13 Day South Africa & Namibia Overland: Cape Town to Windhoek (Camping)

Day 1

Cape Town, South Africa

Arrive in the stunning coastal city of Cape Town, South Africa, at any time. Your Southern Africa overland adventure begins this evening with a crucial welcome meeting where you’ll connect with your guide and group. This is your opportunity to learn more about the incredible journey ahead. Opt to join your new group for a welcome dinner and experience local flavours on your first night.

Accommodation: CURIOCITY Green Point Cape Town – Dorm room (or similar)
Included Highlight: Welcome Dinner on Arrival Day
Optional Activities: Two Oceans Aquarium 235 ZAR per person, Table Mountain Cable Car 420 ZAR per person, South African Wine Tour and Tasting, Cape Point Explorer Day Tour 1750ZAR per person, Urban Explorer Day Tour 1900 ZAR per person, Overberg Explorer Day Tour 3450 ZAR per person, West Coast Explorer Day Tour 1950ZAR per person, Sandboarding and San Cultural Explorer Day Tour 3630 ZAR per person, Sandboarding Half Day Tour – Atlantis Dunes 140ZAR per person, Hout Bay Kayaking Half Day Tour 1500 ZAR per person

Day 2

Cape Town – Cederberg, South Africa

Hit the open road aboard the overland vehicle, journeying through the stunning Western Cape scenery. Today includes a special experience at the !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre. Here, you’ll gain valuable insights into the history and culture of the ancient San people. This visit supports the centre’s efforts to preserve San culture and history and provides training for young San women and men. Arrive at your campsite in the afternoon and enjoy free time.

Accommodation: Highlands Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre
Optional Activities Wine Tasting

Day 3

Cederberg – Orange River, South Africa

Travel north today past vast plantations of rooibos tea. Your destination is the scenic Orange River, where you’ll camp for the night. Arrive with ample time to relax and enjoy a late afternoon swim in the river

Accommodation: Fiddlers Creek Rest Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Canoeing on Orange River 400 ZAR per person

Day 4

Orange River – Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Today, you’ll cross the border from South Africa into Namibia! Prepare for some new ink in your passport. Travel to Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa and often considered the second largest in the world. Hop out of the overland vehicle to witness a spectacular sunset over the canyon’s rim. Set up camp nearby and enjoy a relaxing evening around the campfire.

Accommodation: Hobas Lodge Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Fish River Canyon Sunset Visit

Day 5

Fish River Canyon – Namib Desert, Namibia

Settle back in the Lando for a journey north along long, bumpy roads, heading towards the iconic Namib Desert. Arrive in the late afternoon and set up camp amidst the breathtaking landscape. Marvel at the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei that seem to rise endlessly towards the sky.

Accommodation: Sossus Oasis Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Namib Desert, Namibia

Rise early to experience the desert magic! Begin your day at dawn and climb the famous Dune 45 to watch the sunrise paint the surrounding desert in incredible orange and yellow hues. Later, venture to the surreal Deadvlei (optional excursion, shuttle cost applies) to see its striking landscape of black dead trees against white clay pans, framed by towering red dunes. Discover the unique formation of Sesriem Canyon and learn how its hidden pools sustain wildlife. If time permits, enjoy a scenic drive, perhaps stopping at the quaint town of Solitaire. Conclude your day back at the campsite, with the option to join an evening “Namib Desert Walk” to learn about Bushmen survival, dune geology, and local wildlife, ending with a beautiful desert sunset.

