Southern Explorer Self Drive

Inspirational self drive holiday to Namibia

This road trip is an exploration of Namibia's southern circuit and includes the highlights of the Fish River Canyon, Kolmanskop Ghost Diamond Town and the Kalahari and Namib Deserts.  There will be long drives, but the dramatic scenery will make it all worth it and, every stop along the way will offer a sanctuary in which to shake off the dust. Day hike or drive through the world’s second largest canyon, the Fish River Canyon, and photograph Quiver Trees and meerkats in the Kalahari Desert.

See the feral desert horses of Aus and explore the German art-nouveau buildings of the harbor town of Luderitz. The nearby Kolmanskop Ghost Diamond Town is a must-see, as well as the Cape Fur seals.   Breathe in the awe-inspiring Namib Desert from luxury tents and climb some of the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei. Other-worldly, eerily isolated, and infinitely vast, Namibia is more than a vacation, it is a spiritual journey.  

Day by Day summary

Starts - Catch your overnight flight from JFK to Windhoek International
1 night - Galton House, Windhoek & Surrounds, Namibia
1 night - Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch, Kalahari, Namibia
2 nights - Fish River Lodge, Fish River Canyon & Southern Namibia, Namibia
1 night - Klein Aus Vista - Eagles Nest, Fish River Canyon & Southern Namibia, Namibia
2 nights - Luderitz Nest Hotel, Fish River Canyon & Southern Namibia, Namibia
2 nights - Wolwedans Dune Camp, Sossusvlei & the Namib Desert, Namibia
2 nights - Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei & the Namib Desert, Namibia
1 night - GocheGanas, Windhoek & Surrounds, Namibia
Ends - Transfer to Windhoek International for your international flight home

At a glance

Namibia
12 Nights
City
Safari
Scenic

Tailormade itineraries

Every Mahlatini trip is tailored to your exact travel wishes—no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch with our experts to start creating your bespoke itinerary.

Guide Price

Low Season from {: 9200|toCurrency :} per person
High Season from {: 12200|toCurrency :} per person

Includes flights from JFK

Itinerary Details

Day-by-day

Galton house pool and sun lounger area 1280

Bagatelle kalahari game ranch private jacuzzi on the deck 1280

Fish river lodge view from the lookout terrace 1280

Luderitz nest hotel hotel exterior and beach 1280

Sossusvlei desert lodge main guest lounge area 1280

Gocheganas candlelit dinner on the terrace 1280

Make it yours

Tailormake this itinerary to your exact wishes

We've got you covered

Our trips are unashamedly high-end but always deliver excellent value for money. Our guide price covers the majority of trip costs upfront, on a per person basis, including international flights and all transfers.

Includes

Accommodation as specified
Meals as specified
All scheduled safari activities offered by the camps or lodges
Car hire, Group U car (Toyota Fortuner 4x4 or similar) including full cover, unlimited km and taxes
National Parks and conservation entry fees
Carbon-offsetting with One Tree Planted
Conservation donation to Save the Rhino
Community projects contribution with Uthando

Excludes

Gratuities
Personal travel insurance
Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
Visas and visa fees where relevant
Petrol
Beverages with the exception of all inclusive hotels

Indulge your passions

ACTIVITIES

This sample trip offers countless adventures and activities to ensure lifetime memories are made. From unforgettable thrills to indulgent relaxation, choose those that appeal most and we will curate your perfect itinerary.

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat Trip
Guided Walking Safari
Night Drive
Ocean Safari
Whale Watching
Helicopter Flights
Hot Air Balloon Flights
Scenic Flights
Cultural Experience
Cycling
Hiking
Horse riding
Desert Tours
City Sights
Star Gazing/Star Bed
Wellness/Spa
Family Activities
Cycle Tours
Guided Walk
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Photography
Sightseeing
Cultural Excursion

Enriching encounters

ICONIC WILDLIFE

Whether you want to tick the Big Five off your bucket list or seek out specific safari species, our expert guides reveal the typical wildlife sightings to expect on this sample trip.

Zebra
Wildebeest
Springbok
Spotted Hyena
Southern Giraffe
Rock Hyrax
Ostrich
Pangolin
Beisa Oryx
Meerkat
Lion
Leopard
Kudu
Kori Bustard
Jackal
Brown Hyena
African Fish Eagle

Sample itineraries

TRIPS TO INSPIRE

From exhilarating wildlife encounters to out-of-this-world natural wonders, echoes of ancient empires, and rose-gold beaches, every bespoke journey is designed to immerse you in the extraordinary. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime safari, a milestone celebration, a soul-stirring retreat, or simply looking to travel well and with purpose, these itineraries offer a starting point for what’s possible. As a top tour operator in the world, as recognised by both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveller, we will guide you on how to shape the ultimate expedition.

Bespoke itineraries

Flights and transfers included

Best rates guaranteed

View Sample Itineraries