Self-Drives To Sossusvlei Lodge

Noordoewer To Sesriem

Once again, there are a number of alternative routes to follow from the South African - Namibian border to the Lodge. However, the route described below makes optimum use of good asphalt surfaced roads and allows one to travel at the maximum speed of 120 kilometres per hour for a greater distance. The average maximum recommended speed over gravel surfaces is 80 kilometres per hour.

Total Distance : 805,0 Kilometres Average Duration : ±8 Hours Road Surfaces : Asphalt - 628kms Gravel - 177kms

• Once you have passed through the South African (Vioolsdrif) and Namibian (Noordoewer) custom posts on either side of the Orange River, leave Noordoewer on the B1 North.

The Orange River - Border Between South Africa And Namibia.

View Back Towards Vioolsdrif From The Noordoewer Side Of The River.

• Travel for 139 kilometres to Grünau and then a further 163 kilometres on the B1 to Keetmanshoop. This is a major town en-route and a stop here is recommended. Refuel, stretch the legs and obtain refreshments. Please note that not all refuelling points indicated on the local maps at small towns are always still there or have fuel available. Always err on the side of safety and refuel at major towns along the way.
• Continue on the B1 for another 217 kilometres past Tses, Asab and Gibeon turn-off to just before the town of Mariental. Turn left onto the C19 at the Maltahöhe intersection (T-junction). If you are not sure of your fuel status, rather continue on to Mariental at this point and refuel there. There is a large, modern and well-kept service station with restaurant and shop here.
• Travel for 109 kilometres on the C19 to Maltahöhe - this is an asphalt surface all the way. It is recommended that you refuel or just top-up here - there are no more petrol stations along the route until you arrive at Sesriem!

The Approach To Maltahöhe On The C19.

The C19 Into Maltahöhe From Mariental. Last Fuel Stop Before Sesriem.

The End Of The Asphalt On The C19 At Maltahöhe.

• Leave Maltahöhe on the C19 and turn left at the T-junction onto the C14 South (Sossusvlei/Helmeringhausen) - the gravel surface commences here.

The C19/C14 T-Junction At Maltahöhe.

Route Indicator Signboard At The C19/C14 T-Junction. Turn Left Onto The C14 South (Sossusvlei/Helmeringhausen).

View Of The C14 South Just After The Turn At The Maltahöhe T-Junction.

• Travel for 20 kilometres to the C19 Solitaire via Zaris turn off (T-junction) and turn right. There is a white board with "Sossusvlei" written in green on it on the corner of the C19 here.

The C14 / C19 Turn-Off (T-Junction). Turn Right Here Onto The C19.

Route Indicator Signboard At The C14 / C19 Turn-Off (T-Junction).

The "Sossusvlei" Signboard At The C19/C14 T-Junction.

C19 Route Indicator At The T-Junction.

• Travel for 145 kilometres over the Zarishoogte (Zaris Heights) Pass and past Hammerstein to the D826 Sossusvlei Lodge/Sesriem intersection (T-junction). It is highly recommended that you reduce speed on the gravel surface over the Zarishoogte Pass itself as the road is steep and narrow in places.

Start Of The Zarishoogte Pass From The Maltahöhe Side

The Gradual Descent After The Initial Hairpin Bend

Take Note Of And Heed The Signposting - Its There For A Reason!

The Commencement Of The Steep Descent Section

The Relatively Flat Surface Of The C19 After The Pass. Stay In Existing Tracks And Reduce Speed On Bends & Through Drifts.

• Turn left onto the D826 and travel for 12 kilometres to Sesriem. The gate to Sossusvlei Lodge is on the right-hand side of the road.

Approaching The D826 Intersection (T-Junction) Along The C19.

Route Signposting At The D826 Intersection (T-Junction)

The Home Run Down The D826 To Sossusvlei Lodge. Please Drive Slowly (80kph Maximum) And Stay Away From The Shoulder Of The Road On The D826. There Have Been Numerous Tragic Fatalities On This Section As People Tend To Ease Concentration And Speed Up With The End In Sight.

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