THE SOUTH OF NAMIBIA IS MOSTLY hot and dry but offers the patient traveller a stark but beautiful landscape. In the far south you’ll find colourful rock formations and extraordinary plants like the Quiver tree and the Halfmens tree (meaning half human) which are uniquely adapted to the low rainfall.

The Orange River (sometimes called the Gariep in South Africa) is a green belt in this otherwise arid landscape. This mighty river defines the border between South Africa and Namibia and cuts through the Ai-Ais / Richtersveld Transfrontier Park; this consists of the Ai-Ais National Park in Namibia and the Richtersveld National Park in South Africa. The river provides a habitat for hundreds of bird species as well as ideal conditions for canoeing and rafting.

The Ai-Ais National Park is also home to a hot springs resort but its top attraction must be the Fish River Canyon. The Canyon Nature Park and Gondwana Nature Park which border the Ai-Ais National Park to the north and the east add up to quite a large conservation area.

To the east, you'll find an area that's part of the Kalahari, it's characterised by red dunes and tall yellow grass. Through the border post at Mata Mata there's access to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park between South Africa and Botswana.

Keetmanshoop is the administrative centre of this region and it’s surrounded by karakul sheep and ostrich farms. In the vicinity of Keetmanshoop you’ll fi nd quiver trees estimated to be between 200 to 300 years old.

Between Grünau and Seeheim lies the beautiful Klein Karas Mountains with their interesting rock formations. Seeheim is a very small and historic town which will most definitely take you by surprise, it’s well worth a visit.

Further north, the landscape softens a bit (especially after good rains) and you’ll enjoy rolling grasslands with camel thorn trees and distant blue mountains as you travel towards the central region of Namibia.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS:
The majestic Fish River Canyon features a gigantic ravine about 160km long, up to 27km wide and in places almost 550 metres deep. It’s the largest canyon in Africa and is also well known for its strenuous hiking trail which traverses 90km over five gruelling days.
Ai-Ais National Park with the Hot Springs Resort at the southern end of the Fish River Canyon.
The Aussenkehr Nature Reserve was established to protect the eco-sensitive area around the Orange River. There are two 4WD trails in the reserve, for which permits are required.
The mule breeding station in the Canyon Nature Park is also the starting point of various mule trails. The mules carry food and equipment for 4 - 5 day guided hiking trails in the Fish River Canyon area.
The German War Graves in Aussenkehr Nature Reserve are a reminder of the conflict between the Germans and Nama people.
Rising to 1 588m, the volcanic Brukkaros Crater north of Keetmanshoop towers over the expanse of bare, flat plains that surround it.
The Mesosaurus Fossils and Quiver Tree Dolerite Park offers visitors a guided tour of fossils of the early saurian Mesosaurus tenuidens (a predecessor of the dinosaurs). It also hosts an unspoilt quiver tree forest in the black dolerite hills.
Captain Josef Fredericks was the leader of the Nama people and the cottage that was built for him in Bethanie by an unknown European in 1883 was declared a national monument in 1951.
Giants’ Playground derives its name from a stack of gigantic 160 - 180 million year old dolerite boulders that resembles a playground. The nearby Quiver Tree Forest is also worth a visit.

FUEL:
Petrol costs are from NAD11.32 per litre. (Nov-2016). Take note: Garage or Petrol cards will no longer be accepted as a legal tender for purchase of fuel, spares or repairs in Namibia. Cash, Debit and Credit cards are legal payment instruments, but many fuel stations choose NOT to accept Debit and/or Credit cards. Therefore you are advised to either carry cash or ensure that the filling stations you intend to use will accept your Debit or Credit card. (Feb-2014).

OTHER FACILITIES:
Keetmanshoop is located in the South of Namibia the details are for places in Keetmans hoop. There is a Spar in Keetmanshoop. The private doctors are Dr Jacobs and Oberholzer. Extra tow-in number are +264(0)81 124 7141 or +264(0)81 127 8582 or +264(0)81 128 9583. (Apr-12).

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Fish River Canyon