Explore the Fish River Canyon, Windhoek & Sossusvlei
A. FISH RIVER CANYON (via Aussenkehr)
The Fish River Canyon is a spectacular natural wonder located in Namibia, Africa. It is one of the most impressive canyons in the world and is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States. The canyon is carved by the Fish River, which is one of the longest rivers in Namibia. Key features of the Fish River Canyon:
1. Size: The canyon stretches approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers) in length, up to 17 miles (27 kilometers) in width, and reaches a depth of around 1,800 feet (550 meters) at its deepest point. These dimensions make it the second-largest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon.
2. Geology: The canyon was formed over millions of years through erosional processes, primarily by the Fish River itself. The landscape consists of rugged rocky terrain and stunning vistas, providing a picturesque scene for visitors.
3. Hiking: One of the most popular activities at Fish River Canyon is the multi-day hiking trail. The canyon is home to one of Africa's most challenging hikes, known as the Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail. This trail covers a distance of about 55 miles (90 kilometers) and typically takes around 5 to 6 days to complete. It offers hikers a chance to immerse themselves in the canyon's beauty and encounter various wildlife and unique plant species. Despite its harsh environment, the Fish River Canyon supports a surprising array of wildlife. You might spot baboons, Hartmann's mountain zebras, kudus, and several bird species during your visit.
4. Scenic viewpoints: The canyon offers several viewpoints along its edge, where visitors can marvel at the breathtaking landscapes and the meandering Fish River below. Some of the most famous viewpoints include the Main Viewpoint, the Hiker's Viewpoint, and the various lookout points along the hiking trail.
5. Conservation: The Fish River Canyon is protected as part of the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, a conservation area that spans both Namibia and South Africa.
It's essential to plan your visit to the Fish River Canyon carefully, especially if you intend to hike the trail, as the weather can be extreme and the trail is only open during certain times of the year. Additionally, due to its remote location, visitors should be well-prepared and take necessary precautions while exploring the canyon.
SLEEP @ NOROTSHAMA RIVER RESORT
Norotshama River Resort is ideally situated on the banks of the Orange River. A gateway to Southern Namibia’s wealth of breath-taking natural landscapes, Norotshama is nestled in the heart of the Aussenkehr Grape Valley, home to the largest export table grape farms in the southern hemisphere.
SLEEP @ FISH RIVER LODGE
Located on the rim of the Fish River Canyon, Fish River Lodge offers forty guests breath-taking views directly over the canyon from sunrise to sunset. The landscape around the western side of the canyon is vast, empty and ancient. Perfect for both solitude and adventure.
B. WINDHOEK (672 KM from the canyon)
Windhoek is the capital and largest city of Namibia, a country located in southern Africa. It serves as the political, economic, social, and cultural center of the nation. Here are some key features and information about Windhoek:
1. Location: Windhoek is situated in the central part of Namibia, surrounded by the Khomas Highland plateau, at an elevation of about 5,600 feet (1,700 meters) above sea level.
2. History: The city's name "Windhoek" is derived from the Afrikaans and Dutch words meaning "wind corner" or "wind hook." Windhoek was founded by German colonists in 1890 when Namibia was known as German South-West Africa. The German influence can still be seen in some of the city's architecture.
3. Multicultural Hub: Windhoek is a diverse and multicultural city, reflecting the various ethnic groups that make up Namibia's population. The city is home to people from different backgrounds, including Ovambo, Herero, Damara, Nama, German, and other communities.
4. Architecture: Windhoek features a blend of architectural styles, reflecting its colonial past and modern development. You can find German colonial buildings, modern skyscrapers, and traditional African structures within the city. Independence Avenue is one of the main streets in Windhoek and serves as a vibrant commercial and cultural hub. It is lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and government buildings.
5. Christuskirche: The Christ Church, also known as Christuskirche, is a prominent landmark in Windhoek. This Lutheran church was built during the German colonial period and is a notable example of neo-Gothic architecture in the city.
6. Independence Museum: The Independence Memorial Museum, located in Windhoek, commemorates Namibia's struggle for independence from colonial rule. It provides insights into the country's history and liberation movement.
7. Craft Markets: Windhoek offers various craft markets where you can purchase traditional handicrafts, jewelry, textiles, and souvenirs made by local artisans.
Windhoek is a dynamic and growing city, reflecting the country's blend of cultures and history. It is often the starting point for travellers exploring Namibia's unique landscapes, wildlife, and natural wonders. The city is served by Eros Airport, mainly handling domestic and regional flights, and Hosea Kutako International Airport, which is about 40 kilometers east of Windhoek and serves as Namibia's primary international airport.
SLEEP @ AVANI WINDHOEK HOTEL & CASINO
One of the city’s snazziest landmarks is Windhoek’s place to be, surrounded by shops, across the road from a craft market, and only a few hundred metres from the city’s main monuments and attractions. Here, you’ll enjoy some of the best views in the city, especially from the rooftop bar, and all hours of fun at the high-rolling casino.
SLEEP @ BERGZICHT GAME LODGE
Bergzicht Game Lodge is a beautiful Namibian hunting ranch containing 25 different species of African plains game. This Namibian lodge offers you an opportunity to experience a trophy hunting trip, specifically planned around these African game.
SLEEP @ DROOMBOS VINEYARDS COUNTRY LODGE
Droombos is a place of dreams, where good food, luxury accommodation, gorgeous venues and activities all come together for your blissful rest and relaxation. Situated on the picturesque foothills of the Auas mountain range, a get-away from Windhoek has never been closer. Come and visit their paradise garden and let their friendly staff pamper you.
