Itinerary
The 12 Day Namibia Southern Classic Safari places emphasis on the wide open spaces of the Namibian Kalahari and Namib Desert of Namibia. With its open grasslands in the south west and the desert gravel plains and Namib Dune Belt to the East with an added bonus of endemic desert wildlife.
Included:
- Professional Guide
- Comfortable safari vehicle
- Accommodation as per Itinerary
- Meals as per Itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D- Dinner)
- 11 Nights Accommodated
- Park Entrance Fees
- Activities as per Itinerary
Excluded:
- Restaurant Meals as indicated
- Visa’s, Airport Transfers, Curios and Tips
- Optional Excursions and Activities not in itinerary
- Beverages
Highlights:
- Kalahari Desert
- Fish River Canyon
- Kolmanskop and Luderitz
- Sossusvlei
- Swakopmund
Day 01: Arrival in Windhoek. (Casa Piccolo or similar) 40km
Meet and greet at the Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure and dinner on own account at a restaurant of your own choice.
Day 02: Windhoek – Kalahari (Anib Lodge or similar) (B, L, D) 281km
Early morning departure from Windhoek heading south along the B1 which is the main road south in the direction to South Africa. Early afternoon arrival at our lodge and in time to take part in an optional on own account afternoon activity or relax at the lodge and take in the wonderful Kalahari sights and sounds overlooking a waterhole that attracts the local Oryx.
Optional Afternoon Activity
- Sundowner Drive (3Hrs – R 745 per person)
Day 03: Kalahari – Fish River Canyon (Roadhouse Lodge or similar) (B, L, D) 393km
Continuing on the B1 this morning, the route takes us through the Southern towns of Mariental and Keetmanshoop. A quick visit to the Giants playground and a picnic lunch before continuing south towards the Fish River Canyon.
Late afternoon arrival at our lodge and in time for a sundowner hike to the top of a hill to enjoy a typical Namib Sunset.
Day 04: Fish River Canyon (Roadhouse Lodge or similar) (B, L, D)
A morning visit to the edge of the Fish River Canyon to catch the morning sun over the canyon makes for spectacular views and photographic opportunities. There are various viewpoints to enjoy by car or enjoy a walk in the morning cool air before the heat of the day sets in.
The Fish River Canyon is said to be the world’s second largest canyon to that of the Grand Canyon. The rock faces and deep ravines were formed by water erosion and the collapse of the valley due to movements in the earth’s crust over 500 million year ago. The canyon stretches 160km in length and up to 27km in width and 500m vertical drop. All this makes for a dramatic and breath-taking view.
Optional Afternoon Activities:
- Sundowner Drive (2/3 Hrs – R 692 per person)
Day 05: Fish River Canyon - Aus (Klein Aus Vista or similar) (B, L, D) 395km
Crossing the edge of the Kalahari and into the winter rainfall area that boasts spectacular desert flora, we arrive in Aus mid-afternoon we can take time to wander the many short hikes around the Klein-Aus Vista property. An alternate and longer route but more scenic will take us south to the Orange River with an interesting drive along the river. Late afternoon arrival at the lodge will be expected.
Day 06: Aus – Luderitz - Aus (Klein Aus Vista or similar) (B, D) 240km
An early morning start with a visit to the Desert Feral horses en route to Luderitz. It is said that the feral horses are descendants of the horses abandoned by the German cavalry during World War 1 or were from the horse farm from Baron von Wolff in the early colonial days, but either way, the feral horses today have uniquely adapted to the harsh desert environment.
Kolmanskop was established in the 1920’s during the diamond rush when alluvial diamonds were literally scattered across the desert ground which was known as the “forbidden Zone” The small town flourished which can still be seen today by the lavish houses, theatre and bowling alley built at the time. Sadly, the town dwindled to a “Ghost Town, overrun by the desert after larger diamond mines took over.
After the visit to Kolmanskop, a light lunch is taken at one of the many cafes in Luderitz, before we head off back to Aus, but not before visiting Diaz Point, which is a replica of a cross planted by the Portuguese mariner – Bartholomew Diaz.
Day 07: Aus - Sossusvlei (Namib Desert Lodge or similar) (B, L, D) 412km
The Namib boasts some of the most spectacular desert scenery in the world ranging from the massive mountain ranges and the rolling linear and star dunes of the Namib Desert. The route takes us through this where we are privileged enough to say that we have been there!
Lunch is taken under one of the desert Camelthorn trees en route. The sheer expanse and silence of the Namib Desert can be deafening and is something to experience at least once in a life time.
We arrive at our camp at our lodge where we can sit back and enjoy the desert sounds of the setting sun. A particular sound to enjoy is that of the barking gecko.
Day 08: Sossusvlei (B, L, D)
The highlight of the safari. We start off just before sunrise and travel into the Namib Dune belt to Sossusvlei. An early pre-dawn starts this morning as it is essential to catch the sunrise of the Namib dune belt. Arriving early morning at the 2x4 parking area, the remaining 5km by 4x4 to reach Dead Vlei where only the fit can take the opportunity to climb one of the highest dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.
Time is spent in this area taking in the desert views and of course the Dune 45 en route back before the desert heat takes over. Arrival late afternoon at our Lodge.
Optional Afternoon Activity
- Sundowner Dune Drive (2/3Hrs – R 720 per person)
Day 09: Sosssusvlei – Swakopmund (The Delight Hotel or similar) (B, L) 300km
A lazy morning before the short trip to the harbour town of Walvis Bay via the Kuiseb canyon. We explore the small industrial town and its surrounding salt pans and lagoon before continuing to the coastal resort of Swakopmund.
The rest of the day is spent exploring this town and planning your next day’s adventure activities. These activities will be discussed with your guide the night before as its essential to make bookings. These activities include short scenic flights, Catamaran cruises, dune-boarding, quad-biking and so much more. Dinner can be enjoyed at any one of the town’s best restaurants on own account
Day 10: Swakopmund (B)
The day is spent participating in any one of the available activities on offer. We do recommend taking a Catamaran tour in Walvis Bay or a half day 4x4 dune adventure to Sandwich harbour.
Extras:
- Lunch and Dinner
- Optional Activities (Please arrange with your guide)
Day 11: Swakopmund – Windhoek (Casa Piccolo or similar) (B)
The last day of the safari takes us to the Spitzkoppe Mountains before continuing to Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia.
Day 12: Departure (B)
Transfer to Hosea Kutako International Airport for your flight back home.
*Sandy Tracks reserves the right to amend the published accommodation in the itinerary at any time due to availability at the time of booking
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