The Cape City to Namibia highway journey was our first lengthy highway journey exterior of South Africa. We’d pushed earlier than the Backyard Route and the West Coast and had some tenting gear and a little bit of expertise. The primary distinction between this highway journey was the extraordinarily lengthy distances between sights, cities, and even petrol stations. You at all times should plan and examine when you have sufficient petrol, water, and meals provides to final you until the following inhabitable place on the route. The Cape City – Namibia highway journey was an thrilling journey with many wonderful locations to go to in Namibia.
Cape City to Namibia excursions
For those who touring solo you’ll be able to be a part of an organized tour from Cape City to Namibia (or one other method round).
11-Day Namibia to Cape City (Journey Tenting Tour)
When is the most effective time for the highway journey?
July to September, the tip of the dry season, are the most effective months for watching animals in Etosha Nationwide Park. There may be not a lot water contained in the park; all animals together with large cats come to a few waterholes to drink. You possibly can simply sit in your automobile subsequent to one of many water holes and see loads of completely different animals. We visited Etosha in February and it was a complete catastrophe. It was extraordinarily muddy and all the dried pan changed into one large lake. We did see loads of deer and birds however that’s just about it. The wet season is a superb time for birdwatching in Etosha.
June to September are the coldest months which suggests no scorching warmth throughout the day although evening temperatures might be fairly chilly even within the south of the nation. For those who’re planning to camp then ensure that to convey heat garments and sleeping baggage.
To see the well-known Namaqualand (West Coast of South Africa) throughout the flower season July – September are once more the most effective months. After winter rains often, naked fields are lined in colourful flowers.
The identical months (July-September) are nice for visiting Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park although it’s a little bit of a detour from the route it’s a tremendous place to see wildlife.
For Southern Namibia (Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Spitzkope) season doesn’t make a giant distinction besides it’s considerably hotter throughout the summer season months (October – April) and cooler within the winter.
If you wish to see 1000’s of seal cubs at Cape Cross north of Swakopmund then the summer season months of January and February are the most effective time for the highway journey.
Journey insurance coverage for the Cape City to Namibia journey
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What automobile to decide on for the Cape City – Namibia drive?
For those who’re planning on staying on the principle vacationer route with out going off-road you received’t want a 4×4 automobile however this highway journey just isn’t for a small automobile both. You want a giant automobile a lot of the route is on gravel roads which can be usually very bumpy. We drove with our Daihatsu Terios all the way in which and by no means had any issues besides one flat tire on the way in which again. Even in deep mud in Etosha, it by no means bought caught. The one place it was actually troublesome to drive was the final 7 km to Deadvlei in Sossusvlei which had been on gentle sand however there you’ll be able to take a shuttle to and again in case you are anxious about getting caught.
The place to hire a automobile for the journey?
For those who’re planning to start out your journey in Cape City it will likely be most rational to hire a automobile there. Ensure you’re allowed to drive along with your rental automobile throughout the border and that it has all the mandatory paperwork for taking it to Namibia. For those who come again to Cape City after the journey you’ll be able to drop it on the similar place. For those who’re not coming again it’s a must to discover out if it’s doable to drop off the automobile in Windhoek. The second possibility might be costlier.
You will discover loads of info that may assist you to organize for the journey in our Namibia journey ideas submit.
The place to cease between Cape City and Namibia?
There are lots of fascinating locations to cease on the way in which from Cape City to Namibia. It may be a highway journey by itself. Relying on how a lot time you’ve got you’ll be able to cease at certainly one of a number of locations on the way in which. If you wish to go to some locations on the West Coast you’ll should do a detour from the N7 freeway.
Locations to cease on the way in which from Cape City to Namibia alongside the West Coast. Langebaan is an ideal place for kitesurfing, 130 km from Cape City. Paternoster is an enthralling city with scrumptious seafood, 160 km from Cape City. Elands Baai is a quiet place with unspoiled white-sand seashores, 220 km from Cape City. For an in a single day keep, I’d recommend both Langebaan or Paternoster.
