Southern Namibia

This short self-drive itinerary is an ideal stopover on your way to or from South Africa. It combines the world’s highest sand dunes & the adventure and ocean at Swakopmund.

The Sand Dunes & Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei, in the heart of the Namib Desert, is a huge clay pan enclosed by giant sand dunes. At a height of 300 metres they are the highest dunes in the world. Only after a heavy rainfall, which is a rare event, does the vlei fill with water. Sossusvlei is within the Namib Naukluft Park.

The dunes have developed over a period of many millions of years. It is thought that the vast quantities of sand were deposited into the Atlantic Ocean by the Orange River. This material was subsequently moved northwards by the Benguela current to be dumped back onto the land by the surf. The coastal dunes developed as a result of this and were shifted further and further inland by the wind. Wind continuously reshapes the patterns of the dunes, forcing the grains of sand on the flat windward slope upwards to form the crest of the dune and the steep leeward side.

When staying at a lodge in the area you have the option of driving yourself into the park or going on an organized excursion. Other activities in the area include hot air ballooning, horse-riding, nature drives, quad-biking and scenic flights.

Swakopmund

Your final destination is Swakopmund, Namibia’s most popular holiday destination. Optional activities include dolphin cruises, a flight over the skeleton coast or the many adventure activities on offer.

Other options include extending your stay at either Sossusvlei or Swakopmund; combine this with a northern self-drive itinerary to create the Namibia highlights trip; or as a stopover on your way to or from South Africa.

Price Guide - from £ 360.00 - £ 1 032.00 per person sharing