Overview
Solitaire is one of Namibia's most iconic desert stops — a tiny settlement in the Khomas region that consists of little more than a petrol station, a farm, a bakery, and a scattering of accommodation. Its name reflects its geography perfectly: it sits alone on the edge of the Namib Desert, roughly midway along the C14/C19 route between Walvis Bay and Rehoboth, making it a natural pause for travelers crossing this vast landscape.
Despite — or perhaps because of — its extreme smallness, Solitaire has accumulated a genuine legend. The late Moose McGregor, who ran the farm for decades, became a folk figure in Namibian road-trip culture. His rusting graveyard of old American cars still sits outside the property, a popular photographic subject. The apricot tarts baked on-site have become almost obligatory for anyone passing through.
For most visitors, Solitaire is a waypoint on a journey to Sossusvlei, Sesriem, and the Naukluft Mountains rather than a destination in itself. That said, the surrounding Namib landscape — flat gravel plains, distant purple mountain ranges, and enormous skies — rewards those willing to slow down and look.
Before You Go
Visas
Namibia issues visas on arrival to many nationalities, but entry rules change. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Namibia Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration website before you travel.
Health
Bring any prescription medication you need in adequate supply — there are no pharmacies in Solitaire and the nearest medical facilities are in Rehoboth or Windhoek. Carry oral rehydration salts and sun protection; the desert heat and dry air cause dehydration faster than most travelers expect. Malaria risk in this part of Namibia is generally low, but verify current health advisories with your own country's travel health service before departure.
Cash and Connectivity
- There is no ATM at Solitaire. Carry sufficient Namibian Dollars or Rand before arriving.
- Mobile signal is limited and unreliable. Download offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps offline) before leaving Windhoek or Swakopmund.
- Fuel up here if your tank needs it — the next station may be further than you expect, depending on your route.
What to Pack
Full sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), at least 2–3 litres of water per person per day on the road, a tyre repair kit or knowledge of where your spare wheel is, and a paper map as backup.
Getting There
By Road
Solitaire sits at the junction of the C14 and C19 gravel roads. Most visitors arrive by private vehicle or rented 4x4. The most common approach routes are:
- From Windhoek: approximately 280–300 km via the C26 or C14; allow 3.5–4.5 hours depending on road condition and speed.
- From Swakopmund / Walvis Bay: roughly 180–200 km via the C14 through the Gaub and Kuiseb river passes; a spectacular but demanding drive, allow 3–4 hours.
- From Sesriem / Sossusvlei: approximately 90 km north on the C19; about 1–1.5 hours.
Gravel roads here are corrugated and dusty. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended; a 4x4 is advisable after rain. Check road conditions with your car hire company or accommodation before setting out.
By Scheduled Transport
There is no scheduled bus or shuttle service to Solitaire. Travelers without their own vehicle typically join an organized tour departing from Windhoek, Swakopmund, or Sesriem.
Getting Around
Solitaire itself is walkable in minutes — the petrol station, bakery, small shop, and accommodation are all within a very short distance of each other. There is no local transport of any kind.
Exploring the surrounding region — including the Naukluft Mountains, Sesriem Canyon, or the dunes at Sossusvlei — requires your own vehicle. Distances between points of interest in this part of Namibia are substantial, and self-driving is the standard mode of travel.
Where to Stay
Accommodation at Solitaire is limited to the small number of rooms or campsites offered by the Solitaire Country Lodge and the farm property itself. Capacity is small, and during peak travel season (June–August) it books up quickly. Verify current availability and rates directly with the lodge or through a reputable booking platform, as pricing and offerings can change.
Many travelers use Solitaire as a lunch or fuel stop and sleep further along the route — at lodges near Sesriem for Sossusvlei access, or further north toward Swakopmund. If you plan to overnight in Solitaire, book well ahead in peak season.
Things to See & Do
On the Solitaire Property
- Car graveyard: A collection of rusting vintage American vehicles parked outside the farm. It is one of the most-photographed spots in the Namib interior — evocative rather than formally curated.
- Bakery and café stop: The homemade apricot tarts and other baked goods have a strong reputation among Namibia road-trippers. Best enjoyed fresh in the morning.
- Stargazing: Light pollution here is essentially zero. On a clear night the Milky Way is strikingly visible. No equipment needed; just step away from any building lights.
Nearby Natural Attractions
- Sesriem Canyon: A narrow gorge carved by the Tsauchab River, accessible without a park permit and open year-round. Around 90 km south.
- Sossusvlei and Deadvlei: The towering red sand dunes of the Namib and the iconic dead camel thorn trees of Deadvlei are within Namib-Naukluft National Park. Entry requires a park permit; arrive early — gates open at sunrise and the dunes are best before mid-morning heat.
- Naukluft Mountains: Hiking trails of varying difficulty through rugged quartzite ranges. Permit and registration required through NamibRand or Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR); verify requirements before visiting.
- Namib Desert drives: The C14 through the Kuiseb Pass is considered one of Namibia's most scenic drives.
Food & Drink
Food options at Solitaire are essentially limited to what the property's bakery and small restaurant offer on any given day. The apricot products — tarts, jam — are the most celebrated items and have become a genuine part of Namibian road-trip culture.
Carry your own snacks, water, and emergency rations when driving in this region. Between Solitaire and the next town in any direction, there is nothing. Alcohol may be available at the lodge; do not assume it will be, and drink responsibly given that driving on corrugated gravel roads while dehydrated or fatigued is already demanding.
Practical Information
Fuel
A petrol station operates at Solitaire. Fill your tank whenever you have the opportunity in remote Namibia — do not rely on being able to reach the next station on fumes. Verify fuel types available locally, as this can change.
Emergency Contacts
The nearest hospitals and emergency services are in Rehoboth or Windhoek. Mobile signal is unreliable across much of this route. Carry a satellite communicator or personal locator beacon (PLB) if you are traveling remote tracks alone. Emergency numbers for Namibia — verify these before travel with official sources.
Electricity
Namibia uses Type D and M sockets at 220–240V. Bring appropriate adaptors.
Time
Namibia observes daylight saving time. Confirm current UTC offset at time of travel.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Namibia for good service; 10–15% is a reasonable guide in hospitality settings.
Safety
Solitaire itself is a quiet, low-risk environment. The principal safety concerns in this area are road-related rather than crime-related.
- Driving risks: Corrugated gravel roads, wandering livestock, sudden desert flooding in the rainy season (November–March), and the sheer distances between help all demand careful, sober, and unhurried driving.
- Heat and dehydration: Temperatures in the Namib interior regularly exceed 35°C in summer and can reach much higher in sheltered areas. Never leave the vehicle without adequate water.
- Breakdown preparedness: Carry a spare tyre (preferably two for long remote routes), basic tools, jumper cables, and enough water to survive a wait if you break down in a remote spot.
- Wildlife: Oryx and other large animals cross roads without warning, particularly at dawn and dusk. Drive at reduced speed during these hours.
