The Sands of the South
13 days · about 2,300 km · guided 4x4 self-drive expedition
Across Namibia's southern frontier lies a world sculpted by wind, light, and deep time. Over 13 extraordinary days, this journey traces crimson Kalahari dunes, a vast canyon carved into the earth, granite plains where wild desert horses roam, and the Namib Sand Sea rising out of the mighty Atlantic. Here, silence becomes story, horizons feel endless, and every day reveals another chapter written in sand, stone, and salt-washed air. An expedition into the raw, romantic soul of the south.
Day by day as published by Gondwana Collection in the chapter brochure.
- Day 0
Expedition Teams Meet
Beneath the Khomas Highlands, teams gather to meet guides and fellow adventurers. Over a welcome dinner and gentle introduction, Namibia's vast southern landscapes quietly beckon, hinting at adventures to come and stories yet to be written.
- Day 1
Into the Kalahari
The convoy heads south into the vast Kalahari, where rolling red dunes and golden plains stretch beneath open skies. The rhythm of the desert introduces the freedom of the journey ahead.
- Day 2
The Fish River canyon
The earth opens into sweeping gorges and towering cliffs. Shadows and light play across millennia-old stone, offering an unparalleled vista. Guides share tales of geology, explorers, and early desert pioneers. Memories are made in every curve.
- Day 3
Where Wild Horses Roam
Remote desert tracks lead onward from the great canyon toward the southern frontier, where the Orange River winds through stark, sunlit cliffs. Vast, untouched plains stretch endlessly ahead, offering a quiet, rugged beauty few ever witness.
- Day 4
Mist and Memories of Lüderitz
The desert meets the Atlantic in cool drifting mist as the convoy arrives in Lüderitz, a windswept harbour town shaped by diamonds and the sea. Pastel German architecture stands firm against salt and time, while nearby the ghostly remains of Kolmanskop slowly surrender to encroaching dunes.
- Day 5
The Silence of the Dunes
The adventure turns off the map for the exclusive Lüderitz to Walvis Bay desert crossing. Towering dunes and hidden valleys stretch endlessly, revealing the quiet power and solitude of the Namib.
- Day 6
The Edge of the Atlantic
Follow the dunes north to where the desert meets the Atlantic. Rusted relics of a bygone diamond era stand half-claimed by sand and time. The convoy traces a route few travellers experience, a place where history and raw wilderness meet within the Sperrgebiet.
- Day 7
Diamonds of the Namib
The convoy climbs the crests of towering giants, tracing the top of the Langewand's immense sand wall as it runs parallel to the wild Atlantic. Behind you, dune covered mountains plunge straight into the ocean; ahead, the horizon blurs into shifting gold. It's an awe-filled push northward, aiming to break free of the dune belt at last and reach the open beach. The first stretch of coastline touched since departing Lüderitz.
- Day 8
The Heart of Sandwich Harbour
The route follows a remote coastline shaped by wind, tide, and time. Abandoned diamond outposts and rusted shipwrecks dot the shore, each carrying stories of ambition and loss. Pristine beaches stretch endlessly, alive with the rhythm of the Atlantic. By late afternoon, the convoy reaches the untouched beauty of Sandwich Harbour, one of Namibia's most iconic and unforgettable sanctuaries by the sea. A final night is enjoyed around the campfire on the edge of the lagoon.
- Day 9
Coastal town of Swakopmund
Having conquered the infamous Lüderitz to Walvis Bay dunes, the convoy leaves the desert behind. The stark, silent dunes give way to the charm of Swakopmund, where cobbled streets, cafés, and ocean mist welcome weary travelers, offering a gentle, civilized contrast to days spent in remote wilderness.
- Day 10
A Day aside the Atlantic
A leisurely day unfolds along the coast, an invitation to explore Swakopmund's charming streets. Wander through craft markets, linger in cafés, and discover local shops, enjoying a gentle rhythm after the desert's intensity.
- Day 11
Safari Sunsets
The convoy winds inland to a private game lodge nestled among rolling savannah. As the sun dips, enjoy sundowners while golden light washes over endless plains, the gentle presence of wildlife framing a perfect final night in Namibia.
- Day 12
Farewell to Namibia
The final journey unfolds toward the capital, the desert's vastness, stories, and memories leave a lasting impression.
What is included
- Expedition Ready Vehicle
- Accommodation throughout (40% Glamping; 60% Lodging)
- All meals are included during the expedition, with full daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Arrival day includes dinner only, while departure day includes breakfast only.
- Complimentary bottled drinking water provided in expedition vehicles on driving days and during remote glamping nights.
- A thoughtfully selected range of standard alcoholic beverages and soft drinks is included during all remote glamping nights.
- Access fees to all National Park & Exclusive Concession areas
- First-aid trained Expert Guiding Team throughout
- Satellite communication for emergencies
- 2-way radio for communication between vehicles
- Expedition Apparel
- Use of professional level Binoculars (1 per vehicle)
- 2x Airport transfers
- Activities: 2x Sunset game drives
What is excluded
- Fuel throughout. (You receive vehicle full and return it as such)
- Snacks for between meals
- Beverages at lodges and hotels, unless specified as part of the property's offering.
- Optional activities
- International flights to/from Namibia
- Travel Insurance (mandatory)
- Medical evacuation insurance
- Visa fees
- Accommodation incidentals (Mini-bar, laundry, room service etc.)
- Gratuities for guides, lodge staff and service providers, this is for your own discretion.
The four ways to join
- Option 1 - Shared Vehicle & Shared Room. Enjoy the expedition with a fellow traveler in a shared vehicle, while accommodation is in a double or twin room.
- Option 2 - Private Vehicle & Shared Room. Drive independently in your own expedition-ready vehicle, while still sharing a double or twin room for accommodation.
- Option 3 - Shared Vehicle & Private Room. Share the vehicle with a fellow adventurer but enjoy the privacy of your own room.
- Option 4 - Private Vehicle & Private Room. For maximum independence and comfort, enjoy both your own vehicle and your own room throughout the expedition.
Join The Sands of the South.
Tell us which option suits you and when you would like to travel. We check the expedition departures with Gondwana and hold your place.
No payment is taken here. Package prices on this site are the suppliers' published rates; we confirm the exact figure against live availability when we quote.