SLEEP @ MIDGARD COUNTRY ESTATE (Okahandja)
Midgard Country Estate is an ideal family hide-away, a first or last stop for international visitors, the perfect venue for intimate meetings, team-building events or weddings.
SLEEP @ OKAHANDJA COUNTRY HOTEL
Okahandja Country Hotel is situated 2 kilometres North of Okahandja, on the main road leading to Etosha, Damaraland, Caprivi and numerous other tourist attractions situated in the North of Namibia, as well as the main road leading to Swakopmund and Walvis Bay at the Coast. The Hotel is approximately one and a half hours drive from the Windhoek International Airport.
SLEEP @ SAFARI COURT HOTEL
The Safari Court Hotel is nestled in the southern outskirts of Windhoek among Namibia's most indigenous trees and shrubs. The hotel offers 215 luxuriously appointed bedrooms and suites, conferencing facilities and entertainment venues.
PLAY @ BLUE CRANE SAFARIS NAMIBIA
Experience some of Africa's best with Blue Crane's Safaris & Tours Namibia. They offer luxury mobile, accommodated, budget camping, private luxury, fly-in, self-drive and tailor-made tours throughout Namibia and to Botswana and the Victoria Falls.
PLAY @ CHAMELEON SAFARIS
Established in 1995, Chameleon Safaris Namibia is best known for ‘small Group Tours’ offering scheduled accommodated safaris, self-drive safaris, tailor made safaris, fly in safaris. For the adventure traveller they provide good value guided camping safaris.
PLAY @ LARK JOURNEYS
Lark Journeys specialize in designing personalized, unique journeys to Namibia. Small group tours with excellent private guides or designing your own unique itinerary, they can assist from the initial planning stage until the end of your journey.
PLAY @ MAT-TRAVEL TOURS & SAFARIS
A boutique tour and safari operator, offering tours in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. Mat-Travel offers custom-curated travel experiences in Southern Africa as well as fixed departure tours. Their local experience combined with our international partnerships with agents makes Mat-Travel your ideal African Safari partner.
PLAY @ NOMAD AFRICAN SPA
An award winning day spa, where the indigenous marries the international in a splendid fusion of African therapies designed to revitalize, replenish, and restore.
C. SOSSUSVLEI (306 KM from Windhoek)
Sossusvlei is a mesmerizing and iconic natural attraction located in the Namib Desert, Namibia. It is one of the most famous and photographed landscapes in the country and attracts visitors from all over the world. To reach Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, visitors typically drive to the Sesriem Gate, the entrance point to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. From there, a 4x4 shuttle or personal 4x4 vehicle is necessary to traverse the sandy terrain and reach the heart of Sossusvlei. Here's what you need to know about Sossusvlei:
1. Location: Sossusvlei is situated within the Namib-Naukluft National Park, which is part of the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world. It is approximately 370 kilometers (230 miles) southwest of Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia.
2. Dunes: The main highlight of Sossusvlei is its massive sand dunes, which are some of the tallest in the world. These dunes are part of the larger complex of dunes known as the "Sossusvlei Dunes," and they can reach heights of over 300 meters (1,000 feet). The sand is a stunning reddish-orange color, and the dunes' shapes and patterns are continuously reshaped by the wind.
3. Deadvlei: Adjacent to Sossusvlei is Deadvlei, another surreal and picturesque pan (a dry, clay-rich depression). Deadvlei is famous for its ghostly, dead camel thorn trees that stand in stark contrast to the white clay pan and the surrounding towering dunes. The trees are estimated to be around 900 years old and are preserved due to the extreme arid conditions.
4. Sunrise and Sunset: The best times to visit Sossusvlei are during sunrise and sunset when the dunes cast stunning shadows and the colors change dramatically. The interplay of light and shadow across the landscape creates a photographer's dream.
5. Hiking: Climbing some of the dunes at Sossusvlei can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. The most famous dune for this activity is "Dune 45," known for its accessibility and impressive views from the top.
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6. Conservation: Sossusvlei and the Namib-Naukluft National Park are protected areas, and visitors are encouraged to adhere to responsible tourism practices to preserve the delicate desert ecosystem.
7. Starry Skies: The remote location of Sossusvlei makes it an excellent spot for stargazing. The lack of light pollution allows for a breathtaking view of the night sky. Note that the park opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. The gate is 60km from the site and the road has a 60 km/h speed limit - staying inside the park is highly recommended.
Due to the harsh desert environment, it's crucial for visitors to come well-prepared with plenty of water, sun protection, and appropriate clothing. Visiting Sossusvlei offers an unforgettable experience of nature's grandeur and an opportunity to connect with the awe-inspiring beauty of the Namib Desert.
SLEEP @ DEAD VALLEY LODGE
The Dead Valley lodge is situated inside the Namib – Naukluft Park, in-between Seriem and Elim Dune on the D826 road leading to the world-famous Dead Valley at Sossusvlei. The lodge offers twenty (20) free standing climate-controlled luxury tented chalets each with a panoramic view of the Namib Desert with towering red sand dunes, rugged mountain ranges, and arid desert savannahs.
WHEN TO GO: The best time to visit Namibia is in the dry season from June to October, although it can be visited throughout the year. Wildlife viewing in all parks, but especially in Etosha, is best in the Dry season. The climate is generally dry and pleasant.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive to Windhoek via Aussenkehr & the Fish River Canyon, alternatively fly to Windhoek.
HOW TO GET AROUND: A tour company, alternatively rent your own vehicle.
CURRENCY: The currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar and it is equivalent to the South African rand.
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