update (22 March 2025): The C35 route between Henties and Uis is drivable, but only with a 4x4. Roadsurface is slippery & wet, and some sections are badly damaged. There is also a lot of running water on the road itself and on the edges. (21 March 2025)
update (21 March 2025): The old B1 road (Windhoek - Okahandja) has been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure. All road users, including residents of Osona Village, are advised to use the Freeway as an alternative route.
update (21 March 2025): The
Roads Authority is pleased to announce that the construction of the
bypass road - following the closure of the bridge on the Windhoek-Rehoboth road - has been successfully completed and is now open for public
use.
update (21 March 2025): The RA has identified two alternative routes to Rehoboth via Dordabis which are safe for public use.However, all road users are requested to exercise extreme caution when traveling on these routes.
NB: D1228 is only accessible with pick up trucks.
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| (c) Roads Authortiy [src.] |
update (20 March 2025): A contractor has been appointed to construct a bypass following the closure of the bridge on the Windhoek-Rehoboth road, which sustained severe damage from recent heavy rains.
As a further precaution, a section of the old B1 road between Windhoek and Okahandja (Osona Village to the interchange) will be closed before 17:00 today to ensure road users' safety. Motorists in Osona Village are advised to use the Freeway as an alternative route.
update (20 March 2025): The RA just announced that a bridge on the Windhoek-Rehoboth road (30 km from Windhoek) has been damaged due to the current heavy rainfall. Road users are advised to exercise extreme caution when approaching this area. The RA is assessing the extent of the damage.
Following recent heavy rains in Namibia, several roads across the country are damaged, flooded, or unsafe for travel. Many rivers are in full flood, making driving conditions hazardous. The Roads Authority (RA) urges all road users to exercise extreme caution and has released a list of roads that should be avoided.
If you’re traveling in Namibia, avoid these roads and use alternative routes (20 March 2025):
- MR 76 – Uis to Kamanjab
- D 2612 – Absa-Huab River, Sorris-Sorris to Twyfelfontein
- M 126 – Khorixas to Bergsig
- Palmwag to Kamanjab
- MR 128 – Palmwag to Sesfontein
- C 34 & C 39 – Koigab River in flood
- C 35 & C 14 – Drive with extreme caution
Additionally, the Namibia Travel & Tourism Forum (NTTF), a discussion and information platform for the Namibian Tourism industry, has compiled a list of affected roads, rivers, lodges, and towns in Namibia due to excessive rainfall (20 March 2025). Kudos!
- Hoaruseb River has reached the ocean again
- Hoanib River in full flood past Khowarib
- Uniab River has blocked access to Terrace Bay & is in full flood past Palmwag
- Koigab River has cut off C34 & C39
- Aba-Huab & Huab Rivers are in flood
- Ugab River in full flood – Brandberg White Lady Lodge received 95mm in 24 hours & is now completely cut off
- C35 is slippery & washed out
- Omaruru River surging towards Omdel Dam
- Swakopmund experiencing flooding
- C14 dangerously slippery
- Road to Waterberg is cut off due to flooding
- Gravel roads near Otjiwarongo & Otavi are extremely slippery – high risk of skidding even at low speeds
- Hardap & Fish Rivers in flood; Naute Dam over 50% full
- Heavy storms around Deadvlei & Sossusvlei dunes
- Tsauchab River & tributaries flooding again
If you’re planning a trip through Namibia, be prepared for delays and possible road closures. Stay updated by checking local travel advisories, using high-clearance vehicles for rough terrain, and avoiding river crossings during floods.
