Windhoek to Cape Town Road Trip Itinerary
Embark on a thrilling road trip from Windhoek to Cape Town and explore the beauty of Namibia and South Africa! With a distance of 2386 km, this 12-day road trip is best experienced from August to October when the weather is mild and the landscapes are breathtaking. Along the way, you’ll get to see some of the best sights the two countries have to offer, including Swakopmund, Seeheim, Lambert’s Bay, and various UNESCO Heritage Monuments. The roads are in good condition, so you can enjoy a safe and comfortable ride. Keep in mind that you will need to stop at the border crossing to get your documents checked.
This road trip is suitable for all drivers and can be done on a moderate budget. Get ready to create unforgettable memories and experience a high level of adventure!
12
number of days
2,386 km
route length
fair
budget
tourist
good for
on the left
traffic direction
fair
accident level
START
Windhoek
Distance 2,386 km
Driving time 34.9 h
Pace: fast
715.9 kWh
Airports
WDH
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Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia, is an ideal starting point for a road trip from Windhoek to Cape Town. Situated in the central highlands, Windhoek is bordered by the Eros Mountains to the north and the Auas Mountains to the south. The city has a fascinating history, with German colonial influences still evident in its architecture.
The most interesting sights in Windhoek are the Christuskirche, a historic German Lutheran church; the Alte Feste, a 19th-century fortress overlooking the city; and the Tintenpalast, the seat of the Namibian government. There are also several museums in the city, including the National Museum of Namibia and the Namibia Craft Centre.
The closest international airport to Windhoek is Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), located 45 kilometers east of the city. Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to start your road trip from Windhoek to Cape Town.
Windhoek is an excellent starting point for the Windhoek to Cape Town Road Trip. With its fascinating history, interesting sights, and convenient airport, Windhoek is the perfect place to begin your journey of exploration and discovery.
1
Windhoek
- Swakopmund
Distance 321 km
Driving time 5.6 h
Pace: modest
83.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Windhoek to Swakopmund? This 321 km journey will take you less than 6 hours, so you can expect to have plenty of time to explore the attractions along the way.
Start your journey by visiting the Christuskirche, a beautiful Lutheran church located in the heart of Windhoek. Then, drive through the Khomas Hochland Mountains and admire the stunning views of the Namib Desert.
Your next stop should be the Okapuka Ranch, a game reserve located just outside Windhoek. Here, you can enjoy a game drive and spot some of the local wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
Continue your journey and make a stop at the Spreetshoogte Pass, a scenic mountain pass with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. From here, you can also enjoy a view of the Namib Desert.
Your next stop should be the small town of Solitaire. Here, you can visit the local bakery and enjoy some of the best apple pie in the country.
Finally, you will arrive in Swakopmund, a coastal town located on the edge of the Namib Desert. Here, you can explore the local attractions such as the historical buildings, the beach, and the nearby desert.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip from Windhoek to Swakopmund!
Swakopmund - Namibia - Africa - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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2
Swakopmund
- Namib-Naukluft N.P.
- Sesriem
Distance 343 km
Driving time 3.9 h
Pace: fast
102.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Start your journey in Swakopmund, Namibia, and embark on an unforgettable 343 km road trip to Sesriem. Along the way, you will be mesmerized by the picturesque landscapes and get the chance to see some UNESCO Heritage sites. Make sure you take some time to admire the stunning views of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Be sure to take a few pictures of the Sossusvlei, the highest sand dunes in the world, and the Dead Vlei, a white clay pan with dead camel thorn trees. Don't forget to explore the Sesriem Canyon, a natural wonder of the area. The total drive time is fewer than 4 hours, so you can easily fit in all these attractions in one day. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Sesriem - Namibia - Africa - Road Trip - Flickr
Sesriem - Namibia - Africa - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Sesriem - Namibia - Africa - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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3
Sesriem
- Seeheim
Distance 559 km
Driving time 9.5 h
Pace: modest
145.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Sesriem, Namibia to Seeheim, a drive of 559km that will take you fewer than 10 hours. On this journey, you will be able to explore the picturesque landscapes and attractions of the region. Start your trip in Sesriem, home to the famous Sesriem Canyon, a spectacular gorge carved out of the sandstone by the Tsauchab River. Take a guided tour of the canyon, or explore the area on your own and discover the hidden gems.
