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In General: The B2 tarred road from Swakopmund
junctions with the C14 gravel road at the traffic-circle on the
outskirts of Walvis Bay. The C14 road is one of the major gravel
road routes in the central - southern regions of Namibia. It runs
762kms all the way down to Goageb where it junctions with the B4
tarred road about 110kms west of Keetmanshoop.
Cautionary Note: The C14 is a long road. The only fuel points
between Walvis Bay and Goageb are at Solitaire - Maltahohe -
Helmeringhausen - Bethanien. It is wise to carry enough fuel. Spare
fuel of at least 1 x 20 litre jerry can is advised. You must carry
enough drinking water, and I also recommend you carry 2 x spare
wheels. The gravel road has many sharp stones and punctures and
blow-outs are common. The road is generally well maintained,
however, the winds can quickly form areas where the road surface
becomes corrugated. There are also no centre of road marking on
gravel roads and head-on collisions do occur. Please drive
accordingly and above all, defensively. You should plan your
journeys to be in day-light hours. Driving during the night exposes
you to dangers such as colliding with animals, or becoming
disorientated and running off the road.
Is A Permit Required?: The northern section of the C14
road takes you through the Northern Namib Naukluft Park. If
you intend driving on any gravel roads other than C14 or C25 or
D1928 in the National Park, for example, taking a detour to the
Kuiseb Canyon View-Point you are required to buy Park Entry
Permit from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
Road Signs etc: The C14 has very few road-signs between
Walvis Bay to where it junctions with the C26 to Windhoek and this
is known to cause a bit of concern to some tourists. You would be
wise to keep some form of Log-Book, and that you know approximately
how many kilometres your journey between selected points will be.
The Journey - notes and points of interest: The sign at the
Walvis Bay traffic circle is clear as to which direction you take
for the C14. The initial section of the road is tarred for about
14kms to just past the Walvis Bay's Rooikop Airport.
(a). Dune
7. About 8kms out. This is the highest sand dune in the Walvis
Bay Area and many people take the challenge of climbing it. There
are picnic areas at the base. A permit is not-required to visit the
Dune.
(b). Vogelfederberg. About 55kms out, this rocky outcrop
gives you a good panoramic view over the desert. There are picnic
areas and sites for overnight camping with limited facilities.
Permit-Required.
(c). Kuiseb-Pass-Viewpoint. About 115kms out. The
slip road is signed. The view is not dramatic, but Geologically
interesting. There are picnic areas. Permit-Required.
(d). Kuiseb-Pass. About 159kms out. The section of the
pass that presented problems with road wash-away during the
wet-season has now been tarred. The pass is ruggedly picturesque.
There are a few areas along the lower road side where you can pull
off and take in the view. Once driving either up or down the pass
you should concentrate on the road as there is a considerable drop
should you run out of road.
(e). Gaub-Pass. About 185kms out. The section of
road that drops down to the Gaub-River is steep and twisty. Once
driving either up or down the pass you should concentrate on the
road as there is a considerable drop should you run out of road.
There is a single picnic area at the bottom of the pass.
(f). Tropic of Capricorn Sign. About 190kms out. You will
want to have your photo taken standing next to the sign
(g). Solitaire. About 230kms out. This small settlement at
the junction of the C14 and C19 makes for a welcome break from the
road. There is a fuel station, and if your vehicle is in need of
attention the mechanics will try hard to get you going, but they
have their limitations with regards to spare parts etc. Puncture
repairs and a limited stock of spare tyres are also available here.
The general store is worth a visit, it is here where you can sit
down have a drink and savour some of the 'Moose-Man's' renowned
apple-tart, but don't expect any cream or toppings on your piece of
pie. You're a long way form the nearest creamery. His 'Moose-Bread'
is a bit dense, and could be described as tasty, but 'filling'.
There is also accommodation and good camping facilities available
here. It is only 83kms from Solitaire along the C19 road to the
Sesriem-Gate.
15 Sesriem.
From Solitaire you must turn onto the C19 gravel road west. After
about 72kms you will arrive at the T- junction with the C27 ( B826 )
road running west. The signs for Sesriem and Sossusvlei are good.
After about 11kms you arrive at the Sesriem-Gate. Here you will find
the Ministry of Environment and Tourism Office where you must buy
your Park Entry Permit, and the Namibia Wildlife Resorts Camping
Site. The Park Gates are open between sunrise and sunset, and are
closed at lunchtime between 13h00 and 14h00.
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Sossusvlei. Many overseas
tourist write to us asking about accommodation at Sossusvlei, so I
want to clarify this matter here. There are no accommodation or
camping facilities at Sossuvlei. The closest being at Sesriem.
Sossusvlei is a spectacular dune area within the Namibia
Naukluft Desert Park about 65kms west of the Sesriem Camp. Keen
photographers are awaiting ready at the gate before sunrise to drive
into the park to get the early light. It is also advisable to make
your tour of the dunes early, as the mid-day temperatures can be
above 40°c. Always carry enough water with you
and appropriate clothing with a hat or cap for your head. A good
pair of hiking boots will be appreciated. It's a long kilometre hike
through the dunes to the Dead-Vlei, often across sands heated to a
temperature of 70°c +
Journey Time: You should budget 3 to 4 hours driving time
from Walvis-Bay to Solitaire, plus 1 more hour to Sesriem.
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