Stage · South

Mariental to Keetmanshoop

Mariental fades in the mirror and the B1 keeps heading south. By evening, when the light turns low, the quiver trees near Keetmanshoop are waiting.

The 229 kilometres from Mariental to Keetmanshoop are tarred all the way on the B1. Allow two and a half to three hours of actual driving. According to the broadcaster NBC, roadworks on a section between the Gochas and Tses turn-offs finished two months ahead of schedule. Keetmanshoop is where you fill up for the stages that follow.

Heavy rain can cause trouble here too. Mariental flooded in February and April 2026, and on 7 April 2026 the B1 near Keetmanshoop was impassable for a while. Between February and April, build in some slack and ask your lodge how the road looks.

The Quiver Tree Forest and Giant's Playground are on Gariganus farm near Keetmanshoop, and you pay at the reception of the Quivertree Forest Rest Camp. Bring cash: one visitor in January 2026 could only pay cash, while an older listing mentions cards. Visitors in March 2026 found Giant's Playground poorly signposted.

Our tipAim to reach Keetmanshoop in the late afternoon. You will walk among the quiver trees in low light instead of the midday heat.

The route at a glance

Roads
B1
Distance
229 km
Surface
tar all the way
Driving time
2.5 to 3 hours
Fuel on the way
Keetmanshoop

Distances and times as of October 2026, driving time without stops or detours.

AngolaZambiaBotswanaSouth AfricaAtlanticOrangeEtosha PanWindhoekOkahandjaRehobothGobabisOmaruruUsakos and ErongoSwakopmundWalvis BayHenties Bay and Cape CrossSesriem and SossusvleiSolitaireMaltahöheMariental and KalahariMarientalMarientalKeetmanshoopKeetmanshoopKeetmanshoopAusLüderitz and KolmanskopFish River CanyonAi-AisKarasburgEtosha South (Andersson Gate)Etosha East (Von Lindequist Gate)OutjoOtjiwarongo and WaterbergTsumebOtaviGrootfonteinOshakati and OndangwaKamanjabTwyfelfonteinKhorixasSesfonteinOpuwo and KaokoveldRunduDivundu and BwabwataKatima Mulilo and Zambezi200 km
Start and end of the stage, joined as the crow flies. The road runs differently.

Routes that use this stage

Places to stay in Keetmanshoop

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Quiver Inn Guesthouse8.9/10

GuesthouseSouth

Quiver Inn Guesthouse

Pastorie Street 8

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Parking
  • Air conditioning

from €66per night on 18 November 2026

Check prices on trivago
Larochelle Guesthouse8.2/10

GuesthouseSouth

Larochelle Guesthouse

6 ave no 12 Town area

  • Pool
  • Parking
  • Air conditioning
  • Fireplace

from €56per night on 23 November 2026

Check prices on trivago
Schuetzenhaus Guesthouse7.6/10

GuesthouseSouth★★★

Schuetzenhaus Guesthouse

Pastorie Street

  • Pool
  • Breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Parking

from €90per night on 23 November 2026

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Urbanlife Keetmanshoop Accommodation

Self-cateringSouth

Urbanlife Keetmanshoop Accommodation

Luchtenstein 286

  • Kitchen
  • Parking
  • Air conditioning
  • Pets allowed

from €33per night on 23 November 2026

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Self-help Catering & Accommodation For Guests.

GuesthouseSouth

Self-help Catering & Accommodation For Guests.

3rd Street

  • Kitchen
  • Parking
  • Air conditioning
  • Wi-Fi

from €38per night on 23 November 2026

Check prices on trivago

Mariental to Keetmanshoop: frequently asked questions

How long is the drive from Mariental to Keetmanshoop?

Mariental to Keetmanshoop is 229 kilometres on the tarred B1. Allow two and a half to three hours of actual driving.

Can I pay by card at the Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanshoop?

You pay for the Quiver Tree Forest on Gariganus farm at the reception of the Quivertree Forest Rest Camp. One visitor in January 2026 could only pay cash, while an older listing mentions cards, so bring cash.

Is the B1 between Mariental and Keetmanshoop passable after rain?

After heavy rain the B1 near Keetmanshoop was impassable for a while on 7 April 2026, and Mariental flooded in February and April 2026. Between February and April, check with your lodge before driving.