SOUTH AFRICA - Northern Cape Namaqualand 4x4 trails - SOUTH AFRICA EP.1

The best drives of South Africa’s Northern Cape: Join us on these remote desert & coastal 4×4 trails.
Last episode we entered South Africa from Botswana at Twee Rivieren. This time we begin our South African road trip with something new: our first South African wine tasting in Kakamas at Die Mas 🍷 before we tackle these two 4x4 driving routes.

The Namakwa 4×4 EcoTrail
We take on South Africa’s longest official 4×4 route — the Namakwa EcoTrail, stretching over 600 km of remote semi-desert along the Orange River.

The trail is split into two sections: the Namakwa Package (≈330 km) and the Richtersveld Package (≈290 km). The full route takes 5–6 days, though each section can be done in 2–3 days.

Expect a wild mix of terrain — gravel, dunes, rocky riverbeds, and mountain passes — all set against the backdrop of the Succulent Karoo, one of the world’s most unique biodiversity hotspots.

Camping here is raw and wild: no power, no toilets, complete self-sufficiency required. The solitude, landscapes, and sense of remoteness make this trail unforgettable.

We also reconnect with our travel friends Johannes and Anna and their Troopy. Days are filled with January heat and jaw-dropping 4×4 driving shots; nights with campfires, laughter, and stories under the stars.

Namaqualand’s Caracal EcoRoute
Back on our own, we head into Namaqua National Park to drive the Caracal EcoRoute — a moderate 4×4 trail winding through Namaqualand’s mountains, fynbos, and along a stunning stretch of coastline.

Expect sweeping ocean views, cinematic dusty tracks, and even a few wildlife encounters. In the right season (August–September), this area transforms with endless fields of wildflowers.

🎥 Join us as we tackle 4×4 trails, reunite with friends on the Namakwa EcoTrail, and then find ourselves alone again on the remote roads of Namaqua National Park.

Next stop: the Cederberg Mountains.

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Céline & Benjamin
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
01:25 Good morning South Africa
02:23 Wine tasting Kakamas
03:26 Driving in South Africa
04:21 Reunited with travel friends
07:29 Namakwa Ecotrail: Klein Pella to Kamgab
09:50 Camping at Orange River: Kamgab campsite
10:50 Leaving Kamgab - Start of Richtersveld package
17:00 Day 4 - To Bakkrans cave campsite
18:46 Bakkrans to Atlantic Ocean
21:25 Namaqualand NP - Caracal Eco Route
24:02 Coastal section
27:00 Northern Cape last day
29:31 Next episode