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Southern Namibia

With large areas of the Sperrgebiet off-limits and sights scattered across the region, this area is often overlooked by first-time visitors to Namibia.

Southern Namibia boasts just as much spectacular landscape as the northern parts of the country, culminating with the vast Fish River Canyon. This canyon, found close to the South African border, can be explored both on foot or by 4×4, as it cuts its way through 160km of rock and sand.

Discovering southern Namibia

Further north, the landscape flattens and the sands of the Namib begin. On their southern edge, the ghost town of Kolmanskop lies abandoned – its mining riches now exhausted. The houses, built by German colonists, are still standing, but the sands of the desert have begun to fill them, making for an eerie atmosphere.

To the west, the winds and waves of the Atlantic batter the remote coastline, which is dotted with settlements that feel trapped in the past. The largest of these is Lüderitz, with its colourful Art Nouveau architecture. This coastline also attracts wildlife, in spite of the harsh climate, including seals, penguins and flamingos. Penguin Island, in Luderitz Bay, is named after its unusual visitors.

Sonop, Namib Desert, Namibia — Namib Desert, Namibia

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Dine Another Day

“It is only the smiles and the warmth of the welcome that shatter the Bond-villain’s-lair feel. And the crystal glass of iced tea that is pressed into my hand says relaxation, rather than world domination.

Floyd, guide-turned-henchman, ushers me towards a golf buggy. It sits at the start of a wooden ramp that spirals upwards, squeezing between boulders and disappearing ominously out of sight.”

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Fish River Canyon

Explore the awe-inspiring and largest canyon on the continent.

Nachtigal Strasse, Luderitz, near Aus, Namibia

Mining Towns

Stumble across abandoned mining towns, littered with colonial German architecture.

Luderitz’s Wildlife

Spot seals, flamingos and penguins along Luderitz’s harsh coastline.

Sperrgebiet National Park

Explore the untouched Sperrgebiet National Park – much of which is inaccessible due to diamond mining.

Where to Stay

Sonop

Spread across a huge pile of boulders like an overgrown treehouse, Sonop is constructed from an elaborate maze of raised wooden walkways that link spacious canvas tents. The surrounding landscape is stunningly harsh: the rippling sands of the Namib Desert meet the dark rock of the Naukluft Mountains, as rugged wilderness encircles this rocky pinnacle.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

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Illona Cross

Before joining Steppes Travel over 25 years ago, I spent a decade working as a ranger, guide and lodge manager across Southern and East Africa. It’s also deeply personal place for me: I got married in Africa, honeymooned in Africa and still return every year with my family – proof that my love for the continent runs far deeper than just professional experience.

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01285 880 980

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Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Almost three decades ago, I set off for a three-month trip to Africa – and ended up staying for two years. Since then, I’ve led groups through Rwanda, Uganda and Malawi, and have been named a Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda by Condé Nast Traveller. This depth of knowledge and on-the-ground experience is something I bring to each tailor-made itinerary I create.

Talk with our experts

01285 880 980

Idea

Namibia

Family Self-Drive Adventure

This family self-drive adventure, combines the best of Namibia’s dramatic landscapes with two fantastic wildlife reserves. 4WD adventures, big cat tracking, rhino sightings, ancient rock carvings, dolphin cruises, and endless dunes. Safe yet adventurous, with a range of fabulous accommodation options, we…

12 days from £4,795pp

Sandwhich Harbour, Namibia, Illona, FAM 2018

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Idea

Namibia

Skeleton Coast Flying Safari

Explore a place breathtakingly silent, vast and empty. Fly low over shipwreck-strewn beaches, basalt mountains and ancient watercourses, staying at remote camps and accompanied by one of the knowledgeable Schoemans, who have been exploring this part of Namibia for generations.

6 days from £8,395pp

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Idea

Namibia

Sand Dunes and Desert Wildlife

Begin with the windswept dunes of Sossusvlei – best admired from a balloon, before tracking desert rhinos in Kunene and exploring the exclusive, wildlife-rich Ongava Reserve. Journey across Namibia in comfort, flying over its inspiring landscape.

11 days from £8,740pp

Journey of giraffes, Etosha National Park, Namibia

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Idea

Namibia

Self-Drive Across Namibia

This classic journey takes you through Namibia’s relentlessly dramatic scenery, exploring at your own pace and at the wheel of a 4×4. Drive across this relaxed country, combining landscapes, wildlife and activities on a route that takes in Etosha, Damaraland, Sossusvlei and…

12 days from £5,950pp

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Group tour

Namibia

Namibia 4x4 Self-Drive Adventure: The Diamond & Skeleton Coasts

This 13-day 4×4 adventure ventures deep into the world’s oldest desert, into areas only accessible with special permits. In your own 4×4, follow expert guides through the Sperrgebiet, the restricted diamond area, snaking across vast dunes and remote coastline, retracing the steps…

Diamond Coast, Remnants of mining rush, Namibia

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Need Inspiration?
Browse our Namibia holiday ideas.

Our Namibia experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Idea

Namibia

Family Self-Drive Adventure

12 days from £4,795pp

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Idea

Namibia

Skeleton Coast Flying Safari

6 days from £8,395pp

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Idea

Namibia

Sand Dunes and Desert Wildlife

11 days from £8,740pp

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Namibia

Self-Drive Across Namibia

12 days from £5,950pp

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Group tour

Namibia

Namibia 4x4 Self-Drive Adventure: The Diamond & Skeleton Coasts

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Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?

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Southern Namibia

Discovering southern Namibia

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