Solitaire | Walvis Bay

Solitaire is a small, privately owned desert settlement located at the junction of the C14 and C24 highways in the Khomas Region of Namibia. It serves as the primary stopover point between the coastal towns of Walvis Bay and the dunes of Sossusvlei.

Visual Characteristics

The settlement is characterized by a collection of weathered, colorful 1940s-era vehicle wrecks partially buried in the sand. The landscape is a flat, hyper-arid desert plain bordered by the rugged foothills of the Great Escarpment. Architecture is minimalist, featuring low-rise, sand-colored buildings with corrugated iron roofs and expansive gravel forecourts.

Location & Access Logistics

Solitaire is situated 83km north of Sesriem and 160km southeast of Walvis Bay. It is accessible via the C14 and C24 gravel roads, which are suitable for all vehicle types but prone to heavy corrugation. There is no public transport; visitors arrive via private vehicle, tour bus, or the nearby private gravel airstrip.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The settlement was established in 1948 by Willem van Coller as a single cottage and a general store for the remote farming community. It remains one of the most sparsely populated permanent settlements in Namibia. Ecologically, it is a transitional zone where the gravel plains meet the edge of the Namib Sand Sea.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary highlight is the Moose McGregor Desert Bakery, renowned for its apple crumble. Visitors engage in landscape photography of the vintage automobile graveyard and the resident ground squirrels. The settlement serves as a gateway for guided cheetah tracking excursions and scenic flights over the Namib Desert.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Infrastructure includes a fuel station (petrol and diesel), a general dealer, a bakery, and a small cafe. Public restrooms are located at the rear of the bakery. A local lodge and campsite provide overnight accommodation. A workshop for minor vehicle repairs and tire changes is available. 5G/4G cellular signal is functional within the immediate settlement perimeter.

Best Time to Visit

The settlement is a year-round transit point. Mid-morning (09:00 to 11:00) is the peak time for travelers arriving from the coast or the dunes. For photography, the late afternoon provides high-contrast shadows across the rusted vehicle frames. Winter months (May to August) are most comfortable for outdoor dining.

Facts & Legends

The name "Solitaire" was chosen by the founder's wife to reflect the solitary nature of the location. The settlement gained international literary recognition through the book Solitaire by Dutch author Ton van der Lee, who chronicled his life there in the late 1990s.

Nearby Landmarks

Tropic of Capricorn Sign – 12km North

Gaub Pass – 62km Northwest

Sesriem – 83km South

Kuiseb Pass – 110km Northwest