|
|
 |
 |
|
| Windhoek, Keetmanshoop, Fish River Canyon, Luderitz, Maltahohe, Sossusvlei, Sesriem. Southern Namibia, some of this incerdibly diverse contries biggest, longest , wildest and oldest hightlights call this ancient area home. From the worlds highest dunes to a ghost town slowly being reclaimed by the worlds oldest deset. |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
| |
Arriving Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek you will be met by one of our representatives and shown to your car (optional) or alternatively go directly to the car hire desk at the airport where you will complete the formalities of your car hire and begin your self-drive journey into Namibia – the land of contrasts. A short city tour of Windhoek is well worth the time; here you will be able to see the Germanic influence. Exchanging your money for the Namibian Dollar, either in town or at the airport itself this will afford you the best exchange rates. Namibia strongly influenced by her former German colonial masters, has given the capital a distinctive character. Tonight you will enjoy this thriving City, going to one of the many pubs in the city centre. Joes Beer House is highly recommended.
Overnight Windhoek
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
distance: 500 km
We suggest you leave early this morning – as you have a fair distance to drive today. As you leave Windhoek on the B1 to the south, you pass one of Namibia’s newest landmarks, The Hero’s Acre. This impressive monument commissioned by Dr. Samuel Nujoma to commemorate all who fought and died in Namibia’s liberation struggle. It is open to the public. You will continue south through the Auas Mountains toward Rehoboth. A visit to the Rehoboth Museum will help explain the origin and heritage of the very proud Rehoboth Baster population. A few kilometres outside Rehoboth, you will cross “over” the Tropic Of Capricorn. Continuing south along Namibia’s B1 highway, you will notice that the landscape becomes more open and that the vegetation is becoming sparser. This is because you are travelling south towards the desert – where rainfall is minimal. The Hardap Dam, Namibia’s dam is close to Mariental. The dam fed by the mighty Fish River, has a surface area of 25 square kilometres. Just before Keetmanshoop, you will be able to see “Brukkaros,” an extinct volcano towering 650m above the plains. Also of interest before Keetmanshoop is the “Quiver Tree Forest” as well as “The Giants Playground.” What makes this “forest” interesting is the fact that these tree-aloes normally grow alone or in small clumps, but here they congregate in very large groups. Some of the older trees (between 200 and 300 years old) are up to 5 metres high.
Overnight Keetmanshoop
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
distance: 200 km
The Gondwana National Park covers 100 000 ha of breathtakingly beautiful land to the south west of the Fish River Canyon. Situated in the lower end of the canyon on the Fish River’s banks the visitor can easily imagine that this is a different planet than earth due to the strange rock formations. The Fish River canyon, situated along the lower reaches of the Fish River, is one of the most impressive natural creations in southern Namibia. With a depth of up to 550 metres, the Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world, second only to America’s Grand Canyon. The enormous gorge meanders along a distance of approximately 160 kilometres all the way down to Ai-Ais. The canyon starts near Seeheim, is 161 kilometres long and ends at Ai-Ais. In winter, during the dry season, the riverbed is often completely dry - with the occasional puddle. However, after rainfalls in summer the river can become a raging torrent. The Fish River is, at 650 kilometres, the longest river in Namibia.
Overnight Fish River Canyon
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
Travel
Tip: Click
here for Travel Tips in this region |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
distance: 430 km
As you drive toward the west coast and Luderitz, you have the opportunity to see a truly rare and beautiful sight, the desert horses of the Namib. All are not in agreement of who exactly left them in the desert, but it is amazing to see these animals live and prosper in an environment that seem to be devoid of any living creature.
Just before Luderitz, you will find the ghost town of Kolmanskop where diamonds were found in great quantities. The “miners” built luxury houses, and even a theatre, in this desolate place. Eventually the Namib Desert will reclaim Kolmanskop. Luderitz itself is a quaint town with interesting architecture brought from Europe, a leisurely walk through this small town is rewarding. Luderitz - The founding settlement of Namibia today consists of some 20 000 citizens. Built on the bare granite rocks at the fringe of the Namib Desert and openly exposed to the frequent Atlantic winds, heavy sea fogs and sand storms contribute to the rough weather conditions of Luderitz. The people of Luderitz make a living from tourism and diamond mining and, mainly, from fishing.