For those who don’t wish to do detours and fairly keep on the N7 there are a number of locations value stopping proper on the way in which. For the most effective surroundings, I’d recommend stopping both close to Citrusdal or Clanwilliam (Cederberg Wilderness Space). Each areas have some unbelievable in-nature locations to remain. Discover your good keep in Citrusdal or in Clanwilliam.
How lengthy does it take to get from Cape City to Namibia?
The whole distance of the route from Cape City to Vioolsdrif/Noordoewer (the border between South Africa and Namibia) is 670 km/416 mi. It takes 7 hours to get from Cape City to Namibia in the event you drive continuous. When you have time I’d recommend making one in a single day cease on the way in which. See the paragraph above for suggestions.
What’s the lodging like on the highway journey?
There are many lodges, guesthouses, and campsites alongside the route. Tenting along with your tent is the most cost effective possibility although it takes time to pitch your tent within the night and break it down and pack all the pieces within the morning. It’s a bit of labor particularly in the event you’re transferring day by day from place to position.
Price range-friendly indoor lodging on the Cape City – Namibia highway journey might be present in larger cities like Luderitz or Swakopmund. As soon as there you’ll be able to have a break from pitching and breaking your campsite day by day. For tenting, it’s not essential to have a roof-top tent or a motorhome except you’re planning on tenting at unfenced campsites in Kgalagadi Nationwide Park. A standard tent will work simply effective although roof-top tents are faster to pack and unpack.
For those who favor consolation and don’t thoughts paying for it it is possible for you to to search out some unbelievable lodges however most of them are fairly expensive. For those who’re going to remain indoors you don’t must convey tenting or cooking gear with you on the journey.
Cape City – Namibia highway journey itinerary
The primary a part of the highway journey from Cape City to Fish River Canyon is sort of lengthy, 800km. It’s doable to drive in someday as we did after we went mountaineering Fish River Canyon however it’s a must to begin your journey early. Superb espresso outlets in Cape City offers you an ideal begin to your journey. For those who occur to do that highway journey within the spring, between July and September, it’s value spending a while in Namaqualand to see wildflowers. For those who drive exterior of the flower season and have performed the West Coast earlier than you’ll be able to drive from Cape City to Ai-Ais in someday.
Earlier than heading to Namibia be sure to haven’t missed something there are numerous wonderful issues to do in Cape City!
Day 1. Cape City – Vredendal
Distance – 325 km (alongside the coast)
Driving time – 3h40min.
Petrol stations – at each city alongside the way in which
Highlights
West Coast Nationwide Park the place you’ll be able to see spring flowers in August – September
Langebaan
Paternoster
If you wish to go to a few locations alongside the way in which it’s higher to start out the drive early. Relying on what time of the yr you’re going to Namibia the highlights of the journey will differ. For those who do that journey between July and September you’ll be fortunate to see Namaqualand blossom. In July starting of August, you’ve got higher possibilities of seeing wildflowers from Vredendal up north. In September go to West Coast Nationwide Park in Langebaan to see spring flowers.
The West Coast itself even exterior the flower season is an exquisite and distinctive place to go to. When you have a few further days you’ll be able to cease in Langebaan and luxuriate in its lengthy white-sand seashores and turquoise coloration lagoon. For seafood and fish lover, Paternoster is extremely advisable. There are a few good eating places that serve native each day catch.
Locations to remain close to Vredendal
Day 2. Vredendal – Ai-Ais (Fish River Canyon)
Distance – 522 km
Driving time – 5 hours
Petrol stations – at 400 km (after the border), at 522 km in Ai-Ais
Highlights
Namaqua Nationwide Park it’s a pleasant place to cease for wildflowers in July-August
Orange River
Weird rock formations on the stretch from the border to Ai-Ais
In Vredendal ensure that to purchase some provides there might be no large supermarkets within the subsequent couple of days.
From Vredendal we drove to Noordoewer border management. It’s a very simple border, took us about 20 min. to complete all formalities. To enter Namibia with a automobile you pay NAD$320/US$18 highway payment. Maintain the receipt till you exit the nation generally at roadblocks police can ask for it. Noordoewer border is open 24 hours so you’ll be able to cross it any time. There are two petrol stations after the border cross; one has a store and a Wimpy. The following petrol station is at Ai-Ais, 118 km away, it accepts solely money. Petrol is cheaper in Namibia than in South Africa.
