Namibia Travel Alert: Flooding forces road closures in the Karas Region

Travellers planning a self-drive trip through southern Namibia should be aware of several road closures and hazardous driving conditions following heavy rainfall in the Karas Region.

The Namibian Roads Authority (RA) issued an update on 22 June 2026 warning that flooding and washaways have affected a number of key tourist and regional routes. While repair assessments are underway, motorists are advised to exercise caution and check conditions before setting out.

Road Closures and Conditions

C13 (District Road 212): Aussenkehr – Rosh Pinah
The most significant disruption affects the C13 between Aussenkehr and Rosh Pinah, where flooding has forced a temporary road closure.
Travellers heading between the Orange River region and Rosh Pinah are currently advised to use the alternative route via South Africa, crossing the border at Swartkops Gate.
Those planning to travel to or from the Fish River Canyon, Ai-Ais, Rosh Pinah or the Richtersveld region should allow extra travel time and verify border crossing requirements before departure.

C12 (Main Road 28): Near Naute Dam
The C12 remains open, but severe washaways and slippery road surfaces have been reported approximately 14 km from the B4 junction before Naute Dam.
A detour is in place and drivers should strictly follow road signs. Reduced speeds are strongly recommended, particularly after additional rainfall.

C16: Keetmanshoop – Aroab
The C16 remains open to traffic. However, wet and slippery conditions persist along parts of the route. Travellers heading towards the Kgalagadi region or eastern Namibia should drive cautiously and remain alert for changing road conditions.

C17: Keetmanshoop – Vaalgras
The C17 is also open, although slippery surfaces have been reported around the 200 km mark. Extra care is advised, especially for vehicles towing caravans or travelling with trailers.

Advice for Self-Drive Travellers

Southern Namibia has experienced unusually good rainfall during the 2025/26 rainy season, resulting in spectacular landscapes and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. However, these conditions can also lead to sudden flooding, washed-out road surfaces and unexpected travel delays.

Before setting off:

• Check the latest road conditions with the RA.
• Avoid driving through flooded drifts or water crossings.
• Carry extra drinking water and fuel when travelling in remote areas.
• Allow additional travel time, particularly on gravel roads.
• Be prepared for route changes and detours.

Travelles takeaway

For most visitors, travel in southern Namibia remains possible, but flexibility is essential. The closure of the C13 between Aussenkehr and Rosh Pinah may affect itineraries that combine the Fish River Canyon, Orange River and Richtersveld areas. Elsewhere, roads remain passable but require extra caution due to slippery surfaces and flood damage.

 

Subscribe for updates:

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, border info, road alerts, and travel inspiration for Southern Africa. 

Namibia: DR212 between Aussenkehr <> Rosh Pinah reopened!

The Namibian Roads Authority (RA) has announced the reopening to traffic of District Road 212 (DR212) from Aussenkehr to Rosh Pinah. The road was recently closed off due to water washaways that damaged a section of that road. All repairs have been completed and the DR212 is deemed safe for travel again. 

District Road 212 (DR212) in Namibia is a gravel road that forms part of the C13 route, connecting Aussenkehr and Rosh Pinah along the Orange River in the Karas Region. It serves as a vital corridor for regional mining, agriculture, and tourism, with some low-volume bitumen surfacing in places. The road is highly scenic but also flood-prone, often affected by seasonal rainfall and rising river levels that cause temporary closures and damage. When impassable, travellers must take a lengthy detour via Noordoewer, Keetmanshoop, and Aus.

Namibia: Road access update for visitors travelling to Hobas!

Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), the state-owned operator of tourism facilities within Namibia’s protected areas, is advising all travellers heading to Hobas from Keetmanshoop to avoid the direct route across the Holoog River due to high water levels. The river's strong flow currently makes the crossing inaccessible for standard vehicles.
Travellers are urged to take the C12 road via Grünau as a safer and more reliable alternative. Only 4x4 vehicles are suitable for attempting the Holoog River route at this time. All visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and use the recommended detour until road conditions improve.

Hobas is a campsite and tourist facility located in the Karas Region of southern Namibia. It primarily serves as the main access point to the Fish River Canyon, one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Africa and the second-largest canyon in the world.

Namibia: Roads Authority is warning motorists about a locust outbreak in the ||Kharas Region!

Namibia's Roads Authority (RA), whose core business is to construct and maintain the country's road sector, has released is warning motorists about a locust outbreak in the ||Kharas Region in southern Namibia. These migratory insect species move in swarms over the road surface, causing potential safety issues for motorists. The RA appeals to all members of the public travelling to and from the ||Kharas Region to adhere to the erected road signs, reduce their speed and exercise extreme caution, should they observe locusts on the road.

Namibia: The Roads Authority has released an update on the conditions of roads in the Karas Region!

Namibia's Road Authority (RA), whose core business is to construct and maintain the country's road sector, has released an update on the status/condition of roads in the Karas Region in southern Namibia that were damaged during the recent good rainfall (as of 02 February 2021):

• Homs River Bridge in Warmbad on District Road 210 (D210)
  The repair works are completed and D210 is accessible and open to all traffic.
• Main Road 30 (M30) or tourist Route C17: From Keetmanshoop to Koës
  Repair is underway, however, the road is still not accessible and is closed to traffic. The RA will release an update when it is accessible, safe and open to traffic
• M 25/Tourist route C11: From Karasburg to MR 26 Junction
  Main Road M25/C11 from Karasburg to Aroab has been made accessible and open to traffic. However, road users are cautioned to drive attentively because the repairs are not completed yet
• Main Road MR 33/C 15: From Stampriet to Hoachanas
  Main Road M33/C15 from Stampriet to Hoachanas has been made accessible and open to traffic. However, road users are cautioned to drive vigilantly because the repairs are ongoing and not completed yet.