Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SOUTHERN NAMIBIA
If you're beginning a regional odyssey in South Africa, one of the best ways to approach
Namibia is from South Africa's vast Northern Cape, crossing the border into the infinite,
desert-rich south of the country. Once in Namibia, the landscape, noticeably starker than its
southern neighbour, is tinged with a lunar feel from the scattered rocky debris, and is
marked from the irrepressible movement of the oldest sand dunes on the planet.
Although the tourist trail in Namibia firmly swings north towards Etosha National Park,
the deserts of Southern Namibia sparkle beneath the sun - quite literally - as they're filled
with millions of carats of diamonds.
The port of Lüderitz has long been a traveller's favourite. A surreal colonial relic that
has largely disregarded the 21st century, Lüderitz clings fiercely to its European roots, with
traditional German architecture set against a backdrop of fiery sand dunes and deep blue
seas.
Your first sight of Fish River Canyon will, more than any place in Namibia, leave you
with feelings of awe and grandeur - it is Mother Earth at its very finest. One of the largest
canyons in the world, it's also one of the most spectacular sights in the whole of Africa.
Geography
Southern Namibia takes in everything from Rehoboth in the north to the Orange River
along the South African border, and westward from the Botswana border to the Forbidden
Coast. The central plateau is characterised by wide open country, and the area's widely
spaced rural towns function mainly as commercial and market centres. Further south, the
landscape opens up into seemingly endless plains, ranges and far horizons. In the far south
of the region, the Fish River Canyon forms a spectacular gash across the otherwise flat
landscape.
Getting Around
While sparse public transport connects Windhoek to the border, and Keetmahshoop out to
Lüderitz, a private vehicle is necessary if you want to access any of the stunning nature that
defines this region. A 2WD vehicle can tackle the vast majority of the roads down south,
and you'll have no problems accessing the trailheads for Fish River Canyon or the long and
lonely road out to Lüderitz.
