A biker’s guide to do
Cape to Namibia Solo in 2 Weeks
5200km in total with 200km or more of optional gravel
When I planned this trip I couldn’t find a guide online that suited my needs, so I was inspired to write my own. There are some good ones out there, but they seem to be mostly tailored for hardened tour bikers and 4X4 drivers willing — or rather preferring — to wrestle the gravel. Don’t get me wrong, mastering a challenging road could be very rewarding, but with my current skill level the risk is just not worth it. Especially not alone.
Prices in this article will be in South African Rand (R), which is equal to the Namibian Dollar ($).
Itinerary
It helps to have a rough outline of the journey before you start. My target destination, and only pre-booking was Etosha, all other bookings were a day or two in advance. There are many options to choose from with regards to roads and places to stay. Have a look around and talk to the locals, you’ll definitely find better spots.
Trip 1 — Somerset West to Kamieskroon
Set among the granite rock formations of the Kamiesberg range is the small gravel-road town of Kamieskroon.
- Distance: 500 km
- Stay: R 550 for a room at Gousblom Gastehuis
- Lekker plaaskos available on request for breakfast and dinner
Trip 2 — Kamieskroon to Ais-Ais
Wake up early and start the trip across the border to Fish River Canyon. There are 2 main gravel roads towards Ai-Ais from this side, the D316 and the C10. The condition of the D316 is not that great so rather consider the C10, which is a 80 km stretch of easy gravel. The last 10 km to the resort is badly corrugated, so take it slow.
This resort is definitely worth a visit and offers hiking trials, spa, and a swimming pool.
- Distance: 370 km
- Stay: R 1050 for a room and R 210 for a campsite at Ai-Ais Resort
- Restaurant and bar on site
- The campsites are so pristine it made me regret my decision to stay in a room
Trip 3 — Ais-Ais to Keetmanshoop
Keetmanshoop is a drive-through town with a rich cultural history, but not a lot of things to do. For me it was just a rest stop, you can easily stretch it out to Mariental or even Windhoek.
- Distance: 269 km
- Stay: R 330 for a campsite at Trupen Garden Accommodation & Camping
- Restaurant and shop nearby
Trip 4 — Keetmanshoop to Windhoek
Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is a vibrant metropolitan city that offers lots of hidden gems worth exploring.
- Distance: 500 km
- Stay: R180 for a campsite at Urban Camp
- Neat campsites with pre-fitted hammocks and amazing outside showers
- Restaurant and bar on-site with good food and cold beer on tap
Trip 5 — Windhoek to Swakopmund
Swakopmund is a charming colonial coastal town with some must-see attractions, including Dune 7 and the flamingos at Walvis Bay.
- Distance: 360 km
- Stay: R 420 for a room at Swakopmund Backpackers
- Consider an alternative place to stay, the backpackers is not ideal — has a slot machine room at the entrance
Trip 6 — Swakopmund to Etosha
Etosha is one of the largest game parks in Africa, at 22 000 square kilometres, and Namibia’s prime wildlife location. This unique desert landscape is home to lion, elephant, leopard, giraffe, cheetah, hyena, springbok, two kinds of zebra, eland, and more. You won’t be allowed to enter the park on a motorcycle, but guided game-drives are available for day visitors.
- Distance: 500 km
- Stay: R 360 for a campsite at Etosha Village
- Buffets for breakfast and dinner (R 120 / R 320)
- Full-day game drive for R 1050
- Large secluded campsites with private bathrooms
- Alternatively, consider staying at Eldorado
Trip 7— Etosha to Mariental
Mariental is home to the Namibia’s largest dam and a great stop for those who love nature, water and views.
- Distance: 680 km
- Stay: R 350 for a room at Plotpadda Mansion
- Classic farmhouse experience with a friendly host in a shared house
- The Hardap Resort is worth considering as an alternative
Trip 8— Mariental to Lüderitz
Lüderitz is a harbour town that has a strong German feel to it. One day should be enough to explore most of the attractions it has to offer.
- Distance: 570 km
- Stay: R 400 for a room at Element Riders Place
- Alternatively, camp at Shark Island
- Expect to see the Garub Desert Horses on the way
- Visit the ghost town, Kolmanskop
Trip 9 — Lüderitz to Oranjemund
Oranjemund is a small diamond mining town at the border to South Africa where the only traffic you might find is Namibia’s national animal, the Oryx, grazing on the luscious lawns among the residents.
- Distance: 400 km
- Stay: R 930 for a room at Op My Stoep Lodge
- Restaurant on-site with good food and beer on tap
- 2 neat campsites available
Trip 10— Oranjemund to Somerset West
By this point, my bum was begging me to stop riding so I decided to go straight back home.
- Distance: 800 km
Planning
You’ll have to invest some effort into the planning for a journey like this, especially in ensuring that you have the right gear. Don’t pre-book too far ahead, a day or 2 max, and give yourself enough time to explore each location. Aim to arrive at each destination between 2pm and 3pm.
Essentials (most used)
- Leatherman & LED headlight
- Powerbank
- Bluetooth headset
- Hammock
- Cable ties & rubber bands
- Stainless steel flask
Border requirements
- Valid driver’s license
- Valid passport (6 months beyond intended departure date)
- Border cross letter from the bank (if financed)
- Proof of insurance
- ZA stickers (for RSA vehicles)
Tips
- Always have cash on hand for the local fine system
- Fill up every chance you get, some service stations are only open in season
- Pack everything you think you need and then unpack half of it
- Avoid the pub bell, Underberg is hangover fuel
