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Experience Africa’s raw beauty on this 11-day budget camping safari through Namibia. Starting in Cape Town, this overland journey takes you from South Africa’s iconic coastline into Namibia’s most striking landscapes, including the towering dunes of Sossusvlei and the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha National Park.
Ideal for travellers who want to experience more for less, this safari combines immersive camping under star-filled skies with nights in comfortable lodges along the route, offering a balanced and affordable way to explore Namibia’s highlights.
The price shown above covers the full overland camping safari experience, including accommodation, transport, guides, meals, and activities as outlined in the itinerary.
Personal items, drinks, snacks, tips, optional activities, and your own sleeping bag and pillow are not included, giving you flexibility to manage extras based on your budget and travel style.
This affordable Cape Town to Namibia Tour departs from Cape Town, South Africa. We leave at 08:00 am from the DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town. Please ensure you arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Leaving beautiful Cape Town, we pause on the other side of the bay to appreciate the iconic view of Table Mountain and the city from here.
From Cape Town, we travel north to the scenic Cederberg Mountains. Along the way, we pass charming farmstalls before reaching Citrusdal, our overnight stop.
Citrusdal is located in the beautiful Olifants River valley, at the foot of the Cederberg Mountains. These mountains are known for their dramatic rock formations and hiking trails. They're also home to the unique rooibos plant - a caffeine-free herb native to South Africa that's now a popular health tea worldwide.
At our first campsite, we unwind and enjoy a traditional dinner. Your guides will then brief you on the upcoming adventure.
We travel north through Namaqualand, a region famous for its spectacular wildflower displays. During spring, especially in August and September, the landscape bursts into colorful blooms.
Our journey through the Northern Cape takes us across peaceful, remote terrain. Our destination is the mighty Gariep (Orange) River, which separates South Africa and Namibia.
Before crossing into Namibia's beautiful landscapes, we stop in the small town of Springbok for any final supplies.
The second night of our overland tour is spent camping on the Namibia side of the riverbank, getting to know one another over a hearty meal. Our campsite features a pool, internet, and a bar.
Optional Morning Activity: Take a canoe trip on the Gariep (Orange) River - South Africa's longest river. Watch for local birds and enjoy the dramatic scenery. Or simply relax by the pool and enjoy river views.
Afternoon Adventure: After lunch, we head north to the spectacular Fish River Canyon. It's the world's second-largest canyon after the Grand Canyon: • 160 kilometers long • Up to 27 kilometers wide • 550 meters deep. We'll stop at a scenic viewpoint to walk along the canyon's edge and take in the magnificent views.
Final Stop: We end our day heading west to Keetmanshoop, our overnight destination.
Morning Highlights: We explore the ancient Quiver Tree Forest. These unique Southern African trees were named by the San people, who used hollow branches as arrow quivers. The forest features 250 trees, many over 200 years old, and became a national monument in 1995.
Next stop is Giants Playground - a striking landscape of massive dolerite boulders formed 160-180 million years ago.
Desert Journey: We drive west through Namibia's remote countryside toward the famous red dunes. Our route reveals the changing faces of this desert nation.
Evening Camp: Our desert camp sits on the edge of Namib National Park. Facilities include a swimming pool and bar for sundowners - the perfect spot to escape the desert heat.
We drive north into the ancient Namib Desert - the world's oldest desert. Here, gravel plains meet towering dunes and rugged mountains under an endless sky. Our destination is the Namib-Naukluft National Park. This unique area features lunar landscapes, iconic red dunes, and desert-adapted wildlife. We stop at Dune 45, where you can climb up for spectacular views and photos of the desert landscape. Then we gather at the dune's base for a filling breakfast.
Next, we board 4x4 vehicles to reach Sossusvlei and Deadvlei in the park's heart. Walk across the dry salt pans and see the haunting dead trees against the orange dunes. We then explore Sesriem Canyon, taking in its rock formations and desert life. The day ends at our desert lodge. Here, we'll relax under starlit skies after our adventure through the Namib's dramatic landscapes.
