Southern Namibia 14-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Namibia

Arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, pick up your rental 4x4 vehicle suitable for camping, and stock up on essentials.

Please note the drive to Fish River Canyon is long, so an early start is crucial.

Pre-booking a 4x4 rental with camping gear is highly recommended. Consider bringing non-perishable food and ample water.

Drive to Fish River Canyon

Embark on the scenic but long drive south to the Fish River Canyon area.

The journey will take approximately 6-8 hours depending on road conditions and stops.

Check into Ai-Ais Campsite

Arrive at Ai-Ais Hot Springs Resort, which offers equipped campsites with good facilities.

Set up your camp for the next few nights.

Ai-Ais is situated at the southern end of the Fish River Canyon. Booking campsites in advance is recommended, especially for May.

Hot Springs Relaxation & Stargazing

Unwind after your long drive with a soak in the famous thermal hot springs at Ai-Ais.

Later, enjoy the spectacular dark skies for stargazing, a perfect photography opportunity.

Canyon Rim Exploration

Drive to Hobas, the main access point for Fish River Canyon viewpoints.

Visit the Main Viewpoint and other panoramic spots. Capture stunning photos of Africa's largest canyon.

Hobas is about a 70km drive from Ai-Ais. There is an entrance fee to the park. Ensure your camera batteries are charged!

Hiker's Viewpoint & Photo Ops

Explore the Hiker's Viewpoint for different perspectives of the canyon.

This area offers excellent photo opportunities and a sense of the canyon's immense scale.

Leisurely Canyon Rim Walk

Enjoy a gentle walk along designated paths on the canyon rim, taking in the vastness and geological features.

This is a chance for relaxed observation and more photography.

Stay on marked paths and away from the edge for safety. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water.

Campfire Dinner & Stargazing

Return to Ai-Ais for a traditional Namibian 'braai' (barbecue) at your campsite.

As darkness falls, enjoy the spectacular Milky Way and myriad stars unique to the southern hemisphere.

Purchase firewood locally or bring your own. Remember to pack warm layers for desert nights.

Morning Dip at Ai-Ais

Start your day with another relaxing dip in the Ai-Ais hot springs, known for their therapeutic qualities.

Options include indoor and outdoor pools.

The pools are a great way to soothe muscles after walking and prepare for more adventures.

Ai-Ais Short Trails

Explore the short walking trails around Ai-Ais, which lead along the Fish River and offer views of the surrounding hills.

These are less strenuous than canyon rim walks.

Look out for local birdlife and desert adapted flora. Carry water.

Riverside Picnic

Find a picturesque spot along the Fish River near Ai-Ais for a relaxing picnic lunch.

Enjoy the tranquil environment and sound of the river.

Pack a cooler with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Remember to leave no trace.

Sunset Photography & Reflection

Find a good vantage point near your campsite or a short walk away to capture the beautiful desert sunset over the Ai-Ais surroundings.

Reflect on the natural beauty.

Advanced Stargazing Session

With minimal light pollution, the Fish River Canyon area offers some of the best stargazing. Use a star map app to identify constellations and planets. This is a prime opportunity for night sky photography.

Bring a headlamp with a red light setting to preserve night vision. A sturdy tripod is essential for night sky photography.

Drive to Keetmanshoop Area

Break camp at Ai-Ais and begin your drive north towards Keetmanshoop (approx.

2-3 hours). This region is famous for its unique geological and botanical features.

Explore Quiver Tree Forest

Visit the iconic Quiver Tree Forest (Kokerboom Woud), a national monument featuring thousands of large Aloe dichotoma trees.

These unique trees make for fantastic photography subjects.

The forest is privately owned but accessible to the public for a small fee. Best visited during morning or late afternoon light for photography.

Discover Giant's Playground

Adjacent to the Quiver Tree Forest, explore the Giant's Playground, an area of dolerite boulders stacked in peculiar formations, resembling a giant's building blocks. Great for adventurous photography.

Wear good walking shoes as you'll be clambering over rocks. Be careful on uneven surfaces.

Check into Mesosaurus Fossil Camp

Set up camp at the Mesosaurus Fossil Camp, known for its excellent facilities, fossil tours, and especially its breathtaking night skies perfect for stargazing and astrophotography.

This campsite offers a more rustic yet fully equipped experience, and the owners often provide insights into the local geology and history.

Sunset & Stargazing with Quiver Trees

Enjoy the sunset over the unique Quiver Trees (if you are camping close enough or can revisit quickly) or simply soak in the incredibly dark skies from Mesosaurus.

The silhouette of the quiver trees against the Milky Way is a classic Namibian shot.

This is a prime location for astrophotography. Plan your shots in advance.

