Navigating Namibia's C14 Road: Desert Adventures and Must-Know Tips

C14 Road is an epic drive offering stunning views of the Namibian desert. Not advisable to drive the route with a sedan vehicle. The road crosses the Tropic of Capricorn.

C14 Road

Is C14 Road in Namibia unpaved?

Tucked away in the southern part of the country, the road is mostly unpaved (gravel and sand) offering a flat moonscape of the Namib Desert. Like all gravel roads in Namibia, they are best not negotiated after dark. The gravel road can be sandy and slippery. Combined with the sometimes tight corners, sharp drops beside the road down to the gorge below, and other road users in the area, care and slow speeds are key.

How long is C14 Road in Namibia?

The road is 643 km (399 miles) long running from Goageb (in the ǁKaras Region) to Walvis Bay (a port town on the coast of the country). The road crosses the Kuiseb Canyon and runs along the border of Namib-Naukluft Park between Solitaire and Walvis Bay.

Is C14 Road in Namibia challenging?

The drive is not recommended for passenger cars. While you don't need a 4x4 for the road, it's best advised to have a reliable, sturdy vehicle. It is steep (1:9) and tops out at 1.528m (5,013ft) above sea level. Though the road can become impossible to navigate during rainy season, it’s an easy voyage most of the year. You should concentrate on the road as there is a considerable drop should you run out of road. Gravel conditions will vary considerably. Reduce your pressures a bit for gavel to give a quieter ride. Forget the speed limit, drive according to the conditions and don't forget that good gravel can become lethal in the blink of an eye.
Pic: Gary Mesko

 

 

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