You leave Swakopmund briefly on the M44, then follow the C34 along the coast for 58 kilometres to Henties Bay. This stretch has been tarred since 2019; it used to be a salt road that turned slippery in fog. At Henties Bay you turn onto the C35 to Uis. An older forum post rates both Henties Bay and Uis as reliable places to refuel.
The C35 between Henties Bay and Uis is being tarred. In December 2025 about 70 kilometres were finished, ten were under construction and the last 16 before Uis had not been started. On 17 June 2026 the Erongo governor put the project at 86 per cent complete, with 16 kilometres to go. Travellers already reported in January 2026 that long stretches were quick to drive. Still expect some roadworks or gravel before Uis, as of October 2026.
From Uis you drive a little over 135 kilometres, north on the C35 and then along the D2319 and D2612 to Twyfelfontein. Plan on gravel speeds here. For the whole route of about 340 kilometres, four and a half to five and a half hours of actual driving is realistic. The detour to Cape Cross adds almost 100 kilometres. Since 1 April 2026 Cape Cross has been a premium park, where foreign adults pay N$ 280 a day (as of October 2026). The inland route via Usakos is longer at about 415 kilometres but starts with 167 kilometres of tar on the B2.
Our tipIf you want to see Cape Cross, leave Swakopmund early. With the detour on the salt road north of Henties Bay, which turns slippery in fog, and the long stretch beyond Uis, the day otherwise gets tight before dark.
The route at a glance
- Roads
- M44, C34, C35, D2319, D2612
- Distance
- 336 km
- Surface
- about 146 km tar, 190 km gravel
- Driving time
- 4.5 to 5.5 hours
- Fuel on the way
- Henties Bay, Uis
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 Twyfelfontein
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Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp
D 3254 90km west of
- Pool
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
from €212per night on 22 February 2027
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Madisa Camp
D2612 Damaraland
- Pool
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Wi-Fi
from €152per night on 23 November 2026
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Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
D3214
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €326per night on 10 December 2026
Check prices on trivagoSwakopmund to Twyfelfontein: frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Swakopmund to Twyfelfontein?
Swakopmund to Twyfelfontein is about 340 kilometres via Henties Bay and Uis. Allow four and a half to five and a half hours of actual driving, because it is gravel from Uis on.
Is the C35 between Henties Bay and Uis tarred?
The C35 between Henties Bay and Uis is being tarred. In June 2026 the regional government put the project at 86 per cent complete with 16 kilometres remaining, as of October 2026.
Where can I refuel between Swakopmund and Twyfelfontein?
On the coastal route to Twyfelfontein you can refuel in Henties Bay or Uis. Travellers rate both as reliable fuel stops before Damaraland.
Is the detour via Cape Cross worth it on the way to Twyfelfontein?
The detour to Cape Cross adds almost 100 kilometres to the drive from Swakopmund to Twyfelfontein. Since April 2026 Cape Cross has been a premium park with a higher daily fee, so allow for both time and entry.