Namaqua Land Road Trip Itinerary
Experience the best of South Africa on the Namaqua Land Road Trip! This incredible journey starts in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town, taking you through the heart of this diverse country. Along the way, you'll pass through Bloemfontein, Kgalagadi National Park, Garies, and Langebaan. This 2629km journey is best completed in 14 days, making it perfect for those looking to take their time and really explore the area.
The best time of year to drive is during the South African summer, when you can enjoy stunning landscapes and nature along the route. There are several UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore, as well as plenty of chances to spot wildlife in the Kgalagadi National Park. The roads are in good condition, so you can feel comfortable and safe while driving.
This road trip is truly unforgettable and provides a high level of experience and memories. It's suitable for all drivers, and can be managed on a moderate budget. So get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as you explore the beauty of Namaqua Land!
14
number of days
2,627 km
route length
fair
budget
tourist
good for
on the left
traffic direction
fair
accident level
START
Johannesburg
Distance 2,627 km
Driving time 35.7 h
Pace: fast
788.0 kWh
Airports
JHB
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Johannesburg, located in the Gauteng Province of South Africa, is a great starting point for the Namaqua Land Road Trip. The city is well connected by air, with OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) as the closest international airport. Car rental services are available at the airport, making it easy to get to the start of your journey.
There are several interesting sights to visit in Johannesburg. Highlights include the Apartheid Museum, the vibrant Maboneng Precinct, the Johannesburg Zoo, and the lively Melville district. For those looking to take in some of the city's history, a visit to the Mandela House Museum is a must. The museum is a reminder of the legacy of Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first black president.
For nature lovers, the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is a must-see. It is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, boasting over 500 species of plants and a variety of birdlife.
Finally, for a taste of the local culture, a visit to the colourful Soweto Township is a must. Here you can experience the vibrancy of South African culture through its markets, restaurants, and colourful street art.
Johannesburg is an ideal starting point for the Namaqua Land Road Trip, with plenty to see and do before starting your journey.
1
Johannesburg
- Bloemfontein
Distance 424 km
Driving time 4.8 h
Pace: fast
127.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein? This 424 km journey will take you less than 4 hours and is the perfect way to explore the stunning South African landscapes. Along the way, you will be able to visit some of the most beautiful UNESCO Heritage sites.
Start your journey from Johannesburg, where you can explore the Apartheid Museum and take a stroll through the vibrant streets of the Maboneng Precinct. As you drive along the N1, you will be able to appreciate the picturesque landscape and the rolling hills of the Free State.
Once you arrive in Bloemfontein, you can explore the National Women’s Monument and the Anglo Boer War Museum. In the evening, you can take a walk through the city’s Botanical Garden and enjoy the view of the many species of plants and trees.
This is just one of the many stages of your amazing South African tour. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Bloemfontein - Republic of South Africa - Africa - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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2
Bloemfontein
- Upington
Distance 570 km
Driving time 6.7 h
Pace: fast
171.0 kWh
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip? Start your journey in Bloemfontein and drive 570 km to Upington, in less than 6 hours. On the way, you will be surrounded by picturesque landscapes, so keep your eyes open and don’t miss any of the stunning views. Be sure to visit the Bloemfontein Botanical Garden, the National Women’s Monument, and the Oliewenhuis Art Museum. As you continue your journey, you will pass through towns like Brandfort, Petrusburg, and Warrenton. When you arrive in Upington, make sure to explore the Kalahari-Oranje Museum, the Augrabies Falls National Park, and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The Itinerary of this stage contains more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. So, get ready for a unique experience and hit the road!
Upington - Republic of South Africa - Africa - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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3
Upington
- Kgalagadi N.P.
Distance 250 km
Driving time 4.0 h
Pace: fast
74.9 kWh
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Are you ready to take a road trip? We invite you to explore the Upington to Kgalagadi N.P. route! This 249 km journey will take you less than 4 hours to complete and is part of a larger tour, so you can look forward to more fun and exploration.
Start your journey in Upington, where you can visit the Kalahari-Oranje Museum, the Augrabies Falls National Park, and the Orange River Wine Cellars.
Next, you can drive to the Kgalagadi N.P., where you can take part in a variety of activities such as game viewing, bird watching, and 4x4 trails. You can also explore the red sand dunes, take a guided tour of the park, and visit the Nossob and Mata-Mata rest camps.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
Kgalagadi N.P. - Republic of South Africa - Africa - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Kgalagadi N.P. - Republic of South Africa - Africa - Road Trip - Flickr
Kgalagadi N.P. - Republic of South Africa - Africa - Road Trip - Piqsels
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4
Kgalagadi N.P.
