South Africa & Namibia Safari – Cape to Windhoek Camping Tour – I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy." Ernest Hemingway

South Africa & Namibia Safari – Cape to Windhoek Camping Tour

June 12, 2019June 12, 2019admin

Summary of this Budget Safari Package

From the beautiful mother city of Cape Town, this desert safari takes us through the diverse landscapes of the Northern Cape, across the border into the parched regions of Namibia.

We explore southern Namibia visiting the Fish River Canyon, the ancient Namib Desert with its world famous dunes, the coastal resort of Swakopmund where we enjoy some adventure activities before ending our budget safari in Windhoek, capital of Namibia.

Travelling with a small group of no more than seven, in a comfortable microbus, we camp in well-equipped two-man dome tents and spend two nights in a guesthouse on this unforgettable South Africa and Namibia safari.

Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Cape Town to Niewoudtville, South Africa

Leaving Cape Town behind we head north to Niewoudtville, our first overnight camping spot.

The landscape changes as we travel through the citrus orchards of Citrusdal, past the Clanwilliam Dam overlooked by the towering Cederberg Mountain range and becomes arid as we continue to the quiet little town of Niewoudtville.

Should you be travelling in spring you will be delighted by the transformation to this route as the area is carpeted with wildflowers.

On arrival, we set up camp, explore our surroundings and enjoy dinner around the campfire, under a canopy of stars.

Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Dinner
Travel: 350 km

Day 2: Niewoudtville to Augrabies Falls, South Africa

After breakfast, we pack up camp and continue north to Augrabies Falls. The Khoi people called it “Aukoerebis”, or place of Great Noise, an apt title for this powerful flow of water cascading into the Orange River Gorge.

We pause along the way to admire the changing landscape as it becomes more lunar-like, home to succulents and Quiver Trees.

On arrival, we take a short hike around the falls situated in the Augrabies Falls National Park, one of six national parks in this area.

We camp tonight on the banks of the Orange River. After setting up camp there’s time for a paddle downstream, a swim in the river or you may even like to try your hand at fly fishing.

We spend another night under the spectacular starry skies, enjoying dinner and a chat with fellow travellers around the campfire.

Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel: 500 km

Day 3: Augrabies Falls to Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Today we are crossing the border into Namibia so have your passport with the relevant visas ready. As with some border crossings, there may be unexpected delays so patience is the watchword today.

Once in Namibia, we head for the Fish River Canyon, along barren, orange dirt roads overlooked by rock formations and blue skies.

Arriving at our campsite, quite close to the canyon, we settle in and then drive to the canyon, as the afternoon sun casts its shadows, for our first view of the second largest canyon in the world.

Second, only to the Grand Canyon in size, the canyon stretches 160km in length and up to 27km in width with a 500m vertical drop – a dramatic sight.

We spend another night around the campfire listening to the sounds of silence.

Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel: 370 km

Day 4: Fish River Canyon to Sesriem, Namibia

After breakfast, we drive back to the canyon for a final view in the early morning sunlight.

Then it’s time to hit the road en route to Sesriem and another, albeit much smaller, canyon. We head North through the small town of Bethanie and Helmringhausen, along seemingly deserted roads keeping an eye for any wildlife.

On arrival in Sesriem, we set up camp under the shade of a Camelthorn tree. Welcome to the ancient, mysterious Namib Desert. This coastal desert is thought to be the oldest desert in the world and stretches alongside the Atlantic Ocean from Angola in the north to South Africa in the south.

Another evening around the campfire listening to the absolute silence, broken only by the occasional bark of a gecko.

Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel: 340 km

Day 5: Sossusvlei, Namibia

This morning we get up REALLY early but it’s well worth as we head into the Namib Desert to watch the sunrise over the dunes. A breathtaking sight that will live with you forever. Surely this must be the highlight of the tour.

The morning is spent exploring the dunes, including the famous Dune 45 and Dead Vlei before the desert heat becomes unbearable.

After lunch, as the day becomes cooler, we venture into Sesriem Canyon for a stroll through the canyon.

Tonight is our last night of camping and socialising around the campfire.

Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Sossusvlei to Swakopmund, Namibia

This morning we drive to Walvis Bay, via the Kuiseb Canyon. After exploring the industrial town, its surrounding salt pans and lagoon, we head for Swakopmund and some adventure.

Lying between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, this coastal town is known for its adventure activities. Today is spent exploring the town, finding out what activities are available and deciding which ones you are going to try. This is important as you need to tell your guide in the evening and he will make the bookings. These activities include short scenic flights, Catamaran cruises, dune-boarding, quad-biking and so much more.

Dinner can be enjoyed at any one of the town’s best restaurants at your own expense. Tonight we enjoy the comforts of a guesthouse.

Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Travel: 320 km

Day 7: Swakopmund, Namibia

Today is yours to spend at leisure enjoying your pre-booked adventure activities. We do recommend that you take a catamaran tour in Walvis Bay.

Dinner is for your own account at one of the local restaurants.

Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Swakopmund to Windhoek, Namibia

Today is the final day of this Namibia and South African safari. After breakfast, we set out for Windhoek, but take the time to visit the Spitzkoppe Mountains en-route to Windhoek.

Our arrival in Windhoek signals the end of this South Africa & Namibia Safari.