The semi-arid southern region consists of sunbaked savanna with its yellowish-brown tints and characteristic euphorbia and aloe plant species. It has a stark beauty which creates its own mystery. In dramatic contrast to the arid surroundings is the Hardap Dam and Recreation Resort with its expanse of 25 square km of water, surrounded by shady camelthorn trees. This comfortable resort is an ideal stopover en route to the Fish River Canyon. The hike starts from the main look-out point and ends at the hot springs resort of Ai-Ais, a distance of some 90 km. 

Another interesting destinations in this region of contrasts are: An impressive concentration of the elegantly-shaped Aloe dichotoma on the farm Gariganus, 14 km north of Keetmanshoop. Known as the Kokerboom (Quiver Tree) Forest, it is situated on private property but open to the public. An unusual geological formation is Brukkaros, an extinct volcano on the main route from Windhoek to Keetmanshoop. Bare of vegetation, this mountain of dark-coloured lava has a crater of almost 2000 m in diameter. Steeped in history is the small town of Bethanie where Schmelenhaus, built by the missionary Heinrich Schmelen and the house of Captain Fredericks, a 19th century Oorlams chief, are both historical monuments. Pride of the south is Duwisib Castle on the edge of the Namib, Built in 1908 by the eccentric Baron von Wolff and his American wife.