DESTINATION

Kalahari

Red earth, grasslands and luminous evening skies.

WHY GO

Kalahari: what to know before you go.

The Kalahari in eastern and southern Namibia is a landscape of red dunes, camelthorn trees and wide open skies. It is quieter than the main northern circuits and is known for meerkats, oryx, springbok and spectacular colour at sunrise and sunset.

When to visit

The cooler months (roughly May to September) are the most comfortable for walks and drives. Summer is hot, with rain bringing a green flush. Evenings are particularly good for light and wildlife.

How to get there

The southern Kalahari, near Mariental and Stampriet, is roughly 3 hours south of Windhoek on the paved B1, which makes it an easy first or last stop on a route. Many lodges offer sundowner drives, walks and meerkat encounters.

Highlights

Red dunes

Soft, rust-coloured dunes that glow at sunrise and sunset.

Meerkats and small wildlife

Habituated meerkat colonies and desert wildlife are a highlight at some lodges.

Dune walks and sundowners

Slow, low-effort activities suit families and travellers who want a rest day.

Easy access

A short drive from Windhoek, making it a flexible addition to many routes.

Practical tips

Check the availability of activities with your lodge and avoid midday heat outdoors. Plan fuel on the long, straight roads. Distances and driving times are approximate and depend on route, season and road conditions. Tsawises confirms the route, vehicle and timings in your written proposal.