Route from Windhoek to Namaqualand (Africa)

Hi there, From Windhoek to Namaqualand, is it possible to take a route further east than the B1 national road, and are there any points of interest along that way? Thanks in advance.

Hi Yvon,

You’re talking about an alternative route to the east of the B1, right?

It’s mostly gravel roads and farms—there’s little accommodation, but you’re really in the heart of the country, far from tourism. Going that way between Windhoek and Namaqua takes a lot more time.

Have you already checked out the western alternatives?

Hi there Thanks for your reply. I wanted to avoid the paved national road I already know, as well as the western side, which is more interesting. Thanks again.

Hi there, You could head down to KTP (two mandatory nights in the park), then Augrabies, and drive toward Springbok. Points of interest = Kalahari, KTP, Augrabies Falls. Last year, we were there during the bloom in Namaqualand, which was exceptional, and we took a more westerly route (Windhoek / Oranjemund / Alexander Bay / Springbok). What time of year will you be making this trip?

Hi Christian, I was just considering this option, but since I didn’t have a map handy, I couldn’t get my bearings. Your idea is *great*. What would the route be from Windhoek: head down to Mariental, then east, and cross the border at Mata..Mata, or Aroab or????……..after that, could you give me some advice? What’s the most interesting part of the Kalahari? Do we need to re-enter Namibia for Namaqua? I’ll probably have more questions later. Thanks a million for your tips. Cheers

For maps, Tracks4Africa Namibia is really the best and almost essential.

Personally, I’d do Windhoek / Rehoboth / Uhlenhorst / Stampriet / Gochas / Mata Mata / KTP (two mandatory nights) / Upington / Augrabies / Springbok.

With a few variations if you have more time, from Windhoek to Stampriet, you can go down via the C23 and then the C15 (very authentic Namibia). You’re right in the Kalahari (red dunes) before heading into KTP. When you leave KTP, you enter Namaqualand while staying in South Africa, heading toward Springbok.

Thanks to your advice, I think I’ve got my itinerary sorted—at least up to Namaqualand. After that, I’d like to continue my trip in South Africa for about 3 weeks toward Cape Town, then head back north (Johannesburg) or...???

Thanks again, and I’ll definitely reach out if I need any more details.

I didn’t answer your question earlier: my trip is planned for late August, early September 2026.

Well, that’s pretty much what we did in 2024. From Windhoek to Cape Town, from late August to mid-September, right in the middle of the wildflower season in Namaqualand. It was a really beautiful trip. Right off the bat, a little heads-up: it’s the southern hemisphere winter, and it can get *very* cold. You’ll want to keep that in mind if you’re planning to camp. We stayed in lodges, guesthouses, or farmhouses. But in Cape Town, where we spent a week, we rented a small house in a safe neighborhood (up in Gardens). Happy to share more details if you’d like. PS: In the KTP, you’ll need to book *way* in advance to secure a spot.

Hi there,

As Christian17e mentioned, the KTP is a must-see. It’s a park we absolutely love. If you're looking for ideas, you can check out our travel journals here.

Hi there! Being a lover of the Orange River (Senqu), Augrabies, and the Cederberg, Considering that the eastern route from Windhoek to Kalagadi didn’t excite me, Heading far south along the west side of Fish River Canyon, Then back toward Kalagadi, Augrabies → Upington → Namaqualand → Cederberg → West Coast NP → Cape Town. From Upington to Joburg is loooong…

hi there, we’re also thinking of heading back to Namibia and your itinerary looks great. Just one question—can we enter KTP through Mata-Mata? Is the border post open all the time? Thanks for your reply and ideas! Brigitte

hi The answer is yes. However, you need (from memory) to spend 1 or 2 nights (I can’t remember exactly) in KTP to cross from Namibia to South Africa or vice versa

Hello, If you're looking for a nice place to stay in the Kalahari, here's an address we really liked: the Red Dune Camp south of Gochas. Though that was back in 2014—it might have changed since then!

Do we need to re-enter Namibia for Namaqua?

No, you cross the border to exit Namibia at Mata-Mata, then cross back at Twee Rivieren Camp to enter South Africa.

You need to spend 2 nights in the KTP to enter one country and exit through another. But for a "day trip," you can enter and exit the same country.

Good evening "everyone," I read your reply and as a result, Namibia! In my town, some years ago now, there was a woman who left for NAMIBIA! There you go! If that "intrigues" you or if you're looking for potential information, I’ll do some research—an article was published that year! It was before the "COVID" period. Best regards, Christophe from Morbihan 🙂

Hi everyone, we’re leaving at the end of November 2025 and I’d like to know if it’s easy to withdraw cash almost everywhere or to pay by card.