Solitaire: Wildlife, Local History and Farm Roads

Solitaire combines nature, local history and active experiences on its farm roads. The operator describes the town as an unfenced nature reserve with free-roaming wildlife. The Solitaire Kerk Immanuel Church is also part of the town’s character, offering a glimpse into its history.

Experience Wildlife and Local History

According to the operator, Solitaire’s cheetah conservation area is home to animals from illegal breeding operations. They are too accustomed to people to be released into the wild. Limited guided tours are available to guests only. Anyone interested should take this condition into account when planning their trip.

The church offers a different perspective on Solitaire: here, the focus is on local history rather than wildlife. Together with the guided tours, it shows that a stay can be shaped in different ways, depending on your interests. The church is an interesting historical point of reference; no visiting schedule is provided here.

Hiking and Mountain Biking on Farm Roads

Solitaire’s network of farm roads is suitable for both hiking and mountain biking. This offers two active ways to explore, distinguished mainly by how you get around: on foot or by bike. When choosing holiday accommodation, you can consider whether you want your stay to focus on activities like these, local history or a guided tour.

Another Perspective on the Landscape

In the wider travel area, the Solitaire Land Trust, also known as the Solitaire Conservation Fund, says it protects 67,000 acres of semi-arid grassland habitat between the Great African Escarpment and the eastern edge of the Namib Desert. The operator describes Solitaire itself as an unfenced nature reserve with free-roaming wildlife. These details offer a sense of the landscape across the wider travel area and the natural character the operator attributes to the town.

The wider Khomas travel destination also offers a longer hiking option: Düsternbrook and neighbouring farmers offer the Khomas Hochland Hiking Trail. The route starts and ends in Düsternbrook. Choose between a 100-kilometre option taking six days and a 54-kilometre option taking four days; the stated distances and durations may change. The trail is therefore a separate, multi-day option in the Khomas travel area, not a hiking trail in Solitaire’s road network.

Food and Practical Information

Cafe van der Lee serves burgers, salads, fresh pizza, and fish and chips for lunch and dinner. Draught beer and South African wines are also available. If a particular dish matters to your plans, check what is currently on offer before visiting.

Solitaire Petrol & Tyre Repair offers petrol and diesel, tyre repairs and sales, oil, and other minor vehicle repairs. The operator describes it as the only fuel stop between Sossusvlei and Swakopmund. If you’re relying on a repair or a particular fuel supply, it’s best to confirm current availability in advance.

A self-drive route published in 2022 travels south on the C14 through Namib-Naukluft National Park towards Sossusvlei and includes a stop in Solitaire. Later on the trip, it includes an overnight stay at the foot of the petrified dunes. This is an example of how Solitaire can fit into a longer route, not information about current road conditions.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Karanab, Döbra, Windhoek, Okanjanga, Corona, Dusternbrook, Aris, Constantia.

Back to the overview of the wider travel area: Khomas.