Namibia Desert Adventure (14 Days)

Terrain – Combination of Paved and Gravel Road

Our Namibia Desert Adventure motorcycle tour starts in Cape Town. We kick-off by exploring the Cape Peninsula and ride as far as the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of the mountainous headland. The outing includes a visit to the penguins at Boulders Beach, a visit to the Cape Point Reserve and finally riding the spectacular Chapman’s Peak drive before arriving back in the city along Victoria Drive, located at the foot of the majestic twelve apostles and Table Mountain. We bid the city farewell and with Table Mountain behind us we head up north to discover the Cape West Coast region.

Our journey to the Namibian border includes passing by the remote hamlets of Van Rhynsdorp, Garies and Kamieskroon. The rapid change in landscape and climate surprise many, yet heading up north, one can rest assured that it gets warm and more arid. Springbok is the last major town on the South African side of the border we pass through. Shortly we say hello to Namibia. After the usual border formalities on both sides we finally arrive in Namibia.
Once in southern Namibia, we reside on the banks of the mighty Orange River for the first night before we explore the rugged Fish River Canyon. From here we ride mostly on gravel and explore “off the beaten track” places and scenery.

With the canyon behind us we head to Aus in search of the feral horses often found near the Garub watering hole a few miles west of Aus. Here they have successfully adapted to the harsh desert conditions and became “movie stars”, as much have been written and published about their existence. From Aus we continue our motorcycle tour along the “road less travelled” and venture further into the world’s oldest desert – the Namib Desert. Once we arrive in the Namib desert, our hosts spoil us with an early morning visit into the Namib Naukluft park. The park is famous for its red dunes, a variety of wildlife which includes numerous antelope species and most importantly the two iconic landmarks – Deadvlei and Sossusvlei. The word “vlei” is local for a shallow natural pool of water.

After our Namib visit we ride to Swakopmund and enjoy a brief stop in Solitaire which is world famous for its hearty apfelstrudel pies. Consider this an invitation. From Solitaire we do a photo stop where we cross the Tropic of Capricorn. The ambient temperature usually drops noticeably when we near the coastline as the cool Atlantic air rolls in from the coast. It is often a welcome relieve after a few days of desert heat. From the coast we venture inland and after a short break from the gravel roads, we are back on the gravel again to visit the Spitzkuppe Mountains. The towering Spitzkuppe granite peaks are the most photographed mountains in Namibia and well worth a visit.

From here we continue to the Erongo mountain conservancy before we finally make our way to the Etosha region. Our two-night stay includes a full day Etosha National Park safari drive to explore the wildlife and other fascinating aspects of this famous reserve. Our safari into Etosha National Park is an appropriate way to end our visit to Namibia and enjoying the ride to Windhoek – Namibia’s capital, will allow us plenty of time to exchange miles for smiles as we reflect on our recent travels through South Africa and Namibia. The city is our last destination of the tour and after a visit to the iconic Joe’s Beer House for our last group dinner, we say our goodbyes until we meet again. Safe travel

Day 1 – Upon your arrival in Cape Town you will be transferred to the hotel to relax and meet for an early evening briefing and welcome drink. 000km

Day 2 – After collecting the motorcycles we explore the Cape Peninsula route and ride to the Cape of Good Hope, we visit the penguins at Boulders Beach and bask in the late afternoon sun as we round Chapman’s Peak drive making our way back to the city via Camps Bay and Table Mountain. 150km

Day 3 – We depart Cape Town and ride north along the “Cape Namibia route”. We ride along the Cape West Coast region to our first overnight stop at Vanrhynsdorp in the Namaqualand region. 340km

Day 4 – From Vanrhynsdorp we continue north through Springbok before we enter Namibia at Noordoewer. From here we ride due west where we reside on the banks of the mighty Orange River a few kilometres in Namibia at Aussenkehr where they farm with export grapes. 440km

Day 5 – Today we encounter or first gravel as we head off to the mighty Fish River Canyon. It is said to be the 2nd largest canyon on the planet and we need time to ensure we capture all on film. 180km

Day 6 – From the depths of the canyon to the tranquillity of the wild horses – that is the plan. Aus is where we find the desert plains which the horses call home. A late afternoon visit to the horses is on the cards. 290km

Day 7 – From Aus we journey north along the Namib Desert eastern boundary until we reach Sesriem which is the main entrance to the Namib. We pass by the sleepy towns of Helmeringhausen and Betta. 390km

Day 8 – An early morning guided tour has been arranged to take you into the Namib Desert where you can explore Sossusvlei and Deadvlei as well as enjoy some dune climbing before enjoying a relaxing afternoon next to the pool before we venture further north along the Namibia dusty roads. 0km

Day 9 – Our next destination is Swakopmund. En route we enjoy a stop at Solitaire to enjoy a scrumptious piece of apfelstrudel and coffee, we cross the Tropic of Capricorn and do the picture thing before traversing the Kuiseb Canyon after which the cool Atlantic air welcomes us to Swakopmund where a dinner at one of the may restaurants will add to our list of highlights. 350km

Day 10 – Early morning we make our way the Spitzkuppe mountains, the most photographed mountains in Namibia. We must catch the early morning sun to get the maximum effect. From here we head east to the Erongo Mountains as we follow the gravel roads past the “bulls party”, a cluster of huge rocks nearby. 240km

Day 11 – We continue through the Erongo Mountains and make our way to Omaruru and then Outjo before we arrive on the doorstep of the well-known Etosha National Park where we stay for two nights. 310km

Day 12 – Our day is spent on safari and an early morning departure is on the cards. Your guide will treat you with the best the park has to offer and tell you all there is to now about the fauna and flora around. 0km

Day 13 – Today is our last day on the road and we are off to Windhoek. The ride is mostly on paved roads with a stop in Okahandja for some last-minute shopping should any souvenirs still be needed. Joe’s Beer House will be our preferred venue for the farewell dinner and experience taught it will live up to its reputation. 420km

Day 14 – All will start heading back home today after our adventures in Namibia, SD cards loaded with photos, our minds packed with memories, riding gear suffocated with dust…..the thrill is immediate, the memories lasts a life time!