7-Day Southern Highlights: Namibia’s Kalahari, Canyon & Desert Adventure

Discover the best of southern Namibia on this 7‑day journey through Kalahari savannah, the world’s second‑largest canyon, ghost towns, and iconic red dunes—complete with expert guides, handpicked lodges, and unforgettable wildlife moments.

🗺️ Tour Overview

Route: Windhoek → Mariental → Fish River Canyon → Lüderitz → Sesriem/Sossusvlei → Windhoek

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights |

Distance: ~2050 km round trip

Group Size: 2–18 pax (Camping option on request: min. 6 pax)

Departure: Any day (Min. 2 pax guaranteed; 3–18 pax: request custom quote)

🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Windhoek → Mariental (Kalahari Anib Lodge)

Distance & Time: ~310 km | ~4 hrs (incl. comfort stops)Itinerary:

• Pickup between 08:00–08:30 from Windhoek accommodation.

• Head south through Rehoboth (historic Baster community) and Kalkrand into the semi‑arid Kalahari “fossil desert.”

• Late afternoon optional sunset game drive across dune‑dotted savannah to spot springbok, gemsbok, and meerkat.

Activities:

• Sunset Game Drive (advance booking recommended)

Overnight: Kalahari Anib Lodge (Gondwana Collection)

Basis: Half Board (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day 2: Mariental → Fish River Canyon (Canyon Village Lodge)

Distance & Time: ~380 km | ~9 hrs (incl. Quiver Tree Forest & photo stops)

Itinerary:

• Early departure south through Mariental towards Keetmanshoop.

• Visit the Quiver Tree Forest and Dolerite rock formations - an otherworldly aloe grove.

• Continue to Fish River Canyon region, arriving in late afternoon.

Activities:

• Quiver Tree Forest & Dolerite Valley walk

• Canyon viewpoint visit at sunset (Optional activity to be arranged with Lodge if time permits)

Overnight: Canyon Village Lodge (Gondwana Collection)

Basis: Half Board (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day 3: Fish River Canyon → Lüderitz (Lüderitz Nest Hotel)

Distance & Time: ~470 km | ~9 hrs (incl. Garub horse stop)

Itinerary:

• Morning canyon viewpoint at Hobas Rest Camp—Africa’s second‑largest canyon.

• En route to Lüderitz, pause at Garub to see the wild desert horses.

• Arrive late afternoon; free evening to explore colonial town.

Activities:

• Fish River Canyon lookout

• Wild Desert Horse viewing

Overnight: Lüderitz Nest Hotel

Basis: Bed & Breakfast

Day 4: Explore Lüderitz & Kolmanskop

Local Travel: ~100 km (optional extras)

Itinerary:

• Optional morning boat cruise to Halifax Island (jackass penguins & seals).

• Discover German‑era architecture and history in Lüderitz.

• Afternoon drive to Kolmanskop, the haunting ghost town swallowed by dunes.

Activities:

• Penguin & seal cruise (optional)

• Town walking tour & photo stops

• Kolmanskop Ghost Town excursion

Overnight: Lüderitz Nest Hotel

Basis: Bed & Breakfast

Day 5: Lüderitz → Sossusvlei Area (Dead Valley Lodge)

Distance & Time: ~470 km | ~8–9 hrs

Itinerary:

• Depart early northbound through stark desert landscapes.

• Arrive Dead Valley Lodge by late afternoon.

• Enjoy a sundowner on Elim Dune for sunset over rust‑red sands.

Activities:

• Sundowner Nature Drive on Elim Dune

Overnight: Dead Valley Lodge (or similar)

Basis: Half Board (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day 6: Sossusvlei, Deadvlei & Sesriem Canyon

Local Travel: ~130 km (pre‑dawn start + afternoon)Itinerary:

• Visit Dune 45, Deadvlei’s ancient black trees, and optionally climb Big Daddy.

• Return for lunch; afternoon excursion to Sesriem Canyon.

Activities:

• Dune 45

• Deadvlei

• Big Daddy (optional hike)

• Sesriem Canyon walk

Overnight: Dead Valley Lodge

Basis: Half Board (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day 7: Sossusvlei → Windhoek

Distance & Time: ~350 km | ~7–8 hrs

Itinerary:

• Morning departure over Naukluft Mountains and Khomas Hochland.

• Arrive Windhoek late afternoon; drop-off at your hotel.

Activities:

• Driving back to Windhoek via alternative roads to view new landscape scenery depending on the road condition.

Basis: Bed & Breakfast

Tour Ends

✅ What’s Included

• Pickup & drop‑off in Windhoek

• Accommodation as listed (or similar)

• Meals per itinerary

• All listed activities

• Park entrance fees

• Professional English‑speaking guide

• Transport in safari vehicle

• Standard information pack

❌ What’s Excluded

• Optional activities & excursions

• Flights & visas

• Travel insurance

• Alcohol, soft drinks & bottled water

• Tips & gratuities

• Personal expenses

🌍 Travel Tips & Practical Info

• Seasons: Best game viewing May–Oct; summer (Dec–Mar) up to 45 °C, winter (Jun–Sep) down to –5 °C

• Rainy Season: Dec–Apr

• Health: Low malaria risk; consult a travel clinic

• Currency: Namibian Dollar (NAD, 1:1 to ZAR)

• Water: Generally safe; bottled water advised in remote areas

• Electricity: 220 V, 3‑pin round (same as South Africa)

• Packing: Layers, sun protection, sturdy walking shoes, camera, binoculars

📩 Book Your Southern Highlights Safari

Ready to traverse Namibia’s southern gems—from fiery dunes to ancient canyons and wild desert plains?Contact Meerkat Safaris today to check availability, request a group quote, or tailor this adventure to your preferences.

✉️ info@meerkatsafaris.com | 📞 +264 81 329 5790 / +264 85 662 6014

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