Driving the unpaved C27 Road through Namibia's Desert

Driving the unpaved C27 Road through Namibia's Desert

Namibia, africa

Length

236 km

Elevation

1,717 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: Namibia's C27 Road – 146 miles of pure, unadulterated Namib Desert adventure. We're talking Hardap and ǁKaras regions, deep in the southwest and the Namib Rand Nature Reserve. Forget paved roads, this is a 4x4 kind of party. Expect a bumpy ride, super corrugated and sandy, but honestly, not too challenging.

You'll climb to 5,633 feet above sea level at its peak, so adjust those tire pressures for a smoother, safer ride. Plan for around four hours to soak it all in, and trust me, you'll want to.

The views? Epic! Think Sossusvlei's iconic sand dunes and the vast, soul-stirring emptiness that Namibia is famous for. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings too! Starting near Sesriem, it runs all the way to the C13 junction near Helmeringhausen, paralleling the C14. It’s an experience you won't soon forget!

Where is it?

Driving the unpaved C27 Road through Namibia's Desert is located in Namibia (africa). Coordinates: -23.3520, 19.1474

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Namibia
Continent
africa
Length
236 km
Max Elevation
1,717 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
-23.3520, 19.1474

Related Roads in africa

Driving the Steep Road to Mariepskopmoderate

Driving the Steep Road to Mariepskop

🇿🇦 South Africa

Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Mariepskop! This South African beauty, peaking at 1,942m (6,371ft), sits right on the border of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and let me tell you, it's a drive you won't forget. Mariepskop, also known as Marepe or Maripekop, is nestled within the Mariepskop Nature Reserve. Named after Chief Maripe Mashile, who used this mountain as a stronghold back in the day, this peak is the highest in the northern Drakensberg Escarpment. And the views? Unreal! On a clear day, you can supposedly spot the Indian Ocean and Maputo! Plus, the summit is home to some cool government installations, like a radar station. The adventure starts in Moloro, with a 20.2 km (12.5 miles) climb ahead. You'll gain a whopping 1,253m in elevation, averaging a gradient of 6.20%. Word to the wise: skip this drive during the rainy season or when it's wet. The road is a mix of gravel, paved sections, and concrete. A high-clearance vehicle is a must, and a 4x4 is highly recommended. The final 7 km are concrete, with some seriously steep sections hitting 33%! But don't worry too much, the concrete road itself is fairly safe, without any crazy drop-offs. Get ready for an epic climb!

How to drive the difficult road to Tislit Lake in Morocco?moderate

How to drive the difficult road to Tislit Lake in Morocco?

🇲🇦 Morocco

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Lac de Tislit is a seriously stunning high-altitude lake chilling way up at 2,270 meters (that's 7,447 feet!) in the heart of Morocco. You'll find this gem straddling the Béni Mellal and Drâa-Tafilalet provinces inside the Haut Atlas Oriental National Park. Picture yourself winding through the High Atlas mountains on R317, mostly paved, but with a cheeky little unpaved section that'll keep you on your toes! Think thrilling drops and views that'll make your jaw drop. The road stretches for about 30.5 km (almost 19 miles) from Ouaourioud in the north to Imilchil in the south. And hey, if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a gravel road just north of the lake that climbs even higher to Lac d’Isli, another awesome crater lake sitting pretty at 2,313 meters (7,588 feet). Get ready for some seriously epic scenery!

Where is Hattingshoogte Pass?hard

Where is Hattingshoogte Pass?

🇿🇦 South Africa

Hattingshoogte Pass in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is a proper off-road adventure! You'll find it way up high, near the Eswatini border, snaking through remote grasslands and offering insane views from its rugged peaks. Okay, let's be real: this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking 24 km (14.9 miles) of totally unpaved road from the P308 near Utrecht to Groenvlei. It's mostly gravel and rocks, and even if it *looks* okay, trust me, it gets wild. Expect some seriously steep sections and plenty of slippery mud. A 4x4 is essential, folks! Seriously, don't even think about it otherwise. And definitely don't go it alone! This area's known for some crazy weather, with snow in winter (avoid it then unless you're prepped!), violent electrical storms, and even tornadoes. This area is subject to frequent, violent electrical storms and even tornadoes. The clay soil here can trap you real quick after a storm. Always check the forecast and travel with others. This old Voortrekker Pass truly is a test for even experienced off-roaders.

Where is Tsaris-Hoogte Pass?extreme

Where is Tsaris-Hoogte Pass?

🇳🇦 Namibia

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Tsaris-Hoogte Pass in Namibia's Hardap region is calling your name! Perched at a cool 1,672m (5,485ft), this is one of the highest roads you'll find in the country. Where exactly is this beauty? Nestled in the Tsaris Mountains, smack-dab in central Namibia. You'll find it connecting Sesriem (right by the Namib Desert) and Maltahöhe. Now, let's talk road conditions. Forget smooth tarmac—this is raw, unpaved C19 goodness! Be warned, though: after a bit of rain, this track turns into a muddy slip-n-slide. Plus, corrugated sections are everywhere. It’s pretty steep too, averaging about 6%, but hitting over 20% in some spots! Clocking in at 150 km (93 miles), this pass isn't a quick jaunt. You absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle this beast. Trust me, the scenery is totally worth it. Think epic views and untamed nature, this is paradise for the adventurous! Just a heads up—drive with *extreme* caution, okay? It's a tricky desert road on the way to Fish River Canyon, so stay focused and have fun!