From Hobas you drive 30 kilometres north on the C37 and turn onto the C12, which passes the Naute Dam and meets the B4 after 81 kilometres of gravel. Then it is all tar. Another 179 kilometres take you via Seeheim and Goageb to Aus. Allow four to four and a half hours of actual driving for the 291 kilometres.
The C12 is the tricky part. In February 2026 a cloudburst near Naute swept away a tourist vehicle and left at least five others stuck. In April 2026 the southern part from Grünau was 4x4 only. Ask about the C12 in Hobas before you leave, as of October 2026.
Starting from Ai-Ais, you have two options. Via Seeheim it is 359 kilometres, about 176 of them gravel. Via Rosh Pinah it is 333 kilometres, ending on the C13, which is tarred only in patches between Rosh Pinah and Aus. You can refuel in Rosh Pinah and again in Aus.
The route at a glance
- Roads
- C37, C12, B4
- Distance
- 291 km
- Surface
- about 179 km tar, 111 km gravel
- Driving time
- 4 to 4.5 hours
- Fuel on the way
- Aus
Distances and times as of October 2026, driving time without stops or detours.
Routes that use this stage
- The south and the Namib in 14 days
- The grand loop in 21 days
- From Cape Town through Namibia, as in 2005
Places to stay in Aus
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Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Campsite
On The B4 Main Road To Luederitz
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
from €25per night on 23 November 2026
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Klein Aus Vista, Eagle's Nest Chalets
Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Kitchen
from €226per night on 29 June 2027
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Klein-Aus Vista, Desert Horse Inn
2 km from the town centre
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
from €195per night on 23 November 2026
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Bahnhof Hotel Aus
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
from €82per night on 30 November 2026
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Aloe Rock House
Erf 60 Aus Aloe Rock House
- Parking
from €63per night on 23 November 2026
Check prices on trivagoFish River Canyon to Aus: frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Fish River Canyon to Aus?
Hobas at Fish River Canyon to Aus is 291 kilometres via the C37, C12 and B4. Allow four to four and a half hours of actual driving, 111 kilometres of it on gravel.
Is the B4 between Seeheim and Aus tarred?
The B4 is tarred from Keetmanshoop via Seeheim and Goageb to Aus and on to Lüderitz. On the drive from Fish River Canyon to Aus, that covers the last 179 kilometres.
Should I drive from Ai-Ais to Aus via Rosh Pinah or via Seeheim?
Ai-Ais to Aus is 333 kilometres via Rosh Pinah, ending on the partly tarred C13. Via Seeheim it is 359 kilometres, about 176 of them gravel and the rest on the tarred B4.
Where can I get fuel between Fish River Canyon and Aus?
You can refuel in Aus at the end of the drive, and in Rosh Pinah if you take that route. Leave the canyon with a full tank.