Overnight Luderitz
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
distance: 370 km
Leaving Luderitz behind you initially travel east along the B4 towards Keetmanshoop before you turn north towards Maltahohe via two small settlements, Aus and Helmeringhausen. These are some of Namibia’s most scenic routes and there is plenty of time to enjoy its beauty. A picnic lunch along this route can be very rewarding for the weary traveller. Maltahöhe lies 110 Km west of Mariental at the end of the tarred part of the C19, quite easily accessible. 50 km southwest of Maltahohe, you will find Duwisib Castle built by Captain Hans-Heinrich Von Wolf in 1908-9. This gives you a fascinating glimpse into the life of early twentieth century settlers in Namibia. There is also a large variety of weapons on display. The name of the place comes from Colonel Henning von Burgsdorf, who established a post of the Schutztruppe here and named it after his wife Malta. The small town of Maltahöhe, with its 2000 inhabitants, provides mainly to the surrounding farms. The main stop for most visitors is the Maltahöhe Hotel that includes a popular pub with German atmosphere and a restaurant offering hearty meals.
Overnight Maltahöhe Hotel
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
distance: 175 km
This is a short travelling day but none the less through some spectacular scenery. Continuing along the C19 towards Sesriem, you first find the Tsaris - and then the Naukluft Mountains on your right and the Nubib Mountains on your left. Driving down the Tsaris Pass you should keep in-mind that this is one of Namibia’s most densely populated snake areas. Especially the deadly Black Mamba is numerous, so much so that if you are vigilant you may even see a farm with the name “Mamba!” Sesriem is the starting point for trips to the Sossusvlei, a small clay-pan surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world (up to 325m).
Overnight Sesriem
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
An early morning entry into the Namib Naukluft Park is essential for those who want to appreciate the clear morning air and colours of the rising sun on the dunes Here the Tsauchab River is surrounded by the imposing dunes. The river supplies the pan with water for the wildlife that lives in the pan. The dunes in this desert are red - the older the dune the more orange the colour based on oxidization. It is highly likely that the Namib Desert might be the oldest in the world. A badly potholed tar road takes you as far as the 2x4 parking area 60km from the entrance. The last 5km is through thick sand and is only suited to 4x4 vehicles. There is a shuttle service to Sossusvlei is available. For the energetic, the early start is to be the first to summit Dune 45. Scaling a dune or a walk to either Hidden or Dead Vlei is necessary. There are basic ablution amenities, but no running water. It is important that each person bring at least one litre of drinking water. Enjoy optional activities such as Hot Air Balloon or aeroplane flights over the dunes as well as guided walking and horse trails. A visit to Seriem canyon at the entrance is also possible.
Overnight Sesriem
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
distance: 319 km
Departing the desert to go to Windhoek is another spectacular drive; you will not only travel through Solitaire, the proverbial “one horse town”, but will also have to decide which scenic pass to take to bring you to Windhoek. Spreetshoogte pass offers a beautiful view from the top across the desert, but is very steep and better suited to 4x4 vehicles and experienced drivers. Remhoogte pass is no less beautiful and often more accessible, and this road offer plenty of opportunity to see game along the way.
Overnight Windhoek
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
After a day at leisure, you will do your last minute shopping driving towards Hosea Kutako International Airport to drop you car off and continue with you onward travels
STILL HAVE NOT HAD ENOUGH OF OUR COUNTRY?
Extend your car hire and do another Namibia loop (click here) or fly from Windhoek to
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban or Mozambique - where you can add on another self-drive beginning in any of these places (click here)
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
8 nights accommodation as per itinerary
Meals as per basis at Lodge / B&B / Hotel
9 days car hire
|
|
|
Flights
Optional Activities
Travel insurance
Entrance / Concession fees
Additional meals and beverages
Personal insurance
Additional nights
Visas if required
Guide / driver
|
|
|
|
|
|
| * Prices are indications only and are subject to change. |
|
