From the Desert to Table Mountain
This self-drive tour combines the vastness of the Kalahari with the scenic contrasts of the Cederberg Mountains, the Cape Winelands, and Cape Town.
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is the highlight for wildlife viewing, while the second part of the journey becomes increasingly lush and indulgent.
Experience vast landscapes at your own pace
Self-drive freedom
You largely determine your own pace, stops, and daily itinerary.
Kgalagadi Safari
Several days are dedicated to wildlife viewing in this famous desert park.
From desert to wine country
The route showcases the exceptionally diverse landscapes of South Africa.
Red dunes, mountains, and wine
Green Kalahari
The Orange River forms a surprisingly green lifeline in the arid landscape.
Kgalagadi
Red dunes, open plains, and excellent opportunities for spotting predators.
Cederberg & Cape
Rocky landscapes, the Winelands, and finally Cape Town provide a scenic contrast.
Day by day on your journey
Arriving in the red Kalahari
After arriving at the airport, pick up your rental car. Upington is the regional hub and offers great opportunities for last-minute shopping before you head out into the desert. Drive north on the well-maintained R360, passing through the typical Kalahari dune landscape, punctuated by salt pans. Once you arrive at your lodge, there will be time to soak in the peace and vastness of the landscape.
Meerkats, dunes, and your first game drive
Experience the unique light of the Kalahari early in the morning. Along the way, you will visit a meerkat sanctuary and then have the chance to try your hand at dune surfing with a local San family.
Afterward, you will continue to Twee Rivieren, the gateway to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Once the formalities are complete, you will head out on your first game drive along the Auob River to meet the rangers from !Xaus Lodge. From there, you will travel across the dunes to the lodge in an open 4x4 vehicle.
Through the Kalahari with the San
Today is all about the Kalahari. You will coordinate the exact schedule with your rangers. Typically, you will head out early in the morning for a walk through the dunes with local San guides, learning all about their traditional way of life and how they survive in this stark landscape.
Later, you will visit a kraal to gain insights into traditional craftsmanship. In the afternoon, you will head out on a game drive in an open-top 4x4. With a bit of luck, you might spot ostriches, oryx, and lions. To wrap up the day, you will enjoy the sunset with a refreshing drink.
From the desert park to the Orange River
After checking out, you will be taken back across the dunes to your rental car. You will then drive through the national park to Twee Rivieren and continue towards Upington. There, you will reach the mighty Orange River, which flows year-round. Along the river, the landscape becomes surprisingly green; grapes and fruit thrive here amidst the arid surroundings.
Augrabies, Riemvasmaak, and the Orange River
Today, you can look forward to a varied excursion along the Orange River. You will visit Riemvasmaak, known for its hot springs, and travel through an impressive volcanic landscape.
Another highlight is the Augrabies Falls. To round off the day, you will glide along the Orange River in a canoe, with the opportunity to spot birds and wildlife along the banks and—depending on conditions—go for a swim in the river.
Across the vast expanse to Springbok
The route takes you through largely uninhabited landscapes featuring wide plains, rugged hills, and distant mountain ranges. Passing through Pofadder, you will reach Springbok, the commercial hub of Namaqualand. During the South African spring, the region often transforms into a vibrant sea of flowers; even outside the blooming season, the stark landscape holds a unique charm.
From Namaqualand to the Cederberg
You continue heading south through Namaqualand. Depending on the time of year, you will be accompanied by colorful blooms or the striking, arid landscape. A detour to Namaqua National Park is possible. Later, the first foothills of the Cederberg mountains will appear on the horizon. In the greener valleys, crops such as rooibos tea and wine are cultivated.
Rock art and mountain landscapes
Dedicate an entire day to the Cederberg mountains. You can set off on hikes or mountain bike tours directly from your accommodation. A drive deep into the mountains, with their bizarre rock formations, caves, and centuries-old rock paintings, is particularly captivating. Along the way, you can visit wineries and—depending on your route and the weather—take a dip in natural rock pools.
