The B1 takes you via Rehoboth and Mariental to Keetmanshoop: 496 kilometres, all of it tarred. Allow five and a half to six and a half hours of actual driving, which turns into a full day once you add breaks. You can refuel in Rehoboth after about 85 kilometres, in Mariental a little past halfway and in Keetmanshoop at the end.
Just south of Windhoek the B1 crosses the Aris River. The old bridge became impassable after rain in March 2025, and a new one has been open since 1 April 2026. Resurfacing between Rehoboth and Mariental was listed as postponed in a tender register in April 2025.
Heavy rain can hit this road. Mariental flooded in February and April 2026, and on 7 April 2026 the B1 near Keetmanshoop was impassable for a while. For an easier pace, split the drive in Mariental. That leaves about three hours behind the wheel on each day.
Our tipSet off early so you arrive before sunset. With one Windhoek rental company, your insurance lapses if you drive outside towns at night without permission.
The route at a glance
- Roads
- B1
- Distance
- 496 km
- Surface
- tar all the way
- Driving time
- 5.5 to 6.5 hours
- Fuel on the way
- Rehoboth, Mariental, Keetmanshoop
Distances and times as of October 2026, driving time without stops or detours.
Routes that use this stage
Places to stay in Keetmanshoop
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Quiver Inn Guesthouse
Pastorie Street 8
- Pool
- Kitchen
- Parking
- Air conditioning
from €66per night on 18 November 2026
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Larochelle Guesthouse
6 ave no 12 Town area
- Pool
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Fireplace
from €56per night on 23 November 2026
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Schuetzenhaus Guesthouse
Pastorie Street
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €90per night on 23 November 2026
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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.
3rd Street
- Kitchen
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Wi-Fi
from €38per night on 23 November 2026
Check prices on trivagoWindhoek to Keetmanshoop: frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Windhoek to Keetmanshoop?
Windhoek to Keetmanshoop is 496 kilometres on the tarred B1. Allow five and a half to six and a half hours of actual driving, a full day with breaks.
Where can I get fuel between Windhoek and Keetmanshoop?
Between Windhoek and Keetmanshoop you can refuel in Rehoboth, about 85 kilometres south of Windhoek, and in Mariental a little past halfway. You can also fill up in Keetmanshoop.
Should I split the drive from Windhoek to Keetmanshoop?
If 496 kilometres in one day is too much, stay overnight in Mariental. That leaves about three hours of driving on each of the two days.