Fish River Sunset, Deep South

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Namibia – 11-day Tour through the Deep South – private self-drive

11 days / 10 nights
Windhoek • Kalahari Namibia • Fish River Canyon • Aus • Sesriem • Swakopmund

Country

Namibia

Duration

11 days

Highlights

Windhoek

Kalahari Namibia

Fish River Canyon

+3 destinations

Rated 4.9/5

See reviews

Namibia – 11-day Tour through the Deep South – private self-drive

From $2,200
Swakopmund
Fish River Lodge
Olive Grove Guesthouse
Swakopmund
Fish River Lodge
Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia

Includes

Toyota Hilux Double Cab 4x4 or similar from January - June and a Toyota Urban Cruiser or similar from July - December, both come with manual transmission, unlimited kilometers, full insurance cover and a cooler box
10 nights in lodges and guest houses on meal basis as mentioned
Guided sundowner drive at Kalahari Anib Lodge

Excludes

Flights
Fuel
Meals not mentioned
Drinks
Excursions other than in the Kalahari
National Park fees
Gratuities - we recommend NAD 180 per person/day per guide and for lodge staff
Entry visa
Travel insurance
Increase in government tax and park fees

Itinerary

Windhoek, Namibia

Situated in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek serves as the capital of the country. It is home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste an old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.
Windhoek
Windhoek
Windhoek
Windhoek
Windhoek
Windhoek
  • Olive Grove Guesthouse

    Day 1 - 2

    Nestled in the heart of Windhoek's vibrant city centre, Olive Grove Guesthouse offers a tranquil retreat just a short stroll away from town. This charming guesthouse is an ideal starting or ending point for your Namibian adventure.
    Olive Grove Guesthouse
    Olive Grove Guesthouse
    Olive Grove Guesthouse
    Olive Grove Guesthouse
    Olive Grove Guesthouse
    Olive Grove Guesthouse
    +11

Day 1

Day Notes:

Touchdown at Windhoek airport, where you will be met and taken to your guesthouse for the night. In the afternoon your rental car will be delivered and a detailed briefing will be given to you by our partner on the ground. For dinner we recommend Joe's Beerhouse - booking is essential and can be done online. 

  • Meet & Greet

  • Transfer from Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH] to Olive Grove Guesthouse

  • Check-in to Olive Grove Guesthouse

  • Car delivery and briefing

  • Joe's Beerhouse

Kalahari Namibia, Namibia

Spreading across Botswana, South Africa and Namibia, the Kalahari meaning 'the great thirst' is an exceptionally beautiful living desert. The landscape is characterised by a large semi-arid sandy savannah draped over a gently rolling inland sea of sand covering most of Botswana and large parts of Namibia and South Africa. It is also the last bastion of the indigenous San people with the modern world having enveloped all the other areas they once roamed. The Namibian portion is made up of red sands covered in thin, wispy, mostly golden grass and dotted with acacia trees and wide-ranging wildlife including gemsbok, impala, jackals and cheetah.
Kalahari Namibia
Kalahari Namibia
Kalahari Namibia
Kalahari Namibia
Kalahari Namibia
Kalahari Namibia
  • Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia

    Day 2 - 3

    Savour the Kalahari Desert at this easily accessible lodge. 32 standard rooms flank a shady courtyard, with another 19 comfort rooms overlooking Kalahari savannah. Stretch legs on the walks and join the afternoon drive to experience the red Kalahari sands aglow with an inner fire.
    Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia
    Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia
    Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia
    Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia
    Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia
    Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia
    +27

Day 2

Day Notes:

After breakfast, check out and start your adventure, driving south to the red dunes of the Kalahari.  Along your journey to Kalahari Anib Lodge, keep your eyes out for animals - you may come across anything from springbok, impala, oryx, wildebeest, giraffe, warthog, to aardvark and aardwolf. Settle into the lodge on arrival, before enjoying a guided sundowner drive.

