2024/5 Namibia Desert Adventure – Windhoek to Cape Town

Tour duration – 14 days (13 nights) and 12 days motorbike rental

Rating: A combination of paved roads and compact gravel roads

Namibia is one extraordinary country, a paradise with wide horizons, contrasting landscapes and pristine beauty, offering an elemental experience that can’t be equaled elsewhere on the planet. It’s mostly arid, with a pleasant climate, clean air and clear blue skies. At night you’ll see the Milky Way more clearly than ever and be enthralled as local experts guide you on a journey through our galaxy. Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries on the planet – it’s roughly four times the size of the United Kingdom, with just a 25th of the population − and the Namib is one of the oldest deserts. The contrasts to be found in Namibia are striking, even for Africa, from plants and wildlife to unique geological wonders such as the Fish River Canyon and the Spitzkuppe massif.

Our journey starts in the Namibian capital city, Windhoek and ends in Cape Town a few days later. From Windhoek we head north to the Erongo region which is known for its scenic landscapes and abundant wildlife.  During our first night stay near Otjiwarongo we explore the wilderness area by joining an open jeep safari tour. From here we head west to the Erongo Mountains, visiting a San bushman village as well as Namibia’s own Matterhorn – the Spitzkuppe mountain cluster.  Hereafter we head to the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean to enjoy Swakopmund.  This popular coastal town takes us back in time, to her roots, showcasing her rich colonial heritage, good food and her Afro-European vibe. Besides this we enjoy a morning catamaran cruise in the bay and open ocean. From “Swakop” we continue south into the Namib Desert. On the way to Sesriem we cross the Tropic of Capricorn (photo stop) and stop at Solitaire, famous for its Apfelstrudel.  Next is Sesriem where we enjoy two nights of opulence.  Here all join an early morning desert tour of Sossusvlei, Deadvlei and Sesriem.

From Sesriem we head to Aus via Betta and Helmeringhausen – it’s just a blip on the map, but rather important blips to us.  Close to Aus is where one would go to search for the desert-dwelling feral horses.  Their story is unique, their survival mesmerizing, seeing them spiritual!  From Aus we head to Seeheim and then the Fish River Canyon.  The canyon is the second largest canyon on the planet and a late afternoon visit, to enjoy a canyon sunset, is the way to go. Once done at the Fish River Canyon, we head south to cross the border into South Africa. The next two days we spend riding through Namaqualand, a semi-arid region known for its brief but spectacular transformation into a floral wonderland every spring.  If our energy levels allow us, we might opt for a detour into the Cederberg Mountains near Cape Town before reaching the city. When in Cape Town we explore the best of the Cape Peninsula which includes Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope.  When in Cape Town, we visit the V&A Waterfront to enjoy some local beer and reminisce about the tour.

Our Namibia Desert Adventure Motorcycle Tour covers some of the best routes in Namibia, all in just 14 days. The thrill is immediate, but you’re left with a lifetime of memories to share.

Distance to be covered: Total 2900 km, approximately 290 km per day.

  Itinerary:

• Day 1 – Arrive in Windhoek and transfer to hotel (0km)
• Day 2 – Early morning motorcycle checkout where after we ride to Otjiwarongo via Okahandja to enjoy some late afternoon safari activities (180km)
• Day 3 – After an early morning start we enjoy a relaxing ride to Omaruru and continue to the Erongo mountains where we visit a San cultural village (180km)
• Day 4 – From the foot of the Erongo mountains we ride to the Spitzkuppe inselberg cluster to enjoy the mystic of this beautiful granite cluster where after we head to Swakopmund (250km)
• Day 5 – A two night stay awaits in Swakopmund which includes a boat cruise and afternoon at leisure in town, which in itself is a pleasant experience to indulge in
• Day 6 – We say goodbye to paved roads as we head south to Sossusvlei via Solitaire and cross the Tropic of Capricorn (370km)
• Day 7 – Our day is spent inside the Namib Naukluft park during which we visit Deadvlei and Sossusvlei (000km)
• Day 8 – From Sossusvlei we enjoy a long day in the saddle as we make way to Aus (350km)
• Day 9 – After visiting the wild horses near Aus we proceed to the Fish river Canyon (330km)
• Day 10 – From the depths of the canyons we ride to the banks of the mighty Orange river (250km)
• Day 11 – From Aussenkehr we cross the border into SA and head to Van Rhynsdorp for the night (430km)
• Day 12 – With Cape Town in our sights we head due south to the Mother City (390km)
• Day 13 – Its our last day on the road and we explore the Cape Peninsula route (150km)
• Day 14 – Depart back home

Important information about the above rates:

• The rate quoted above is a net rate based on a minimum of six participants. Swartberg Biking reserves the right to cancel any tour if we have not received bookings for the minimum number of participants.
• The above rates are subject to change if any unforeseeable price increase or currency exchange rate occurs.
• The rates quoted above include the use of a support vehicle on the above package.

Swartberg Biking Motorcycle Tours is a registered tour operator affiliated with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (www.satsa.co.za) and insured with Safari and Tourism Insurance Brokers (www.satib.co.za).

Swartberg Biking is a proud partner in the 2024 Rhino Ride awareness campaign, supporting conservation efforts across Southern Africa.