Via Halali a route planner gives 155 kilometres; other sources say 140. Travellers in August 2026 put it at about 70 kilometres to Halali and 75 on to Namutoni. The main road is gravel. One guide gives the limit as 60 km/h, the forum recommends 40, and at least one rental company tracks 40 km/h inside parks. Plan on 40 km/h, which means four to five hours of actual driving. Add detours to the waterholes and it becomes a full day.
Since April 2025 the environment ministry has been rebuilding and tarring the main road from Okaukuejo to King Nehale Gate. Until 30 November 2025 the first 20 kilometres were closed, with traffic sent round via Gemsbokvlakte. On 1 February 2026 a longer section closed. Since late February 2026 the detour has followed a new bypass of about 38 kilometres and the Salvadora route, rejoining the main road roughly 47 kilometres from Okaukuejo. The Newbrowni and Kapupuhedi waterholes lie on the closed section. On 9 October 2026 the detours were still in use, rough between Okaukuejo and Gemsbokvlakte, with no visible construction there. The new road will take several more years.
Enter the park with a full tank. Deliveries to the camps have failed repeatedly since early 2025, and in August 2026 a trip report found no fuel at any Etosha camp. You can fill up at the Etosha Trading Post outside Andersson Gate, in Outjo or, on the eastern side, in Tsumeb. Since 1 April 2026 the park fee has been N$ 280 per foreign adult per day, with N$ 50 or N$ 60 for the car depending on the source (as of October 2026). Sources disagree on whether you pay at the gate or in the camp. From Namutoni it is another 12 to 13 kilometres to Von Lindequist Gate.
Our tipAsk about the current detour before you leave Okaukuejo. The route changed several times in 2025 and 2026, and last year's map may lead you straight to a closure.
The route at a glance
- Roads
- Halali Road, Rhino Drive
- Distance
- 155 km
- Surface
- about 0 km tar, 155 km gravel
- Driving time
- 4 to 5 hours
Distances and times as of October 2026, driving time without stops or detours.
Routes that use this stage
- Sossusvlei, the coast and Etosha in 14 days
- The grand loop in 21 days
- Etosha, Caprivi and Victoria Falls in 21 days
Places to stay in Etosha East (Von Lindequist Gate)
AdvertisementThe links lead to trivago. If you book through them we receive a commission; it does not influence the selection. Prices are examples for the night shown.
Onguma Forest Camp
Onguma Nature Reserve C38, Namutoni, Etosha National Park
- Pool
- Spa
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €67per night on 18 November 2026
Check prices on trivago
Mokuti Etosha
9 km from the town centre
- Pool
- Spa
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
from €325per night on 23 November 2026
Check prices on trivago
Emanya@etosha
D3028
- Pool
- Spa
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
from €242per night on 23 November 2026
Check prices on trivago
Emanya@etosha Game Lodge
Emanya Lodge
- Breakfast
from €245per night on 23 November 2026
Check prices on trivagoOkaukuejo to Namutoni: frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive from Okaukuejo to Namutoni in Etosha?
Okaukuejo to Namutoni via Halali is 140 to 155 kilometres of gravel. At 40 km/h that is four to five hours of actual driving, or a full day with stops at waterholes.
Why is there a detour between Okaukuejo and Halali in Etosha?
Etosha's main road has been rebuilt and tarred since April 2025. Since February 2026 a detour has used a new bypass that rejoins the main road about 47 kilometres past Okaukuejo, as of October 2026.
What is the speed limit in Etosha?
According to one guide, the speed limit in Etosha is 60 km/h. The recommended speed is 40 km/h, and some rental companies track exactly that limit inside national parks.
Can I buy fuel at Okaukuejo, Halali or Namutoni?
In August 2026 a trip report found no fuel at any Etosha camp. Fill up beforehand at the Etosha Trading Post outside Andersson Gate, in Outjo or in Tsumeb.