Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

26 July 2025

3-minute read

The Cape-Namibia route is a stretch of road that connects Cape Town in South Africa, to Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, stretching over a distance of 1600 km.  It consists not only of the N7 from Cape Town straight north into Namibia but also encompasses highways and byways to the west and east which add their own local flavour. Alternatively, Namibia can be reached directly from Johannesburg via the Northern Cape, passing through cities like Upington.

The Namib Desert, the oldest desert on Earth, not only makes the country one of the least densely populated places in the world, it is also responsible for providing unrivalled landscapes. The best way to see Namibia is by car, preferably in a 4×4 or a heavy-duty vehicle to make navigating the dunes and sandstorms along the way easier.  Arterial paved roads safely link all corners of Namibia and allow visitors to explore the country at a fraction of the cost. On this amazing route you can touch dinosaur fossils, visit the second-biggest canyon on earth, go kayaking in blue waters, and view incredible wildlife.

According to Dr Ziyaad Mayet, the iconic road trip to Namibia is a must do “once-in-a-lifetime” experience that should feature on every individual’s bucket list, and to get a “really good slice of the country,” one should plan on spending 3 to 4 weeks in the region. Namibia’s roads consist of A, B and C roads, with A roads linking the major cities and B and C roads requiring off-road driving.

In Lüderitz, a beautiful little coastal town that was previously a mining town, and where herds of wild horses abound, one can take a tour through the old German houses at the mining museum for historical interest.

The best way to experience the dramatic scenery and iconic red dunes at Sossusvlei, which is a bit off the beaten track and is accessible via B and C roads, is with a 4×4 as the roads do tend to deteriorate as one drives in.

Usually associated with famous shipwrecks and fables of sailors walking for hundreds of miles in search of food and water, the Skeleton Coast is a mysterious place where the dunes of the world’s oldest desert meet the turbulent Atlantic Ocean to form one of the most dramatic coastlines on our planet. Along shipwreck-strewn Skeleton Coast is Swakopmund, a town with an overriding German influence, and Sandwich Harbour where one can see the ocean crash against the towering sand dunes. Close by is Walvis Bay where guided tours include visits to the dunes, and all types of adventure activities like 4×4 dune riding and surfing the world-famous waves can be undertaken. As its name suggests, Flamingo Bay is full flamingos, while Walvis Bay boasts a lagoon.

Considered by many as one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves, Etosha is situated in northern Namibia and is a self-driver’s paradise – thanks to its great roads. It is home to four of the Big 5 and an abundance of other game. Etosha aptly means ‘Great White Place’ as it’s dominated by a colossal mineral pan, the Etosha Salt Pan, four times the size of Los Angeles. During Namibia’s dry season (May to October), the temporary water holes around Etosha Pan host huge numbers of animals and is undoubtedly the best time for a safari.

Because of the limited options for food and petrol, Dr Ziyaad says that being well-stocked and well-planned on both fronts is essential for a self-driving trip through Namibia, so that one hits the major cities for food and refuelling at the right times. There are a few masaajid in the major cities like Windhoek, as well as a presence of Muslims, so there are some options for halal food.

This is a year-round route with seasonal activities to suit all tastes and budgets. Namibia is scenically spectacular and travelling by road allows you to take the time to stop at little places off the beaten track and see the country at your own pace.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Muhammad Kara and Dr Ziyaad Mayet here.