Spreetshoogte connects the Khomas Hochland to the Namib floor between Windhoek and Sesriem. It's part-tar, part-gravel, and includes a 1-in-4 gradient section that catches drivers out.
Direction matters
Driving down (Windhoek → Sesriem) is dramatic but uses brakes hard. Drop into low range / first gear for the steep section — engine braking saves your discs.
Driving up
Coming back from Sesriem, Spreetshoogte is the harder direction. A heavy Hilux 2.4 will struggle in second gear; the 2.8's torque shines here. Don't stop on the steepest section.
The viewpoint
At the top there's a small layby with a vast view back across the Namib. Stop for ten minutes — it's the best free photo stop on the loop.
