Aussenkehr Nature Park 4X4 Trails - Namibia

Aussenkehr Nature Park 4X4 Trails in the Aussenkehr Nature Park is bordered by the Orange River in the south and Ai-Ais National Park in the west. Its eastern border is 42 km from the Noordoewer border post between Namibia and South Africa. The park has two main trails The first is predominantly mountain and sand, and the second with river frontage.

The first trail runs along an old jeep track and is relatively easy. It follows a dry riverbed through a canyon, winding between sheer rock cliffs more than 100 m high. You exit the pass with Tandjiesberg mountain range and its vertical dolerite sills behind you, and start climbing. The trail heads towards the Springbokvlakte Plateau, and then edges around volcanic rock formations, past huge quiver trees towards Palmietsfontein. After continuing past the old customs road, the tracks run past the ruins of an old German military battalion and a small graveyard of German mountain infantrymen who fell during the Nama rebellion of 1903-1906. The trail eventually exits at Sjambok, on the banks of the Orange River.

The second trail covers just over 100 km and is a little more demanding. It runs in deep sand tracks along the river bank, through the Gamkab River Canyon following the riverbed for about 10 km. This scenic section is also part of the original Ai-Ais 4x4 Trail. You exit the canyon into the dunes of Aussenkehr. It starts off easy but becomes more difficult when a few sideslopes have to be negotiated. The remainder of the trail traverses the slopes of the Tandjiesberg mountain range, across the Springbokvlakte and down a few more canyons before it rejoins the D212 back to Aussenkehr.

Tip: If you're planning to do a self-drive trail, call ahead to check gate status, seasonal access, and to reserve your permit. Enjoy the scenic desert trails - have a fantastic 4×4 adventure!