Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Public transport is unreliable along this route, and it's recommended that you head east
from Windhoek in a private vehicle. If you're planning on crossing into Botswana in a
hire car, be sure in advance that all of your paperwork is in order.
BUITEPOS
Buitepos, a wide spot in the desert at the Namibia-Botswana border crossing, is little more
than a petrol station and customs and immigration post. The border itself is open from
7am to midnight, though you should try to cross with plenty of daylight since it's a long
drive to Ghanzi, the next settlement of major size along the Trans-Kalahari Hwy.
The
East Gate Service Station & Rest Camp
( 062-560405;
www.eastgate-nami-
person N$130, 2-person bungalows N$450; )
rises from the desert like a mirage, and is
a decent enough place to crash if you're not particularly fussy.
On the other side of the border, the paved road continues to Ghanzi.
North to Etosha
The immaculate B1 heads north from Windhoek, and provides access to Outjo as well as
Tsumeb and Grootfontein. Prominent towns in their own right, together they serve as the
launching point for excursions into nearby Etosha National Park. While it's very tempting
to strike north with safari fever, it's definitely worth slowing down and taking a bit of time
to explore the quirky sights of this comparatively untouristed section of North-Central
Namibia.
OKAHANDJA & AROUND
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Okahandja is a busy little place, but not as busy as Windhoek - it's far more manageable
than the capital and it makes a great alternative base, especially for forays further north to
Etosha and west to Swakopmund.
From the mid-19th century to the early 20th century the town served as a German-run
mission and a colonial administrative centre, remnants of which still dot the town centre.
