12-Day Cape Town to Namibia Safari (Camping Overland Tour)
Embark on an unforgettable Cape Town to Namibia Safari designed for adventurous travelers looking for a budget-friendly African experience. This affordable camping overland tour journeys from Cape Town through South Africa’s wild landscapes and into the breathtaking deserts and national parks of Namibia. With two nights in comfortable lodge accommodation and the rest spent under the stars, this 12-day overland adventure combines nature, wildlife, and culture in one epic safari route.
Quick Safari Overview
Start your Cape Town to Namibia Safari in South Africa’s vibrant Mother City and travel north through the rugged Cederberg Mountains and flower-strewn Namaqualand. Cross the Orange River into Namibia and explore the Fish River Canyon before heading into the Namib Desert to climb Dune 45 and visit Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Discover the coastal charm of Swakopmund, hike to ancient rock art in the Brandberg Mountains, and enjoy incredible wildlife sightings on game drives in Etosha National Park. End your overland adventure in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town to Cederberg Mountains – South Africa
Departing Cape Town, we journey north into the Cederberg Mountains. Enjoy scenic views and a traditional South African dinner at our first campsite near Citrusdal.
- Highlight: Traditional Dinner
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Cederberg to Namaqualand & Orange River – Namibia
Travel through Namaqualand’s floral landscapes before crossing the Gariep (Orange) River into Namibia. Camp riverside under the stars.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Orange River to Fish River Canyon & Keetmanshoop – Namibia
Choose a relaxing canoe trip or unwind at camp before visiting the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon. Overnight in Keetmanshoop.
- Included: Fish River Canyon visit
- Optional: Canoe Trip
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Keetmanshoop to Namib Desert (via Quiver Tree Forest & Giants Playground)
See ancient quiver trees and rock formations before continuing into the heart of the Namib Desert. Camp near Namib-Naukluft Park.
- Included: Quiver Tree Forest & Giants Playground
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Namib Desert – Namibia
Spend a relaxing day at camp surrounded by desert scenery. Optional self-guided walks available.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Sossusvlei, Deadvlei & Sesriem Canyon – Namibia
Climb iconic Dune 45, explore Sossusvlei and Deadvlei by 4×4, and visit Sesriem Canyon for incredible desert views.
- Included: Dune 45, 4×4 Transfer, Deadvlei, Sesriem Canyon
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Namib Desert to Swakopmund – Namibia
Join a guided walk with a local expert and cross the Tropic of Capricorn before arriving in the coastal town of Swakopmund.
- Included: Guided Desert Walk, Tropic of Capricorn Photo Stop
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Swakopmund – Namibia
Enjoy a free day in Swakopmund. Try optional adventure activities like quad biking, sandboarding, or dolphin cruises.
- Optional: Dolphin Cruise, Sandboarding, Quad Biking, Skydiving
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Swakopmund to Brandberg Mountains – Namibia
Visit Wlotskabaken, the Lichen Fields, and hike to the White Lady rock painting in the Brandberg Mountains.
- Included: Lichen Fields, Rock Art Hike
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Brandberg to Etosha National Park – Namibia
Drive northeast to Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations, and settle in at our rest camp.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Etosha National Park – Namibia
Enjoy a full day of game viewing in Etosha, famous for its salt pans, abundant wildlife, and dramatic landscapes.
- Included: Full-Day Game Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Etosha to Windhoek – Namibia
Catch a final glimpse of Etosha’s wildlife before travelling south to Namibia’s capital city, Windhoek, where your Cape Town to Namibia Safari concludes.
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Important Travel Notes
We recommend arriving in Cape Town the day before the tour and booking onward flights the day after the tour ends. Accommodation before and after the Cape Town to Namibia Safari can be arranged upon request.
Alternative Safari Options
This tour is also available as a 12-Day Cape Town to Namibia Lodge Safari or as a 12-Day Small Group Safari in a luxury overland vehicle with a maximum of 12 guests.