The shortest of the gravel roads, the C28, is very beautiful and, around halfway along, you drive (slowly!) through the steep gradients (20%) of the Bosua Pass – where the central Namibian Highlands start to give way to granite kopjes of rounded boulders before the low, flat Namib.

Guest farms and lodges along the C28

Eagles Rock Leisure Lodge

(9 bungalows and 10 rooms) PO Box 6176, Windhoek; tel/fax: 061 257116; fax: 061 257122; cell: 081 127 9531; email: info@eaglesrocklodge.com; web: www.eaglesrocklodge.com

Forty-five minutes' drive (38km) west of Windhoek, Eagles Rock is 3km along the D1958, after its junction with the C28. Being so close, Eagles Rock makes a good stop for those who want to stay near, but not actually in, Windhoek – and Matthias and Rosanna Bleks are fascinating hosts.

The lodge is set amidst trees and lawns, with a pool for the heat, and a cosy (and eclectic) library inside for cool winter evenings. The rooms have twin beds, en-suite shower/toilet and plenty of space. Rosanna's Italian background influences the food, which is excellent.

If you are staying for a few days then game drives, visits to nearby Bushman paintings, and even horse riding can be organised. Matthias has been at Eagles Rock since childhood and is involved in a training centre nearby, run by his father, Helmut Bleks. This includes vocational training for weaving, tannery, brick-laying, market gardening, and the hospitality industry – and visits here can be arranged if you have a special interest in what's going on.

Rates: N$485 single, N$400 per person sharing, including breakfast and dinner.