Mesosaurus Fossil & Dolerite Organ Pipe Tour

Join a guided tour at Mesosaurus Fossil Camp to see the well-preserved fossils of Mesosaurus, an ancient reptile, and explore the impressive dolerite 'organ pipes' rock formations.

This offers unique geological insights.

The tour provides fascinating context to the geological history of the region. Wear comfortable shoes.

Pack Up Camp & Prepare for Drive

Enjoy a final look around Mesosaurus Fossil Camp, pack up your camping gear, and prepare for a significant drive further north/west towards the next region of your adventure.

Drive Towards Namib-Naukluft

Begin the long drive north towards the Namib-Naukluft National Park region, heading towards areas like Lüderitz or Sesriem/Sossusvlei.

This will be a significant travel day, passing through changing desert landscapes.

Scenic Drive to Luderitz

Embark on a long but scenic drive from the Fish River Canyon area to the coastal town of Luderitz.

Enjoy the changing desert landscapes as you head towards the Atlantic.

Luderitz Campsite Check-in & Setup

Arrive in Luderitz, check into your pre-booked campsite, and set up your camp.

Settle in and prepare for an afternoon of exploration.

Explore Luderitz Town & Waterfront

Take a leisurely stroll along the Luderitz waterfront, admire the unique German colonial architecture, and explore the small town.

Capture photos of the colorful buildings and harbor views.

Visit the Goerke Haus (check opening hours) for a glimpse into the town's history.

Dinner in Luderitz

Enjoy fresh seafood at one of Luderitz's local restaurants, or prepare a meal at your campsite.

Kolmanskop Ghost Town Tour

Explore the fascinating diamond ghost town of Kolmanskop, where sand dunes have reclaimed abandoned houses.

Join a guided tour to learn about its rich history and photograph the surreal interiors.

Entry permits and guided tours are mandatory. Book tickets in advance, especially for photography permits if you intend to use professional gear beyond typical holiday photos. Early morning light is best for photography.

Lunch Back in Luderitz

Return to Luderitz for a quick lunch after your immersive ghost town experience.

Luderitz Peninsula Scenic Drive & Diaz Point

Drive around the scenic Luderitz Peninsula.

Visit Diaz Point, known for its cross erected by Bartholomeu Diaz, and look out for flamingos, seals, and the famous wild horses of the Namib Desert.

Great opportunities for coastal photography. The wild horses can sometimes be spotted near Garub Pan on the B4 road to Aus, which is en route to Sossusvlei later.

Coastal Stargazing

Enjoy an evening of stargazing from your campsite, taking advantage of the relatively clear Namibian skies, though coastal fog can sometimes occur.

Early Departure from Luderitz

Pack up camp and prepare for another significant drive day, heading inland towards the heart of the Namib Desert.

Long Scenic Drive to Sesriem

Embark on the journey from Luderitz to Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei.

This is a full day of driving through spectacular desert landscapes, passing through towns like Aus and Helmeringhausen. Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially oryx and springbok.

Ensure you have enough fuel and water as services are sparse. The road is mostly gravel (C13, C27), requiring careful driving. A 4x4 is highly recommended for this route.

Sesriem Campsite Check-in & Setup

Arrive at Sesriem Campsite, located inside the park gate, offering early access to Sossusvlei.

Set up your camp and relax after the long drive.

Staying inside the park allows you to enter Sossusvlei before sunrise, which is crucial for photography and avoiding the heat.

Sunset Photography at Elim Dune

Take a short drive to Elim Dune, located close to the Sesriem entrance gate.

This smaller dune offers stunning panoramic views and a perfect spot for sunset photography over the desert.

Easy to access and a great way to experience your first desert sunset.

Sunrise at Dune 45 & Sossusvlei Entrance

Wake up before dawn to drive into Sossusvlei.

Climb Dune 45 to witness an unforgettable sunrise over the sea of red dunes, a prime photography opportunity.

The gate opens at sunrise. Being already inside the park allows you to reach Dune 45 in time for the best light. Wear sturdy shoes for climbing. Bring water and a headlamp.

Deadvlei & Big Daddy Hike

After Dune 45, head to Deadvlei.

Hike across the salt pan among ancient camel thorn trees, framed by towering red dunes like Big Daddy. Capture incredible and unique desert photographs.

The walk across the pan can be strenuous in heat. Carry plenty of water, wear sun protection, and take your time. This is a highlight for photography and adventure.

Desert Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch amidst the stunning desert scenery, perhaps under the shade of a camel thorn tree or back at the parking area.

Pack your own food and drinks as options are limited inside the park.

Return to Sesriem & Camp Relaxation

Drive back to Sesriem Campsite.