Continue your journey to the small town of Solitaire, where you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of a traditional Namibian village. Make sure to stop at the famous Apple Pie Bakery and try one of their delicious pies.
Your next stop is the village of Seeheim, located in the heart of the Namib Desert. Here you can explore the vast desert landscape, visit the local Himba village, and take a camel ride through the desert. Don't forget to take some time to admire the stunning night sky.
This is just one stage of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!
Seeheim - Namibia - Africa - Road Trip - Travel News Namibia
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4
Seeheim
- Springbok
Distance 496 km
Driving time 8.6 h
Pace: modest
128.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable journey from Seeheim, Namibia, and explore the wonders of the Fish River Canyon and Springbok. This 496 km long road trip, taking less than 9 hours to complete, will take you across the Namibia-South Africa border. Start your journey in Seeheim and enjoy the stunning views of the Fish River Canyon, the world’s second-largest canyon. Marvel at the vastness of the canyon, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! End your journey in Springbok, a vibrant town in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. Here you can explore the nearby Namaqualand, a world-renowned wildflower destination. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the ‘Itinerary’ of this stage.
Springbok - Namibia - Africa - Road Trip - Springbok
Springbok - Namibia - Africa - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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5
Springbok
- Lambert's Bay
Distance 400 km
Driving time 4.0 h
Pace: fast
120.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for a great road trip from Springbok to Lambert's Bay? This 400 km journey is one of the most picturesque stages of a larger tour, and can be completed in less than 4 hours.
To make the most of your journey, start by visiting the Namaqualand National Botanical Garden in Springbok. Here you can explore the unique flora of the region and enjoy the tranquillity of the garden.
Continue your trip to the Goegap Nature Reserve, where you can spot a variety of wildlife, including the iconic gemsbok antelope.
Your next stop should be at the Diaz Cross Monument, a memorial to the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias.
As you continue your journey, make sure to make a stop at the charming town of Clanwilliam, where you can visit the Clanwilliam Dam and the Cederberg Wilderness Area.
Finally, you will reach the town of Lambert's Bay, where you can explore the local bird sanctuary and the picturesque beaches.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Lambert's Bay - Namibia - Africa - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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6
Lambert's Bay
- Langebaan
Distance 133 km
Driving time 1.8 h
Pace: fast
39.8 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Lambert's Bay to Langebaan? This stage of your tour is only 133 km and can be completed in less than 2 hours. You will be amazed by the amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean, the white sand beaches, and the wildflowers.
Start your journey in Lambert's Bay and visit the Bird Island Nature Reserve, where you can observe a variety of bird species and enjoy the stunning views of the bay. Then, continue to the nearby Elands Bay Cave, where you can explore the ancient cave paintings and learn about the history of the area.
Continue your journey to the charming town of Langebaan. Here, you can explore the West Coast National Park, a protected area with a variety of wildlife and stunning landscapes. Don't forget to visit the Langebaan Lagoon, a beautiful natural lake where you can take a boat tour and enjoy the tranquility of the area.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Langebaan - Namibia - Africa - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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7
Langebaan
- Cape Town
Distance 134 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: fast
40.2 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Langebaan to Cape Town? This scenic 134km journey will take you less than two hours and you will be able to explore some of South Africa’s most interesting sites. The route is lined with UNESCO World Heritage sites, so be sure to keep an eye out for historical sites and picturesque landscapes. Along the way, you can also stop by the West Coast National Park, the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve and the Vredenburg Waterfront. For a unique experience, you can also visit the Saldanha Bay Harbour, where you can take a boat ride to view the surrounding islands. You will also find many restaurants, cafes, and accommodation options to make your journey even more enjoyable. Don’t forget to check out the “Itinerary” for this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Langebaan to Cape Town!
Cape Town - Namibia - Africa - Road Trip - Britannica
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Cape Town
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Cape Town is the ideal ending point to the “Windhoek to Cape Town Road Trip”. Located in the Republic of South Africa, the city offers an abundance of natural beauty and culture. The iconic Table Mountain towers over the city and provides amazing vistas of the ocean and the city below. There are a number of scenic routes to get to the mountain from the city proper, including the popular Chapman's Peak Drive. The city also has a number of beaches, from the famous Camps Bay beach to the more secluded beaches of the Cape Peninsula.
