Southern Self-drive
12 days London to London
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- Day 1 & 2. Depart London/Windhoek
- Depart London on the overnight flight to Windhoek, via Johannesburg. On arrival, collect your hire car and make your way to Hilltop House for a 1-night stay.
- Days 3 to 5. Fish River Canyon [B, L (Day 5 only), D (Days 4 & 5 only)]
- Head off early for the long drive south to Fish River Canyon. Look out for the Pale Chanting Goshawks, Lilac-breasted Rollers and Red-backed Shrikes which perch on the telegraph poles by the side of the road. Overnight in the Anib Lodge near Mariental, before heading on to the Canyon and Canon Lodge for two nights. The Canyon itself is surely one of the wonders of the world - second only in size to the Grand Canyon and receiving only a fraction of the visitors, this is a photographer's dream. There are some wonderful walks to be had, great birdwatching, and of course spectacular scenery. Canon Lodge consists of 26 thatch-roofed bungalows, each with ensuite facilities. The bungalows have natural rock walls and offer extremely comfortable accommodation.
- Day 6. A transit stop! [B, D]
- Today you head towards the Namib Desert and after a days driving you spend the night at Sinclair Guest Farm.
- Days 7 to 9. Sossusvlei [B, L, D]
- After a farmhouse breakfast and an early start you arrive at Sossusvlei for lunch with plenty of time to explore before experiencing your first real desert sunset. Spend three nights at Kulala Desert Lodge. Kulala consists of twelve comfortable twin-bedded rooms, each with en-suite facilities and private verandahs with stunning views of the nearby Sossusvlei dunes. Said to be amongst the highest dunes in the world, the early morning light allows superb photographic opportunities and magnificent views. Thatch provides shade during the day, while at night you may like to sleep on a special platform on your kulala's roof, under the stars. Guided trips to Sossusvlei can be arranged from here, together with hot air balloon safaris, walking safaris and visits to prehistoric bushmen settlements, or you may prefer to simply relax and enjoy the silence of the Namib Desert!
- Days 10 to 12. Windhoek/Homeward [B]
- Return to Hilltop House for your final night. The following day return your vehicle to the airport and board your flight home via Johannesburg.
