Springbok Self Drive

The 3hr drive south from Windhoek to Kalahari Anib Lodge is along the tarred B1 road, the lodge is located about 30 kilometers north-east of the town of Mariental. Activities include sunrise and sunset scenic drives through Gondwana Kalahari Park. There is hiking trail to enjoy as well.  Bird watchers can view vultures and marabou storks at the carrion feeding place. Springbok, gemsbok and ostrich can be observed around the lodge. Weaver bird nests will also be seen in the on your drive.

We would recommend Kalahari Anib Lodge, if you prefer other accommodation please see our map SOUTHERN KALAHARI

After breakfast you have a long drive to Fish River Canyon, about 430 kilometers that will take around 5 hours to complete. On your way down we would recommend you stop and see the Quiver tree forest near Keetmanshoop. Canyon Roadhouse is a comfortable and convenient base when visiting the Fish River Canyon, it is located 20 kilometers from the main viewpoint of the Fish River Canyon near Hobas.

We would recommend Canyon Roadhouse. If you prefer other accommodation, please see our map SOUTHERN NAMIBIA.

Today a must see is the Fish River Canyon, as well as explore the lodge roadhouse. The 4x4 Wildebeest Drive to view the plains animals is also definitely worth doing.

The drive today will be around 410 kilometres and will take about 4.5h driving time. Luderitz is situated northwest to the small settlement of Aus. The Bahnhof Hotel is a popular lunch stop. As you continue west it is worth noting that the strong wind, which blows for most of the time, can make the final 10 kilometres into Luderitz a mini adventure all on its own.

If you have time on your hands, there is plenty to see and do. The Luderitz Peninsula, much of which lies outside the Sperrgebiet prohibited area, makes for an interesting half-day excursion. Sturmvogelbucht has a lovely beach and is home to a former Norwegian whaling station, now a rusty ruin. Diaz Point, 22 kilometers south of Luderitz, has a classic lighthouse and replica of Dias Cross erected in July 1488 by Portuguese navigator Bartolomeu Dias.

We would recommend Nest Hotel. If you prefer other accommodation, please see our map SPERRGEBIET.

There is catamaran trips in the mornings for the early risers from the harbor which will allow you to see Diaz Point, Cape Fur Seals, occasional penguin and Flamingos.

On your way to Aus, Kolmanskop ghost mine is definitely a must see.

A short journey back to Klein Aus Vista follows. The Namib wild horses graze locally here and mainly in the afternoons. Klipspringer are not far away in the morning either.

We would recommend the Klein Aus Vista. If you prefer other accommodation, please see our map SOUTHERN NAMIBIA

Klein Aus Vista is the ideal place to enjoy the tranquil and beautiful surrounds. The more energetic might like to try 1 of 2 walking trails starting and ending from Eagles Nest. There is the 12-kilometre Eagle Trail, approximately 5 hour long and the 4 kilometer Mountain Trail, approximately 2 hour long. The guided scenic sunset drive in the late afternoon presents an opportunity to experience the incredible scenic beauty of the Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park.

Provisions for the next stage of the safari should be arranged in either Aus or Helmeringhausen as there are no other facilities en-route. The scenic drive is between 4-5 hour and all on gravel roads.

We would recommend staying in Sossus Dune lodge. Advantage staying with them is, you are already in the park so with first light you can head down to the dunes.

There is a wide variety of other lodges to stay. Please see our map NAMIB NAULKUFT PARK

Wake up early and leave your lodge, heading for the Sesriem entrance gate to the Namib Naukluft Park. This gate only opens at sunrise, so there is no point arriving earlier, but driving the 60 kilometers from Sesriem through the dunes towards Sossusvlei while the sun rises is a real pleasure. The first major dune you will encounter goes by the imaginative name of Dune 45 - many people choose to stop and climb this dune, but we suggest you continue onwards towards Sossusvlei. Park at the 2x4 car park (unless you have a 4x4 vehicle this is as far as you can drive), Sossusvlei is a further 4km from here, but you are already amongst fairly large dunes. The walk along the dry riverbed into Sossusvlei is lovely but for the very unfit or terminally lazy there are 4x4 shuttles from the car park to Sossusvlei. Deadvlei, so named because it is a large pan with sculptural dead trees, is close by and definitely worth a visit. When you have had enough sand - head back to your vehicle (there really is no shame in taking the shuttle back - the sand is likely to be hot, and the walk less pleasant than the one in the cool of the morning) On your way back to the lodge stop at the Sesriem Canyon - follow the signs from the Sesriem Campsite.

There is a 5-hour drive back to Windhoek and you get to decide if you want to drive the Remhoogte or Gamsberg Passes.

Enjoy your breakfast and the last part of Namibia’s gravel roads.  If you are not flying out today, we could recommend you accommodation, see our map WINDHOEK REGION, and book it for you.