Canyons & Ghost Towns

After touching down in Johannesburg this morning, you’ll transfer onto a short onward flight to Windhoek, Namibia’s capital. When you arrive, you’ll be met and whisked off to your hotel in the suburbs. Later today, your 4WD hire car will be delivered, and you’ll be fully briefed on routes, driving tips and what to expect on the Namibian roads. This evening, head out for a tasty dinner at Joe’s Beerhouse, a fun local institution, or The Olive Restaurant, which offers something a little more refined.

Today, your adventure really begins as you head off on your road trip heading south on the B1 towards the Southern Kalahari. Your first taste of the incredible landscapes that Namibia is so loved for. It’s an easy drive to the desert town of Mariental, where you’ll stay just outside the town in a peaceful spot overlooking the stark desert landscape.

Today’s a bit of a longer drive, but it’s a beautiful one! As you head southwest towards Fish River Canyon, the landscapes will be working overtime to make sure there’s never a dull moment. Your lodge for the next two nights is in a prime location to explore this vast natural wonder, the second-largest canyon in the world and the largest in Africa.

You’ll enjoy a full day exploring the second-largest canyon in the world today. You can take it all in by vehicle from the various viewpoints (we’ll make sure you know the best spots to head to), or get closer to the edge, and even venture into the canyon itself, on a guided hike across the rugged terrain.

Today’s driving route takes you northeast along the C13 – a wild, scenic road where it’s more common to spot springbok than another car. You’ll reach your next base on the Gondwana Concession near the small settlement of Aus, where you’ll be staying for the next three nights to explore this unique region.

Today, you might want to book a day excursion into the remote Sperrgebiet National Park. Largely undiscovered and inaccessible in many areas, visitors are now permitted to explore sections of Namibia's newest national park. Alternatively, a guided nature drive in the Gondwana Concession is included in your stay.

We've left today clear for you to explore more of this remote region, however you please. You could go in search of the famous wild horses of the Namib Desert or visit nearby historical sites, including the remains of WWI prisoner-of-war camps and little-known Commonwealth war graves. Of course, if you'd like a little more structure, we can give some recommendations on the best ways to spend your time.

Drive west to the hauntingly atmospheric ghost town of Kolmanskop this morning. Once a thriving German diamond mining settlement, today its colonial mansions and administrative buildings are being slowly swallowed by the sands. It’s an eerie and unique spot to explore – don’t forget your camera! Guided tours are available on most days at 9.30 and 11.00, with the site closing after 1pm. After a few hours of exploring, hop back in your 4WD and drive east and then north to Helmeringhausen for a one-night stay.

You’ll continue north today into the heart of the Namib Desert. Your next base is in the Namib Naukluft area, perfectly placed between the mountains and the dunes for two nights of desert peace, tranquility and starry skies.

Set your alarm early today and head off for a full day exploring the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei. Climb Dune 45 at sunrise, walk across the eerie white pan of Deadvlei surrounded by fossilised trees, and visit Sesriem Canyon to see how water has carved through the desert rock over time. Sossusvlei is an iconic Namibia holiday destination for a reason; it’s a must-visit!

You’ll leave the dunes behind today and head into the Naukluft Mountains. Rising up to 2,000 meters above sea level, the mountain range is made up of steep cliffs and narrow ravines, which inspired their name, Naukluft, meaning "narrow gorge" in Afrikaans. Your lodge here offers a peaceful escape, and we’ve left this afternoon free for you to explore on foot along one of the scenic walking trails – or simply sit back with a drink and soak up the silence in your comfortable guesthouse.

It’s another early start today for the drive back to Windhoek, where you’ll return your 4WD at the airport. From here, you’ll board a short flight to Johannesburg, then connect with your overnight flight back home to the UK.