Namibia is a vast and beautiful country located in southern Africa, famous for its wildlife, stunning natural landscapes, the Skeleton Coast and its spectacular red dunes. Around 80% of Namibia is made up of desert, which shapes much of the Namibian landscape. The Namib and Kalahari deserts dominate the southern part of Namibia, creating endless open spaces and dramatic views.
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When driving on the dust roads through the vast and arid landscape, you are treated to some of the most stunning desert scenery imaginable with towering sand dunes, rocky outcrops, a striking variety of colours, and surprisingly abundant wildlife. The sheer emptiness and openness make every view of the Namibian scenery feel like a painting.
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But among the dunes and the desert plains, you might notice something unexpected: rusty vintage cars, abandoned in the sand, quietly telling their stories of a long time gone. Some are covered with bullet holes, others have been battered by the weather and others just sit there, adding a touch of nostalgia to the barren landscape.
And guess what, you can spot them on the way to popular sights like the red dunes in Sossusvlei or the spectacular Fish River Canyon.
If you are wondering where exactly to spot these rusty relics, I've got you covered. Scattered across the desert, they pop up in the most unexpected places turning every detour into an extra adventure.
Canyon Road House
Canyon Roadhouse is an ‘out-of-the-ordinary’ lodge and campsite (or 'institution' as they sometimes call it themselves) just a short drive from the spectacular Fish River Canyon. It's that kind of place that makes you want to stop, even if it's just for a coffee, to have their famous roadhouse burger or a quick stretch after hours on dusty roads.
One of the highlights is their impressive collection of original vintage cars like Chevys, Fords and other classics. Some are fully restored while others are battered, giving you a glimpse into the past. You'll find these vintage cars outside in the garden but also inside the reception, restaurant area. You'll be having a drink or a meal amidst these beautiful classics.
It’s really worth a detour to visit this great and beautiful collection of memorabilia. And if you are looking for a place to stay close to the Fish River Canyon, Canyon Roadhouse is the place to be as they have fantastic rooms and a beautiful campsite.
Solitaire
Solitaire is not only famous for its legendary apple pie, it also has a great collection of vintage cars. Scattered around this small desert town, the old car wrecks are strategically placed to offer stunning views of the surrounding dunes and rugged mountains.
The real magic happens at sunrise and sunset. Walking among these rusty relics as the first light, or the setting sun, colours the desert in warm gold, orange and pink hues is an unforgettable experience. There is something incredibly nostalgic about walking between these cars, a sense of stepping back in time while being surrounded by the vast emptiness of the Namib desert.
Most people visit Solitaire as a stop between Swakopmund and Sossusvlei. When coming from Sossusvlei or Sesriem area, leave early and stop for breakfast. You can also stay overnight either in Solitaire itself or in one of the lodges nearby. It's definitely worth staying over to fully soak up the atmosphere and admire these vintage relics.
Read also: Best things to do in Namibia
Klein-Aus Vista
On your way to Kolmanskop and Lüderitz, you’ll find a rather dramatic piece of Namibian history at Klein-Aus Vista: the remains of an old Hudson car, riddled with bullet holes. Legend has it that diamond smugglers were chased across the desert all the way from the coast of Lüderitz, about 120 km, before finally being caught by the police.
The rusty car wreck has apparently been left, on purpose, exactly where it got shot at by the police, leaving a dramatic impression in the barren desert. Standing there, it’s easy to imagine the tension of that pursuit and the drama that unfolded long before this area became a tourist destination.
Other uses for a vintage car
Yuri camp has a very special and particuliar use for an old car wreck. They cut off the back part of the car and converted it into a toilet. I must say, it has some of the most spectacular views over the surrounding area and the desert. You could say that it really is a 'bog with a view'.
It’s quirky, unexpected and utterly memorable or a perfect example of the desert’s charm and creativity.
What peculiar items have you ever found in the desert or out of the way places? Share your experiences with us in the comments!
If this article hasn't inspired you to want to visit Namibia, although we really hope it has all on its own, feel free to have a look at these other articles for the ultimate Namibia inspiration:
This cars can be a good background for any music video 🙂
It would indeed be a great background. These vintage cars together with the desert are just stunning to see.
This is so bizarre! It’s like someone left the cars and ran away.
The self-engineered toilet is my favorite, though.
That car toilet was my favourite too 😉
I find this to be a fascinating view into another culture and way of life. In my country (Canada), if a vehicle sits on the road without a valid registration, someone usually reports it and then the bylaw enforcement officers come by, ticket the car, and you have 72 hours to move it or lose it (i.e. it will be towed away).
I find it fascinating that one car, riddled with bullets, was left as if a warning to other wouldbe criminals. And I like the idea of repurposing a car.
I had the thought as I was looking at most of the pictures that it looked almost like a car graveyard. Really interesting post!
To be honest, that bullet ridden car is now on private property, that of Klein-Aus-Vista. What the status of that area was way back when I’m not quite sure. Either way, it has, according to legend, been left on purpose. The other reason old wrecks in Namibia might just be left is that the nearest ‘town’ can be +200km away. No one could be bothered to remove them. As time goes by, having frequently travelled Namibia, I’ve noticed abandoned vehicles slowly disappearing, piece by piece. Perhaps in the more remote parts of Canada, such as The Yukon Territory, abandoned vehicles might also just be left?
Love this post – and Namibia. Where exactly is Yuri Camp? It’s the only one I haven’t visited. See my take on the Canyon Roadhouse here:http://www.roxannereid.co.za/blog/fun-at-the-old-canyon-roadhouse-namibia
Thanks! Yuri camp is just outside Solitaire on the way to Walvisbay. It’s not easy to find and most people will just drive past it. The only ‘sign’ to find it has been a pair of shoes dangling from a post at the gate. We haven’t been there for a while, so we don’t know what ‘sign’ there is now.
I adored the photographs in this! Such a rustic, vintage, strangely “Mad Max” aesthetic. I half expected mutant humans to be playing rock guitar in the sand! (You’ll only get that reference if you’ve seen “Mad Max”, but alas, I cannot be bothered to hit the backspace. Haha.) Fantastic shots though. If I were allowed, I’d create a little barbecue grill shack out of one of the cars!
Haha, I know what you refer to about Mad Max. Actually the new movie was filmed in Namibia 🙂 And the barbecue is a great idea, never thought of that!
Wow. These vintage cars became tourist spots in the desert. Hope to visit this country someday. Thanks for sharing.
They are really tourist spots in the desert and they are so beautiful during sunrise and sunset when the light is great!
Cant wait to go to Namibia. Best toilet Ive seen yet!
That toilet is really awesome, so creative how they have reused this old car 🙂
Ahhh… love it. We’ve been to Canon Roadhouse and we also have seen the one in Klein Aus Vista. Thanks for the throwback. Namibia is such an amazing country.
Cheers, Reni
So glad we brought you back to Namibia with this post. Do you have any plans in visiting Namibia again?