From Windhoek (Anderson Gate)
Contents
Route: B1 north to Otjiwarongo (250km, 2.5 hours) → C38 west to Outjo (60km, 45 minutes) → C38 north to Anderson Gate (110km, 1.5 hours) Total: 440km; approximately 5 hours driving
This is the standard approach for most visitors. The B1 is a good tar road throughout; the C38 from Otjiwarongo to Outjo is tar; the C38 from Outjo to Anderson Gate is good gravel. Allow a full travel day; departing Windhoek by 08:00 gives a comfortable afternoon arrival at Okaukuejo.
Key stop: Outjo is the last town with full services (fuel, supermarket, ATM, pharmacy) before the gate. Stock up here.
Full guide: Windhoek to Etosha
From Damaraland (King Nehale or Galton Gate)
Via Kamanjab to King Nehale Gate: The most scenic approach; passes through Damaraland and the Hobatere Concession. From Palmwag: C35 east to Kamanjab (165km, 2 hours) → north to King Nehale Gate (45km, 45 minutes) → Okaukuejo (90km, 1.5 hours inside the park). Total from Palmwag to Okaukuejo: approximately 300km, 4.5 hours.
Via Kamanjab to Galton Gate (western section): For visitors entering western Etosha from Damaraland. From Kamanjab: 50km gravel to Galton Gate (45 minutes) → Dolomite Camp (60km inside park, 1 hour).
Full guide: Damaraland to Etosha
From Swakopmund or the Coast
Route: Swakopmund → B2 east to Usakos (95km) → B1/C34 north toward Outjo → Anderson Gate Total from Swakopmund: Approximately 570km; 6 to 7 hours
The coastal approach adds time but suits visitors combining Etosha with Damaraland and a coastal stay. Allow a full day from Swakopmund; consider an overnight stop in Outjo.
From Tsumeb (Von Lindequist Gate)
Route: Tsumeb → 70km south to Von Lindequist Gate (1 hour on tar) → Namutoni (12km, 15 minutes) Total: Easy approach; the shortest gate-to-camp combination in Etosha
Tsumeb is well-serviced with fuel and supplies. For visitors arriving from northern Namibia or Caprivi, this is the natural entry point.
Charter Flights
Light aircraft charter from Windhoek’s Eros Airport to Mokuti airstrip (adjacent to Von Lindequist Gate) is available through several Namibia charter operators. Flight time is approximately 1.5 hours. Charter is most cost-effective for groups of four or more; for solo travellers or couples, the cost per person often exceeds the drive time saved.
Contact Mat-Travel for charter flight co-ordination as part of a Namibia programme.