Itinerary
- Day 1
Departure
Your flight to Windhoek departs today. You'll spend several hours in the air with plenty of time to think about what's ahead - the desert landscape, wildlife encounters, and all the adventure waiting for you. When you land, Namibia becomes real and your trip officially begins.
- Day 2
Windhoek to Kalahari Desert
After picking up your rental car at Windhoek airport, you'll drive into the Kalahari Desert where the landscape stretches endlessly around you. Keep watch for meerkats and other wildlife as you head toward your glamping tent among the red dunes. Once you arrive, you can cool off in the pool and then hike up a dune to catch the sunset painting the sky with color and stars.
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through the Kalahari Desert
- Sunset from the dunes at your accommodation
Landmarks Kalahari Desert - Day 3
Kalahari to Namib Desert
You'll wake early to see the sunrise over the Kalahari's red-brown dunes. Driving through Tsaris Pass, look for oryx antelopes and wildebeest moving across the landscape. Later you'll reach the fiery red dunes of the Namib Desert and settle into your glamping spot near Sesriem Canyon and Sossusvlei. Spend the evening by the campfire or at the bar under a full sky of stars.
Included Activities
- Sunrise viewing in the Kalahari
- Scenic drive through Tsaris Pass
- Evening campfire or bar at accommodation
Landmarks Kalahari Desert Tsaris Pass Namib Desert Sesriem Canyon Sossusvlei - Day 4
Namib Desert Exploration
Start early for sunrise at Sossusvlei in Namib-Naukluft National Park. You can either drive through the sand yourself or take a shuttle if you prefer. Hiking to the top of Big Daddy dune gives you views across the area from the highest point. Then you'll explore the white salt pan and ancient camel thorn trees at Deadvlei, a place that feels like another world entirely.
Included Activities
- Visit to Sossusvlei at sunrise
- Hike to Big Daddy dune
- Exploration of Deadvlei
Optional Activities
- Shuttle service through sand to Sossusvlei parking area (payable on site)
Landmarks Namib-Naukluft National Park Sossusvlei Big Daddy Dune Deadvlei - Day 5
Namib Desert to Swakopmund
You'll drive through the dramatic Gaub and Kuiseb gorges, leaving the desert and heading toward the coast where sea breezes replace hot air. At Walvis Bay, stop to photograph the pink flamingos in the lagoon. Arriving in Swakopmund, you'll find a unique mix of German colonial architecture set against the African landscape, with charming spots to explore and Black Forest cake to try.
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through Gaub and Kuiseb gorges
- Stop at Walvis Bay to view flamingos
- Exploration of Swakopmund old town
Landmarks Gaub Gorge Kuiseb Gorge Walvis Bay Swakopmund - Day 6
Swakopmund
Take a leisurely morning in Swakopmund with sea air and the sound of seagulls nearby. Walk through the old town and check out the colonial history that shaped this place. If interested, visit the Swakopmund Museum to learn more about Namibia's past, then photograph the distinctive red and white lighthouse. Spend time on the beach, then head to the jetty for sunset with a drink in hand.
Included Activities
- Beach time in Swakopmund
- Visit to the lighthouse
- Sunset at the jetty
Optional Activities
- Swakopmund Museum visit (admission payable on site)
Landmarks Swakopmund Museum Swakopmund Lighthouse Swakopmund Jetty - Day 7
Swakopmund to Etosha National Park
You'll drive across changing Namibian landscapes toward Etosha National Park, stopping often as the scenery shifts dramatically with each turn. Once you arrive at this famous safari destination, wildlife viewing begins immediately. Elephants gather at waterholes, zebras and lions rest in patches of shade, giraffes browse acacia trees, and if luck is on your side, you might spot a leopard in tall grass.