Driving time: ~3.5 hours

  • Check-out from Olive Grove Guesthouse

  • Self Drive from Olive Grove Guesthouse to Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia

  • Check-in to Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia

  • Guided Sundowner Drive

Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Carving out an epic rocky wonderland in southern Namibia, the Fish River has created Africa’s largest, and the world’s second-largest, canyon. Hot, dry and dramatic, the Fish River Canyon stretches for an astonishing 160 kilometres, reaching up to 27 kilometres wide and 550 metres deep. Its vast, rugged beauty draws visitors from across the globe. Adventurers can tackle the challenging 85 kilometre Fish River Hiking Trail, which winds through 1.5 billion years of geological history, while those seeking rest can soak in the mineral-rich hot springs of Ai-Ais or admire breathtaking views from Hobas Restcamp and other viewpoints along the rim. Scenic chartered flights, horse riding, nature drives, and seasonal kayaking complete this unforgettable Namibian experience.
Fish River Canyon
Fish River Canyon
Fish River Canyon
Fish River Canyon
Fish River Canyon
Fish River Canyon
  • Fish River Lodge

    Day 3 - 5

    Fish River Lodge in southern Namibia is the only lodge perched directly on the rim of the Fish River Canyon offering guests breathtaking views of the canyon from sunrise to sunset.
    Fish River Lodge
    Fish River Lodge
    Fish River Lodge
    Fish River Lodge
    Fish River Lodge
    Fish River Lodge
    +49

Day 3

Day Notes:

Enjoy the sunrise from the lodge, or perhaps book a guided sunrise drive with the lodge. After breakfast, make your way further south, all the way to the second largest Canyon in the world, the Fish River Canyon. Your surroundings change from red sand dunes to a stark landscape of black rocks and quiver trees. Get comfortable at Fish River Lodge and delight in the sunset from your bungalow terrace.

Driving time: ~5 hours

  • Check-out from Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia

  • Self Drive from Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia to Fish River Lodge

  • Check-in to Fish River Lodge

  • Canyon Sundowner Drive

Day 4

Day Notes:

Plan your day with Fish River Lodge as you check in, with the option to book activities such as hiking, mountain biking, sundowner drives, canyon rim walks and more - prebooking is also an option and recommended to avoid disappointment with regards to availability. Enjoy your day exploring Fish River Canyon and the surrounding environment. 

  • Fish River Canyon Viewpoint

  • Canyon Rim Walks

  • Day Hike into Canyon

  • Canyon Drive (Full day)

  • Canyon Fat Bikes

Aus, Namibia

Perched above the plains of the Namib Desert in the rocky Aus Mountains, the small village of Aus lies at the heart of phenomenal botanic diversity. Aus serves as an excellent base from which to see the area’s major attraction: the feral horses of the Namib Desert, which run wild and free in the sparsely vegetated plains. The best place for viewings is at the water trough at Garub, which lies just twenty kilometres away from Aus. Visitors can gain insight into the Succulent Karoo by visiting beautiful Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park, home to the most biodiverse desert in the world. Don't miss the opportunity to camp under the famously clear Namibian night sky and experience the desert landscape on horseback.
Aus
Aus
Aus
Aus
Aus
Aus
  • Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn Gondwana Collection Namibia

    Day 5 - 7

    Where the subtle colours of the grassy Pro-Namib merge with Namib sands in a lovers’ embrace, you’ll find Klein Aus Vista. Surrounded by the rocky Aus hills, Desert Horse Inn is an attractive base for a sojourn in south-western Namibia en route to the famed dunes of Sossusvlei.
    Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn Gondwana Collection Namibia
    Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn Gondwana Collection Namibia
    Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn Gondwana Collection Namibia
    Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn Gondwana Collection Namibia
    Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn Gondwana Collection Namibia
    Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn Gondwana Collection Namibia
    +24

Day 5

Day Notes:

After another incredible sunrise and leisurely breakfast, make your way west to the small town of Aus, which will be your base to explore the coastal town of Lüderitz and its surroundings. Your stay is at the Desert Horse Inn just outside of Aus on the Klein-Aus Vista Farm. Take the afternoon to explore, perhaps going on a self-guided walk through the surrounding hills or driving to Garub in search of the last few wild desert horses. 

Driving time: ~3-4 hours

  • Check-out from Fish River Lodge

  • Self Drive from Fish River Lodge to Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn Gondwana Collection Namibia

  • Check-in to Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn Gondwana Collection Namibia

  • Hiking Trails / Mountain Bike Trails

  • Wild Horses

Day 6

Day Notes:

Spend the day exploring the area, heading west to the ghost town of Klomanskop, which used to be a wealthy German mining settlement that developed in the early 1900s following the discovery of diamonds in the area. Afterwards, make your way to the town of Lüderitz for lunch, returning to the Desert Horse Inn in the afternoon. 

