| SOUTHERN ITINERARY |
The south is a preferred option for travellers with their own wheels and time on their hands, as it is far and – if you want to do it justice – takes time and effort. Southern Namibia is characterised by vast, open landscapes with expansive vistas displaying a magnificent array of colour and textures. The ‘deep south’ forms part of the Succulent Karoo biome, one of the top biodiversity hotspots in the world. This alone makes it well worth a visit. The least densely populated area in Namibia, this is also where you’ll find peace and tranquillity at its very best.
Day 1:
Start your trip in Windhoek. We suggest you hit the road as soon after breakfast as possible, as the 482-kilometre journey to Keetmanshoop is a long stretch. Even though most of the magic awaits you south of the town, the Brukkaros Crater (accessible from the village of Tses, just north of Keetmans) makes for an interesting stopover if you’re into geological wonders. Once in Keetmans, grab lunch or picnic goodies – there are several places where you can do this – before heading out to the M29 to explore the Quiver Tree Forest. Then backtrack to Keetmans before taking the C17 to view Giant’s Playground and the Mesosaurus Fossil Site of filterfeeding amphibious reptiles that lived in the shallow seas of Southern Africa and South America 250–270 million years ago, resembling baby crocodiles with long snouts. These sites shouldn’t take you more than an afternoon to explore, and offer great picnic opportunities. Overnight in Keetmanshoop.
Day 2:
Go south on the B1 until you reach the C10 turnoff to Ai-Ais. From Ai-Ais you’ll be able to explore our
www.travelnewsnamibia.com
greatest southern attraction, the Fish River Canyon, as well as the /Ai-/Ais Hot Springs, a resort that hosts a spa complex. Spend the rest of the day exploring the area before relaxing with a cold sundowner while enjoying spectacular views over the second-largest canyon in the world.
Day 3:
Take a day to absorb the grandeur of the canyon and the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. Hiking trails in and around the canyon, is the best way to gain a feel for this majestic geological phenomenon. See page 198 for activities in the area. (If you’re planning on doing the five-night canyon hike, you’ll need to adjust your itinerary accordingly.) If you’re into water sports, we recommend that you take a break from your itinerary and go to Noordoewer on our southern border to spend time in a canoe on the Orange River before heading back up into the dry landscapes of southern Namibia.
Day 4:
Take the road to Seeheim on the B4 and continue westwards until you reach the settlement of Aus. As you approach Aus, the scenery transforms
41