Tag 1: Kalahari South Africa
Upington - Kalahari (ca. 193 km / 1:43 h)
Nach Ihrer Ankunft am Flughafen übernehmen Sie Ihren Mietwagen. Upington ist das regionale Zentrum der gesamten Region und verfügt daher über eine ausgezeichnete Infrastruktur. In einem der zahlreichen gut sortierten Supermärkte sollten Sie noch letzte Einkäufe, vor allem Getränke, erledigen, bevor Sie in die Wüstengebiete aufbrechen. Die Fahrt führt auf der gut ausgebauten Regionalstraße 360 immer nach Norden. Schon bald fahren Sie durch die für die Kalahari so typische Dünenlandschaft, immer wieder unterbrochen durch Salzpfannen, die teilweise noch aktiv zur Salzgewinnung genutzt werden. Nach der Ankunft in Ihrer Lodge heißt es ausspannen und die beeindruckende Landschaft der Kalahari auf sich wirken zu lassen. Diese ersten Eindrücke Ihrer Mietwagen Rundreise Südafrika werden Ihnen sicherlich unvergesslich bleiben.
Tag 2: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa)
Kalahari - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (ca. 128 km / 2:37 h)
Bereits in der Früh sollten Sie aufbrechen, um das einmalige Licht der Kalahari aufzunehmen. Ihre Mietwagen Rundreise Südafrika führt Sie heute zur Merkat Sanctuary, einer Aufnahmestation für verstoßene oder verletzte Erdmännchen. Auf der Farm nimmt man sich den putzigen Mangusten an und päppelt sie wieder auf. Die Tiere leben hier völlig frei, genießen aber den Schutz und die Pflege durch die Menschen. Oft sind sie zutraulich und man kann sehr nah bei ihnen sein. Anschließend können Sie sich bei einer einheimischen Familie im Dünen-Surfen versuchen. Ähnlich wie beim Snowboarding können Sie auf gewachsten Boards die Dünen herunterfahren. Durch diese Attraktion verdient sich eine ganze San-Familie etwas zum Leben hinzu und profitiert durch Ihren Besuch. Es ist ein riesiger Spaß für alle (Gäste und San-Familie).
Weiter geht es nach Twee Rivieren, dem Eingangstor zum Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park. Nach Erledigung der Formalitäten beginnt Ihre persönliche Pirschfahrt entlang des Auob-Rivers zum Treffpunkt, an dem Sie von Rangern der !Xaus Lodge abgeholt werden. Über unzählige Dünen geht es von hier im offenen Geländewagen zur Lodge, wo Sie mit einem kühlen Getränk bereits erwartet werden.
Tag 3: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa)
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Today is all about embracing the solitude of the Kalahari. Immerse yourself in the spirituality of this place and let it truly captivate you. You will coordinate the exact schedule with your rangers. Generally, you will head out early in the morning for a walk through the dunes with the local San people, learning a great deal about their traditional way of life, their customs, and how they survive in such a harsh climate. Afterward, you will walk to a nearby kraal to gain further insight into the San culture. Here, you can watch live demonstrations of how traditional weapons and jewelry are crafted. Naturally, you will have the opportunity to purchase authentic pieces to take home as a special souvenir. In the afternoon, you will head out in an open 4x4 vehicle to explore the dune landscape in search of wildlife, with a bit of luck spotting ostriches, oryx, and lions. At a particularly scenic spot, you will enjoy a cool drink while taking in the breathtaking and incomparable Kalahari sunset.
Day 4: Kakamas
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park - Green Kalahari (approx. 398 km / 5:13 h)
After checking out, you will be driven back across the 91 dunes to your rental car. Along the way, you are sure to cross paths with plenty of wildlife that seem to be saying goodbye as well. From there, you will drive your own vehicle through the national park toward Twee Rivieren, the gateway to the park. Near Upington, you will reach the mighty Orange River, which flows year-round. In the immediate vicinity of the river, the landscape is lush and subtropical, with vineyards and orchards everywhere. Numerous wineries invite you to taste and purchase local wines and brandies. This region is another highlight of your South African road trip.
Day 5: Kakamas
Green Kalahari
A full day of scenic highlights awaits you today. Right by the Orange River, you will meet your guides for the day, who are eager to show you this diverse and fascinating region. Your first stop is Berg en Dal Koffie en Kuierkos, a coffee shop unlike any other. The owner, Norbert Coetzee, who once hosted Nelson Mandela here, is a local icon. Over coffee, he will share stories of days gone by—both the dark and the bright. Afterward, you will visit the hot springs of Riemvasmaak. Tucked deep within a canyon that opens up to the south in the shape of the African continent, it is the perfect place to relax in the warm water.
The drive continues along rugged tracks through a wild landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity, heading back toward the Orange River. The Augrabies Falls National Park is home to the falls of the same name, which are considered the sixth-largest in the world. To end the day, a canoe trip on the Orange River awaits. You will glide silently along the beautiful river, with excellent opportunities to spot wildlife and birds along the banks. Along the way, you will also have the chance to swim in the river. These activities add unforgettable experiences to your South African road trip.
