What You Need to Know About the Welwitschia Drive in Namibia

Imagine driving through a desert landscape seemingly untouched by time – a place where moonscapes offer stunning photo backdrops and otherworldly plants break the endless sand and rocks. You can experience this surreal setting while on the Welwitschia self-drive in Namibia.

This unforgettable 4×4 adventure is highly recommended if you’re planning a Namibia self-drive holiday. Let’s explore where this desert road trip route is and how to plan a Welwitschia Drive road trip.

What is the Welwitschia Drive?

This scenic drive in Namibia is located in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, which is set in the expansive Namib Desert, the world’s oldest desert. The hiker-friendly Naukluft Mountains are found here, too. These mountains are a prominent range of dolomite and limestone crags that rise from the desert to an altitude of almost 2,000 m/6,561 ft. There are a number of points of interest on this route that are marked with beacons.

The Welwitschia Plant

Welwitschia Plant, one of the oldest plants in the world, in the Namib Desert | Photo: Shumba138 via Getty

The Welwitschia route is named after the Welwitschia mirabilis plant, a peculiar succulent that grows in the Namib Desert and southern Angola. This bizarre plant that dots the road trip consists of two leaves, a stem base, and roots. Its two permanent leaves are unique – they’re the original leaves from when the plant was a seedling, and they just continue to grow and are never shed.

Besides the Welwitschia mirabilis plants, you can find a variety of other desert shrubs like the dollar bush and ink bush as well as the extensive lichen fields which are able to thrive thanks to the misty nights. Your view will also feature black ridges of dolerite and fascinating rock formations.

Namibia’s Moonscape

Mooscape in the Swakopmund region, Namibia | Photo: Artush via Canva

The overwhelming beauty of the moon landscape of the Namib Desert is one of the best backdrops for a self-drive holiday in Africa. The valleys of the Swakop River form this spectacular moonscape, and it was created by the river cutting through the softer surface deposits. The Swakop River Valley is a fantastic stop on your road trip – you’ll find picnic spots and camping grounds here.

Remains of Past Sojourns

“Baaiweg” in Namibia | Photo: bennymarty via Getty

Besides the natural wonders of the land, you can see the remains of past human journeys in the desert. For example, remnants of South African troops stationed here in 1915 during World War One, and oxwagon trails known as “Baaiweg”. These are the remains of a route that was used to transport supplies from the coast inland. These tracks are still visible today due to the lichens.

You’ll also come across the abandoned Von Stryk Mine, a small, hand-excavated iron ore mine that was once worked during the 1950s.

Planning Your Welwitschia Drive 4×4 Trip

Do You Need a 4×4 for the Welwitschia Route?

The trail is marked as a 4WD route, so yes, you need to drive a 4×4 in order to successfully traverse this trail. The landscape here is tough in parts, so you need a durable car to take on the terrain.

Drive South Africa offers a range of 4x4s for hire in Swakopmund, including both camping-equipped and non-camping-equipped options.

Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, you do need a permit for the Welwitschia Drive, which you can get from the Ritterburg Office of the Ministry of Wildlife, Conservation, and Tourism in Swakopmund. The cost of the permit depends on nationality; it can range from 40 NAD to 120 NAD. While you’re there getting your permit, grab a brochure, too, to help you with your journey.

How Long Does the Drive Take?

The Welwitschia Drive 4×4 trail (160 km/99 mi) starts about 30 km/19 mi outside Swakopmund and takes about four hours to complete. Of course, the time depends on your stops and whether you camp or not (you’ll need a camping permit).

What is the Best Time to Go on the Welwitschia Route?

The best time to go to the Namib-Naukluft National Park is during the middle of the year, the winter months, from May to September. Due to the cooler temperatures, the days are more comfortable, and it’s the ideal time to hike in the Naukluft Mountains.

Is There Cell Phone Reception?

There is limited to no cell phone reception in the national park, so it’s incredibly important to plan your route ahead of time.

Embarking on the Welwitschia Route in Namibia will take you through one of the world’s oldest deserts with a range of fascinating viewpoints, including surreal moonscapes. See the incredible fauna that survives the harsh landscape, such as the namesake of the route, the

Welwitschia plant, and the echoes of past human journeys. If you are ready for an adventurous road trip, book your 4×4 and plan your Namibia holiday today!