Accommodation: Sossus On Foot Bushman’s Desert Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Dune 45 Visit, Sesriem Canyon Visit
Optional Activities: Deadvlei Visit 200 NAD per person, Namib Desert Walk 350 NAD per person,

Day 7

Namib Desert – Swakopmund, Namibia

Leave the heart of the desert behind as you cross dry mountain passes and vast empty regions. Your destination is the coastal town of Swakopmund, known as Namibia’s adventure capital. You’ll spend two nights here, allowing ample time to explore and partake in the many exciting optional activities available

Accommodation: Amanpuri Backpackers (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8

Swakopmund, Namibia

Enjoy a full free day in Swakopmund, the perfect place to get your adrenaline pumping! Choose from exhilarating activities like skydiving or sandboarding. For a unique perspective, take a scenic flight over the legendary Skeleton Coast. Meals are not included today, giving you the freedom to explore the town’s diverse restaurants and bars.

• Sandboarding in the Namib Desert 700 NAD per person – Grab a board and sail down the dunes for an adrenaline kick of note
• Swakopmund Guided Cultural Tour 750 NAD per person – Enjoy a historical guided tour of the back streets of Swakopmund and visit the home of a local ethic Herero woman. Sip on local brews at a ‘shebeen’ (pub).
• Skeleton Coast Scenic Flight 4800 NAD per person – Get a bird’s eye view of the ship wrecks, Damaraland and the unusual Spitzkoppe rock formations
• Skydiving in Swakopmund – Take a plummet into the skies of Namibia with your trusted and skilled instructor

Accommodation: Amanpuri Backpackers (or similar)
Meals: No meals will be provided today, offering you the chance to sample the local cuisine.

Day 9

Swakopmund –  Spitzkoppe, Namibia

Jump back into the overland vehicle and travel towards the striking granite peaks of Spitzkoppe. Often called the “Matterhorn of Namibia,” this unique landscape is ideal for outdoor adventures. Enjoy free time upon arrival to explore the area on foot. As night falls, prepare for some incredible star-gazing from your basic bush camp (note: includes long-drop toilets and no running water).

Accommodation: Spitzkoppe Rest Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Spitzkoppe – Etosha National Park, Namibia

Soak in the unusual beauty of Spitzkoppe before heading towards Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s premier wildlife viewing destinations. Enjoy a safari drive through the park on the way to your camp. After sunset, the adventure continues! Watch animals gather at the well-lit watering holes near the camping area. You also have the option for an exciting night safari in an open vehicle. Etosha is home to over 100 mammal species, including lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, and many more.

Accommodation: NWR  Etosha National Park Okaukuejo Restcamp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Etosha National Park Wildlife Safari Drive in the Overland truck
Optional Activities: Etosha National Park Open Vehicle Wildlife Night Safari – 750 NAD per person

Day 11

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Dedicate today to a full-day wildlife safari drive within Etosha National Park. Search for the more than 100 mammal species that inhabit the park. During the dry season (May-October), animals congregate around watering holes, offering some of the densest wildlife viewing opportunities in the world. Keep your camera ready for incredible sightings of lions, rhinos, elephants, and a variety of other animals and birds like pelicans and flamingos

Accommodation: Etosha National Park Okaukuejo Restcamp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Etosha National Park Wildlife Safari Drive in the Overland truck

Day 12

Etosha National Park – Waterberg Plateau, Namibia

Leave Etosha behind today and travel south to the Waterberg Plateau National Park. This national park offers trails for exploring and searching for more wildlife. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to hike the trails or simply relax at the camp

Accommodation: Waterberg Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13

Waterberg Plateau – Windhoek, Namibia

Your overland safari concludes today. Travel south from the Waterberg Plateau National Park through the picturesque Namibian countryside to Windhoek, the capital city. Along the way, you’ll make a significant stop at  Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop for a delicious traditional lunch. This serves as supporting women from disadvantaged communities who develop livelihoods through handicraft workshops and the cafe. The trip officially ends upon arrival in Windhoek. If you’re not ready for your adventure to end, your guide can assist with arrangements to extend your stay in Namibia or explore further afield. Your flight should depart no earlier than 20:00 on Day 13

You are welcome to continue exploring Namibia or beyond if you are not quite ready to go home yet. Just talk to your guide about extending your adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Penduka Village Restaurant and Shop

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.