Namibia
Endless gravel roads and desolate landscapes. A perfect introduction to Africa.
Riding a motorcycle in Namibia
Namibia is the new hot country to travel to. An epic country known for its incredible landscapes, gravel roads and heat. For travelers in 4×4’s it is Africa in easy mode. For motorcyclists it could be amazing, given some pre-cautions to take into account.
- Distances and large, nature is vast. Make sure to carry tools and food and water for at least 24-48 hours in case of getting stuck
- Bring fuel bladders or cannisters if your fuel range is below 300km. Especially in the north, the petrol stations can be scarce.
- Remember local mechanics (or through iOverlander) when passing by villages, in case of breakdowns on the road
- Let your host know where you go or when you plan to arrive
- Travel early, beating the heat and allowing sufficient time for unforeseen circumstances
- Expect corrugated roads. Lots and lots of it. Either ride 80kmh+ or stick to tarmac.
- No motorcycles are allowed in the national parks. Only parks that have a road going through fenced on both sides are allowed.
Crossing the border
We crossed the border at Vioolsdrif which was straightforward. On the South African side there are 3 counters lined up next to each other; Immigration, Police and Customs. Stamp, stamp, stamp and across the bridge to Namibia. Make sure not to bring any fresh food because it will be impounded. Entering Namibia there is the 3-step check-in procedure again. Obtain visa at immigration, stamp the Carnets for customs and get the green light at the police stop. Following the visa and customs payment for the bikes, there is a customs check. Supposedly there is a working X-ray machine. We were asked to park the bikes before it and show luggage. Note that drones will be frowned upon and will require a permit to operate. We did not have any and told the customs officer we would not be flying it in Namibia.
Visa and insurance
For people from western countries, any many others, visas can be obtained without much trouble. There is a possibility to apply for a visa online, making crossing the border a quicker process. The Namibian border will take long if you decide to go for Visa on Arrival. We did, so the paperwork took us about an hour. Do not be afraid if the visa payment needs to happen outside behind a car, there is not much signal around here.
Vehicle insurance does not need to be bought at the border. Similar to South Africa, basic insurance for 3rd party is covered in the fuel pricing. Personal insurance can be obtained in Keetmanshoop we were told, we decided to do without.
We entered the country with a Carnet de Passage en Douane having shipped our motorcycle to South Africa, but a TIP (Temporary Import Permit) will also be possible. If you plan on travelling more African countires, a Carnet may be the easiest way.
Cost of the visa in January 2026 were approximately 84 EUR per person, road tax around 15 EUR per person.
Our Journey
Entering Namibia from the south, we rode towards Grunau. From Grunau the gravel roads took us to Fish River Canyon, the Grand Canyon of Africa. From there on we followed the canyon down south again, along the Orange River and back up to Aus, an old German settlement from the Second World War.
From Aus we head north, passing through Helmeringhausen. To us the “famous” apple pie stop in Helmeringhausen was not worth the detour. We found it a bit overrated, and very overpriced. We continued towards Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei, and spent several days here at the Sesriem Oasis campsite just outside the park. Motorcycles are not allowed in the park so either find a 4×4 or join one of the tours heading into the park. The park boasts the highest dunes in the world and the world famous and stunning Deadvlei. Definitely a must-see in Namibia. We joined a tour hosted by the lodge just outside the entrance to the park, for approx. 75 EUR per person including a guide and lunch. Highly recommended. Make sure to enter the park early to beat the heat, and bring sunblock.
We left Sesriem northbound towards the Rooiklip area and continued east towards Windhoek. Windhoek is a hip and bustling city, well developed and the perfect place to restock, repair and replace. Tires, oil, food and drinks and some comfortable accomodation.
Next stop was the Etosha National park in the north. We rented a 4×4 to enter the park and spent 2 days spotting wildlife. The park is huge, especially in wet season (European winter) the chances to spot wildlife are a little lower since there are plenty of places for animals to find water. Nonetheless we were blessed with great wildlife sightings, including rhinos, elephants, wildebeests and of course zebras.
On our way down south we passed by Twyfelfontein, famous for its rock formations and elephant herds. There are plenty of opportunities for 4x4s to camp by the rock formations, with many campsites in the region. We continued down to Brandberg to stay at the White Lady lodge, a famous lodge at the foot of the mountain. The area around Brandberg is open to motorcyclists to ride wherever the sand will take you. In the morning we took an elephant safari to find the elephant herd strolling through the dry riverbed nearby. Apparently this herd roams between Brandberg and Twyfelfontein so chances of elephant sightings are high.
Which Roads to Explore
D601/D324/D316 Fish River Canyon: Turning off the tarred road B1 near Grunau these gravel tracks will bring you all the way to Aussenkehr, running along the magnificent Fish River Canyon. The roads are in good condition with low amounts of traffic. There are only several hotels and lodges along the road, we stayed at the Canyon Roadhouse campsite which was amazing, highly recommended. The road from Hobas towards the Fish River Canyon viewpoints are badly corrugated and very rocky. Deflate and take it easy.
C13 South Aussenkehr to Aus: The stretch from Aussenkehr to Rosh Pinah is amazing. It follows the Orange River along the south border with South Africa all the way to Rosh Pinah which will be the final stop to get petrol and food when heading to Aus. Leaving Rosh Pinah the road to Aus is all tarred.
C13 North Aus to Helmeringhausen: Aus to Helmeringhausen then changing into C14 to Maltahohe. Very corrugated, long and exhausting. Expect no cell phone signal all along this road so be prepared for emergencies. A better alternative would be following the D707, known for its amazing dune sights.
C19 Maltahohe to Sesriem: Maltahohe to Sesriem was a great road, passing through Zaris hoogtepass with amazing scenery. As soon as we got out of the pass, the long stretch of nothingness and corrugation started… All expensive lodges are situated along the C19 up to Sesriem and their shuttle busses ride like crazy, kicking up dust and rocks and do not care about any other traffic. This road cannot be recommended. D707 and C27 are much preferred.
The final stretch on the D826 is fully tarred and was a welcome ride to Sesriem.
C26 Rooiklip to Windhoek: A good stretch of gravel, with several campsites along the way. Beautiful sights and an easy ride. About 50km from Windhoek the road becomes tarred and windy all the way into the city.
D2612 Twyfelfontein to C35 Uis: A long but beautiful road passing by the famous Twyfelfontein filled with mountains and valleys. Lot of places to camp near the mountains. As soon as you leave Twyfelfontein the Brandberg can be spotted in the distance.
C28 Swakopmund to Windhoek: The initial stretch is tough. There is not much to be seen, nowhere to stop, no places to get food or water. Up until the Boshua pass there is no reason to ride this road. From the Boshua pass however, everything changes. The Boshua pass is a great mountain pass, beautiful sights with a curvy road. Some steep gradients that can easily be navigated by motorcycle.