Going on a self-drive safari in Namibia is like going on a real African experience. This type of independent travel is ideal in Namibia. It has all the required infrastructure including a well-kept road system. This makes it simple to discover the breathtaking scenery and distinctive animals of the nation, while also having the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of people. It’s a great way to experience the freedom of being your own boss on the road, and it can be as adventurous as you want it to be.

1. Is It Safe to Drive Yourself in Namibia?

Namibia is sometimes referred to as “Africa for beginners,” and it has earned this moniker. The nation’s infrastructure, notably its highways, is generally very good, and crime rates are low. There is little traffic because to the extremely low population density. Naturally, accidents can occur. Make sure you comprehend local conditions and adjust your driving to stay safe. However, it is true everywhere, and driving in Namibia is far less dangerous than in many other nations.

 

2. Is a 4WD Vehicle Required for a Namibian Self-Drive Tour?

Where you wish to go will determine this. The majority of self-drive safaris in Namibia are easily completed in a two-wheel drive vehicle. Generally speaking, paved highways connect the main destinations, and many of the gravel roads that replace them are in very good shape. Nevertheless, do your homework.

The isolated river valleys of Damaraland and the northwest, Khaudum National Park in the extreme northeast, and portions of Sossusvlei and the larger Namib Sand Sea are among the places that call for a four-wheel drive. Although renting a 4WD car costs extra, it allows you to travel a bit further.

 

3. What Needs to Be Prepared?

It may be wise to enroll in a starting (or refresher) 4WD training course if you do want to drive a 4WD vehicle. The majority of the skills you will acquire, such securely crossing water and navigating soft sand, will never be needed when traveling through Namibia. However, it’s about having the courage to go out knowing that you’re ready for the majority of situations.

Learning everything there is to know about your car is also crucial. When you pick up your car, the majority of rental companies will give you a briefing. Don’t rush this step of the procedure, even if you may be itching to start driving.

Delaying your departure is preferable to leaving in a hurry and learning about a significant knowledge gap after it is too late. Simple yet crucial information like what kind of fuel your automobile needs or how to change a tire on your car may be covered in this briefing. Namibian roads are comparatively prone to punctures.

 

4. What Aspects Should I Take Into Account While Arranging My Self-Drive Safari?

Namibia is a large nation. There are enormous distances here, and if you try to be overly ambitious, you risk ruining the entire experience. This is particularly true if you are taking a family vacation. Be practical and find out how far apart the sites you wish to see are from one another. Instead of attempting to visit everything and spending most of your time in the car, it is much preferable to see a few sites well.

And keep the fundamentals in mind. It may take a long time for help to come if you break down, so always bring far more food and water than you think you might need. Additionally, purchase insurance to ensure that you are protected in the unlikely event of an emergency.

 

5. How Do Namibian Road Conditions Look?

Although there are occasional outliers, particularly in isolated locations, Namibia’s roads are generally of very high quality. There are some roads that are so good that it’s simple to drive too fast without noticing. Pay close attention to your speed at all times. You should exercise extra caution when driving on gravel roads. Going too fast on dirt is the easiest way to ruin your trip. You could be having a great time one moment, and then make a tiny mistake that could ruin your entire experience.

6. What Should I Watch Out For?

In Namibia, you should never drive at night. The quality of street illumination varies from inadequate to nonexistent. The headlights on local cars traveling in the other direction are frequently broken and poorly maintained. The most perilous of all is that domestic and wild animals regularly cross the road. During the day, you may most likely anticipate them and have time to adapt. At night, a giraffe or cow may suddenly appear in front of you.

Additionally, there may be a considerable distance between gas or petrol stations. Instead of thinking that there could be a fuel stop somewhere in the next 200km/125mi, fill up as soon as you can.

 

7. Which Side Should I Use for Driving?

In Namibia, as in neighboring South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia, you drive on the left. You drive on the right in Angola, which is on Namibia’s northern border.

 

8. What Are Namibia’s Driving Speed Limits?

As a general rule, the speed limit is 60 km/h in urban areas, 120 km/h on sealed roads outside of urban areas, and 100 km/h on gravel roads.

These guidelines have two general disclaimers. First of all, you should constantly pay attention to traffic signs about speed restrictions because they may change depending on local conditions that you may not be aware of. Second, we strongly advise you to drive considerably more slowly on gravel roads, as the speed limit is merely an upper limit. The majority of 4WD rental businesses mandate that you only drive on gravel roads at a maximum speed of 80 km/h.

 

9. Is an International Driver’s License Required?

If a foreigner intends to stay in Namibia for fewer than ninety days, they are legally exempt from requiring an International Driving Permit (IDP). Your home driver’s license will therefore be accepted by rental providers. Those whose license is in a language other than English are the only ones who might be exempt. If that’s the case for you, bring an IDP so you won’t run into problems when you hire a car or interact with the police.

 

10. What Equipment Do I Need to Bring?

Though it’s worth making a checklist beforehand to ensure nothing is overlooked, your rental provider should make sure you have everything you need. Nothing is worse than hiring a 4WD camper and finding out in the middle of nowhere that you haven’t been given a spare bottle of gas or utensils.

Comfort-related items include extra blankets, a torch, a lighter for the gas stove, and a ladder for the rooftop tent. Some might be more important, like the jack for changing tires or the pump for re-inflating tires.

Additionally, the GPS navigation equipment is crucial. Request that it be set up with Tracks4Africa, assuming that one is part of your rental. The route details are updated frequently, frequently in real time, in this great tool. It’s also a good idea to hire a satellite phone if you’re truly going into the wilderness.