From The Deep South To Far North

ITINERARY ‘ALL ROUND’

The perfect safari trip for those who have time and want to see the whole country, and want to experience places by spending more time at each destination. This adventure will show you all the beautiful places in Namibia.

Your journey takes off in a southern direction, crossing the beautiful red and gold landscapes of the Kalahari towards the majestic Fish River Canyon. The high, rusty red dunes of Sossusvlei are not to be missed in any trip to Namibia. The Atlantic Coast also has much to offer, from a stroll through the towns of Lüderitz and Swakopmund with signs of its history to nice activities like dune safaris, kayaking and sand boarding.

Damaraland and Kaokoland in the north accommodate intriguing cultural heritages, including Twyfelfontein’s rock formations and authentic Himba villages. Epupa Falls is the most northern stop, a lovely place to be. A spectacular safari will be waiting for you in Etosha National Park, with its large numbers of wildlife. You can visit a traditional San-village and make a final stop at the Waterberg Plateau, where you can enjoy a nice hike and beautiful views, before ending your adventure in Windhoek.

Highlights

Detailed Itinerary

Route All Round

After arrival in Namibia you will spend a night in Windhoek.

This will give you the opportunity to acclimatize, walk through the city center and prepare for the next day. Your adventure begins in the Kalahari Desert, home to the San-people for a long period of time.

Although its name means “great thirst”, the Kalahari does attract plenty of wildlife. During a sunset safari you will be able to look for the animals on top of a dune, enjoying a cool drink, while this semi-desert uncovers itself in its most beautiful colors. Keep your eyes open for springboks, zebras and wildebeests. And relax on top of a dune with a cool drink in your hand, while this semi-desert reveals its most beautiful colors. End the day while gazing upon the starry sky.

In Namibia’s far south, you will encounter an amazing natural phenomenon: the Fish River Canyon.

On your way to the phenomenal Fish River Canyon, you stop over at the Quiver Tree Forest, which presents an almost otherworldly landscape, where towering aloe-like trees stand like natural sculptures under the vast desert sky.

About 650 million years ago, plate movement formed a lowered area, along which the ancient Fish River could flow and eventually erode a flat plain, which is today’s start of the canyon. Where the surface suddenly comes to an abrupt end, the ground drops for a vertiginous 500 meters.

There, meandering between the high rocky walls, runs the 650 kilometers long Fish River that is on its way to the Orange River, the natural border with South Africa. From several viewpoints, you will have spectacular views over the Canyon. If you are interested in a hike here, we can plan a stay in a lodge offering guided hikes.

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‘Ghost town` Kolmanskop & coastal harbor town Lüderitz

Driving towards the coast, the landscape turns into a “deserted desert”. Take a stroll through the coastal harbor town Lüderitz: a quiet village with old German houses dating from 1900, and which experienced its most wealthy years during the diamond-rush between the world wars. A visit to the desolated “ghost town“ Kolmanskop will certainly leave an impression: what once was a wealthy mine worker village with a casino, theatre, shops and villas, was taken over by nature soon after the town was abandoned. What is left is a bizarre sight, and a heaven for photographers.

Red dunes, distinguished from each other by sharp lines, an eye blinding white salt pan and scorched black trees…

Your journey continues north via one of Namibia’s most scenic routes, along the Tiras mountains. A visit to Sossusvlei, of the oldest desert on Earth, is not to be missed in your self-drive adventure. Keep your camera close and take as many photos as possible. The landscape almost looks surreal!

Sharp lines separating the intense red dunes, that surround an eye blinding white salt pan scattered with scorched black trees at Deadvlei. Climbing one of world’s highest dunes will be very rewarding, especially during an early sunrise or late sunset. Nature will show its most spectacular colors. A nature drive or a visit to Sesriem Canyon are definitely worthwhile if you want to explore a bit more of the surroundings.

Enjoy a nice sea breeze at the Atlantic Coast, while strolling around the coastal town of Swakopmund.

This historical town has still a bit of the characteristics of a German seaside resort: apart from an ocean, beach and swaying palm trees, you will find this influence here and there and can enjoy a coffee with an “Apfelstrudel” or a “Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte”. The surroundings of Swakopmund come with many possibilities for animal-lovers and for thrill seekers: meet seals and dolphins during a kayaking excursion or catamaran cruise, or join a guide into the dunes while driving quad bike or speeding down on a sandboard.

Also, a `Living desert tour` is a great way to get more understanding of this special eco system and the miraculous ways in which life adapts to the harsh conditions of the desert climate.

Discover the ‘Burning Mountain’ of Namibia and unveil the mystery of the ancient ‘White Lady’

Today, you head into Damaraland, where Namibia’s highest peak, part of the Brandberg massive, dominates the landscape.

Go on a hike through the entry-ways to the Brandberg Massive and find the famous rock-paintings of the ‘White Lady’. In the evening, witness how the sunset turns this great massive into the glowing ‘burning mountain’.

Visit Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient rock engravings

As you head further North, the landscape changes as you make your way further into Damaraland.

The ancient landscape is scattered with giant boulders that hide the area’s main secret: the more than 2,500 rock engravings of Twyfelfontein. Once made by the San people, these engravings informed San tribesmen about nearby waterholes and predators. If you are lucky, you might bump into the largest inhabitants of the area, the mysterious desert elephants. These beautiful animals have remarkably adapted to the harsh conditions of the desert.

Kaokoland is also known as Namibia’s last wilderness, and is home to the Himba people.

Kaokoland is also known as Namibia’s last wilderness and is home to the Himba people. Time and modern ways seem to pass by their traditions: many Himba people have an authentic, nomadic lifestyle where life is organized around cattle. A guided visit to a Himba settlement will give more insight in their way of life and traditions.

After leaving Opuwo and heading north you reach the most northern destination, the Kunene river. The Kunene River, the natural border to Angola, comes with a pleasant surprise: the Epupa Falls. Enjoy and relax at the waterfront while enjoying the cheerful sounds of many birds. Take a walk along the river, explore the falls -and be sure to watch out for the crocodiles.

Finally, it is time to enter Etosha National Park and go on ‘safari’.

You have seen already quite some animals; however Etosha National Park is home to many different species and a large number of them. It is an amazing experience to drive through these 22,270 square kilometers of protected nature, choosing from endless numbers of routes.

To see as much of Etosha National Park as possible you will be staying at different lodges or campsites in and around the park. Have your binoculars ready and see if you can spot lions, cheetahs and maybe even leopards. In the late afternoon, settle down at one of the park’s waterholes and let the animals come to you: elephants, giraffes, zebras and antelopes will gather to relief themselves from thirst. This is a truly unforgettable experience! And what do you think about an exciting safari on foot in the Onguma Private Game Reserve located next to Etosha?

The Waterberg Plateau, rising up from the surface.

Your last stop before returning to Windhoek is the Waterberg Plateau, a rock formation rising up from the surface to about 200 meters high. This national park lends itself for some nice hikes. Those who did not yet see enough animals can go on a game drive to find buffalos and white rhinos.

Relax and rewind from an amazing adventure.

You slowly make your way back to Windhoek and prepare for your departure back home. But before the long journey back home, enjoy another night surrounded by the Namibian nature. Spoil yourself and let all the great new impressions of this adventure sink in.

On day 27 you drive back to Windhoek, return your car and make your way back home, with new memories of a lifetime!