Southern Namibia is a journey into space, silence and scale: where red desert sands, vast canyons and historic coastal towns reward travellers with time to explore. Enjoy the Kalahari Desert with its arid-adapted wildlife, quiver tree forests and local Bushmen traditions; the massive Fish River Canyon or the fishing town of Luderitz with Kolmansklop ghost village.
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Southern Namibia is often bypassed by travellers short on time. But for those able to spend two-and-a-half to three weeks in the country, it adds depth, contrast and a powerful sense of discovery. This is a region of long roads and big horizons, where each destination feels earned rather than expected. Ideally, allow four to five nights to do it justice.
From the wildlife-rich Kalahari Desert to the immense chasm of the Fish River Canyon, and from the abandoned diamond town of Kolmanskop to the windswept Atlantic outpost of Lüderitz, Southern Namibia feels remote, atmospheric and quietly compelling.
Despite its name, the Kalahari is not a true desert. Instead, deep red sands, up to 100 metres in depth, cloak a vast semi-arid ecosystem that supports an impressive range of wildlife.
Look out too for the enormous communal nests of sociable weaver birds, architectural marvels in their own right, and the endearing antics of meerkat colonies. Further south, near to Keetmanshoop, you can also visit the sculptural Quivertree forest (also known as kokerboom trees).
Comfortable, characterful lodges such as Bagatelle Ranch and the luxurious Red Hills Lodge make the Kalahari an easy and rewarding introduction to the south, or as a final goodbye before ending back to Windhoek.
An early morning visit is essential, before harsh light flattens the colours of the rock. Several viewpoints offer vast panoramas, revealing the canyon’s sinuous path through an otherwise barren landscape. Activities range from gentle nature drives and horse riding to more demanding hikes for the adventurous.
During the winter months, fit travellers can opt for a 2–3 night slack-packing hiking trail, descending into the canyon and climbing back out each night, or opt for a mountain biking route that follows the rim. Equally dramatic - but without the vertical challenge.
The journey west to the Atlantic is an experience in itself, passing the feral desert horses of Aus and the eerie remains of Kolmanskop, a former diamond boomtown slowly being reclaimed by sand. Once opulent, its buildings now stand half-buried, creating one of Namibia’s most evocative photographic locations.
Beyond lies Lüderitz, a small, isolated fishing town clinging to the rocks above a wild, windswept bay. Its distinctly German colonial architecture feels oddly transplanted — pastel façades and turrets facing the unforgiving Atlantic Ocean. All giving the town a curiously otherworldly atmosphere. This sense of isolation and eccentricity is precisely its appeal.
We recommend two nights in Lüderitz, or perhaps nearby Aus at Klein Aus Vista. This allows time to explore Kolmanskop, stroll the town’s quiet streets, and take a scenic drive along the peninsula to where Bartolomeus Dias first landed. A boat cruise to Halifax Island offers the chance to see African penguin colonies offshore.
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A minimum of four to five nights is recommended, though more time allows for a slower pace and time in each of the three regions.
Is Southern Namibia suitable for self-drivers?
Yes – in fact it’s ideal for confident self-drivers who enjoy open roads and remote landscapes. However distances are long, driving is relatively slow ad so working with an expert is recommended.
Can Southern Namibia be combined easily with Sossusvlei or the coast?
Yes, it pairs well with Sossusvlei and then onto Swakopmund, creating a varied circlar loop of desert, dunes and coastline.
Travel beyond the obvious and discover Namibia’s quieter south. Speak to our Africa specialists to include Southern Namibia in your safari.
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