The Breathtaking Kalahari Desert: A Natural Marvel

Getting There

• Car

  To reach the Kalahari Desert from the Namib Desert by car, start from the nearest major town in the Namib Desert, which is either Windhoek or Swakopmund. If you're coming from Windhoek, take the B1 highway south towards Rehoboth. Continue on the B1 until you reach the junction with the C20 road. Turn left onto the C20 and follow it until you reach the B1 again. Merge onto the B1 and continue south until you reach the town of Mariental. From Mariental, take the C10 road heading east towards the Kalahari Desert. The total journey is approximately 400 km and should take around 5 to 6 hours, depending on road conditions. Make sure to fill up on fuel in Mariental, as services may be limited in the desert area.

• Public Transportation

  If traveling by public transportation, you can take a long-distance bus from Windhoek to Mariental. Companies like Intercape or a local bus service operate this route. The bus ride takes about 5-6 hours and costs around 200-300 NAD (Namibian Dollars). Once you reach Mariental, you will need to hire a taxi or a shuttle service to take you to the Kalahari Desert, as there is no direct public transport into the desert. Taxis may cost around 500-700 NAD for a round trip, so it's advisable to negotiate a price beforehand.

• Rental Car

  For those who prefer more flexibility, consider renting a car in Windhoek. After securing a rental, follow the same route as described for traveling by car. Make sure to check with the rental company regarding driving in remote areas and potential insurance coverage. Rental costs can vary but typically range from 800-1200 NAD per day. Ensure you have a GPS or a reliable map, as some areas may have limited cell service.