Spend the afternoon relaxing, swimming at the camp pool (if available), or enjoying the tranquility of the desert after your early morning adventure.

Stargazing & Astrophotography

Experience the incredibly dark skies of the Namib Desert, perfect for stargazing and astrophotography.

Away from any light pollution, the Milky Way is often visible to the naked eye.

Bring a tripod and remote shutter for astrophotography. Binoculars enhance the experience.

Explore Sesriem Canyon

Visit Sesriem Canyon, a narrow gorge carved by the Tsauchab River.

Walk down into the canyon for a different perspective of the desert landscape.

The canyon offers welcome shade in the morning. Wear good walking shoes. Great for photography.

Further Dune Exploration / Hidden Vlei

Depending on energy levels, revisit a favorite dune or explore Hidden Vlei, a quieter alternative to Deadvlei. Enjoy more opportunities for hiking and photography in the vast Namib Desert.

Hidden Vlei requires a walk from the 2WD parking area, offering a more secluded experience.

Lunch at Sesriem Area

Have lunch back at the Sesriem Camp shop/restaurant or enjoy a picnic at your campsite.

Relaxation & Preparation for Next Leg

Spend the afternoon relaxing at the campsite, organizing photos, or preparing for the next segment of your trip.

Enjoy the peaceful desert atmosphere.

Final Sossusvlei Sunset

Head to a nearby high point or a scenic spot within the Sesriem area to watch your final spectacular sunset over the Namib Desert, soaking in the iconic views.

Sunrise Dune Climbing

Start before dawn to climb Dune 45 or Big Daddy (near Sossusvlei) for an unforgettable sunrise over the Namib Desert.

The soft morning light is perfect for photography.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking in sand. Bring water and a camera. Park gates open at sunrise.

Explore Deadvlei

Walk through the iconic white clay pan of Deadvlei, famous for its ancient, fossilized camel thorn trees against the backdrop of towering red dunes.

Access requires a 4x4 shuttle from the 2WD parking area (or hike if you prefer). The shuttle costs extra.

Scenic Drive through Sossusvlei

Enjoy a leisurely drive through the Sossusvlei area, soaking in the vast desert landscapes and stopping for various photo opportunities.

Keep an eye out for desert adapted wildlife like oryx and springbok.

Campsite Relaxation & Lunch

Return to Sesriem Campsite for lunch, rest, and enjoy the tranquility of the desert.

Prepare for an evening activity.

Desert Stargazing

Experience the incredibly clear night skies of the Namib Desert, one of the best stargazing locations in the world.

Identify constellations and planets.

Bring a blanket and a red-light flashlight to preserve night vision. Look for the Milky Way.

Sesriem Canyon Exploration

Hike into the Sesriem Canyon, a narrow gorge carved by the Tsauchab River.

Explore its cool depths and unique rock formations.

Easy to moderate walk. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Entrance is near the main Sesriem gate.

Elim Dune Photography

Visit Elim Dune, a relatively isolated dune near the Sesriem gate, offering beautiful views and a different perspective of the desert landscape.

Campsite Lunch & Leisure

Return to the campsite for lunch and some downtime.

Enjoy the peace of the desert before starting the journey back tomorrow.

Sunset Dune Views

Find a good spot near the campsite or within accessible areas to witness the magical sunset hues painting the dunes.

Final Desert Stargazing

One last opportunity to enjoy the spectacular dark skies, perhaps reflecting on the incredible journey through the Namib.

Depart Sossusvlei

Pack up camp and begin your scenic drive out of the Namib-Naukluft Park, heading generally towards Windhoek.

Stop at Solitaire

Make a mandatory stop at the quirky desert outpost of Solitaire, famous for its apple pie and old car graveyard.

Refuel and grab a snack.

Try the legendary apple pie!

Drive to Mariental Area

Continue your journey through the ever-changing landscapes of southern Namibia towards the Mariental region, a good stopover point.

Check-in to Lodge

Arrive and check into the Alte Kalkofen Lodge, enjoying the facilities and a break from camping.

Dinner at the Lodge

Enjoy a well-deserved dinner at the lodge restaurant, savoring local cuisine.

Breakfast at Lodge

Enjoy a final breakfast at Alte Kalkofen Lodge before hitting the road for your last leg of the journey.

Drive to Windhoek

Complete the drive to Windhoek, approximately 2-3 hours from the Mariental area.

Rental Car Return

Drop off your rental vehicle at the designated location in Windhoek, likely at the airport or a city branch.

Lunch in Windhoek

Enjoy a final Namibian meal in Windhoek before heading to the airport.

Airport Transfer

Travel from Windhoek city to Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) for your departure.

International Departure

Check-in for your international flight and depart from Namibia, concluding your memorable camping adventure.