For those looking for a more cultural experience, the city has a number of attractions. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront offers a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as an aquarium, harbor cruises, and even a theater. Other attractions include the Castle of Good Hope, which is the oldest European building in South Africa, and the District Six Museum, which commemorates the forced removal of thousands of people from the area during the Apartheid era.
For those traveling by car, the N2 highway is the main route to Cape Town from Windhoek. The route is approximately 1,600 kilometers and passes through several towns, including Upington, Beaufort West, and Swellendam. The closest international airport is the Cape Town International Airport (CPT).
Cape Town is the perfect ending point for the “Windhoek to Cape Town Road Trip”. Its stunning scenery and wealth of cultural attractions make it a great destination for travelers of all kinds.
Windhoek to Cape Town Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Windhoek
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End:
Cape Town
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Distance:
2,386 km
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Stay:
12 days
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Getting there:
Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, April, August, September, October, November, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Feeling inspired? You’ve got the option of transforming our itinerary idea into a real life experience.
The tour we’ve suggested can be used as a base that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with diverse tourist attractions.
If car travel is a means of travel that you prefer, there are a number of essential road rules to follow and a list of things to keep in mind to ensure safety.
These tips will surely become useful for tourists who opt for renting a vehicle or hiring a camper.
It is important to obey the local traffic regulations when on a road trip around Namibia.
Alcohol is best to be avoided at any price while moving in a vehicle around Namibia.
Tourists ought to remember that the allowed blood alcohol level is low and is only 0.5‰.
Exceeding the maximum permissible speed, which is 60km/h, when travelling around the urban areas may result in speeding offence.
In non-build-up areas, holidaymakers can travel at the maximum permissible speed of 120km/h.
Bear in mind that the permissible speed is 120km/h on motorways in Namibia.
In order to stay safe, it is best to equip your car with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher and drive with your headlights on during the day.
How about the costs of the trip?
Well, depending on the needs of the tourists, the money that you have to spend will vary.
Below, you will find the budget possibilities.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 2,386km across Namibia may cost approximately 325 EUR.
You will have to spend about 638 EUR on economy accommodation options.
When it comes to the travel expenses connected with food and restaurants in this offer, the average costs are 576 EUR.
If your aim is also the cheapest car rental offer, you will pay around 648 EUR.
Thus, going for car rental will increase the expenses of the road trip from more or less 1,539 EUR to approximately 2,187 EUR.
When it comes to the standard offer, you have to spend the maximum of 325 EUR to cover the planned mileage of the adventure.
Cost amounting to 1,265 EUR can be expected by all tourists who are searching for standard accommodation.
The slightly increased standard in comparison to the budget option entails expenditures amounting to about 864 EUR.
Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard hire car should expect a cost of about 972 EUR.
Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 3,526 EUR for travellers who would like to try car hire and 2,554 EUR for those who are not interested in renting.
Travellers who are searching for the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium option.
When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total roughly 5,690 EUR for holidaymakers who are considering car rental and 2,554 EUR for those who do not need a hire car.
Travellers who would like to cover the tour in a premium hire vehicle can expect a cost of around 1,728 EUR.
When it comes to the premium configuration of the road trip, the fuel cost will be up to approximately 588 EUR.
Travellers should expect to pay more or less 2,222 EUR for hotels and 1,152 EUR for restaurants and food if they opt for the highest standard of services.
Our tour is also an excellent opportunity for all camper fans.
If you are considering this transport option, you should expect the costs of around 2,700 EUR.
You will spend about 650 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the trip.
Drivers who choose camper hire should expect to pay roughly 660 EUR for accommodation and more or less 576 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section shows all the above details in an easy to follow manner.
The part of Namibia showed in our adventure idea is perfect to be visited between August and April.
If Windhoek to Cape Town Road Trip has sparked your creativity, you should see other beautiful road trips that we offer on our website.
Hopefully, the great variety of road trips will surely cater to the needs of the most demanding drivers.