NAMIBIA – SOUTHERN CROSS – 15 DAYS - African Wanderer Tours & Safaris

NAMIBIA - SOUTHERN CROSS - 15 DAYS

Embark on an Epic 15-Day Namibian Adventure

Discover Namibia’s untamed beauty on this extraordinary 15-day journey. This itinerary offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, from Windhoek’s bustling capital to the Namib Desert’s serene expanse.

Windhoek: A Vibrant Start
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Namibia’s capital city. Explore historic sites, bustling markets, and trendy cafes.
Kalahari Desert: A Golden Oasis
Experience the vastness and tranquillity of the Kalahari Desert. Encounter unique wildlife and enjoy warm local hospitality.
Fish River Canyon: A Natural Wonder
Witness the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world. Hike through dramatic landscapes and enjoy panoramic views.
Lüderitz: A Coastal Gem
Discover the charming coastal town of Lüderitz and its historic buildings. Explore the eerie ghost town of Kolmanskop, a relic of the diamond rush era.
The Namib Desert: A Timeless Landscape
Marvel at the otherworldly beauty of the Namib Desert, the world’s oldest desert. Stand in the surreal Deadvlei amphitheatre and marvel at the ancient, petrified trees. Conquer the towering dunes of Sossusvlei and experience the thrill of 4×4 dune driving. Witness the stark contrast of the desert and the Atlantic Ocean at Sandwich Harbour.
Twyfelfontein: A Cultural Tapestry
Explore the ancient rock art sites of Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the rich cultural heritage of the San people.
Etosha National Park: A Wildlife Paradise
Embark on unforgettable game drives in Etosha National Park. Encounter iconic African wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinos. Witness the unique ecosystem of the Etosha Pan.

Throughout the itinerary, you’ll enjoy comfortable accommodations tailored to your budget and preferences, engaging guided activities, and the flexibility to choose between self-drive or private guided options. Whether you prefer to follow or reverse the suggested route, this itinerary promises an unforgettable exploration of Namibia’s wonders, blending landscapes, wildlife, and cultural encounters for a truly immersive experience.

ITINERARY DAY-TO-DAY

Day 1

Arrival – Windhoek

Welcome to Namibia! A driver from the car rental company will meet you at Hosea Kutako Airport and transfer you from the airport building to the car rental depot, where you will complete the rental paperwork and receive your car. Drive a short distance to your hotel, where you can drop your luggage and freshen up before a brief and exciting tour of Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city. To round off the Windhoek experience, stop for sundowners on the veranda of Heinitzburg Castle before enjoying dinner at one of the excellent restaurants near your hotel (cost not included).

Overnight at The Windhoek Gardens Boutique Hotel or similar.

Day 2

Windhoek – Kalahari

Breakfast. Travel from Windhoek to the dune streets of the Kalahari Desert. Arrive on a working Namibian farm where the hosts will warmly welcome you. This is an ideal way to experience the Kalahari atmosphere and learn more about farming in the desert. Dinner is included.

Overnight at Jansen Kalahari Guest Farm or similar.

Day 3

Kalahari – Fish River Canyon

Breakfast. Leave the Kalahari and find your way south to the Fish River Canyon. The route travels through farmland (mainly sheep and game in this part of Namibia), and you can stop by for lunch at a local restaurant in Keetmanshoop. You can visit the Quivertree Forest and Giant’s Playground, which are close to Keetmanshoop. Follow the directions further south, and soon, you’ll arrive at your lodge, which is located near the Fish River Canyon. Check in and freshen up with a cold drink. Dinner is included at the lodge.

Overnight at Canyon Lodge or similar.

Day 4

Fish River – Lüderitz

Enjoy an early breakfast before you travel west to Luderitz. The small settlement of Aus is an ideal stop for lunch. Arrive in Luderitz in the afternoon and check in at your hotel on the shore. Explore Luderitz on foot. Dinner can be enjoyed at the hotel or one of the restaurants in the town.

Overnight at The Nest Hotel or similar.

Day 5

Lüderitz

Breakfast. Luderitz is a fascinating town, and you start your day with a guided tour of the nearby ghost town of Kolmanskop. There are two guided tours a morning at 09:00 and 11:00. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in town and visit the Diaz Cross or Agathe Beach this afternoon.

Overnight at The Nest Hotel or similar.

Day 6

Luderitz – Tiras Mountains

Breakfast. Leave Luderitz and travel north through breathtaking landscapes to your lodge near the Tiras Mountains. This area in the shadow of the ‘Shwarzrand’ has great natural beauty, and hiking and scenic drives are popular ways to explore. Dinner is included at the lodge.

Overnight at Ranch Koiimasis or similar.

Day 7

Tiras Mountains – Sesriem

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before you journey north to a lodge near the Sesriem gate of the Namib Naukluft Park. Check in and relax before joining a guided quad bike excursion to explore the area. Dinner is included at the lodge.

Overnight at Le Mirage Lodge or similar.

Day 8

A Day Exploring the Sossusvlei Area

This morning is an early start to grab a snack before departing the lodge for Sossusvlei. The route through the dunes is a well-maintained tar road, except for the last few kilometres of sandy tracks. Sossusvlei will be on your right, and the parking and route to Deadvlei will be on your left. If you’re feeling energetic, climb up the crest of Big Daddy Dune. The panoramic views over the sand sea are spectacular. Enjoy lunch at a nearby lodge before driving to the Sesriem Canyon. As you walk down into the canyon carved into the riverbed by the water of the ephemeral Tsauchab River, you’ll marvel at the layers of sediment that clearly show the passage of time over millions of years. Return to your lodge for a beautiful sundowner. Dinner is included at the lodge.

