Welwitschia Plains
Welwitschia Plains
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
408 reviews
Excellent
193
Very good
134
Average
66
Poor
10
Terrible
5
Simon S
Seattle, WA6 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
We took this self-guided tour while on honeymoon in Swakopmund in December 2013. The drive starts about 20km outside of Swakopmund, and takes you through some of the most bizarre alien desert landscapes you will ever see. The tour culminates with the bizarre Welwitschia mirabilis plant, found only in that tiny little corner of the northern Namib. Highly, highly recommend if you like seeing strange things and places!
Note that you must get a permit to drive on the Welwitcschia Plains loop road. The permits can be obtained from the Namibian Parks Board offices in Swakopmund, who also give you the info sheet and pamphlets for the tour. As of Dec 2013 the permit costs N$80 per person for internationals, N$60 for people from countries bordering Namibia, and N$40 for Namibians.
Note that you must get a permit to drive on the Welwitcschia Plains loop road. The permits can be obtained from the Namibian Parks Board offices in Swakopmund, who also give you the info sheet and pamphlets for the tour. As of Dec 2013 the permit costs N$80 per person for internationals, N$60 for people from countries bordering Namibia, and N$40 for Namibians.
Written January 5, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin S
Johannesburg, South Africa229 contributions
Feb 2017 • Family
This was an easy drive in a 2 wheel drive sudan. We had our infant in a car seat and made the most of the marked beacon stops as the little one needed.
4hrs in total, and the return drive is on a tar road most of the way.
Well worth the visit.
Permit is NAD60 per person plus NAD10 per vehicle (for SADAC residents).
Paying the modest permit allows for upkeep and protection of these plants.
Permit office is on corner of Brunswick and Sam Nojoma - open during weekday office hours.
Map and information supplied with your permit is accurate and helpful.
At the mid point if the tour we took a detour to Goanikontes Oasis - a private camp that offers breakfast or lunch, coffee, tea and beer. Cash only - remember please. This was about a 4km detour into the Swakop riverbed and gave a closer look at the Moonscape landscape.
4hrs in total, and the return drive is on a tar road most of the way.
Well worth the visit.
Permit is NAD60 per person plus NAD10 per vehicle (for SADAC residents).
Paying the modest permit allows for upkeep and protection of these plants.
Permit office is on corner of Brunswick and Sam Nojoma - open during weekday office hours.
Map and information supplied with your permit is accurate and helpful.
At the mid point if the tour we took a detour to Goanikontes Oasis - a private camp that offers breakfast or lunch, coffee, tea and beer. Cash only - remember please. This was about a 4km detour into the Swakop riverbed and gave a closer look at the Moonscape landscape.
Written February 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer167
Schweigen-Rechtenbach, Germany23 contributions
Oct 2015 • Friends
This half-day drive into the desert is well worthwhile, despite sections of the road having bad corrugations. The very reasonable entry permit is obtainable from the Conservation Office in Swakopmund. Welwitschia plants, some of them over 1500 years old, really are amazing, and a lot of effort has been put into the information provided along the route. But it's not only the plants that are interesting: there is the stunning moonscape scenery and a dolorite dyke that will fascinate geologists, decades-old ox-wagon trails in the lichen fields, old mineworkings and - whatever you do don't miss it - the Goanikontes oasis, a haven of green amidst a lunar landscape. The oasis has a campsite, a restaurant and a beer garden and is also open to day visitors - stop for cake and coffee at the farmhouse verandah! If ever in the area again, we'd love to stay here.
Written January 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EastLondonEjs
Port Elizabeth, South Africa99 contributions
Mar 2015 • Family
This is booked through a very helpful lady in the department of the environment- near the bottom of Sam Najoma St. The cost is very modest for this self drive tour. The instructions are well laid out and accompanied by a map and it takes a comfortable half day. Although entirely on gravel roads, the drive can be undertaken in a saloon car. It comprises of 13 marked stopping points with a description of what to see- from desert plants that live on 20mm of rainfall a year, to moonscapes, to a first world war army camp complete with 100 year old tin can remnants. The high-spot are the Welwichia plants that grow in the farthest part of the drive. So strange and looking as though they struggle to stay alive. They are related to conifers. The biggest is surrounded by a fence and has a viewing platform. The plant is 1500 years old! We also saw springbok and had no ide what they survived on. Take a picnic lunch and drink and enjoy it in the Swakop river bed campsite where there is shade, tables and longdrop toilets.
