Southern Namibia is a place of vast open wilderness that stretches from the blazing Namib Desert to the cold Atlantic Ocean, making it a popular place for safaris in Namibia. It’s a place of quiet landscapes filled with history and oceanfront towns with cultures and foods unique to the area. We visit the disappearing ghost town of Kolmanskop along the way. Heading off-road we drive around the natural curves of some of the world’s highest sand dunes in the Sossusvlei in Namibia before we navigate our way through the Sesriem Canyon. Some of the other famous sightings include the Fish River Canyon, Luderitz and Windhoek.
It was in 1908 when the first diamond was found in Kolmanskop. It resulted in a diamond rush and sparked life in the little town for 40 golden years. When the finding of stones dried up and the town was abandoned by disheartened diggers.
These days, Kolmanskop is a ghost town, with the Namib Desert slowly reclaiming it. The winds blow the dry sands into the town and the last of the once picturesque buildings are slowly disappearing. This town is situated in the Sperrgebiet which is a now off-limits diamond mining district. Travellers enjoying safaris in Namibia can explore the immense history of the area and have the perfect opportunity to take plenty of pictures.
Another place we stop along the way is the picturesque coastal town of Luderitz. This town has the crisp blue ocean on one side and the imposing red sands and dunes of the Namib on the other. There is only one road into the town and as such the town remains peacefully quiet as it rests beneath the strikingly blue skies. The town itself is filled with stunning German architecture which contrasts quite beautifully against the rough Atlantic coastline.
The lagoon is buzzing with abundant birdlife including pink flamingos, towards the Peninsula. At Diaz Point, you will be at the spot where Bartholomew Diaz first landed in Southern Africa and you can view the famous Diaz Cross.
Another scenic attraction for this safari in Namibia, and one that relates to the wildlife, is the wild desert horses. They are a magnificent sight and have become a popular photographic attraction.
Onwards this Namibia safari takes us to the Fish River Canyon, a dizzying 500m deep. The breathtaking Fish River Canyon in Southern Namibia is the second largest canyon in the world after the USA’s Grand Canyon. This area is noted for its remarkable geological features with rock strata of greys, purples and pinks formed over hundreds of millions of years.
Fragments of the Fish River reappear in the canyon after each shower of rain and the vegetation consists of mostly dwarf shrub savannah and thorn trees. At times, those travelling through this part of the world might spot springbok, steenbok and zebra. This is also one of Namibia’s best-known hiking trails.
One of the highlights of this tour is the Duwisib Castle, a medieval-style fortress which stands in the hills, surrounded by a semi-arid landscape. This castle was built by “Baron” Captain Hans Heinrich von Wolf who was posted in German South-West Africa during the beginning of the 20th century. This building is one of the oldest of its kind in Namibia.
Not far from there, in majestic splendour, lies the world’s highest sand dunes in the Namib Desert at Sossusvlei, an enormous clay pan surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world. Climbing one of the dunes affords the energetic traveller with an unforgettable experience of endless vistas across a sea of apricot-coloured sand. There will be time to observe the flora and fauna that inhabits this region.
Toward the end of this tour, we explore the impressive conglomerate gorges of the Sesriem Canyon, with its rock pools fed by the Tsauchab, the same river that feeds Sossusvlei during the rainy season.
The remote settlement, Solitaire, at the edge of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, has been a welcome stopover for more than 60 years. A thirsty traveller will find cold drinks, ice cream, baked goods, coffee and lunch. You can fill up on fuel and stretch your legs during the drive from Solitaire over Spreetshoogte to end our journey in Windhoek.
Namibia has endless magical places to visit. Just when you think you have seen it all, another treasure lies waiting around the next corner. Namibia is well-known for its striking red sand dunes and deserts as well as its vast, open landscapes. It also has archaeological treasures and historical attractions that will make your visit more memorable. Our Namibia tours are one of a kind in every way and offer you the best experience of this ancient land.
Being a warm African nation, when planning your travels you should take the weather into account as well as the time of year that you choose to visit. There are some places that are hotter and colder than others, and to assist with your planning here is some helpful information to consider:
Practical Information for Guided Safaris in Namibia:
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