Overnight at Le Mirage Lodge or similar.

Day 9

Sesriem – Swakopmund

Breakfast. Travel through the Namib landscapes from Sesriem to Swakopmund. Stop at Solitaire for their famous apple pie, coffee, or tea before continuing northwest towards the Atlantic Ocean. The route crosses the Tropic of Capricorn and continues through the Gaub and Kuiseb canyons that cut through the Namib gravel plains. There will be opportunities for photo stops at lookout points en route. Arrive in Swakopmund in the afternoon and stroll through this lovely, small town or relax before choosing a restaurant for dinner. Travel time from Sesriem to Swakopmund is approximately 4h30, not including stops.

Overnight at Fritz Manor or similar.

Day 10

A Day on the Namibian Coast

Breakfast. Drive the short distance, along the coast, to Walvisbay and check in at the Waterfront for a day full of adventures. The day starts with a cruise in the Walvis Bay Harbour, where you’ll spot seals, dolphins, pelicans and flamingos. If you’re fortunate, you might spot whales and sunfish.

On your return to the Waterfront, you will meet your guide and embark on an epic 4×4 adventure through the dunes of the Namib Naukluft Park to Sandwich Harbour. The route to Sandwich Harbour depends on the tides. It may run along the beach, past the Lange Wand, before you head through the dune belt to a scenic lookout point from where you can see the whole Sandwich Harbour estuary.

Your guide is very experienced, and although you’ll want to hold your breath at some of the steep dune descents, you are in skilful hands. A light lunch platter is served in the dunes with various “finger” foods, i.e., spring rolls, crostinis, calamari sticks, chicken wings, and snacks like droёwors, chips, cookies with sparkling wine, beer, coke, and water.

Return to Swakopmund after your activity. Freshen up before choosing a restaurant for dinner. The cruise and dune trip will take the entire day. Travel time between Swakopmund and Walvisbay is approximately 0h40.

Overnight at Fritz Manor or similar.

Day 11

Swakopmund – Twyfelfontein

Breakfast. Travel from Swakopmund to Twyfelfontein in Damaraland. You have the option to visit the Cape Cross seal colony en route. The small town of Aus, located in the shadow of the Brandberg, is an excellent stop for lunch.

If you left Swakopmund early enough and want to see the White Lady rock painting, the site is located a short distance outside Aus. Take plenty of water and allow enough time as the walk to the painting takes about an hour.

As you travel north, you’ll see small Damara and Himba settlements dot the side of the road. Arrive at your lodge near Twyfelfontein in the late afternoon and relax after the day’s activities. At the same time, you listen to the melodies of a choir of Barking Geckos calling for a mate across the sandy river valley. Dinner is included at the lodge. Travel time between Swakopmund and the Twyfelfontein is approximately five hours, not including stops.

Overnight at Twyfelfontein Country Lodge or similar.

Day 12

Twyfelfontein – Ugab Terrace

Breakfast. While the day is cool this morning, you can visit the Twyfelfontein Rock Art Site. The Twyfelfontein UNESCO World Heritage Site is small (less than 1 km2). It includes some great galleries of rock engravings (petroglyphs) depicting an extraordinary diversity of wild animals—rhino, elephant, giraffe, oryx, ostrich, flamingo, zebra, and many more—and their footprints.

The engravings are often superimposed on one another. They are engraved on the massive rock faces of free-standing boulders in completely exposed positions. The art was probably made for 2,000 years by local San hunter-gatherer peoples and offers an insight into San ritual and belief systems. Other exciting activities include the Damara Living Museum and Petrified Forest on the way to Khorixas.

It is an easy and scenic drive from Twyfelfontein to Ugab Terrace, where you will stay tonight. You join a guide from the lodge for a scenic drive to enjoy the beautiful views across the surrounding landscape from the Ugab terrace. Travel time from the Twyfelfontein to Ugab Terrace is approximately 2h30, excluding stops.

Overnight at Ugab Terrace Lodge or similar.

Day 13

Ugab Terrace – Etosha

After breakfast, you continue your journey to your lodge close to the Anderson Gate of Etosha National Park. This afternoon, you will enjoy a self-guided game drive in the park. Dinner is included at the lodge.

Overnight at Etosha Safari Lodge or similar.

Day 14

A Day Exploring Etosha

Breakfast. Today, you will explore Etosha National Park. Spend the day visiting the waterholes and springs that dot the salt pan’s edge and enjoy this great park’s landscape and animals. The animals gather at these water sources during the dry season. Etosha is famous for mammal herds numbering into the hundreds. Schedule your lunch break during the hottest part of the day when the animals seek shade and become more challenging to spot. Halali Camp in the middle of the park is an ideal stop for lunch. Return to the park for more game viewing in the afternoon. Dinner is included at your lodge.

Overnight at Etosha Safari Lodge or similar.

Day 15

Etosha – Windhoek – Departure

Enjoy your last breakfast in the African bush before you start your journey south to Windhoek. Visit the Namibia Craft Centre for a light lunch and souvenir shopping before transferring to the airport to check in for your onward flight. Travel time between Etosha and Windhoek is approximately 4h30 hours, excluding stops.