Driving through Solitaire, Gaub and Kuiseb Pass

The long day double pass adventure!

Leaving overhanging Cliff Picnic Spot, Kuiseb Pass,
Namibia, 2024.

We leave Namibrand Nature reserve early morning heading for Desert Breeze Lodge in Swakopmund. It´s a very long drive along C27 through the nature reserve to famous Sesriem, and then along C19 to Solitaire, our lunch stop! Afterwards, C14 through the two mountain passes Gaub and Kuiseb in Namib desert. It turns out to take 8 hours including lunch, coffee and photo stops.

Solitaire - "Bagdad Cafe" in Namibia!

We lelave NamibRand at 6:30 in the morning heading for Swakopmund. This will be a very long drive! After approx. 4 hours with very limited trafic on the gravel track, we stop for brunch in Solitaire, a small settlement known for its unique charm. It’s a popular stopover for travelers exploring the Namib Desert, either on the way in (like us) or coming out of the desert. 

Scattered around Solitaire, we see old, rusted cars and trucks, which have become a quirky part of its charm. It really reminds us of the film "Bagdad Cafe"! I expect Jasmin to appear at any time! Solitaire's charm lies in its simplicity and the stark beauty of the desert environment surrounding it. It’s wild west, and even though it is small, but expanding every time we visit, it serves as a unique and memorable waypoint for travelers.

Solitaire, Namibia, 2009.

Bakery, Solitaire, Namibia, 2024.

Petrol station, Solitaire, Namibia, 2024.

Gaub Pass

About 50 km north of Solitaire, we cross the Tropic of Capricorn, which marks the most southerly latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead at noon, entering Gaub Pass. The pass is located between the Kuiseb and Gaub riverbeds and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding Namib Desert landscape. The drive through Gaub Pass reveals dramatic scenery with steep, winding roads cutting through rocky terrain and deep ravines. Along the way, we can see all the ancient rock layers stacked upon each other - my brother would love to tell us about the geology - next time ;-) The road through Gaub Pass is gravel and can be challenging, but fortunately it’s not the rainy season and we are in a capable 4x4 vehicle, never speeding.

Ancient rock layers, Namibia, 2009.

Kuiseb Pass

After turning west into the desert, we reach the perhaps more impressive Kuiseb Pass. We witness the stark contrast between the arid desert landscape and the deep river canyon - we make sure to stay on the road while we navigate steep inclines, sharp bends, and narrow sections requiring careful and experienced driving! 

Kuiseb Pass view to the arid desert landscape
and the deep river canyon,
Namibia, 2024.

'We have spectacular views of the Kuiseb River, which the pass crosses. The Kuiseb River is a crucial feature in the Namib Desert. Although it is often dry, the riverbed can fill rapidly during rare but intense rainfall events. The river acts as a natural barrier preventing the northern movement of the sand dunes, creating a distinct boundary between the dune sea and the gravel plains. 

Our friends leaving the  
'Overhanging Cliff Picnic Spot',
Kuiseb Pass, Namibia, 2024.

In Kuiseb Pass, we see a marker for the 'Overhanging Cliff Picnic Spot' on Tracks4Africa. It looks intriguing and perfect for a small coffee break. I remember the place from a previous visit, when I thought there was a very steep descent and ascent to the overhanging cave. But this time, we’re in powerful Land Cruisers that can handle the terrain. So, we take the exciting route! A fantastic little 4x4 adventure! Only go if 4x4 and 4L + diff. lock and high ground clearence. If you don´t know what this is, don´t go for it ;-)

Long flat route after Kuiseb Pass, only tar close to 
Walwis Bay, Namibia, 2024.

After leaving the pass, we venture into the dune sea and long flat route to Swakopmund.

Desert Breeze Lodge in Swakopmund

Desert Breeze, views of the Namib Desert
directly from the bed, Namibia, 2019. 

Finally, after a very long 8 hours drive (!), we check into our private villa in Swakopmund! We have three large bedrooms with panoramic views of the Swakop River and Namib Desert directly from the bed through large windows and our private terraces. The villa also features a fully equipped kitchenette, a cozy living area, a fireplace, and two well-appointed bathrooms with showers. In the coming days, we look forward to a catamaran sailing tour and a Sandwich Harbour 4x4 expedition! We feel humbled and privileged to experince all these adventures with good friends.

 

Catamaran Sailing Tour, Walvis Bay,
Namibia, 2024.

Blog author "attacked by pelican",
Walvis Bay, Namibia 2024.