Presently the plot is truly thickening towards the great event of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Championships in South Africa. A number of Namibians are gearing up to witness part of the historic sport event which focuses world attention on South Africa in particular and on the continent of Africa in general. South African and FIFA tournament officials have no illusion about the necessity of success in the organisation and safety of the prime encounter. South Africa can make or break much of the reputation of the continent.
While the Cape Republic, stretching from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, offers in itself a world on its own, the neighbouring countries hovering on its borders can fill in much that may be missing to make up that true African experience. South Africa and Namibia maintain a special relationship, characterised by centuries of missionary, cultural and highly dramatic political exchanges. That is why South Africans and Namibians cross each others´ borders with the greatest of ease as they feel at home on either side of the Orange river. Should overseas visitors to South Africa feel comfortable there, they automatically have a first guarantee that they are qualified for the Namibian experience. That said, there is a strict requirement for the Cape to Windhoek outing – and beyond. Take your time and enough of it!
There are quite a number of tour operators offering attractive packages containing the major destinations between the Namib desert, wildlife in the unique Etosha National Park and other getaway gems such as select guest farms and the coastal ambience of Swakopmund. Whether booking a package tour or accepting the challenge as self-driver, the secret to an adventurous and memorable Cape to Windhoek tour lies in commensurate and ample time for whatever tour selection and whatever route is chosen.
The driving distance from Cape Town to Windhoek measures 1500 km. A selfdriver should never attempt to tackle that distance in one go. A night stop at one of the attractive guest farms or small hotels somewhere before or beyond the Orange River, i.e. between Springbok and Keetmanshoop, should be obligatory, alone for the sake of road safety and to ward off drivers´ fatigue. Allowing enough time for roadside stops, including one or more sight seeing attractions, should be a given. Even with a night stop the daily distance “to get there” may add up to 800 to 900 km.
Having reached the destination inside Namibia the daily route should never exceed 350 km on a tar road or 250 on the gravel road (“sandpad”). Clever visitors know that fewer destinations in the vast country Namibia mean more quality time. Therefore, a travel package containing more destinations than another within the same time span does not necessarily point to a better quality deal.
Correctly planned a Cape to Windhoek outing – or vice versa – remains a great adventure for locals and overseas visitors alike.
