The tropic of Capricorn crossing in Namibia

One of the most photographed spots in all of Namibia is the big white sign precisely placed at the 23°26′13.0″ South Latitude line along the dirt highway in Namibia. The sign is located along route C14 about an hour outside of Solitaire, Namibia.

On the way between Sossusvlei and Walvis Bay in Namibia, two colorful signs, one on each side of the road, mark the crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn. One of the five major circles of latitude, the Tropic of Capricorn runs parallel to the equator and is the southernmost latitude where the sun can shine from directly overhead. It currently marks the latitude 23.5 degrees south. However, the Tropic of Capricorn isn’t a truly fixed location. It tends to creep northward each year, making the road signs a slightly inaccurate geographic marker. The Tropic of Capricorn passes through a number of countries including Argentina, Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, and Paraguay. If you consider its starting place to be the Prime Meridian, it first makes landfall on the coast of Namibia. The signs are a popular photo spot on the drive through the Namibian desert and many visitors mark the crossing by placing a sticker or signature on the sign.

Location of the Tropic of Capricorn crossing in Namibia

On the way between Sossusvlei and Walvis Bay in Namibia two colorful signs, one on each side of the road, mark the crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn. One of the five major circles of latitude, the Tropic of Capricorn runs parallel to the equator and is the southernmost latitude where the sun can shine from directly overhead.

How to get to the Tropic of Capricorn crossing in Namibia

Both the Tropic of Capricorn and Sossus on Foot is located in the Khomas Region of central Namibia, right on the eastern border of Namib-Naukluft National Park. The only way to reach this area is by car (3.5 hours from Windhoek or 2.5 hours from Swakopmund), and the nearest airport is in Walvis Bay (2 hours).

Where to stay while visiting the Tropic of Capricorn crossing in Namibia

Sossus on foot campground offers simple sites for N$120 per night, with access to clean facilities, a small pool, and a bar with cold drinks.