ROADTRIP: Namibia to Cape Town

Many start their adventure in Windhoek, the capital and largest city of this Southern African country. Nama, Herero, German, Afrikaans and British cultures have influenced the growth and development of Windhoek. Visit the statue of Hosea Kutako, a nationalist hero, in the gardens surrounding the Tintenpalast, the seat of the Namibian legislature, or chow down on ostrich kebab or zebra steak at Joe’s Beerhouse before leaving on a safari into the Namibian wilderness.

Places of interest:
National Museum of Namibia Kuiseb Pass
Karibu Safari
Parliament Gardens
Kalahari Sands Casino
National Botanic Garden of Namibia

Capital of southern Namibia and focal point of the scenic and historic attractions in the surroundings is Keetmanshoop. Founded in 1860

by the Rhenish Mission Society and named after Johan Keetman, the town still retains vestiges of its original German buildings. The stone mission church, built in 1895, is now a museum with displays depicting the region’s colourful past. Housed in the old Post Office building (built in 1910) is the Southern Tourism Forum.

Places of interest:
Quivertree Forest and Giant’s Playground Naute Kristall Cellar and Distillery
Naute Dam
The stone mission church

The official border post leaving Namibia. There are several camp sites on the banks of the Orange River. Many river rafting trips along the Orange and through the Richtersveld start here. Stunning rock stratum and petroglyphs can be viewed. Once alone Nama man lived here, whose name was Jan Viool. He would guide travellers through the river at the shallowest part called a “drif”, hence the name “Vioolsdrif”. Only in 1956 the bridge was built across the river, linking Vioolsdrift to the Namibian border town of Noordoewer on the northern banks of the Orange.

Places of interest: 
Orange River Rafting

Set in a narrow valley bisecting the granite domes of the Klein Koperberge (small copper mountains), is the principal town of Namakwa, Springbok. Shortened from Springbokfontein in 1911, it owes its existence to copper-mining undertaken after 1850 and a ready supply of water. In the late 1870s, rich copper deposits at Okiep saw most Springbok residents following their dreams to drought-stricken claims, many of which returned.

Places of interest:
Goegap Nature Reserve Namaqua National Park

Vanrhynsdorp is a little town with a lovely Victorian feel to it, and although you’ll find some interesting old buildings, the main draw card to this remote region is nature. It is here that three botanical kingdoms converge, namely the Nama-Karoo vegetation, succulents in the Knersvlakte and Cape Fynbos in the mountains, bursting with a technicoloured springtime flower display.

Places of interest:
Kokerboom Nursery Gifberg Mountain Route Old Gaol & Nursery

Those massive and monolithic mountains going by the name of Cederberg are possibly the reason why you’ve decided to mission north along the N7, but let’s face it; you’re going to have to take a break before entering this gigantic sandstone playground and Clanwilliam is perfectly perched on the edge of this wilderness. Endemic rooibos and buchu tea flourish on the harsh Cederberg slopes, in stark contrast with the verdant valley carved by the Olifants River far below and its snaking irrigation canals sustaining extensive citrus farming. Come spring time the air is suffused with the scent of orange blossoms.

Places of interest:
Rooibos Tea Route
The Old Gaol (Ou Tronk) Museum
Ramskop Wildflower Garden
Traveller’s Rest and the Sevilla Rock Art Trail Heuningvlei Donkey Cart trail
World class Bouldering Sites
Rieldansers

Route via R44

Porterville, an unspoilt and picturesque dorp (small town) on the slopes of the stunning Olifantsrivier Mountains, was established on the farm Pomona in 1863 and named after the then quite popular Attorney General of the Cape Colony, Sir William Porter. Set in a land of extremes, Porterville boasts with one of the rarest flowers, the Disa Uniflora, easy access to the awe-inspiring Groot Winterhoek Nature Reserve and dry hot summers with powerful thermals, placing it firm- ing on the world map as an ideal paragliding hotspot.

Places of interest:
Proudly Porterville Route Paragliding

Cape Town’s unique story begins with the birth of Table Mountain eight hundred million years ago and the discovery of human footprints dating back 117 000 years. Today it’s a colourful and harmonious fusion of ethnic diversity and a city overflowing with opportunity. While walking through the streets and meeting the locals, you will fall in love with its natural beauty, creative freedom and incredible spirit. Cape Town is the city where the unexpected is always just around the corner and the beautiful province of the Western Cape lies ready to be explored across the city border.

EXPLORE the Mother City

There is so much to see, do and taste in Cape Town.

• Breath of fresh air:
  For those that plan to enjoy the summer days on the beach, be sure to try Cape Town's blue-flag beaches, and must-try surf spots. To explore the greener side of the city, visit the various parks and gardens, as well as the nature reserves. Or take a hike and climb one of these 7 spectacular day trails, or get your steps in by walking the promenade or meandering in Muizenberg.

• Get the heart-racing:
  For the adrenaline junkies, try some of the inner-city adventures, including activities like Signal Hill's tandem-paragliding, amongst many others!

• Craving culture?
  Our academics can learn about the history with guided tours of Cape Town, its lighthouses, and even its shipwrecks. For the culture and art enthusiasts, if you've missed the infamous First Thursdays, be sure to explore the local art world or you can get crafty in the cape too!

• Working remotely?
  For those that need a spot to WFH but out the house, visit these coffee shops.

• Taste the city:
  Taste Cape Town by exploring the various wine routes, or satisfying your sweet tooth at 11 must-try dessert stops.