29 January 2011

Namibia: Lodges, campsites, roads etc. closed due to rain/floods - recent updates!

Namibian tourism info source tourbrief (and other online resources) has sent out some updates on the current rain/flood situation in Namibia over the recent days:


update (08 Feb 2011): Parts of the C39 between Khorixas & Twyfelfontein are in a bad condition. Please use the C35 south and turn onto the D2612 till you reach the Aba-Huab River. From here follow the road sign to the D3254 and to Twyfelfontein.
The D1206 between Rietoog & Büllsport is in a very bad condition. Please use the MR47 between Rietoog and Nabaseb instead.
The Remshoogte Pass (C24) between Rehoboth and Solitaire is closed. Alternatively use the MR47 between Rietoog and Büllsport instead.
also from today - News Update (pics!): Floods at Sossusvlei

update (07 Feb 2011): Traffic on the B1 road between Karasburg and Ariamsvlei was disrupted on Friday evening after heavy rains caused extensive damage. Railway lines in the area were also washed away, leaving a freight train on its way to Windhoek stranded in the veld. Telecommunication services were also cut off at Karasburg and Ariamsvlei after floodwater damaged a fibre-optic cable.
The Remshoogte Pass between Rehoboth and Solitaire (C24) is closed.
The Spreetshoogte Pass (D1275) is open for 4X4 only.
C19 - Between Solitaire and Sesriem. The Tsondab River is flowing and travellers should please follow the signs for the detour.
The Gaub River is running and the Gaub Pass between Walvis Bay and Solitaire (C14) is currently closed.
Parts of the B3 tarred road between Ariamsvlei and Karasburg have been badly damaged by washaways. Travellers from South Africa are advised to enter Namibia via Botswana or Noordoewer. Detours are expected to be constructed on the B3 by 08.02.2011.
Hakusembe River Lodge has reopened after a brief closure as a precautionary measure following rising water levels in the Kavango River. Reservations are being accepted and guests are receiving warm welcomes. Hakusembe River Lodge also reports that the road is dry.

update (04 Feb 2011): The Fish River Lodge (nb. the only lodge perched directly on the rim of the Fish River Canyon) is reporting that the access road to the Lodge is in a reasonable condition. They are furthermore reporting that the D463 gravel road has been damaged by the rains, but is still drivable. Both the C13 along the Orange River and the C12 south of Seeheim (between Aus & Noordoewer) are currently closed. The access road to the Fish River Lodge is in a reasonable condition.

update (03 Feb 2011): The Namibian Water Authority opened the gates of the Hardap and Naute dams in southern Namibia (01 Feb 2011), adding to flows in Fish River, which feeds into the Orange River along the country’s border with South Africa. River levels in the north remained stable. Water levels at Katima Mulilo in the Caprivi Strip have increased 4 meters last week to 4.33 meters this week on 1 February 2011, as compared to the normal level of 1.57 meters for this time of year. 

update (02 Feb 2011): According to the Namibia Red Cross Society the Orange River has risen to 8.90m and is predicted to reach a maximum of 9m. More than 1000 people have been "relocated permanently" from 32 flood-prone villages in Caprivi, as Namibia’s most northerly province prepares to meet a Zambezi River swollen to near-record size for this time of year by torrential rains upstream.

update (29 Jan 2011): Road between Uis <> Khorixas - due to all the rain the roads not roadworthy for any Quantums, Kombis and any kind of bus. The Ugab river is running from side to side.
The Zebra River Lodge is reporting that the D854 is currently not easy to drice with a small car. Take care!
C43 - the road is in pretty bad condition between Opuwo and Epupa Falls and between Sesfontein and Opuwo. Only drive this road with a 4x4.
Between Seeheim & Holoog - The Löwen River is in flood and part of the C12 can not be used. Please drive the B4 from Keetmanshoop and turn into the D545. The road bypasses the flooded area and re-joins the C12.
C46 - The road has a lot of areas with deep water between Ruacana & Kunene River Lodge. Although there are detours these are in a very bad condition. A 4x4 with an experienced driver is required. It is advisable to drive to Kunene River Lodge from Opuwo.


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