The primary 40km after the border to Ai-Ais you drive on a tar highway then you definitely flip off to an okay gravel highway. There are two locations on the canyon the place you’ll be able to keep; Ai-Ais Sizzling Springs and Hobas Campsite. We at all times keep at Ai-Ais, it has higher amenities. Contained in the resort, there are a restaurant and swimming swimming pools with sizzling spring water. For those who keep at Ai-Ais (tenting or indoor) you get free entry to the thermal swimming pools.
The most effective views of the canyon are from the viewpoints close to Hobas campsite, the doorway to the canyon. At Ai-Ais you might be on the finish of the canyon you’ll be able to stroll upstream following the river simply ensure that to take sufficient water with you. Hobas and the viewpoints might be on the way in which to Luderitz you don’t should drive to and again from Ai-Ais. Whichever place you select to remain, at all times look ahead to baboons. There are lots of of them at each campsites.
In winter months between Might and September, you’ll be able to hike by Fish River Canyon. It’s a 4-day route on the underside of the canyon from Hobas to Ai-Ais.
Cape City to Namibia – an alternate route
When you have a bit extra time and wish to go to some wonderful sights within the Northern Cape and do a safari drive within the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park as an alternative of driving alongside the West Coast you’ll be able to go extra inland towards Upington. Go to some off-the-beaten-track locations on the way in which and enter Namibia by the Kgalagadi. For those who determine on this selection ensure that to do all border crossing formalities on the Twee Rivieren entrance there might be no additional border controls within the park. On this case, if you wish to go to Fish River Canyon you’ll should drive again south or preserve it for the return journey (in the event you’re driving again to South Africa).
Day 3. Ai-Ais Sizzling Springs – Luderitz
Distance – 480 km
Driving time – 5h30min.
Petrol stations – at 83 km at Canyon Roadhouse; at 355 km in Aus; at 480 km in Luderitz
Highlights
Fish River Canyon
Previous rusted vehicles at Canyon Roadhouse, many nice spots for taking photographs
Chamietes about 125 km from Ai-Ais, is a small store and one other cease for taking photographs of previous vehicles
Wild horses close to Aus
Kolmanskop is a ghost city however by the point you arrive there, it’ll be closed. It’s near Luderitz and you may go to it the following day.
The highway is gravel from Ai-Ais to Luderitz. Fortunately there are a number of fascinating and entertaining stops on the route.
Hobas Campsite is a must-stop on the way in which. It’s a gateway to the most effective views of Fish River Canyon. The viewpoints are a few kilometers away from the gate. The view of the canyon from the highest is spectacular. You possibly can stroll round a bit taking photographs. To get to the point of view you pay NAD$150/US$8 per particular person and NAD$20/US$1,5 per automobile.
The following cease is Canyon Roadhouse, about 27 km from the point of view, an oasis within the desert with inexperienced grass, quiver bushes, and a swimming pool. It’s a fantastic place to cease for lunch or espresso. There are a bar/restaurant and a store. For those who don’t really feel like driving anymore or actually like this place you’ll be able to keep right here for the evening. You possibly can camp right here or guide one of many rooms.
About 100 km after the roadhouse there’s a meals cease/visitor home Chamieites (Chamaites) the place you’ll find extra good previous vehicles for photographs. They promote home made pies, biltong, and droewors in case you get hungry and wish some snacks.
Driving in the direction of Aus look ahead to wild horses, gemsboks, and zebras. These horses dwell within the wild not all of them look good and wholesome. We noticed a few them within the city on the petrol station trying to find meals.
12 km earlier than Luderitz you’ll see the well-known Kolmanskop, a ghost city within the desert. You possibly can cease there for some photographs however you’ll in all probability be too late to go to it, the gate closes at 1pm.
