Mariental

Mariental is the capital of Hardap in central Namibia. In 2011, it was home to 12,500 people. Mariental is considered the gateway to the Kalahari.

Mariental is home to a large number of Nama-speaking people, descendants of the early Khoi inhabitants of Namibia.

Mariental has a hot desert climate, with extremely hot summers and very warm winters.

Long distance coaches on their way between Windhoek and South Africa pass through Mariental.

The B1 which crosses Namibia from north to south passes through Mariental. From Windhoek, Mariental can be reached by car in 3 hours (300 km).

Mariental is connected to the TransNamib railway line from Windhoek to Keetmanshoop.

Map of Mariental

• -24.5517.81 Hardap Recreation Area. A popular recreational area with numerous African wildlife species, including kudus. Namibia Wildlife Resorts operates accommodation here.  (updated May 2025)

Mariental has all standard services a traveller might need, supermarkets, petrol stations, tyre repair, and so on.

• -24.62717.961 Mariental Superspar, Drieboom St.  (updated Jan 2024)

• -24.62417.9551 River Chalets (on the B1). Accommodation, farm shop, restaurant. Extensive playground, tame animals. Nice stopover if travelling with kids. Food is good, generous portions, value for money. Pizza N$100-150, burger N$100, schnitzel, steaks.  (updated Jan 2024)

The area code for Mariental is 063. There is cellphone coverage in Mariental and along the main road, both from MTC^{[dead link]} and Telecom^{[dead link]}.

• The next city to the north is Rehoboth.
• The next city to the south is Keetmanshoop.