Written March 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ingrid S
Ganserndorf, Austria30 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
permit needed! Easy to get in Swakopmund/Sossusvlei
it really is a scenic drive, you get to see lots of different natural structures
getting information about whats to be seen beforehand is enough... we did the same and drove around there without a guide so we could take our time and enjoy everything as long as we wanted to.
We even made one of the protective stone circles around awelwitschia to keep people from stepping on the very sensitive roots of this amazing plants!
it really is a scenic drive, you get to see lots of different natural structures
getting information about whats to be seen beforehand is enough... we did the same and drove around there without a guide so we could take our time and enjoy everything as long as we wanted to.
We even made one of the protective stone circles around awelwitschia to keep people from stepping on the very sensitive roots of this amazing plants!
Written August 10, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
788GuidoZ
Cape Town Central, South Africa54 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
An easy drive, accessible with any car. The moon landscape is fantastic, the welwitschia's interesting. Remember to get a permit in town - we didn't know about that, and were stopped - unfortunately the park ranger was clearly angling for a bribe, but thankfully we didn't bite, and he let us off with a "warning".
Unfortunately the signage does not give any clue as to where to get the permit, so ask your hotel/B&B before you venture out!
Unfortunately the signage does not give any clue as to where to get the permit, so ask your hotel/B&B before you venture out!
Written April 5, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
859iainh
Johannesburg, South Africa61 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
It takes a hour or two well worth the effort. Amasing sites of the desert almost a stones throw from the town. Do not forget to purchase the permit which has a map and a bit of a guide.
Written February 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gray666
Harare, Zimbabwe74 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
We absolutely loved this drive and when the moonscape suddenly comes into view it is absolutely surreal. If in the area this drive is an absolute must do. It is uncomfortable in patches due to the corrugations but these would be annoying in any sort of vehicle and a 4WD is not essential. You can turn off to Goanikontes for a pleasant snack and bathroom break and there are also toilets at the largest welwitschia which is huge and some sight. This drive was one of the memories of Namibia which will remain with us a long time.
Written February 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roedig
Stellenbosch, South Africa1,267 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
Get a permit from the offices, corner Bismarck & Sam Nujoma street that costs per person and per car. If you local, cheaper, if you SADC it is R30 per person, overseas guests pay a little more. The guide explains the 13 stops en route and is very helpful. The drive goes through the moon landscape, which is fascinating, the desert, the dolorite stones and the Welwitchia plants. A definite must. Have a beer at the oasis turnoff as well. Great landscape viewing.
Written March 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jamiespegg1973
Sandton, South Africa4 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
wonderful drive out . Landscape was truly breath-taking
don't forget to buy your permit at the NWR in town (open 7 days a week. until 1pm on weekends and not sure about week day times.
don't forget to buy your permit at the NWR in town (open 7 days a week. until 1pm on weekends and not sure about week day times.
Written March 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola hay alguien que vaya a visitar welwitschias Drive en diciembre/enero?
Written November 24, 2017
Hello Sebastià n,
its avery good time to visit this place in December or January.
Written November 27, 2017
Is a 4 WD required and if not shall it be a problem with a sedan (2 WD) ?
Written September 10, 2017
wie vermeide ich einen unverhältnismäßigen Zugang und sichere mir doch ein erinnernswertes Erlebnis?
Written August 14, 2017
verstehe die Frage (unverhältnismäßigen) nicht so wirklich, wir haben sie auf dem Weg nach Karibib passiert, der sehr anstrengend ist
Written August 15, 2017
Sue Q
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
I really would like to know what the possibilities are if you are a solo traveller. It seems like there are no possibilities to participate in a daytour.
Written July 15, 2015
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