- Springbok
Distance 629 km
Driving time 8.7 h
Pace: fast
188.8 kWh
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Kgalagadi National Park in the Republic of South Africa to Springbok? This 629 km journey will take you less than 6 hours to complete and will give you the chance to explore some of the most stunning and interesting places in the region.
At Kgalagadi National Park, you can enjoy the unique beauty of the Kalahari desert and observe some of the most iconic African wildlife, such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Don't forget to take a few pictures of the beautiful red sand dunes and the amazing starry nights.
Continue your journey to Springbok, where you can explore the Namaqualand, a semi-desert region with a unique flora. This is the perfect place to admire the beauty of the wildflowers and the incredible sunsets.
Make sure you don't miss the chance to visit the Goegap Nature Reserve, a protected area that is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Hartmann's mountain zebra, the black-backed jackal and the meerkat.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Springbok - Republic of South Africa - Africa - Road Trip - Springbok
Springbok - Republic of South Africa - Africa - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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5
Springbok
- Namaqua N.P.
- Garies
Distance 203 km
Driving time 3.6 h
Pace: modest
52.7 kWh
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Welcome to the Springbok-Garies road trip stage! This incredible journey starts in Springbok, Republic of South Africa and takes you through the stunning scenery of Namaqua National Park for 204 km until you reach Garies. It will take you less than 4 hours of driving to get there, so you can enjoy the sights of the area without feeling rushed.
Your first stop is Namaqua National Park. This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Hartmann's mountain zebra, and it's also a great place to do some birdwatching. There are plenty of trails for hiking, and you can take a guided tour for a more in-depth look at the park. If you're looking for a more relaxing experience, you can take a scenic drive or enjoy a picnic in the park.
Your next stop is Garies. This small town is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the area, and it's a great place to explore. You can take a leisurely stroll around the town, visit the local shops, and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
At the end of your journey, you'll have experienced some of the best that South Africa has to offer. And remember, for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Garies - Republic of South Africa - Africa - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Garies - Republic of South Africa - Africa - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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6
Garies
- Lambert's Bay
Distance 278 km
Driving time 3.6 h
Pace: fast
83.5 kWh
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Garies to Lambert's Bay is a 279 km drive that will take you less than 3 hours. Start your journey in Garies and make sure you take the time to visit the Garies Nature Reserve, where you can explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region. As you drive along the N7, you will pass through the town of Springbok. Here, you can visit the Springbok Museum, which offers a fascinating look into the history of the area. As you make your way to Lambert's Bay, you will pass through the picturesque town of Clanwilliam. Make sure you take the time to explore the Clanwilliam Dam, which is a popular spot for fishing and camping. Finally, you will arrive in Lambert's Bay, a coastal town known for its stunning beaches and wildlife. Here, you can visit the Bird Island Nature Reserve, where you can observe the local birdlife in their natural habitat.
This is only one of the stages 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 pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Lambert's Bay - Republic of South Africa - Africa - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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7
Lambert's Bay
- Langebaan
Distance 136 km
Driving time 2.5 h
Pace: modest
35.2 kWh
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Welcome to the Lambert's Bay to Langebaan stage of your road trip! This 136 km drive will take you less than 2 hours, and you'll get to explore some of the most interesting places in the Republic of South Africa.
Your first stop will be in Lambert's Bay, where you can visit the Bird Island Nature Reserve, a haven for over 20,000 Cape Gannets, cormorants, and other seabirds. You can also explore the local fishing industry, which has been around since the early 19th century.
Next, you'll head to the town of Velddrif, where you can take a stroll along the banks of the Berg River and admire the beautiful river estuary. You can also visit the nearby Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned during the Apartheid era.
Your next stop will be in Saldanha Bay, where you can explore the local beach, visit the Saldanha Nature Reserve, and enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk. You can also take a boat trip to Dassen Island, where you can observe the local birdlife.
Finally, you'll arrive in Langebaan, where you can explore the Langebaan Lagoon and its surrounding wetlands. You can also visit the West Coast National Park, where you can spot some of South Africa's most iconic wildlife.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Langebaan - Republic of South Africa - Africa - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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8
Langebaan
- Cape Town
Distance 137 km
Driving time 1.9 h
Pace: fast
41.2 kWh
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Are you ready for a road trip adventure? Then join us as we take you from Langebaan to Cape Town, a 137km drive that should take less than 2 hours. Along the way, you will be able to explore some of the most beautiful and interesting places in South Africa.