To the wild West Coast
From the mountains, you head to the Atlantic. You will reach the coast for the first time near Elands Bay before continuing on to Paternoster. This old fishing village is considered one of the gems of the West Coast and has retained much of its original charm. Long beaches, fresh seafood, and, with a bit of luck, dolphins or whales define your stay.
A free day on the Atlantic coast
Today is yours to relax and take walks along the coast. Just a few minutes' drive away is the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, home to South Africa's last manned lighthouse. The region is also known for its birdlife and unique fynbos vegetation.
From the West Coast to the Winelands
Passing Langebaan, you head back inland towards the mountains and reach the Cape Winelands. Along the route, numerous wine estates invite you to enjoy tours and tastings. The region is also one of South Africa's culinary highlights; hiking and mountain biking among the vineyards are also popular activities.
Through the Winelands to Cape Town
Today's leg to Cape Town is short, but there is plenty to discover along the way. Instead of taking the direct route, it is well worth spending some time in the Winelands – perhaps in Paarl, Franschhoek, or Stellenbosch. Afterwards, you will reach Cape Town, the famous metropolis nestled between mountains and the sea.
Cape Town at your own pace
You have a full day to explore Cape Town. A hop-on hop-off tour offers a great overview of the city. Depending on the weather and your interests, you might also want to visit Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, or the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood. You decide which facets of the city you want to discover today.
Farewell to the Cape
On your final day, depending on your flight time, there is still time for some last-minute shopping or a stroll through Cape Town. Your trip then concludes with your flight home or an individually booked extension program.
More about this journey
Want to see more journey details?
The digital itinerary includes accommodation, maps, images and further information.
Your route from the Kalahari to the Cape
Die Darstellung dient der Orientierung; der tatsächliche Reiseverlauf kann je nach örtlichen Bedingungen geringfügig abweichen.
Good to know what’s included.
INCLUDED
- 13 nights
- Rental car as per offer
- Breakfast or meals as per accommodation
- Digital travel documents and emergency hotline
NOT INCLUDED
- Flights
- Fuel and road tolls
- Meals and activities not mentioned
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Travel insurance
Clearly planned. Transparently priced.
Trip price from €2,099 per person in a double room
DEPARTURE DATES
Daily arrivals possible; the trip is calculated individually.
Tour code:
UTNSD001
Good to know.
What is the special appeal of this route?
It connects the red Kalahari and the Kgalagadi with the Cederberg, the Winelands, and Cape Town – a striking scenic contrast.
Where is the focus of the safari?
Several days in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park are available for independent wildlife viewing.
Can the trip start daily?
In principle, yes. The route is planned individually based on season and availability.
Is a 4x4 vehicle required?
The appropriate vehicle category is determined based on your specific itinerary; a full 4x4 is not strictly necessary for the standard main routes.
Can I add extra nights in Cape Town?
Yes. You can easily extend your trip at the end with additional days in Cape Town or the Winelands.
Damit Sie gut informiert reisen.
The trip is customized based on the season, availability, and your preferred accommodation category.
For your booked journey, we provide a personal digital itinerary with the detailed route, accommodation information, driving directions and further travel guidance.
The digital travel documents are provided through our partner Wetu B.V., based in Cape Town, South Africa. Wetu B.V.’s privacy policy applies when you use the service. Further information is available in Wetu’s privacy policy.
Diese Reise ist in ihrer beschriebenen Form nicht für Menschen mit eingeschränkter Mobilität geeignet. Das bedeutet jedoch nicht zwangsläufig, dass eine Reise für Sie nicht möglich ist.
Bitte sprechen Sie uns an. Wir beraten Sie persönlich und prüfen gemeinsam, ob und wie wir den Reiseverlauf und einzelne Leistungen an Ihre individuellen Bedürfnisse anpassen können.