Since 1949, Solitaire, a small and old community located in Southern Namibia’s wide desert landscape, has been a popular stop for tourists exploring this area. For travelers wanting to experience Namibia’s natural beauty and history, Solitaire offers a memorable visit with its interesting past and peaceful setting.
Thousands of people stop here every year, even though fewer than 100 people live in Solitaire permanently (and the real number may be even lower). We recommend stopping here because it sits at the crossroads of two highways between Sossusvlei and the coastal town of Walvis Bay.
There is nothing else for many miles. The town has a general store, a bakery and café, a gas station, and places to stay.
You can also fix flat tires here. If you’re driving through Namibia on your own, it’s best to rent a 4×4 vehicle, as the roads in this area are made of gravel, though they are well maintained.
Solitaire is best known for its apple pie. Moose McGregor’s famous apple pie is often mentioned in travel books around the world.
A Short History of Solitaire
It began in 1948, when a man named Willem Christoffel van Coller bought land from the South West Administration (as Namibia was called at the time). He bought about 30,000 hectares to raise karakul sheep.
His wife, Elsie Sophia van Coller, gave the place the name “Solitaire,” likely because of how isolated it was. Over time, a small shop opened and the first gas pump was installed.
The shop also worked as the local post office, and the old mailboxes can still be seen inside the store.
A small Dutch Reformed Church, built in 1951, still stands and is used by the local community. It also serves as a meeting point for farmers in the area. Since then, Solitaire has been sold a few times to different owners, and it slowly grew into a small settlement with a gas station, shop, bakery, and places to stay for travelers crossing the desert.
What to See and Do in Solitaire
The Solitaire Bakery, famous for its delicious apple pie, is one of the town’s main attractions. Visitors often stop here to enjoy fresh baked goods and rest during their journey.
The Namib Desert, close to Solitaire, has tall dunes, wide plains, and many plants and animals that have adapted to desert life. Travelers can enjoy dune walks, desert drives, and guided tours in this well-known landscape.
Nearby Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, famous for their red dunes, dry camelthorn trees, and strange desert scenery, are easy to reach from Solitaire. These places are perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Solitaire Lodge offers comfortable rooms and campsites with views of the quiet desert. It’s a nice place for travelers to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of Namibia’s natural surroundings.
- Wildlife Viewing: While exploring the area, visitors may see oryx, springbok, ostriches, and desert birds. Watching wildlife adds to the natural beauty and peaceful feeling of Solitaire.
- Cultural Experiences: Visitors can also meet locals, learn about their way of life, and see how people survive in this dry and quiet part of Namibia. Solitaire gives travelers a small look into Namibia’s cultural history.