Locations to remain in Luderitz
Day 4. Luderitz & Kolmanskop
Luderitz just isn’t essentially the most lovely city in Namibia however there are some fascinating issues to do right here, value stopping for a day. The primary issues to see in Luderitz are the ghost city of Kolmanskop, Diaz Level with the lighthouse and a seal colony, Grosse Bucht the place you’ll be able to see flamingos and pelicans, and Shark Island, an ex-concentration camp. We have now an in depth submit on issues to do in Luderitz. The city has a few good espresso outlets and eating places the place you’ll be able to have lunch, dinner, or breakfast.
Kolmanskop is among the essential causes vacationers go to Luderitz. For those who come this fashion it’s value visiting. I’d advocate going there within the morning earlier than it will get too sizzling.
There are a few supermarkets in Luderitz the place you’ll be able to inventory meals and water for the following couple of days. Don’t neglect to inventory your meals and water provides right here.
The choice route
For those who don’t have sufficient time or simply don’t really feel like driving a number of hundred kilometers further to see the ghost city you’ll be able to skip Luderitz and from Fish River Canyon drive straight to Sossusvlei. It’ll prevent 2 days.
Day 5. Luderitz – Sesriem (Sossusvlei)
Distance – 465 km
Driving time – 6 hours
Petrol stations – at 125 km in Aus; at 330 km at Betta campsite and the following one at 465 km in Sesriem
Highlights
Wild horses and gemsboks close to Aus.
Large nests of social weavers, these birds construct them on bushes, poles, and even highway indicators.
A whole lot of nothing generally it feels such as you’re driving on Mars fairly than Earth.
It’s a gravel highway from Luderitz to Sesriem with some fairly dangerous stretches. There are solely two locations to cease alongside the way in which; Aus and Betta Campsite. Betta Campsite is a pleasant place to cease to stretch your legs, drink a cup of espresso or eat lunch. There are a small meals/curiosity store and a espresso store on the campsite.
Sesriem Campsite is the one lodging contained in the park. It’s a spacious campsite with good amenities proper on the entrance to the well-known desert. An enormous benefit of tenting right here is which you could begin driving to Sossusvlei about 1 hour earlier than the gate opening time since you’re already contained in the park. If you wish to be in time for the dawn at Dune 45 it’s a must to keep on the campsite in any other case you’ll be too late.
For those who don’t wish to pay an excessive amount of for tenting you’ll be able to keep at Sossus Oasis Campsite, 900 m from the doorway gate. It’s a really good place we camped there. I’d recommend making a sophisticated reserving to make sure you get a spot in the event you’re touring within the peak season.
For those who favor staying indoors to tenting there are two luxurious lodges simply exterior the gates. Desert Quiver Camp and Sossusvlei Lodge. Each locations have glorious amenities and spectacular places.
The doorway payment to Sossusvlei is NAD$100/ZAR100 for South Africans, and NAD$150/$8 for vacationers from different nations.
Day 6. Sesriem – Swakopmund
Distance – 343 km + about 120 km driving to Sossusvlei and dunes and again to Sesriem
Driving time – 4 hours + 3-4 hours in Sossusvlei
Petrol stations – 2 stations at Sesriem; at 82 km at Solitaire; at 343 km in Swakopmund
Highlights
Dawn at Dune 45
The beautiful Sossusvlei
Lifeless Vlei, in all probability essentially the most spectacular dried pan within the Namib desert
Tropic of Capricorn
Dune 7, the very best dune within the Namib desert
Visiting Sossusvlei
This place is among the highlights of any Namibia highway journey. Begin your day early to make it in time for the sundown at Dune 45. The dune is about 45 km from the doorway, a 45-minutes drive. You’ll want 15-20 min. to get to the highest of the dune. The doorway gate opens at 6.30 within the morning in the event you don’t keep contained in the park you’ll be on the dune between 7.30 and seven.45. The dawn is someplace between 6.45 and seven.15 which suggests you’ll miss it. Verify for dawn occasions right here.
Early morning is the most effective time for driving within the dunes. The rising solar creates shades that define the sides of the dunes.
