The B2 from Windhoek to Swakopmund is 360km of tar, entirely tar, entirely well-maintained, entirely straightforward. It is the most driven road in Namibia tourism after the B1 north to Etosha.
Die Route
Windhoek → B2 west → Karibib (180km) → Usakos (210km) → Swakopmund (360km)
The B2 runs west from Windhoek into the Khomas Highland, descends through the Chas Pass, and then crosses the transition zone between the central plateau and the Namib gravel plains before reaching the coast. The transition is visible in the vegetation: from thornbush to gravel desert to coastal fog-influenced vegetation in the final 50km.
For visitors with more time, the C28 gravel route via the Khomas Highland is a more scenic alternative that crosses the central Namib and passes the Welwitschia Flats on the way.
Key Stops
Karibib (180km): Small town; fuel and a café; the halfway point.
Usakos (210km): Small town; fuel available; historically significant as a colonial-era railway junction.
The descent to the coast (final 50km): The road drops from the central plateau through the Namib transition zone; the landscape opens and the quality of light changes as the Benguela influence increases.
Timing
4 hours for the drive; depart Windhoek by 08:00 to arrive Swakopmund before midday. An arrival before noon allows an afternoon Living Desert tour, the best possible Swakopmund start for any visitor with natural history interest.
Full Swakopmund guide: Swakopmund hub Reciprocal guide: Windhoek to Swakopmund from Swakopmund side