Namibia offbeat road trip: deep ravines, desolate deserts, safari, and wild camping.

Today, you’ll drive for about 3 or 4 hours to the Kalahari Desert region. On your way to the town of Mariental, you’ll pass the beautiful Oanob Dam, and the Hardap Dam is just near the final destination. Hardap is Namibia's largest reservoir. The Hardap irrigation system has brought life to this dry land, making it fertile with agricultural land covered in citrus fruits, melons, ostrich farms, and even vineyards! Lakes in the middle of Namibia’s desert—who would have thought! Oanob is a nice spot for a lunch stop, and Hardap is perfect for a sundowner.

Heading to the Fish River Canyon in the far south: "A million miles away from the rest of the world." The Fish River Canyon is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular places in Namibia. The famous canyon is the third largest in the world, measuring over 160 km in length, 27 km in width, and 550 metres deep. It’s about a 5 to 6-hour drive from Mariental. Make sure to leave early enough to reach the View Point at sunset for a sundowner, as you won’t want to miss the sunset here. If you leave early, you can also make a quick stop at the Quiver Tree Forest, near Keetmanshoop.

You’ll head to the southernmost point of Namibia, to the border with South Africa, to the Orange River! The Orange River forms the border with South Africa and, at 2200 kilometres, is the longest river in Southern Africa. Its official name, “Orange River,” dates back to colonial times when a Dutch VOC officer named it after Willem V of Orange. The local Khoi people call it the “Gariep River,” or “Senqu River” in Lesotho – those names work too! You’ll canoe along and camp by the Orange River. The winding and endless river takes you past numerous rock formations. One moment, you’ll be full of adrenaline as the rushing rapids race past your canoe, and the next, you’ll peacefully drift on the calm, shimmering waters. There’s both excitement and serenity in this unexplored and remote corner of Namibia. In the afternoon, you’ll climb out of your canoe, set up camp by the riverbanks, and enjoy a magical evening with a warm campfire, a tasty braai, refreshing drinks, tall tales, and a bright starlit sky.

An intense road trip is promised, and you’ll definitely get one! Another hefty stretch of about 5-6 hours, so be sure to download a few of Charlie’s Travels’ Spotify playlists with the best African tunes to stay energised and awake! Lüderitz is a coastal town on the Atlantic Ocean, a typical German village right in the middle of the desert! German street names, colonial German buildings, bakeries, and “zimmer frei” signs – this is where you’ll find it all. German is still widely spoken here, and you’ll see many beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. It’s a nice idea to dine at Restaurant Barrels in the evening: fresh seafood and often live music!

Kolmanskop was founded in 1908 after diamonds were discovered there, but once the ‘diamond rush’ was over, all the fortune seekers abandoned the village. Now, it’s a beautiful, desolate spot in the desert, a treat for the eyes and the camera! Quite a spooky little town, Kolmanskop, but it makes for insanely cool photos! This place is perfect for an Instagram shot – your followers will be amazed at the cool spots you’re visiting! Just a heads-up: the ghost town is only open for visits in the morning.

Sossusvlei, the world’s oldest desert, surrounded by the highest dunes on Earth, promises an unforgettable Namibian experience. The iconic Dune 45 and Deadvlei, with its 700-year-old black trees in a white clay pan, mesmerise visitors with a blend of mystery and beauty. An early start reveals the magic of the golden hour as you walk across the dunes, and in the evening, you're rewarded with a sky full of bright stars. Namibia's vast orange dune landscape invites capturing stunning moments, making every traveller fall in love with this surreal landscape.

Meet the legend of the desert, a true tough guy with a lifetime of experience in the wilderness. He considers it his backyard. He lives here with his wife in pure simplicity, and that’s exactly what you can expect from this experience. This somewhat extraordinary man walks barefoot every day, feeling one with nature. He’s lived in the desert his whole life and has found his happiness here—he’s a content man! During the tour, you’ll stop at various locations to learn about the area and gain insights into the dunes, the desert, the animals, the fauna, the water, desert farming, the Bushmen, and much more!

Swakopmund, a charming mix of sea and desert, welcomes travellers with German flair and countless activities. Explore the local cuisine and architecture, while the beach and sea invite swimming and sunbathing. The Jetty Pier offers a picturesque view, while stocking up on supplies is essential for further adventures. This 'activity paradise' offers a wide range of pursuits, from quad biking to skydiving and scenic flights over the Skeleton Coast. Don't miss the kayak experience and desert tour, where you may even spot 'the little five.' Swakopmund promises a refreshing and unforgettable Namibian experience!

Spitzkoppe, which rises a staggering 1,728 metres above the ground, is a striking landmark in the Namibian landscape. The granite of the Spitzkoppe mountain range is over 700 million years old. Comprising several large, distinctive peaks that rise from various parts of the landscape, the main peak is known as Gross Spitzkoppe. The mountain’s characteristic shape has earned it the nickname the Matterhorn of Namibia. The area is a paradise for hikers and climbers, and the view from the top is an incredible reward for the effort required to climb the rock to reach it.

In the rugged landscape of Brandberg and Twyfelfontein, with its impressive rock formations and towering mountains, both humans and animals have made a home amidst challenging conditions. The 'Desert Elephants and Rhinos' and the local people have thrived here for years, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. This area is remarkable not only for its bizarre landscape but also for the resilience of its inhabitants. Today, you have a full day to explore the desolate Damaraland, with activities ranging from rhino tracking to cultural tours, allowing every visitor to enjoy the fascinating mix of nature and human life.

Welcome to Etosha National Park, a vast wildlife reserve that is home to an impressive variety of animals, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes. The park is renowned for its abundance of waterholes, where animals gather to drink, offering breathtaking sightings. The expansive Etosha Salt Pan, a dried-up lake, provides a unique landscape where elephants cover themselves with the white clay as sunscreen—a phenomenon that can only be seen here. There are various activities to enjoy, such as sundowner drives and night safaris, where you explore the bush and search for predators hunting under the cover of night. Etosha is a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast!

A special encounter awaits you—welcome to the oldest tribe in the world, the San Bushmen! The San are hunter-gatherers, without possessions such as cattle or land. They face extreme challenges to survive in a world that is rapidly changing around them. It’s incredibly rare to have the opportunity to connect with them. The “bushmen” possess immense knowledge of nature, medicine, hunting with bows and poison, food gathering, and identifying which plants are edible, poisonous, or medicinal. It’s a balance between nature and the environment, shaped by thousands of years of wisdom passed down from generation to generation. Today, this wisdom will be shared with you.

Waterberg Plateau National Park offers a serene setting with beautiful red mountains that glow at sunset, perfect for a sundowner. Explore the designated hiking trails for an intimate experience in nature. With a guide as your companion, you'll learn about the surroundings and conquer the Waterberg, where the massive plateau provides breathtaking views over the Kalahari plains. At the top, enjoy a refreshing sundowner as the sun sets and the stars emerge. This moment of calm, amidst adventure, is a highlight of your Namibian journey, where ultimate relaxation blends with natural beauty.

Everything comes to an end, including this wonderful adventure. Fully rested, you pack your bags to get on the plane home. With a nice healthy colour on your cheeks, you board the plane. With your eyes closed and your seat reclined, you relive the cool adventures of the past few days. Full of inspiration and with an overdose of wonderful memories, you return home. Unspoilt nature, lush wildlife, inspiring people & vibrant cities. You now have plenty of stories to tell family and friends later by the fire. An adventure over, but a new set of experiences richer.