The drive contained in the park was on a tough type of tar highway apart from the final 7 km to the pan the place you drive on a really dangerous and sandy highway. For this half, you’ll want a 4×4 automobile. Our Terios made it to and again however a few occasions we had been actually anxious that we’d get caught there. For those who’re unsure about your automobile or your off-road driving expertise it’s higher to park your automobile there and take a shuttle to the pan.
Extra particulars on the highlights of the Namib desert you’ll find in our detailed information to Sossusvlei.
The Sesriem to Swakopmund drive
The drive is on the gravel highway nearly to Swakopmund, apart from the final 30 km on the tar highway. The drive to Swakopmund is sort of lovely. The panorama adjustments from small canyon-like rock formations to dry flats and dunes.
Earlier than you begin driving in the direction of Swakopmund examine your tires and petrol. For those who want any assist there’s a tire restore place at Sesriem and a petroleum station.
For those who spend loads of time driving across the Sossusvlei and don’t really feel like driving to Swakopmund you’ll be able to cease at Solitaire, which is about 80 km from Sesriem. There are a few lodges, campsites, and eating places within the space. The Solitaire Lodge provides snug AC cabins with beautiful views of the Namib desert that may be booked on-line.
Solitaire is a superb place to cease for lunch or espresso. There’s a bakery that makes contemporary bread and pastry. Solitaire is one other previous automobile spot on the highway journey. There are a number of rusted vehicles for taking photographs.
50 km after Solitaire you’ll cross the Tropic of Capricorn or the Southern Tropic. You received’t miss it. There’s a signal subsequent to the highway with many stickers on it.
About 40 km earlier than Swakopmund you’ll attain Dune 7, the very best dune in Namibia. When you have time we’d advocate stopping there. You possibly can stroll to the highest of it. It’s fairly tiresome. You’ll in all probability attain Dune 7 someplace near the sundown which is the most effective time for getting spectacular sunset views.
Locations to remain in Swakopmund
Day 7. Swakopmund
Swakopmund is an exquisite city and has sufficient to maintain you busy for a few days. A pleasant place for chilling, assembly folks, strolling on the seaside, and simply resting from packing and driving day by day, might be exhausting. I’d recommend staying right here for 2 nights however when you have further time you’ll be able to simply keep right here longer. There are lots of wonderful issues to do in Swakopmund and its environment together with some journey actions.
There are lots of actions and fascinating locations in and round Swakopmund. For us, a go to to Cape Cross Seal Colony, 130 km north of Swakopmund was one of many highlights of our Cape City – Namibia highway journey. It’s fairly an extended journey to the colony and again however it’s value it. You possibly can drive that method on the way in which to Spitzkoppe, it’s a little bit of a loop however nonetheless much less driving than from Swakopmund and again.
At Cape Cross, you get an opportunity to see tens of 1000’s of seals. For those who come there between January and March you’ll see many cute cubs. It’s a fantastic place for wildlife photographers and animal lovers. For those who journey with youngsters they’ll for certain love Cape Cross.
The drive from Swakopmund to Cape Cross is alongside the Skeleton Coast with a few fascinating shipwrecks. For those who don’t really feel like driving to Cape Cross and again you’ll be able to embrace the place in your itinerary and as an alternative of driving to Spitzkoppe from Swakopmund fairly go do Cape Cross camp there and from there proceed driving in the direction of Etosha. The campsite/lodge at Cape Cross is certainly one of our favourite campsites in Namibia. It’s a pleasant place and quiet place with good amenities.
One other place to see wildlife is Walvis Bay, 40 km south of Swakopmund. There you’ll be able to see a whole lot of pink flamingos parading alongside the seaside. One other good spot for wonderful wildlife photographs.
For journey lovers there are many thrilling actions right here; from skydiving within the desert to sandboarding and driving in a buggy over the dunes.
Really useful excursions and actions in Swakopmund
Day 8. Swakopmund – Spitzkoppe
Distance – 155 km
Driving time – 1h50min.