Day 6: Springbok
Green Kalahari - Namaqualand (approx. 297 km / 2:36 h)
Today’s route takes you through largely uninhabited landscapes that exert a magical appeal with their infinite expanse. The drama of the emptiness shifts constantly, from vast plains and furrowed hills to distant mountain ranges. You will pass through the small town of Pofadder, which is notable not only for its unusual name but also for its location in the heart of the desert. This is a great opportunity to take a short break and look around. Your destination today is Springbok, the supply hub of Namaqualand. Spread across several hills, this town still sits over 1,000 meters above sea level. The surrounding area offers many opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. In spring (August and September), the entire landscape is carpeted in colorful flowers—a unique natural spectacle. But even at other times of the year, there is always something in bloom. Springbok is another fascinating destination on your South African road trip.
Day 7: Clanwilliam
Namaqualand - Cederberg (approx. 343 km / 3:15 h)
The drive takes you straight through the wonderfully scenic Namaqualand. Depending on the time of year, the landscape is blanketed in colorful blossoms. However, the drier seasons also have their own charm in this remote area. On your way south, you might consider a detour to the Namaqua National Park, which is not far from your route. As you continue, the landscape becomes flatter and drier, but soon you will see high mountains appearing on the horizon—the first foothills of the Cederberg range. In their valleys, the landscape suddenly turns green again and is used for a wide variety of agriculture, including tea and wine production. These scenic contrasts enrich your South African road trip.
Day 8: Clanwilliam
Cederberg
Today is dedicated entirely to the Cederberg mountains, a largely undiscovered gem within South Africa's vast scenic diversity. From your accommodation, there are numerous ways to explore the area. For active visitors, guided and independent hikes are available, usually starting directly from the lodge. Mountain bikes are also available. Alternatively, and highly recommended, is a drive deep into and high up into the mountains. Centuries-old rock paintings bear witness to the early settlement of the area, bizarre rock formations and caves can be explored on foot, and the remote, high-altitude Cederberg Cellars invite you to enjoy a wine tasting. Along the way, there are also frequent opportunities to swim in rock pools. These experiences make your South African road trip a truly special adventure.
Day 9: Paternoster
Cederberg - Paternoster (approx. 178 km / 2:08 h)
Today, you leave the mountains behind and head toward the Atlantic Ocean. The coastline here is wild and almost untouched. You will reach the sea for the first time at Elands Bay, a sleepy fishing village. Your final destination, however, is Paternoster, a small town defined by its fishing industry. Considered the pearl of the West Coast, it has retained much of its authenticity. The beaches to the north and south are magnificent, even if the sea remains quite cold year-round. You can often spot dolphins and whales migrating along the coast from the shore. Paternoster is a paradise for seafood lovers, with fresh lobster, mussels, and other local catches served daily. It doesn't get any fresher than this. These coastal experiences are another highlight of your South African road trip.
Day 10: Paternoster
Paternoster
A full day to relax and enjoy the seaside! As one of the oldest villages on the Atlantic coast, Paternoster has preserved a great deal of charm. Use the day to stroll along the breathtaking coastline or visit the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, just a few minutes' drive away. It is home to South Africa's last manned lighthouse. You can spot many wild birds here, and the region is also home to numerous rare plants typical of the Fynbos biome. These relaxing hours will enrich your South African road trip.
Day 11: Wellington
Paternoster - Wellington (Cape Winelands) (approx. 158 km / 1:51 h)
Passing the popular resort town of Langebaan, you head back inland toward the mountains. The landscape here is much gentler than the rugged coast; you are now in the heart of the famous Cape Winelands. Your route is lined with both well-known and hidden wineries, almost all of which invite you to stop for a tour and a tasting. Beyond the vineyards, the area is known for its multitude of exquisite restaurants that offer excellent quality at affordable prices. For active travelers, the region is ideal for hiking along the vineyards or mountain biking on quiet trails. These culinary and scenic delights add a wonderful variety to your South African road trip.
Day 12: Cape Town
Cape Winelands - Cape Town (approx. 81 km / 1:05 h)
Today's stage is relatively short as you head to Cape Town, the world-famous city at the southern tip of Africa. However, there is still plenty to see along the way. We recommend avoiding the direct route and spending a little more time in the picturesque Winelands. For example, visit the Taal Monument high above Paarl for sweeping views of the entire region. Or visit Franschhoek, the unofficial capital of the wine valley, with all its renowned estates. And, of course, there is Stellenbosch, a youthful university town surrounded by vineyards. These scenic spots are a beautiful part of your South African road trip.
Day 13: Cape Town
Cape Town
A full day in Cape Town! There is so much to explore and do. What are you in the mood for? A great way to explore Cape Town on your own is by taking a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. It gives you an excellent overview of the city, allowing you to hop off wherever you like and stay as long as you wish. A trip up Table Mountain is an absolute must! The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, and the Bo-Kaap district are all waiting to be discovered. Cape Town offers so many highlights that this day of your South African road trip is guaranteed to be unforgettable.
Day 14: End of the trip
Cape Town
Today, it is time to say goodbye. The morning is still dedicated to Cape Town, offering a final opportunity to buy some souvenirs—or perhaps pick up some of the many wonderful African spices to take home for your own cooking events. Your trip ends today with your flight back to Europe or your booked onward travel. This South African road trip will surely remain a cherished memory.
