Southern Namibia

Southern Namibia offers diverse attractions. Yet it is often overlooked by visitors who don’t have quite enough time in Namibia. But if you do have the time (such as 2½ to 3 weeks), then do include a visit to the South. The Kalahari Desert, Fish River Canyon, Kolmanskop and Luderitz are just some of the unique memories. (Ideally allow 4-5 nights for the south.)

Kalahari Desert

The breath-taking Kalahari Desert is not actually a desert at all. But 100 metres of deep red sand has created a vast area of waterless ground. Indeed the Kalahari is one of Africa’s last wildlife sanctuaries. Many nomadic herds of antelope such as gemsbok, kudu, eland, blue wildebeest and springbok find their home here. Predators are also well-represented in the Kalahari Desert. Especially after the summer rains when the Kalahari has nutritious new grasses. This include lion, leopard, cheetah, hyenas and ubiquitous black-backed jackals. Two other prominent features of the Kalahari Desert are the vast communal nests of the Sociable weaver birds and, of course, the endearing colonies of meerkats.

We love Bagatelle Ranch and the new Red Hills Lodge.

Fish River Canyon

In the far south, the spectacular Fish River Canyon, over 300 million years old, is another awe-inspiring site. It’s one of the largest river-formed canyons in the world but with a minute fraction of the tourist hordes which descend on the Grand Canyon. Unlike its famous big brother, you will not have to share the experience with millions of others.

The canyon meanders for 160km through the barren landscape of southern Namibia. It reaches a depth of 550m and a width of 27km. We suggest an early start to appreciate the majesty of the canyon before the strong light washes the colour of the rocks away. There are several viewpoints which give magnificent vistas of the canyon. Hiking, nature drives and horse-riding are all on offer near to the Fish River Canyon.

Fish River Hiking or Mountain Biking

In the winter months, you can even add on a 2 or 3 night slack-packing hiking trail (or mountain biking trail) from Fish River Lodge. Ideally you need to be pretty fit as you are descending and climbing back out of the Canyon on the hiking route. The biking route travels along the rim of the crater.

Luderitz

The road to Luderitz on the Atlantic coast takes you past herds of wild desert horses and the eerie ghost town of Kolmanskop. Your destination is a quaint little Germanic fishing town.

The isolation of the fishing and seaside town of Luderitz, and the way in which its German colonial buildings cling to the rocks overlooking the bay, give the town a curious, other worldly, allure. It is almost surreal to see the distinctly German colonial architecture in this seemingly forgotten part of Africa.

It’s this other worldly quality which is the main appeal of Luderitz. Given travelling time to get there, we recommend a 2 nights stay here or at Aus.

The ghost town of Kolmanskop a few kilometres from Luderitz, dates back to the diamond rush. The shifting dunes, fierce winds and salt-laden mist have reduced Kolmanskop to ruins. You can also take a detour to see the Feral horses of Aus.

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