Orange River Overflows: MR118 Closure Impacts Southern Namibia Travel
Travel agents across Africa should be aware of the immediate closure of Namibia’s Main Road 118 (MR118), the direct route linking Rosh Pinah and Oranjemund. The Namibian Roads Authority (RA) enacted this closure on the evening of May 7, 2025, as a safety precaution due to the Orange River’s rising waters, which are now overflowing onto the roadway. This situation has significant implications for travel itineraries in southern Namibia and requires immediate adjustments for any tours operating in the area.
The MR118 closure directly impacts access to key tourist attractions, including the Sperrgebiet National Park and the diamond mining town of Oranjemund. Travel professionals must inform clients traveling to or from these destinations about the disruption and the need to utilize alternative routes. The RA has outlined two detour options, each with its own set of considerations for travel planning.
The first detour utilizes the Namdeb Road, passing through Aus and Lüderitz. While this route offers a domestic travel option within Namibia, it presents time constraints and vehicle restrictions. The road is a mix of paved and gravel surfaces, with a considerable portion—340km—being gravel, which can impact travel times. Crucially, access is limited to Light Delivery Vehicles (LDVs) and trucks only, excluding sedans and other light vehicles. Furthermore, the route operates on a restricted schedule, open daily from 07:00 to 15:00. Travel agents must confirm NAMDEB access permits are secured for clients using this route, as travel is undertaken at the motorists’ own risk and subject to NAMDEB’s regulations.
The second detour involves crossing into South Africa via Noordoewer. This route takes travelers through Grünau and Noordoewer before crossing the border. From there, the journey continues through Steinkopf, Port Nolloth, and Alexander Bay, before re-entering Namibia via the Oppenheimer Bridge into Oranjemund. This route accommodates all vehicle types and offers more flexible 24-hour border crossing at Noordoewer, although the Oranjemund crossing operates from 06:00 to 22:00. Travel agents arranging passage through this route must ensure clients have the necessary documentation for international travel, including valid passports with at least six months of validity remaining, vehicle registration, cross-border permits, insurance documentation, and a letter of authority if the driver is not the vehicle owner. An international driving permit is also recommended.
The Keetmanshoop-Aus-Lüderitz-Oranjemund route spans approximately 695 km and is estimated to take around 10.2 hours, including potential waiting times at checkpoints. The Keetmanshoop-Noordoewer-South Africa-Oranjemund route covers approximately 700 km, with an estimated travel time of 9.1 hours, including border crossing procedures. While the South African route appears slightly shorter in terms of travel time, agents should factor in potential delays at border control and adjust itineraries accordingly.
The Orange River’s flooding underscores the dynamic nature of travel in the region. Travel agents are strongly advised to maintain close communication with the Namibian Roads Authority for the latest updates on the MR118 closure and any changes to detour routes or access regulations. Proactive communication with clients is crucial, ensuring they are well-informed about the situation and prepared for potential adjustments to their travel plans. Safety remains paramount, and all travelers should exercise caution and adhere to road regulations throughout their journeys.
For the most current information and travel advisories, contact the Namibian Roads Authority directly or consult their official website. Staying informed will enable travel agents to provide accurate guidance to their clients and minimize disruptions to travel experiences in southern Namibia.
