth the early morning start to catch first light as early sun rays transform the dark shadows into a deep orange glow and the dunes transform in front of you. Without doubt, Sossusvlei is one of Namibia’s most iconic sights and you can ascend the dunes to witness the endless sand sea. Visit Dead Vlei, where ancient camel–thorn trees sit on the shimmering baked pan, with a backdrop of towering dunes and bright blue sky.

Day 8 Naukluft Mountains

A leisurely morning today before a short drive to the imposing Naukluft Mountains to enjoy excellent walking trails in this beautiful region of fresh–water pools and streams set amongst the ravines and towering cliffs. If you are lucky you may spot Hartmann’s mountain zebra, kudu, rock dassie, or the agile klipspringer bounding over rocks. You can also visit nearby Neuras winery to sample some of Namibia’s wine or visit their conservation programme.

Day 9 Windhoek

Return to Windhoek today, driving through the small town of Rehoboth and dropping off your rental vehicle this afternoon, today’s drive is around 3.5–4 hours to the city and additional time to drop off car and continue to airport – therefore we do not recommend flight before mid–afternoon. End of services

How we rate our safaris

Namibia, Botswana and some other African destinations do not have a set star system that is familiar worldwide to many countries, however, as this is widely used, we have tried to replicate this format to give you an idea of the level of comfort during your safari. For example, a mobile camping tour in Namibia is given 1* and luxury accommodation increasing to 5*. Depending on your tour, there may be a bit of a mix of levels of comfort so please check if you are not sure.

1* or 1–2* Rated Safaris – Camping tours:

These are generally scheduled/small group or self–drive safaris (though a private–guided safari can also fall into this category if you wish to camp); the scheduled trips generally involve client participation where you may be expected to put up/take down your tent and assist with camp chores, dome tents and a ground mattress is supplied. For self–drive options this will often mean roof tents on the vehicle and all camping equipment. There may be the occasional night in simple accommodation but majority of nights are spent camping and most camp sites will have shared ablution facilities. If there is a good mix of both camping and accommodation, this may be rated at 1&2*. These are the most basic level of safaris offered and scheduled safari group sizes vary according to the trip and company – 1* tours are the most affordable option and geared for adventurous travellers who do not mind a bit of discomfort.

Accommodated Safaris

Standard/Mid–range safaris 2–3.5*

Standard accommodation style trips generally have no camping included (though on occasion with a specific activity such as a Delta or Serengeti excursion, or perhaps hiking, a couple of nights may be included). As a general rule this is not the case. With most small group/scheduled tours accommodation is generally 2/3* level – clean and affordable but generally without too many frills; rooms will have en–suite facilities, most will offer air con/fans in the rooms, swimming pools etc (not guaranteed), restaurant/bar facilities, though location can be a little further away from main place of interest this option offers excellent value for money for those seeking a bed each night! We try to indicate on each trip the level of comfort for the particular tour

Superior/Luxury Safaris 3.5–5*

A superior style of accommodation. Most lodges at this level will have air–conditioning or fans in the room though some accommodation establishments are technically “camps” as they may be partially build of canvas – these “camps” are permanent fixtures, generally built on a platform, and will have full and comfortable facilities – the occasional trip may have a more basic night or two involved depending on location to ensure clients can fully appreciate the region they are experiencing. Service is generally very good and most places (outside of towns/cities) will have just a few rooms/chalets. Tours in this bracket include very small group safaris (up to 8 clients), self–drive and private–guided options which are tailored to suit you. The luxury options offer a high standard of accommodation, facilities and service in the region with attention to detail – some “camps” /lodges will have private guides and vehicles, but all accommodation is the best available with personalized service and a quality or unique experience perhaps unavailable elsewhere or in a more moderate price bracket. Tours include fly–in safaris, self–drive and private–guided options.

Please note: this is a guideline only and each destination can vary – some areas in Southern Africa do not always have 5* accommodation (there are limited hotels outside of cities that have the same * grading accommodation) but will be best in the area, have limited volume of rooms and some of the best locations and experiences for clients that is outside of the normal “tourist/travel” route. This can include exclusive conservation regions and emphasis is place on clients having a unique experience rather than offering hairdresser type of facilities that may be found is hotels in cities in other countries. Please also remember that some of these locations can be remote so wifi may not always be available, nor a huge menu range.

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Contact Information

Tel: +264 61 309387
Email: info@chameleon-holidays.com

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday
08.00 – 17.00
Saturday
08.00 – 13.00
Sunday & Public Holidays
Closed

Address

7 Voigt St,  Windhoek