  • Day trip to Lüderitz and Kolmanskop

Sesriem, Namibia

As there is no accommodation at Sossusvlei, visitors to this desert wilderness are likely to end up staying at Sesriem, 65 kilometres away, where camps and lodges serve as a base from which to explore the dunes. Sesriem Canyon, a deep chasm carved through the rocks by water, is a striking natural feature of the area that is best explored on foot. Stony walls rise up sharply on both sides of the canyon, while birds roost in its crags and lizards dart along the ledges. The canyon’s name was coined when early settlers used it as a water source, using six lengths of leather (‘ses riem – six thongs) tied together to lower buckets into the water at the base of canyon.)
Sesriem
Sesriem
Sesriem
Sesriem
Sesriem
Sesriem
  • Desert Camp

    Day 7 - 9

    Self-catering at its Best amidst unparalleled Desert Beauty...
    Desert Camp

Day 7

Day Notes:

Today, you will head up north to Sesriem, the entrance to the Namib Naukluft National Park. As you drive north, you will notice another landscape colour change and pass through some beautiful areas. Arrive at Desert Camp, which is situated right at the entrance gate, just in time for dinner. 

Driving time: ~5 hours

  • Check-out from Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn Gondwana Collection Namibia

  • Self Drive from Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn Gondwana Collection Namibia to Desert Camp

  • Check-in to Desert Camp

Day 8

Day Notes:

Rise early and enter the park at 6 am in order to spend the cooler hours of the day in Sossusvlei, watching the spectacular colour shift of the dunes as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Once the sun rises, climb up Dune 45 and Big Mama and pay a visit to Deadvlei - take a 4x4 shuttle from the parking space in the park to get all the way to Deadvlei - those shuttles do not have to be prebooked and can just be picked up on the spot. On the way back, you can also visit Sesriem Canyon. For the afternoon, relax on your terrace, or book an activity with the adventure centre at Sossusvlei Lodge.

  • Explore the Sossusvlei dunes & Sesriem Canyon

Swakopmund, Namibia

Set along Namibia's spectacularly scenic coast, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide-open avenues, colonial architecture, and its surrounding otherworldly desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South-West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort town, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laid-back atmosphere and cool sea breeze make it a very popular Namibian destination. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including: quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing and fascinating desert tours.
Swakopmund
Swakopmund
Swakopmund
Swakopmund
Swakopmund
Swakopmund
+4
  • Driftwood Guesthouse

    Day 9 - 11

    Spacious, personal, upmarket, tranquil and full of unique Namibian character are words best suited to Driftwood Guesthouse. As a small brand new 8 room guesthouse we focus on clean, cosy, small, personal detail and style in abundance.
    Driftwood Guesthouse
    Driftwood Guesthouse
    Driftwood Guesthouse
    Driftwood Guesthouse
    Driftwood Guesthouse
    Driftwood Guesthouse

Day 9

Day Notes:

After a last breakfast in the breathtaking environment of the Namib Desert, you continue your drive north to your next stop of the trip, the historically German coastal town of Swakopmund. On your way, stop off at Solitaire, which has a fabulous bakery. Drive through ever-changing landscapes - parts of this stretch may look as if someone had rolled out a velvety green carpet on top of the orange sand. You can stop along the way to see some of the up to 1,500-year-old welwitschia plants and the moon-like landscape close to Swakopmund.  Take a stroll through town and maybe along the beach, looking out onto the rough and cold Atlantic Ocean. In the evening, go out for a traditional German dinner in town (not included). 

Driving time: ~5 hours

  • Check-out from Desert Camp

  • Self Drive from Desert Camp to Driftwood Guesthouse

  • Solitaire stopover

  • The Moon Landscape

  • Check-in to Driftwood Guesthouse

Day 10

Day Notes:

Explore Swakopmund, a breath of fresh sea air in the desert. There are many optional activities to keep you busy, from a leisurely catamaran cruise to view seals and dolphins, or a living desert tour to get a closer look at all the small desert-adapted creatures, to the many adventure activities offered here, such as quad biking, sand boarding, sky diving, etc. (activities not included)