Included Activities
- Scenic drive to Etosha National Park
- Wildlife viewing in Etosha
Optional Activities
- Full day safari in Etosha National Park
Landmarks Etosha National Park - Day 8
Etosha National Park
Your Etosha adventure continues as you drive to the Etosha Pan where massive waterholes draw animals from across the park. Park your car, settle in and watch herds of elephants bathing, rhinos moving through, lions approaching the water, and countless other creatures in their natural rhythms. Later you'll explore the more remote corners of the park where few tourists go, finding silence and vast open space.
Included Activities
- Wildlife viewing at Etosha Pan
- Self-drive safari through Etosha
Landmarks Etosha Pan - Day 9
Etosha National Park
As the reality of being surrounded by wild animals truly sets in, you'll head to Okondeka waterhole on the western edge early in the morning. This is prime time to spot lions claiming their territory, and if you're fortunate, watch a whole pride move through the tall grass together. You'll discover more hidden gems and find another unforgettable wildlife moment before the day ends.
Included Activities
- Wildlife viewing at Okondeka waterhole
- Exploration of Etosha's hidden corners
Landmarks Okondeka Waterhole - Day 10
Etosha to Stellenbosch, South Africa
You'll drop off your rental car at Windhoek airport and fly to Cape Town, South Africa. After collecting a new rental car, drive out of the city into increasingly green landscapes. Stellenbosch wine country appears after just over half an hour, and you'll head straight to a wine tasting at a place like Warwick Wine Estate for relaxed vibes and excellent Pinotage.
Included Activities
- Scenic drive from Cape Town to Stellenbosch
- Exploration of Stellenbosch
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting at Warwick Wine Estate or other estate (payable on site)
Landmarks Stellenbosch Warwick Wine Estate - Day 11
Stellenbosch to Mossel Bay
Drive down the scenic Garden Route with windows down and your music playing. Stop in Wilderness National Park to see rock formations, reflective lakes, waterfalls and natural pools on a hike or by canoe. Continue to Mossel Bay for pristine white sand and clear water. Visit Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse where you might spot whales, dolphins or seals from May through October while enjoying the clifftop views.
Included Activities
- Stop in Wilderness National Park
- Visit to Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse
- Beach time in Mossel Bay
Optional Activities
- Hike on Giant Kingfisher Trail in Wilderness National Park (payable locally)
- Canoe or kayak in Wilderness National Park (payable locally)
- Surf lessons at Inner and Outer Pool, Mossel Bay (payable on site)
Landmarks Wilderness National Park Mossel Bay Inner and Outer Pool Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse 
- Day 12
Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay
Continue along the Garden Route with the windows down and salt in the air. Make another stop in Wilderness National Park to explore rock formations, lakes, waterfalls and natural pools, either by hiking or paddling. Then arrive in Plettenberg Bay where turquoise water meets fine sand. Walk barefoot across Lookout Beach, listen to the waves, and explore the lagoon where the river gently meets the sea.
Included Activities
- Stop in Wilderness National Park
- Exploration of Lookout Beach, Plettenberg Bay
- Lagoon viewing in Plettenberg Bay
Optional Activities
- Hike on Giant Kingfisher Trail in Wilderness National Park (payable locally)
- Canoe or kayak in Wilderness National Park (payable locally)
Landmarks Wilderness National Park Lookout Beach Plettenberg Bay - Day 13
Plettenberg Bay
Spend the day in Plettenberg Bay however you choose, relaxing on white sand or seeking adventure. Robberg Nature Reserve has three scenic hiking trails available: The Gap, Witsand and The Point. The Point offers the longest route with ocean views and unpaved paths, though you'll want to check the tides first. Watch for the huge seal colony and keep your eyes open for dolphins and whales in the water.
Included Activities
- Beach time in Plettenberg Bay
Optional Activities
- Hiking trails in Robberg Nature Reserve: The Gap, Witsand, or The Point
Landmarks Robberg Nature Reserve - Day 14
Plettenberg Bay to Oudtshoorn
Drive through ever-changing landscapes toward Oudtshoorn as curves and views follow one after another. You'll pass vast plains and mountains with sunlight breaking through the clouds. Your glamping tent on an ostrich farm is surrounded by endless nature. End the evening by the fire pit with a braai basket from reception, filled with fresh vegetables, bread and high-quality local barbecued meat (payable locally).
