Safari in Southern Interior & Fish River Canyon
Discover the dramatic Fish River Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the world, alongside the arid landscapes and unique geology of Namibia's deep south and Kalahari fringe.
Southern Interior & Fish River Canyon Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Southern Interior & Fish River Canyon
Southern Interior & Fish River Canyon Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Southern Interior & Fish River Canyon
/Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (ARTP)
This transfrontier park spans Namibia and South Africa, encompassing the dramatic Fish River Canyon and the rugged Richtersveld desert. It's a landscape of extreme beauty, home to unique desert flora and fauna, including mountain zebra and various antelope, offering incredible hiking and scenic drives.
Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch
Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch is a protected area in Namibia.
Eiseb Conservancy
Eiseb Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
//Gamaseb Conservancy
//Gamaseb Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
!Gawachab Conservancy
!Gawachab Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Gondwana Canyon Park
Surrounding the Fish River Canyon, this private park is part of the Gondwana Collection and focuses on conserving the arid landscapes and their unique inhabitants. While not a Big Five destination, it offers stunning scenery, hiking opportunities, and sightings of oryx, springbok, and mountain zebra.
Gondwana Kalahari Park
This private park in the Kalahari Desert offers a chance to experience the unique red dunes and sparse vegetation of this ecosystem. It's home to desert-adapted animals like oryx, springbok, meerkats, and various raptors, providing a different kind of wildlife viewing experience.
!Han /Awab Conservancy
!Han /Awab Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Hardap Game Park
Centered around Namibia's largest dam, Hardap offers a unique combination of water-based activities and terrestrial wildlife viewing. It's home to various antelope species, including oryx, springbok, and kudu, as well as a rich birdlife, making it a pleasant stop for nature lovers.
Huibes Conservancy
Huibes Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
KD/1 Ukhwi Wildlife Management Area
KD/1 Ukhwi Wildlife Management Area is a protected area in Namibia.
Omuramba Ua Mbinda Conservancy
Omuramba Ua Mbinda Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Ondjou Conservancy
Ondjou Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Oskop Conservancy
Oskop Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Otjombinde Conservancy
Otjombinde Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Riemvasmaak Community Conservancy
Riemvasmaak Community Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Sandfontein Lodge & Nature Reserve
Sandfontein Lodge & Nature Reserve is a protected area in Namibia.
ǃKhob ǃNaub Conservancy
ǃKhob ǃNaub Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Compare Parks in Southern Interior & Fish River Canyon
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Southern Interior & Fish River Canyon
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (ARTP) | - | 111 | - | Very Quiet | Free | ZA-0255 (15km) |
| Gondwana Canyon Park | - | 107 | - | Quiet | Free | FYXX (14km) |
| Gondwana Kalahari Park | - | 192 | - | Very Quiet | Free | FYAG (4km) |
| Hardap Game Park | - | 192 | - | Quiet | Free | FYML (21km) |
| !Gawachab Conservancy | - | 51 | - | Very Quiet | Free | NA-0071 (61km) |
| !Han /Awab Conservancy | - | 78 | - | Very Quiet | Free | FYBC (24km) |
| //Gamaseb Conservancy | - | 61 | - | Very Quiet | Free | KAS (34km) |
| Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch | - | 192 | - | Very Quiet | Free | NA-0094 (13km) |
| Eiseb Conservancy | - | - | - | Very Quiet | Low | NA-0148 (119km) |
| Huibes Conservancy | - | - | - | Very Quiet | Free | NA-0082 (30km) |
| KD/1 Ukhwi Wildlife Management Area | - | - | - | Very Quiet | Free | FBKA (54km) |
| Omuramba Ua Mbinda Conservancy | - | - | - | Very Quiet | Low | NA-0144 (91km) |
69 species recorded in Southern Interior & Fish River Canyon8 threatened
We love the stark, raw beauty of Namibia's deep south. Standing at the edge of the Fish River Canyon, you feel the immense power of geological time etched into the landscape. The air is dry and carries the scent of dust and ancient rock, and the silence is profound. We recommend taking your time here; the sunsets over the canyon are simply sensational, painting the ancient strata in fiery hues.
Terrain & Altitude
Vast, rugged desert plains are punctuated by dramatic rocky outcrops and the immense geological scar of the Fish River Canyon.
400-1,800m above sea level
Vegetation
Sparse, hardy desert flora dominates, including quiver trees, various succulents, and drought-resistant grasses adapted to extreme aridity.
Water Sources
The Fish River is the primary watercourse, often reduced to a trickle or a series of pools in the dry season, with ephemeral rainwater contributing to temporary surface water.
Unique Features
The sheer scale and geological grandeur of the Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon globally, is an unparalleled natural wonder.
Getting to the deep south of Namibia requires patience and planning. While Windhoek is the main international gateway, we often recommend flying into Keetmanshoop if possible to shorten the drive, or better yet, chartering a flight directly to one of the many private airstrips. The driving distances are significant, and the roads, while often well-maintained gravel, demand a sturdy vehicle and a full tank of fuel.
Nearest Airports
Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)
600km / 7hr drive
Daily connections from major international hubs like Johannesburg, Frankfurt, and Cape Town.
Keetmanshoop Airport (KTP)
150km / 2hr drive
Limited scheduled flights from Windhoek; charter flights are more common for accessing remote lodges.
Bush Airstrips
Driving Routes
From Windhoek
A long but scenic drive south on the B1 tarmac road. We recommend breaking the journey in Mariental or Keetmanshoop. The final stretch to the canyon involves gravel roads, so a vehicle with good clearance is advised.
From Lüderitz
Travel east on the C13 and then the B4. This route takes you through some incredibly stark and beautiful desert landscapes. Ensure you have ample fuel and water, as services are very sparse.
Temperature
27.1°C
81°F
Rainfall
40.5 mm
Light rain
Humidity
37.2%
Sunshine
12.5 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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