  • Catamaran Charters

  • Living Desert Tours

  • Sandwich Harbour 4x4

Day 11

  • Check-out from Driftwood Guesthouse

  • Self Drive from Driftwood Guesthouse to Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH]

End of Itinerary

Destinations

Windhoek
Namibia
Day 1

Windhoek

Situated in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek serves as the capital of the country.
Kalahari Namibia
Namibia
Day 2

Kalahari Namibia

Spreading across Botswana, South Africa and Namibia, the Kalahari meaning 'the great thirst' is an exceptionally beautiful living desert.
Fish River Canyon
Namibia
Day 3-4

Fish River Canyon

Carving out an epic rocky wonderland in southern Namibia, the Fish River has created Africa’s largest, and the world’s second-largest, canyon.
Aus
Namibia
Day 5-6

Aus

Perched above the plains of the Namib Desert in the rocky Aus Mountains, the small village of Aus lies at the heart of phenomenal botanic diversity.
Sesriem
Namibia
Day 7-8

Sesriem

As there is no accommodation at Sossusvlei, visitors to this desert wilderness are likely to end up staying at Sesriem, 65 kilometres away, where camps and lodges serve as a base from which to explore the dunes.
Swakopmund
Namibia
Day 9-10

Swakopmund

Set along Namibia's spectacularly scenic coast, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide-open avenues, colonial architecture, and its surrounding otherworldly desert terrain.

Accommodations

Olive Grove Guesthouse
Windhoek
Day 1-2

Olive Grove Guesthouse

Nestled in the heart of Windhoek's vibrant city centre, Olive Grove Guesthouse offers a tranquil retreat just a short stroll away from town.
Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia
Kalahari Namibia
Day 2-3

Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia

Savour the Kalahari Desert at this easily accessible lodge.
Fish River Lodge
Fish River Canyon
Day 3-5

Fish River Lodge

Fish River Lodge in southern Namibia is the only lodge perched directly on the rim of the Fish River Canyon offering guests breathtaking views of the canyon from sunrise to sunset.
Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn Gondwana Collection Namibia
Aus
Day 5-7

Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn Gondwana Collection Namibia

Where the subtle colours of the grassy Pro-Namib merge with Namib sands in a lovers’ embrace, you’ll find Klein Aus Vista.
Desert Camp
Sesriem
Day 7-9

Desert Camp

Self-catering at its Best amidst unparalleled Desert Beauty....
Driftwood Guesthouse
Swakopmund
Day 9-11

Driftwood Guesthouse

Spacious, personal, upmarket, tranquil and full of unique Namibian character are words best suited to Driftwood Guesthouse.

2026

  • Per person, based on 2 people sharing: N$ 38,600
  • Single traveller: N$ 43,250
  • Solo traveller: N$ 56,500
  • Children under 12: please enquire

 

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Unfortunately we needed to postpone our holiday due to a family bereavement and she was so accommodating and adaptable with the changes, making sure every detail was perfect. We also experienced some initial difficulties when we arrived (nothing to do with Indigo Safaris?) and Michele was able to support us with some additional changes that needed to be made.

If you'd like a stress-free, amazing travel experience then Indigo Safaris is your place!

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Catering for individual needs in a group is a challenge that Christopher masters whilst at the same time multitasking as a patient driver, amazing chef & experienced field guide with us the guests helping pitch tents, prepping veg & doing the dishes.
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Linda Kvilten 4 x 4

Makes everything for you to get the best out of your adventure!

I went on a 4 day Soussusvlei and Swakopmund tour and it was absolutely amazing. The contact with Indigo Safaris, in my case Michele, was excellent and she did absolutely everything to make the trip as memorable as I wished for.
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Travelling from Swakopmund to Sossusvlei was an adventure itself with the changing landscape along the road.
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It’s now very difficult to travel with COVID, but Ines make it very easy by including in our itinerary stops for our PCR test.
It was amazing to travel trough Namibia discovering the dunes of Sossuvlei, Fish River Canyon but also doing our safari by our own in Etosha.

We were VERY VERY VERY surprised about the quality of all the lodges/ guesthouses that Ines booked for us. Every lodge was very clean, the staff very nice and the restaurant delicious.
I recommend INDIGO SAFARI if you want to discover Africa and especially Namibia.
We ended our holidays with 2 days in the Victoria Falls and it was also amazing.

Thank you Ines,
Thank INDIGO SAFARI

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