Solitaire & Tropic of Capricorn

Leaving Namib Desert Campsite, we set off for Solitaire, a mere 30km away and famed for its apple pie and decent coffee. At Solitaire, we were slightly unlucky—a tourist bus had arrived just before us, leading to a short queue. We ordered the famous apple pie with cream and a coffee, then relaxed briefly at the tables, savouring the pastry and rich brew before tackling the drive to Walvis Bay. 

Travelling along the C14, we passed through the stunning Gaub Pass and continued towards the Tropic of Capricorn. The unpaved roads varied wildly—smooth in parts, bone-rattling in others. The route was breathtaking, winding through the Gaub and Kuiseb passes, both well worth a leisurely drive. There are a number of view sites where one can stop to soak up the incredible vistas. 

Crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, a highlight of any Namibian journey, marked our progress northward. Arriving in Walvis Bay, mercifully free of the howling winds we’d endured on a previous visit, was a delight. From there, we took the scenic B2 along the seafront to our final stop on this leg: Swakopmund and the welcoming Tiger Reef Campsite.