Explore the less travelled route from Cape Town to Windhoek
When driving from the Cape to Windhoek, instead of travelling along the N7, how about exploring the coastal route which takes you from the busy, city life of Cape Town to a world of peaceful villages, rugged coastlines and endless stretches of beach.
A mere 90 km north of Cape Town, tucked away on the sandy shoreline just off the R27, hides Yzerfontein, a small town on the West Coast of South Africa. The town boasts South Africa's longest uninterrupted sandy beach at 25.7 km.
Leaving Yzerfontein to Paternoster, take the R45 turnoff, where you will find one of the oldest fishing villages on the West Coast of South Africa.
The town has many popular attractions making it well worth a visit.
Driving further down the coast towards Elands Bay, you will pass a plethora of fishing villages and small towns, each with its own charm.
Elands Bay is roughly 100 km north of Paternoster and is described as a quirky coastal town that wraps around a towering cliff face that forms the backdrop of this surfer hotspot. Another town not to be missed is Lamberts Bay, with its white beaches and blue ocean that offers ample opportunity for sea adventures and sport.
About a 40 km drive from there, is Doringbaai known as the bay where the Southern Right whales enter each year to calve between May andNovember.
Coastal Garden of Eden Route
Driving to Namaqua National Park (Groenrivier Gate), the route north from Doringbaai follows the coastline to Strandfontein, another popular stopover, especially during flower season.
Finally, most people eventually head up to McDougall’s Bay, a mere 7 km from Port Nolloth, which is something of a coastal playground, offering safe swimming and one of the best spots for windsurfing, kayaking, jet skiing and bodysurfing.
From here you can drive to Alexander Bay and cross from South Africa to Namibia using the Sendelingsdrift border post and river crossing.
Alternatively, there is a paved road on the Namibian side between Oranjemund and Rosh Pinah.
Namibia
From Rosh Pinah, there are different routes that you can travel to get to Windhoek, but to follow the road less travelled, head to Aus.
This quaint village is snuggled between one the most visited towns in the south, namely Lüderitz (125 km away) and Keetmanshoop (215 km away).
Some of the highlights when visiting Aus are seeing the Wild Horses of the Namib, visiting the few remains of the Prisoner of War Camp and the Aus-Commonwealth Cemetery.
From Aus, head to Helmeringhausen, located 500 km south of Windhoek.
Helmeringhausen consists of ahotel and a store selling basic provisions and fuel. While staying at the Helmeringhausen Hotel, you can take part in a number of activities, like guided farm drives that show off the fantastic scenery, bird watching and relaxed sundowner walks.
Next on the list is Maltahöhe. The town’s hotel was established in 1907, which makes it the oldest country hotel still in operation in Namibia. The hotel offers day excursions to Sossusvlei. Sesriem Canyon, Duwisib Castle andsome of the game farms in the area.
After this head to Kalkrand, Rehoboth and your trip will come to an end in Windhoek.