Petrol stations – in Swakopmund; at 50 km in Arandis
Highlights
Spectacular dunes
Weird rock formations of Spitzkoppe
Beautiful evening sky with vibrant stars
Whichever method you’re heading from Swakopmund earlier than leaving don’t neglect to cease at a grocery store to fill up in your meals and water provides and fill your petrol. The following and final petrol station for the day might be in Arandis, 50 km away. The following petrol station might be solely the following day in Usakos, 60 km from Spitzkoppe.
At the moment is a really brief drive in comparison with the earlier days. For those who didn’t have time to cease at Dune 7 or to do some actions in Swakopmund you’ve got sufficient time for it within the morning. You possibly can even drive to Cape Cross Seal Colony first and from there to Spitzkoppe. It’ll add 135 km further to your whole distance making it about 300 km for the day.
Spitzkoppe is legendary for its clean granite rock formations and the unbelievable evening sky. There are a number of mountaineering trails and locations for mountain climbing. You possibly can discover the realm on foot, benefit from the tranquility and soak in rock swimming pools. Spitzkoppe is an efficient place for birdwatching although you’ll want a binocular.
Tenting there’s one of the best ways to expertise the realm. Campsites are fairly remoted and much other than one another and have fundamental amenities. Don’t get excited in the event you get a distant one removed from the gate bogs and showers on the essential ablution complicated near the gate. We had a dry bathroom nearer however it wasn’t very good.
Day 9. Spitzkoppe – Etosha Nationwide Park
Distance – 400 km
Driving time – 4h30min.
Petrol stations – at 60 km in Usakos; at 95 km in Karibib; at 158 km in Omaruru; at 320 km in Outjo; at 400 km in Etosha (Okaukuejo campsite).
Highlights
Large termite nests subsequent to the highway
Many social weavers’ nests
Omaruru is a small charming city that’s thought of to be the artwork capital of the area.
A simple drive on a tar highway to Etosha with many small cities and lodges to cease for meals and petrol alongside the way in which. Omaruru is the nicest city to cease, it’s about midway to Etosha. There are a few espresso outlets that serve good espresso, sandwiches, and freshly-baked pastry.
Etosha Nationwide Park entrance payment for South Africans NAD$100/ZAR$100, vacationers from different nations NAD$150/US$8 per day.
Day 10. Etosha Nationwide Park
Etosha Nationwide Park is among the largest safari parks in Southern Africa. It’s a must-include in your Namibia itinerary. When you have time I’d recommend staying right here for a few days to be sure to get essentially the most out of your go to.
Etosha Nationwide Park occupies an enormous space of 4731 km². The large a part of it’s a dried salt pan that within the wet season turns into an enormous lake which makes it very troublesome to see animals. Through the dry season when water is scarce, all animals come to waterholes to drink so guests can simply spot them simply ready at one of many waterholes within the park.
We did our Cape City – Namibia highway journey in January – February and after we reached Etosha it’d already rained quite a bit. There was loads of water within the park. We noticed loads of deer, giraffes, elephants, zebras, actually loads of birds and one hyena. No actually large cats or different predators. If you wish to see mammals fairly come right here throughout the dry season (Might to October).
In Etosha, you’ll be able to see 4 of the African Large 5 animals; lions, elephants, rhinos, and leopards. The buffalo is the one you’ll be able to’t see in Etosha. Lions and elephants are in abundance within the park. There’s a wholesome inhabitants of black rhinos. Leopards are current within the park however they’re at all times troublesome to identify. Moreover the Large 5, you’ll be able to see many mammals in Etosha equivalent to giraffes, wildebeests, cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, jackals, foxes, and plenty of others. In whole greater than 100 mammal species within the park.
There are 6 campsites contained in the park the place you’ll be able to camp along with your tent/caravan or keep at a bungalow. All campsites are fenced and have good amenities.
After Etosha, you’ll be able to proceed your highway journey by Northern Namibia to Victoria Falls or flip round and begin heading again to South Africa. The drive again by Windhoek on the B1 (tar highway) is way faster than driving on gravel roads. You will get again to Cape City in 3 days.
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The beautiful half of Stingy Nomads, accountable for all our land adventures (mountaineering, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a baby, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack fairly than to do a ten 000 km highway journey (truly any highway journey). Alya is a giant fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.
