From the gate you take the tarred C38 to the B1 and head south via Tsumeb, Otavi, Otjiwarongo and Okahandja. From Okahandja to Windhoek it is a freeway, built in sections between 2014 and 2024. There is no gravel on the whole stage. Refuel in Tsumeb: an August 2026 trip report calls the garage next to Shoprite the last chance before Etosha, which makes it the first one after it in this direction. The same travellers also filled up in Otjiwarongo.
Just over 530 kilometres makes for a long stage. Using the planning rule of 80 km/h on tar, allow six to seven hours of actual driving, plus breaks. One rental brochure gives only about 480 kilometres for the reverse route via Tsumeb; the route planner comes to just over 530. The German Foreign Office advises against driving between towns after dark. With some rental companies your insurance lapses if you drive outside towns after sunset.
To split the drive, the Waterberg is the obvious stop: the C22 leaves the B1 about 28 kilometres past Otjiwarongo. The B1 and C38 within Otjiwarongo are due to be resurfaced. Between Okahandja and Windhoek you pass the Okapuka checkpoint, opened in November 2025.
Our tipLeave the gate in the morning and plan lunch in Otjiwarongo. That gets you to Windhoek in the afternoon, well before dark.
The route at a glance
- Roads
- C38, B1, A1
- Distance
- 531 km
- Surface
- tar all the way
- Driving time
- 6 to 7 hours
- Fuel on the way
- Tsumeb, Otjiwarongo
Distances and times as of October 2026, driving time without stops or detours.
Routes that use this stage
Places to stay in Windhoek
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Cozy Arty Apartment In Walking Distance Of Cbd
8 Pettenkofer Street
- Pool
- Kitchen
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
from €52per night on 14 August 2027
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Enchanting Self-catering Villa With Queen Bed
26 Robert Mugabe Avenue
- Pool
- Kitchen
- Parking
- Air conditioning
from €82per night on 24 June 2027
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House on Olof Palme
146 Olof Palme Street
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €147per night on 23 November 2026
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Hartmann Suites Serviced Self-Catering Apartments
Corner of Burg and Ballot Street
- Kitchen
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Pets allowed
from €55per night on 13 May 2027
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John-Lou'S One-Bedroom Apartment
Chateau Street Luxury Hill
- Kitchen
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Wi-Fi
from €73per night on 12 May 2027
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The Windhoek Luxury Suites
Corner of Hebenstreit str & Josephwood
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Parking
- Air conditioning
from €177per night on 23 November 2026
Check prices on trivagoEtosha (Von Lindequist Gate) to Windhoek: frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Etosha to Windhoek?
From Etosha's Von Lindequist Gate to Windhoek is just over 530 kilometres of tar via Tsumeb and Otjiwarongo. Allow six to seven hours of actual driving, not counting breaks.
Where can I refuel between eastern Etosha and Windhoek?
Between Etosha's eastern gate and Windhoek you can refuel in Tsumeb, the first town after the park, or later in Otjiwarongo. An August 2026 trip report mentions both.
Is the road from Namutoni to Windhoek tarred?
The route from Namutoni to Windhoek on the C38, the B1 and the freeway from Okahandja is tarred all the way. The gravel stays behind in the park.
Can I break the drive from Etosha to Windhoek at the Waterberg?
The Waterberg lies close to the route from Etosha to Windhoek. The access road, the C22, leaves the B1 about 28 kilometres past Otjiwarongo.