A motorhome journey of South Africa and Namibia
Maybritt Bos

Adventurous Harm and Teuni are avid motorhomers and have visited many sites on earth in their trusty home on wheels. Although they had initially planned to tour the southern part of Africa as a group in their own motorhome, this had fallen through due to the lack of participants. Unfortunately, they were also too late to rent a motorhome in Cape Town and Windhoek, so a 4x4 passenger car was chosen for their trip. They slept in cottages on the campsite or in their own tents.

In October, the journey began for Harm and Teuni and they spent a total of two months travelling around Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. In early December, they joined their two daughters, son-in-law and grandson, who embarked on an exciting journey through the spectacular landscapes of South Africa and Namibia in their rented motorhome. They saw beautiful natural landscapes and wildlife there.

While it was a great trip to remember, there were also a few problems along the way with the motorhome. To save you all this and be better prepared, in this blog you will find not only great stories and photos, but also practical tips for the best motorhome rentals and motorhome stops, including recommendations for motorhome stopovers and campsites. Whether you dream of a safari in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park or a sunset at Augrabies Falls, you'll read all about it in this blog. 🌍

Start of the motorhome journey

Enjoying the beautiful landscapes and wild animals
We start the trip in pairs. We start in Windhoek (Namibia) and make a round trip via Walvis Bay, Etosha National Park, Chobe National Park (we visit Victoria Falls from there), Kruger National Park, The Drakensberg Mountains and further along the coast (Garden Route) to Cape Town where we arrive at the campsite at Melkbosstrand. Here we will spend the time until the children arrive from the Netherlands.

"We fortunately found out in time that the forms for border passage to Namibia had not been arranged"

Motorhome pick-up and paperwork arrangements

Before the children leave from the Netherlands, we pick up the motorhome for them at a depot 20km away. We fortunately found out in time that the forms for the border passages to Namibia had not been arranged, but with some difficulty we could still arrange that on the Saturday morning. We were allowed to park the motorhome in the car park near our cottage at the campsite.

The wild west in South Africa
On Sunday, our daughters, son-in-law and grandson join our journey. Together we head north to Cederberg, a rolling terrain of cereal crops, vineyards and citrus fruits. Our evening at the campsite, under a star-filled sky, is filled with warm conversation and family laughter. A perfect end to a day of reunion.

The road to Springbok reveals a more rugged South Africa, where the landscape turns into a scene of the wild west. Our abode, though modest, symbolises the rugged beauty of the region. Along the way, we hear a knocking and thumping noise, especially when braking. It seems to be the motorhome's suspension. After some phone calls back and forth with the motorhome rental company, they make an appointment for us to have the motorhome checked the next day.

Early the next day, we are ready with the motorhome at the panel beater (sheet metal worker). In the end, there appear to be cracks in the chassis and the residual noise comes from a broken rubber of the suspension. The repairman assures us that he has fixed everything and the car is completely safe on the road again. So we get back behind the wheel and continue our journey.

Tips on the best motorhome stopovers in South Africa:

Namibia

Fish river canyon

Breathtaking parks
The road into Namibia takes us through an increasingly dry landscape, where we achieve the beautiful Gwondana National Park. Here we are in a remote area, where we have wonderful views. The next day, we visit the Fish River Canyon. This canyon resembles the Grand Canyon, but a lot smaller. On the way back, we suddenly come face to face with about three ostriches and later in camp we also see gemsbok, zebra, a springbok and a sidewinder (a species of vipers).

"There really was nothing left of that"

Detour for a spare tyre
It's not always easy with motorhomes. On the way to farm Aubures, we drive along a hard sandy road at 80 km/h, until the motorhome suddenly has a flat tyre. There is really nothing left of the tyre. After calling the camper hire company, we are told that the next garage that can help us is in Keetmanshoop. This is not on our route, but it is our only option. Once we arrive, we are fortunately able to get a spare tyre. Although this has taken a lot of time out of our day, fortunately the last stretch of the route also turns out to be passable. The road is surprisingly good, making the ride just fine. After Helmeringshausen, it becomes a beautiful route through the mountains with great views. Once we arrive at the campsite, we enjoy another magnificent sunset and starry sky.

Beautiful sand dunes
The town of Sesriem is not very special, but is the gateway to Sossusvlei, an area of tall orange-coloured dunes. The early morning rising sun colours Sossusvlei in breathtaking hues during our drive. Our climb up Dune 45 with grandson Jop in the back carrier is both challenging and rewarding, with panoramic views as our reward. The hike to Deadvlei is an unforgettable experience, where the unique combination of ancient trees, white soil and red dunes creates a surreal landscape. In the night, a jackal visits our camp and tries to drag along the cooler.

Tips on the best motorhome stopovers in Namibia

In Namibia, we stayed at four different motorhome stopovers:

  • Fish River: Canyon Road Camp
  • Aubures: Aubures Camp
  • Sesriem (Sossesvlei): Sossus Oasis Campsite
  • Keetmanshoop: Quivertree Forest Restcamp

A parade of wild animals

"During our drinks at the igloo hut, we are greeted by two cheetahs in the adjacent game reserve"

Quivertree Forest & Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park
Our morning begins with a departure towards Quivertree Forest. The journey takes us through a simple landscape of bushes and grassy tussocks, punctuated by herds of goats. In Keetmanshoop, we make a brief stop for shopping before continuing on a grit road to the impressive Quivertree Forest, home to a large collection of tubular trees. We camp here with a view of these beautiful trees. The evening also brings another surprise: during our drinks at the igloo hut, we are greeted by two cheetahs in the adjacent game reserve. The children are at the campsite, while we stay in a cosy igloo hut. The sunset is breathtaking and we end the day with a cosy barbecue.

