12 Day Namibia to South Africa Safari (Lodge Overland Tour)
Embark on an unforgettable Namibia to South Africa Safari, a lodge-style overland adventure exploring Africa’s dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and iconic national parks. This epic 12-day journey starts in Windhoek and ends in Cape Town, traveling through Namibia’s deserts, wildlife sanctuaries, and historic sites before crossing into South Africa’s rugged Northern Cape and Cederberg Mountains.
Quick Itinerary Overview
Discover the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park, the ancient rock art of Brandberg, and the windswept coastlines of Swakopmund. Climb Dune 45 at sunrise in the Namib Desert, walk through the surreal Deadvlei and Sossusvlei pans, and marvel at the Fish River Canyon before heading south through Namaqualand into South Africa. Your Namibia to South Africa Safari finishes in beautiful Cape Town, with unforgettable memories and new friendships made along the way.
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Windhoek to Etosha National Park
Meet your crew in Windhoek and travel north to Etosha National Park for an afternoon game drive. Spot elephants, rhinos, lions, and over 340 bird species in this wildlife haven. Spend the night at a rest camp with a floodlit waterhole for nighttime wildlife viewing.
Included: Afternoon Game Drive
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Etosha National Park
Enjoy a full day of game viewing in Etosha, known for its massive salt pan and abundant wildlife. Search for predators and plains game around waterholes in our custom overland truck.
Included: Full-Day Safari
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Etosha to Brandberg Mountains
Travel to Namibia’s highest mountain range to see ancient rock art, including the famous White Lady painting. Hike through rugged terrain with your guide and overnight at a nearby lodge.
Included: Brandberg Rock Art Hike
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Brandberg to Swakopmund
Drive through the Skeleton Coast, visit lichen fields and Wlotskasbaken before arriving in Swakopmund, Namibia’s adventure capital. Settle into your coastal lodge for two nights.
Included: Skeleton Coast, Lichen Fields, Wlotskasbaken Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Swakopmund Free Day
Explore Swakopmund with optional activities like quad biking, sandboarding, skydiving, or dolphin cruises. Enjoy the town’s German-inspired architecture and beachside charm.
Optional: Adventure Activities & Dinner Out
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Swakopmund to Namib Desert
Cross the Tropic of Capricorn en route to the Namib Desert. After arriving at your lodge, enjoy a guided desert walk learning about local flora, fauna, and San survival techniques.
Included: Tropic of Capricorn Photo Stop, Desert Walk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Sossusvlei, Deadvlei & Sesriem Canyon
Climb Dune 45 at sunrise, then explore the otherworldly landscapes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei in 4x4s. Visit Sesriem Canyon before returning to your desert lodge for another starry night.
Included: Dune 45 Hike, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei & Sesriem Canyon Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Namib Desert Free Day
A relaxing day in the desert with optional self-guided walks and time to soak in the beauty of the Namib’s stark scenery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Namib to Quiver Tree Forest & Giants Playground
Visit the Quiver Tree Forest and the Giants Playground near Keetmanshoop, a geological wonder of ancient dolerite boulders. Overnight in Keetmanshoop.
Included: Quiver Tree Forest & Giants Playground
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Fish River Canyon & Orange River
See the world’s second-largest canyon, Fish River Canyon, then continue to the banks of the Orange River. Optional canoe trip available in the afternoon.
Included: Fish River Canyon
Optional: Half-Day Canoe Trip
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Orange River to Namaqualand & Cederberg
Cross into South Africa and drive through Namaqualand, famed for wildflowers in season, then on to the Cederberg Mountains. Enjoy a traditional South African meal on your final safari night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Cederberg to Cape Town
Travel through rooibos-growing country to Cape Town. Stop at Tableview for a postcard-perfect photo of Table Mountain before your Namibia to South Africa Safari ends in the Mother City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overland Safari Details
- Starts in Windhoek, Namibia
- Ends in Cape Town, South Africa
- Accommodation: Comfortable lodges
- Transport: Custom overland safari truck
Optional Activities
- Etosha Night Game Drive
- Dinner in Swakopmund
- Dolphin Cruise
- Quad Biking, Sandboarding, Skydiving
- Half-Day Canoeing on Orange River
Child Policy
This overland tour accepts children aged 8 and above. Children aged 8–9 are accepted on request, and a maximum of 4 children aged 10–15 are permitted per departure.
Alternative Safari Option
This same itinerary is available in reverse as the 12 Day Cape Town to Namibia Safari.
Pre- and Post-Tour Travel
We recommend arriving in Windhoek a day before departure and flying out of Cape Town a day after the tour ends. Pre- and post-safari accommodation can be arranged on request.
Contact us for up-to-date pricing, availability, and to reserve your spot on this unforgettable Namibia to South Africa Safari.