Description
The Tour
This incredible self-driving tour takes in some of Namibia's finest natural wonders. Starting in Windhoek, your journey takes you south through the Namib Desert - the oldest in the world with incredible sand dunes and an amazing sense of space. There's also Fish River Canyon, second only to America's Grand Canyon, plus an amazing insight into the diamond rush at the ghost town in Kolmanskop. Accommodation along the way is in 4-star hotels, ensuring your utmost comfort.
Day 1: London - Namibia
Fly overnight from London Gatwick to Windhoek international airport with Air Namibia.
Day 2: Keetmanshoop
On arrival, collect your hire car for the journey to Keetmanshoop - the main southern town in Namibia and the administrative centre of the Nama people. Once you've settled in, the museum in the Old Mission Church is well worth a visit, as is Quiver Tree Forest, so named because the ancient bushmen made the bark into quivers to carry their arrows. Also nearby is the Giant's Playground, where boulders perch precariously on top of each other to form the oddest of formations - as if the giants themselves have thrown them around! Overnight: Canyon Nest Hotel. (B)
Day 3: Fish River Canyon
Leave Keetmanshoop to travel south to Fish River Canyon - the second largest canyon in the world! Absolutely magnificent, it is 161km long, 27km wide and about 500m deep. Feast your eyes on this awesome sight, with some great viewpoints at the northern end of the gorge. Overnight: Canyon Road House. (B)
Day 4: Luderitz
Today your tour takes you, via Aus, through the barren expanses of prohibited diamond area to Luderitz, the first European settlement in Namibia, dating back to the 1800s. A hazy, Atlantic coastal town, it boasts many charming buildings that reveal its colonial history. One of the main attractions, however, is the ghost town in nearby Kolmanskop. Previously a bustling diamond town, it is now abandoned, but nonetheless provides an intriguing insight into another age. Overnight: Luderitz Nest Hotel. (B)
Day 5: Sossusvlei
After a hearty breakfast, make your way to Sossusvlei - a huge clay pan enclosed by sand dunes. Indeed, the star-shaped dunes are some of the tallest in the world, rising to 300ft tall, and a climb to the top will reward you with views that are quite simply out of this world! Alternatively, opt for a hot air balloon ride over the dunes, for some bird's-eye views of this natural wonder. Overnight: Solitaire Country Lodge. (B)
Day 6: Sossusvlei
It's worth getting up extra early today as the best time to view Sossusvlei is at sunrise - the colours are more intense at this time and constantly changing, allowing for some wonderful photographs. After such an early start, retire to your hotel to spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight: Solitaire Country Lodge. (B)
Day 7: Windhoek - London
After a wonderful trip, marvelling at some of Namibia's greatest treasures, it's time to head back to Windhoek for your return flight home to London Gatwick with Air Namibia.
Tour Notes
- Tour departs daily from the UK.
- Tour in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Accompanied by a professional English-speaking tour guide.
- Min 2 passengers.
- We reserve the right to offer accommodation of a similar standard.