From Keetmanshoop, we drive east on a varied grit road towards Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park in South Africa. The border crossing is smooth and as we drive into the park, the temperature soars to a warm 39 degrees. We settle into a spacious cottage, our base for the next three nights. The children are near us with the motorhome at the campsite.

Tips for the best motorhome stopovers in South Africa's national parks

National parks with stunning views

In the realm of zebras & encounters with elephants
The next few days are filled with game drives, during which we see all kinds of wonderful animals: meerkats, lions, wildebeest, gemsbok, and even cheetahs. Our youngest adventurer, Jop, shares our wonder and enthusiasm. We spend afternoons in the pool, cooling off in this intense heat. Each game drive reveals new wonders: jackals, wildebeests and even a lioness majestically crossing the road in front of our car. A leisurely morning in Mountain Zebra National park is followed by another fascinating game drive. We explore the park, admiring large herds of springbok, antelope, and even spot hunting jackals. Despite the cold and windy afternoon, our luxurious cottage provides a warm and comfortable refuge.

Addo National Park
In Addo National Park, we enjoy a final day full of wild safari animals. At Rooidam, we see a fascinating collection of elephants. The female elephants meddle with the little ones and the adolescents play and romp in and around the water. And our safari is further enriched by the sight of zebras and hartebeests. Wonderful to see these beasts in the wild.

Farewell to an unforgettable journey

Barbecue New Year celebration & penguins on the beach
Along the coastal road past Port Elisabeth, we enjoy the scenery (especially the suspension bridges of Storms River are worth seeing) and drive on towards Oudtshoorn. Our experience in Bontebok National Park near Swellendam, marked by pleasant weather and a cosy barbecue, makes for a perfect New Year's celebration.

Arriving in Cape Town, we seize the opportunity to climb Table Mountain now that it is free of clouds. Enjoying the climb and the breathtaking views the summit offers. The following day, our motorhome trip to the Cape of Good Hope reveals a stunning coastline and our visit to Boulders Beach with its penguins is one of the highlights of the day. Some penguins are still on eggs, while others are already carrying a chick. The last day in Cape Town ends with a romantic wine tasting in honour of our wedding anniversary.

Our departure day in Cape Town is spent packing and preparing for our return to the Netherlands. Our final moments are spent at Waterfront, enjoying wine and food, reflecting on a fantastic trip that has taken us through the beautiful landscapes and rich cultures of South Africa and Namibia.

Renting a motorhome for your trip through South Africa and Namibia

Renting a motorhome for your adventure trip through South Africa opens the doors to ultimate freedom and flexibility. We highlight a few aspects for you here.

Advantages of renting a motorhome in South Africa:

  1. Independence: With a rented motorhome, you have full control over your itinerary. You can stop where you want, when you want and enjoy South Africa's hidden sites that you might otherwise miss. Because you take your 'home' with you, you can also easily stay in one place.
  2. Comfortable Travel: Motorhome facilities vary, but most motorhomes and camper spots offer all the basic amenities you need. This means you can Travel in comfort without sacrificing convenience.
  3. Getting close to nature: South Africa is known for its breathtaking nature reserves. With a motorhome, you can stay overnight near national parks and other beautiful sites, allowing you to experience nature up close.

Motorhome rental considerations:

  1. Driving: Make sure you are comfortable driving a motorhome, especially if it is your first time. Roads in South Africa and Namibia can vary in quality, so be prepared for different driving conditions.
  2. Spacious distances: South Africa and Namibia are significantly larger than many European countries, meaning you will have to travel greater distances to explore various regions.
  3. Route planning: Plan your route in advance and mark the places you want to stay overnight. Make sure you are aware of the rules and regulations for motorhome parking in South Africa and Namibia.
  4. Fuel and provisions: Make sure you always have enough fuel and stock up on essential supplies, especially when driving in remote areas. Also consider a spare tyre, a first aid kit and enough food and drink.
  5. Weather and seasons: The climate in South Africa and Namibia varies greatly depending on the season and region. Take the weather into account when planning your trip. Choose the right season for your travel and make sure you have proper clothing and footwear.
  6. Be alert for wildlife: South Africa and Namibia have much more wildlife. Be alert to these. Some animals are dangerous and should be handled with care. Admire these animals, but leave them alone as much as possible.
  7. Safety: Be aware of the safety conditions in the regions you visit. Avoid travelling after dark and follow local safety recommendations.
  8. Road accessibility: South Africa is fine to do with a motorhome, but Namibia is less passable. The roads are less suitable for a motorhome and you are not allowed game drives in all national parks. So do you want to go on holiday to Namibia? Then it is wiser to hire a 4x4 passenger car.
  9. Be on time with booking: During the holiday period of South Africans, it is hardly possible to find a place on a campsite. Most campsites are booked and booked a year in advance by South Africans. This is especially true of popular parks and campsites along the coasts.

Live your own adventure in South Africa and Namibia
Renting a motorhome for your trip through South Africa and Namibia is a great way to explore the country, with all the freedom and comfort you need. It allows you to discover the beauty of South Africa and Namibia at your own pace and create unforgettable memories. Be prepared, plan well and enjoy a trip full of adventure.