Starting from Langebaan, you will be able to visit the West Coast National Park, where you can see a variety of wildlife and the stunning Langebaan Lagoon.
From there, you will drive through the charming towns of Saldanha, Vredenburg and Paternoster, where you can take in the picturesque landscapes and visit historical sites.
You will then reach the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, where you can explore the rugged coastline and spot some of the area's wildlife.
The final stop on your journey is Cape Town, where you can explore the iconic Table Mountain and the vibrant city centre.
Along the way, you will also be able to visit some of South Africa's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Let's hit the road!
Cape Town - Republic of South Africa - Africa - Road Trip - Britannica
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Cape Town
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Cape Town, the "Mother City" of South Africa, is the perfect end to the Namaqua Land Road Trip. This vibrant city is full of fascinating attractions, from its stunning beaches, to its incredible culture and history.
Start your journey with a trip to Table Mountain, the iconic flat-topped mountain that provides an unforgettable backdrop to the city. Take the cable car up for spectacular views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. For a more low key experience, visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, where you can explore the country's incredible flora in a tranquil setting.
The city also boasts a rich cultural heritage. Take a stroll down Long Street and explore the unique shops and cafes. If you're looking for something a bit more active, take a tour of the Castle of Good Hope, the oldest building in the city.
No visit to Cape Town is complete without a trip to the nearby beaches. Clifton and Camps Bay both offer stunning views, while Muizenberg Beach is the perfect spot for a relaxing day.
For those arriving by air, Cape Town International Airport (IATA: CPT) is the closest international airport and is located just 20 minutes from the city centre.
End your Namaqua Land Road Trip in style with a visit to the vibrant and beautiful city of Cape Town.
Namaqua Land Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Johannesburg
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End:
Cape Town
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Distance:
2,627 km
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Stay:
14 days
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Getting there:
Senai International Airport (JHB)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, April, August, September, October, November
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Namaqua Land Road Trip is an enthralling 2629km journey that takes you from the bustling cityscape of Johannesburg to the iconic views of Cape Town over the course of approximately 14 days. This Scenic Drive not only offers an opportunity for urban exploration in cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town but also immerses travelers in the diverse ecosystems of South Africa. The route traverses through key locations including the judicial capital, Bloemfontein, the wildlife-rich Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, the picturesque town of Garies, and the coastal haven of Langebaan.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Johannesburg: As the largest city in South Africa, it boasts the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, which provide deep insights into the country's turbulent past.
- Bloemfontein: Also known as the 'City of Roses', this city is home to the Supreme Court of Appeal and the naval hill planetarium, offering cultural and educational experiences.
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: An expansive wildlife preserve that is a fusion of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana, providing an unobstructed view of the Kalahari ecosystem and a chance to see the magnificent black-maned lions.
- Garies: This tranquil town becomes a tapestry of color during the Namaqualand flower season, where its arid landscape transforms into a vibrant floral display.
- Langebaan: Offers a wealth of activities with its serene lagoon, white sandy beaches, and the nearby West Coast National Park, which is a spectacle during flower season and a paradise for bird watchers.
- Cape Town: This multifaceted city is framed by the stunning Table Mountain, offers poignant historical tours on Robben Island, and gives access to the rich gastronomy and viticulture of the Cape Winelands.
Best Time to Go:
The optimal time to embark on the Namaqua Land Road Trip is during the Southern Hemisphere's spring months, from August to October, when the arid landscapes bloom with wildflowers and the weather is most conducive for outdoor adventures and wildlife viewing.
Potential Risks:
Drivers should be cautious of potentially long stretches between services stations and the presence of wildlife on or near the Roads. It is advisable to plan fuel stops strategically, ensure the vehicle is well-maintained, and pack emergency supplies including water, snacks, and a first-aid kit.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The journey encompasses several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape.
- The Trip is wallet-friendly, offering a range of affordable lodging and diverse dining options throughout the route.
- Suitable for all skill levels of drivers, the Road Trip can be undertaken with a standard vehicle, although some areas may be more accessible with a 4x4.
A good choice for:
The Namaqua Land Road Trip invites travelers to a rich tapestry of cultural history intertwined with the unparalleled beauty of South African landscapes. It is an unforgettable experience brimming with educational opportunities, natural wonders, and a cornucopia of activities that cater to the desires of Road Trip enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
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