Namibia road trip: Windhoek to Sossusvlei and Etosha
This 1,628 km route across Namibia connects the capital Windhoek with the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei and continues to the coastal regions and Etosha National Park. The journey spans approximately 67 minutes of driving time through Africa's second least densely populated country, showcasing dramatic desert landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Distance
- 1628.6 km
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- our 111th country!
- End
- Kara’s driving…
- Stops
- 4
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- our 111th country! — Namibia marks a significant milestone as the traveler's 111th visited country, representing a major achievement in global exploration.
- Wavlis Bay — Coastal enclave known for its strategic harbor, abundant marine life, and flamingo colonies that gather in shallow lagoons.
- Skeleton coast — Desolate shoreline lined with shipwrecks and desert dunes, where Atlantic fog meets barren landscape in one of Earth's harshest environments.
- Kara’s driving…
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- You'll need to air down tires when leaving paved roads to drive on desert sand in Namibia.
- Food
- Stop in Solitaire for famous apple pie at McGregor's Bakery. Population ~90, one of few places to eat before the coast.
- Tip
- Dead Vlei has a park gate that closes at 7:30 PM. You must exit by this time or risk being locked inside overnight.
- Timing
- Visit Dead Vlei early to avoid crowds and ensure you have time to climb dunes before the 7:30 PM park gate closure.
- Where to stay
- Rooftop tents on Land Cruiser trucks are available for self-drive safari accommodations. Setup quality varies; check zipper functionality.
- Tip
- Solitaire is a very small town with only about 4 buildings. It's basically a rest stop, not a full town with extensive services.
- Transport
- Solitaire is the last place to get gas before reaching the coast on the route through Namibia.
- Tip
- Wild camping in national parks requires staying alert at night due to wildlife and unfamiliar environment sounds.
Video on this route
8 Days in Africa's Emptiest Country