Olifants River Road D1033

scenic 'must-drive roads' in southeastern Namibia

Along D1033 "Olifants River Road, taking a break,
Namibia, 2024.

In southeastern Namibia, there are some incredibly scenic 'must-drive roads' (tracks), including the D1033 'Olifants River Road' from Stampriet near Mariental, South to C15 (or vice versa). '

We drive along the D1033 from north to south, heading toward the entrance to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. We start on the D1033 track where it crosses the C18, about 20 km from the small, beautifully located town of Gochas, where we filled up with diesel. Here, there are often hundreds of kilometers between gas stations, so you always refuel when you get the chance.

Near Gochas, on the way to D1033,
Namibia, 2024.

The track turns out to be in fantastic condition, without corrugation—that is, ruts [riller] that make it feel like driving over a washboard, which can be quite exhausting. But here, the track is perfectly smooth!

Start D1033 where it crosses C18
about 20 km East of Gochas,
Namibia, 2024.

As we look out from the Land Cruiser, the landscape is incredibly beautiful. Amazing pastel colors everywhere! Rust red, khaki, navy green, matte gray, blue-gray, and petrol blue, combined with pale yellow-green grasses and patches of lichen. In some places, there are even small flowers, as spring is on its way.

Amazing pastel colors everywhere,
D1033, Namibia, 2024.

The dry grass is surprisingly tall, a sign that this part of Namibia has received a bit more rain, despite suffering from two years of drought. We drive about 105 kilometers and encounter only one car (!). Of course, it appears just as we round a bend at the top of a hill, with us heading the other way. It’s important to stay on the right side of the track when crossing the highest point on the sand dunes—and remember that in Namibia, the "right side" is the "wrong side" (left) of the road!

Video [waiting for wifi to upload]: D1033, stay on the right side of the track 

crossing the highest point on the sand dunes

— and remember that in Namibia, the "right side" 

is the "wrong side" (left) of the road! ;-)

One particularly beautiful thing about this track, which I highly recommend, is that it follows the bed of a dry river for more than 100 km. If you take the full route from the north, it’s over 200 km. In several spots, there are high "riverbanks" on both sides, creating an incredibly stunning and peaceful setting.

High "riverbanks" at Olifants River Road
 D1033, Namibia, 2024.

In the middle of these high cliffs, we take a short coffee break, enjoying the scents of the Kalahari Desert. Pure bliss! And instant coffee with UHT milk!

Coffee break, D1033, Kalahari Desert.
Pure bliss & instant coffee with UHT milk!,
Namibia, 2024.

We're en route to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park heading for the Mata-Mata entrance gate, after our two-night stop at Kalahari Game Farm Campsite just before the park enterence. NB.: Don't trust Google Maps' time estimates; always add at least 50% extra time!

Among the other renowned 'must-drive roads' in southeastern Namibia are the D1022 along the western border of Kgalagadi and the D503 south of the C15 road to Mata-Mata. Both are rollercoaster tracks winding through the undulating red sands of the Kalahari. I found this interesting report about "exploring south east Namibia" Stephen Cunliffe (link), see e.g. "page 32".