Included Activities
- Scenic drive to Oudtshoorn
- Fire pit evening at accommodation
Optional Activities
- Braai basket pickup from reception (payable locally)
Landmarks Oudtshoorn - Day 15
Oudtshoorn
Spend the day at your ostrich farm accommodation doing what interests you most. Book a guided tour to learn about ostrich rearing and potentially help chicks hatch - one ostrich egg holds about 24 chicken eggs and is so robust an adult can stand on it. Or book an afternoon safari through AfriCamp game reserve over 5000 hectares where a guide shows you native Karoo vegetation and wildlife like antelopes and giraffes.
Optional Activities
- Guided ostrich farm tour (payable on site)
- Afternoon safari in AfriCamp game reserve (payable on site, book the day before)
Landmarks AfriCamp - Day 16
Oudtshoorn to Swellendam
You can start with an optional visit to a meerkat family before continuing your road trip, but you'll need to book this the day before. A guide will take you to meerkat caves and share insights about these animals. Drive to Swellendam and head into Marloth Nature Reserve. Put on hiking boots and trek through dense forests, past hidden waterfalls and natural pools that look like a green fairytale.
Included Activities
- Hike in Marloth Nature Reserve
Optional Activities
- Meerkat Safari with guide to meerkat caves (optional, bookable on site the day before)
Landmarks Marloth Nature Reserve - Day 17
Swellendam to Cape Town
Continue your road trip with windows down and your playlist on. Arrive in Hermanus, a relaxed coastal town with cool cafés and beachfront shops. Use binoculars to spot whales from the cliffs from June through December. Drive on to Cape Town, take a deep breath and stroll into the sunset at the V&A Waterfront. Browse street performers, hip stores and cafés with excellent flat whites, with Table Mountain always in view.
Included Activities
- Visit to Hermanus
- Exploration of V&A Waterfront at sunset
Optional Activities
- Whale watching from cliffs in Hermanus (June-December)
Landmarks Hermanus V&A Waterfront Table Mountain - Day 18
Cape Town
Head to Cape of Good Hope in your rental car. Arrive at Boulders Beach to breathe in fresh sea air and see turquoise water with penguins visible as black dots among granite rocks. Continue to Cape Point where you can walk or take an optional cog railway to the highest cliff point. From the viewing platform, you'll see incredible views of False Bay, Diaz Beach and the Cape of Good Hope stretching before you.
Included Activities
- Visit to Boulders Beach and penguin viewing
- Visit to Cape Point
Optional Activities
- Cog railway to Cape Point (payable on site)
Landmarks Boulders Beach Cape Point False Bay Diaz Beach Cape of Good Hope - Day 19
Cape Town
Start with a coffee to go and stroll through vibrant downtown Cape Town. Walk along Long Street, browse boutiques and check out the legendary Pink Lady at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel. Then head to Table Mountain where a gondola ride takes you to the top for spectacular panoramic views of the skyline, sea and Lion's Head. Back down, choose between Camps Bay Beach for a sundowner or Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Included Activities
- Exploration of downtown Cape Town and Long Street
- Visit to Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Optional Activities
- Table Mountain gondola ride to top (payable on site)
- Camps Bay Beach visit for sundowner
- Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens visit
Landmarks Long Street Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel Table Mountain Lion's Head Camps Bay Beach Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens - Day 20
Departure from Cape Town
Pack your bags and say goodbye to South Africa today. The final drive in the rental car feels different as memories of the past weeks flood back through your mind. You'll hand over your keys at the station, take a deep breath and whisper a quiet see you soon. Every journey ends, but the memories remain forever.
Included Activities
- Return of rental car at airport
- Day 21
Arrival Home
Welcome back home. You've spent your flight reminiscing about everything that happened. You can hardly wait to tell friends and family about your journey through two countries. South Africa and Namibia will forever hold a special place in your heart.