Today, we are joined by an expert local guide for a nature walk in the unique desert habitat. Exploring on foot, our local guide will share his detailed knowledge of the ancient Namib Desert area with us. On this guided nature walk, we discover how the San (Bushmen) have long survived in the arid deserts of Southern Africa.
After our desert walk, we cross the latitudinal line of the Tropic of Capricorn, pausing to take some photos of this momentous crossing. Then it’s on to Swakopmund, a seaside town and adventure capital of Namibia, where you will be briefed on the many optional activities available for the next day.
In the evening, you have the option of enjoying some excellent seafood at a local restaurant, as well as the local nightlife. We stay at a comfortable guesthouse in Swakopmund that offers a bar, laundry services, and internet access. Accommodation is in twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms that have hot showers.
Discover the charming coastal town of Swakopmund, where German colonial charm meets Namibian culture. Wander past historic buildings, browse local markets, or relax at seaside cafes.
Adventure seekers can join dune quad biking tours, try sandboarding, experience thrilling skydives, or spot dolphins on ocean cruises. Or simply spend the day exploring the town's sidewalk cafes, local restaurants, and seaside promenade.
Our Cape Town to Namibia Safari leaves Swakopmund, following Namibia's dramatic coastline north. Our first stop is Wlotskabaken, a quaint village where holiday homes nestle between desert dunes and ocean waves.
Next, we explore the unique Lichen Fields. A local guide explains how these remarkable organisms survive by capturing moisture from Atlantic fog. These hardy plants showcase nature's ability to thrive in extreme conditions.
Turning inland, we reach the towering Brandberg Mountains - Namibia's highest range. Here, we embark on a two-hour hike along the Tsisab Riverbed. Your guide will show you ancient rock art, including the famous White Lady painting, dating back 2,000 years.
The day ends at our comfortable lodge, where we'll rest after our day of exploration.
We travel northeast to the famous Etosha National Park, one of Africa's greatest wildlife sanctuaries. This vast protected area covers 22,270 square kilometers of pristine wilderness.
The park takes its name, "Etosha," meaning "Great White Place," from its enormous central salt pan. This natural wonder is so large it's visible from space.
Tonight we will stay at a comfortable safari camp near Etosha, preparing for tomorrow's wildlife adventures in this legendary park.
We start at dawn for a full day of game viewing in Etosha. Our elevated safari truck offers excellent views as we explore the park's diverse watering holes, where animals gather to drink.
The park is home to diverse wildlife. You'll see many of the 144 mammal species, including elephants, lions, and rare desert-adapted creatures. Watch for iconic African wildlife like giraffes, cheetahs, leopards, and blue wildebeest. You might spot smaller creatures too, like the tiny Damara dik-dik or various wildcats.
Etosha's rich ecosystem supports 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, and 16 amphibian species. Our expert guides know the best spots for wildlife viewing in this vast wilderness.
Your final morning is spent at the safari camp. Enjoy sunrise over the Etosha landscape and watch the animals coming and going at the waterhole. After lunch, you will be collected for your final transfer.
Take your last drive through Etosha National Park before heading south to the capital city, Windhoek, located at the epicentre of Namibia on the central plateau. This is where our Cape Town to Namibia Camping Safari comes to an end.
We recommend arriving the day before your overland tour departs and only booking flights for the day after the safari ends. We can help arrange accommodation for before and after this overland safari on request.
This Camping Overland Tour is also available as a Lodge Overland Tour - 11-Day Cape Town to Namibia Safari, which follows the same itinerary and stays at comfortable lodges instead of camping. The same Africa Overland Tour is also available as a small group tour, which travels in a luxury overland vehicle with 12 guests at most - 11-Day Small Group Cape Town to Namibia Safari.
For more details, contact African Budget Safaris.
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
This tour does take children.
There is a minimum age limit of 8 years of age, for travellers on scheduled departures, however, children aged 8 and 9 years of age are accepted on a request basis only.
A maximum of 4 children, aged between 10 - 15 years will be allowed per scheduled tour departure date.
Should there already be 4 children confirmed on a tour, any further children requests will be dealt with on a request basis only.
Age restrictions may apply to certain items listed in the respective tour activities and it is important that you are aware of these restrictions prior to confirming children on tour.
Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.
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