Solitaire Airport

A legendary desert pit stop where silence meets infinite sky.

Solitaire is a tiny settlement deep in the Namib Desert, sitting at the crossroads of the C14 and C19 gravel roads in the Khomas Region of Namibia. With a population of just a few dozen people, it functions primarily as a fuel stop and rest point for travelers heading to or from Sossusvlei and the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

Despite its minuscule size, Solitaire has earned near-mythical status among road-trippers. A handful of rusting, abandoned vehicles scattered around the property add a hauntingly photogenic quality that makes it far more memorable than a simple roadside stop. The late Moose McGregor built this outpost into a beloved desert institution, and his legacy lives on in the bakery and guest farm that continue to welcome dusty, sun-baked travelers.

• •Solitaire General Store — iconic desert trading post with retro Americana charm.
• •Abandoned Car Graveyard — rusting vehicle carcasses perfect for dramatic desert photography.
• •Solitaire Bakery — famous for apple pie baked fresh daily in the middle of nowhere.
• •Namib-Naukluft Park viewpoints — sweeping dune and gravel-plain vistas just outside the settlement.
• •Sunset sky watching — zero light pollution means extraordinary stargazing and golden-hour skies.
• •Solitaire Country Lodge — simple oasis offering a pool and cold drinks after dusty drives.

Getting around: Solitaire has no public transportation, rail, bus service, or rideshare options. The only practical way to reach and explore the area is by private vehicle or self-drive rental car, ideally a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle suited for Namibia's long gravel roads. Some organized overland tour operators stop here as part of Sossusvlei itineraries.

Best time: May through September offers the most comfortable temperatures, with cooler days and cold clear nights ideal for driving and stargazing.

Local food: Do not leave without trying Solitaire Bakery's legendary apple pie and freshly baked bread, the most celebrated culinary experience for hundreds of kilometers in any direction.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.