Self Drive Holidays - Southern Namibia Highlights

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Self Drive Holidays

Southern Namibia Highlights

2008:
12 Days self-drive 3 * accommodated tour from Rand/N$11,075 pp sharing ( 1st November 2007 to 31st October 2008 ) (Single Supplement: on request).

Departures from Windhoek daily throughout the year - on request.

Routing: Windhoek to Windhoek.

Highlights: Windhoek, Kalahari desert, 2 nights Fish River Canyon, Namib Desert, 2 nights Sesriem & Sossusvlei, Tsarisberge Mountains, excellent hiking, 2 nights Swakopmund coastal resort, inclusive half day boat cruise.

Details: Self-drive accommodated safari inclusive of zero excess 2x4 air-conditioned Toyota Avenza vehicle hire (or 4x4 air-conditioned Hilux for an extra cost), accommodation in 3 star lodges, chalets or guest houses on the meal basis stated, route map & 24 hour support.

Day 1: Windhoek

Land in Windhoek, collect your hire vehicle and transfer to your accommodation at Rivendell Guest House, located in a quiet suburb close to the city centre. Stay in a twin room with en-suite bathroom facilities and breakfast included. Explore the shops and restaurants of the city. Breakfast included.

Day 2: Anib Lodge, edge of Kalahari

Drive southwards this morning to Anib Lodge, located approximately 4 hours drive from Windhoek at the edge of the Kalahari Desert. Spend the night at this small and exclusive lodge and enjoy an optional nature drive for sunset this afternoon. Dinner & breakfast included.

Days 3 & 4: Fish River Canyon

Continue on your drive south today towards the Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world and a spectacular sight surrounded by featureless gravel plains. The drive will take approximately 5 hours. Visit the viewpoints at Hobas and perhaps take a walk along the Canyon edge to watch the spectacular sunset. You may like to visit the hot springs at Ai-Ais on day 4, or perhaps take an optional scenic flight or nature drive, which are offered by the lodge. Stay at Canon Roadhouse, and enjoy their excellent restaurant and bar. Dinner & breakfast included.

Days 5 & 6: Klein Aus, Namib Desert

You have a shorter drive of approximately 4 hours today to reach Klein Aus Vista, a beautiful private farm located on the edge of the Namib Desert with spectacular views from the boulder strewn hillsides across wide open plains. You will stay in one of the new chalets close to where the restaurant and bar are located. There are self-guided walks that can be taken on the farm, or you can just relax in the beautiful surroundings. Dinner & breakfast included.

Days 7 & 8: Desert Homestead, near Sesriem

Credit: Tony & Ruth Bond

Set off this morning for the dunes of the Namib Desert , near to Sesriem and Sossusvlei. The drive should take approximately 5 hours and you will arrive at Desert Homestead this afternoon. This lodge is a beautifully decorated and friendly establishment with a bar, restaurant and pool, optional horse riding or nature drives within this spectacular area can be arranged. The lodge is designed in a rustic, farm style and is located just 27km from the entrance to Sesriem & Sossusvlei. Enjoy home cooked meals and friendly service. Wake early on the morning of day 7 to drive the 70km through the dune fields to Sossusvlei. Most of this road is on tar, the last 5km are sandy 4x4 roads. Explore the dunes around the salt pan of Sossusvlei, and maybe walk across the sand to Deadvlei, a bizarre collection of ancient camelthorn trees and a photographers dream. Dinner & breakfast included.

Day 9: Zebra River Lodge, Tsarisberge Mountains

Your drive of around 2 hours today will take you through some rugged and beautiful scenery, from dunes and open gravel plains to mountain ranges. The roads are all gravel so you must drive slowly and enjoy the scenery! The last section of road, into the lodge itself, has quite a few rocks in places, so please drive carefully. Zebra River Lodge is a very friendly and peaceful establishment where you can enjoy self-guided walks into the mountains, or take guided drives to the spring pools in the lush valley or through the extensive, private concession area. Enjoy the small swimming pool & gardens here and learn about this ancient area from your welcoming and knowledgeable hosts, Rob & Marianne. All meals included.

Days 10&11: Sea Breeze guest house, Swakopmund

Continue your drive northwards this morning, through mountain passes to Walvis Bay and on to Swakopmund. This town is a picturesque resort with many good seafood restaurants and shops as well as an interesting museum and aquarium. You will stay for two nights at Sea Breeze, a very comfortable and friendly guest house overlooking the beach and located just outside the town centre. Breakfast included. A half day boat cruise from Walvis Bay is included on day 11!

Day 12: Depart from Windhoek

Return to Windhoek today, a drive of approximately 3.5 hours, in time to connect with your onward flight.

Please note that departure should be after 14h00.

Please note - the itinerary above is a guideline only and whilst we try to adhere to it there may be circumstances when it may change - for example weather and/or road conditions, seasonal daylight hours etc. Overnight stops on occasion may be altered from those indicated above.