Namibia Self-Drive Tips

© It's just you and the desert. Namibia

Although Namibia is one of the best countries to self-drive due to the good road infrastructure and availability of fuel and spares there are a number vital points that must be taken into account to prevent any unfortunate mishaps.
Photo: Chris Duplessis

Left side driving

As in all Southern African countries driving is on the left side of the road. To increase the visibility of your car and to ensure safety for all passengers, switch on the lights, also at daylight.

Speed

Most road accidents in Namibia are caused by speed. It is not always easy to manoeuvre a vehicle on a gravel or dirt road, especially if there are any sudden and unexpected obstacles like rocks, sand drifts, potholes or animals on the road. Vary your speed according to the road conditions, always be alert and make sure that you have total control over your car.

Fuel planning

Make sure you plan your trip exactly before leaving. Ensure that you have enough fuel until your next destination in Namibia and inform yourself where the next petrol stations are. Fill your tank as often as you can, even when it is still half full.

Check-up

Please check your vehicle before leaving for your Namibia self-drive trip. Make sure that the breaks are working and check the tyre pressure. Please test if the spare tyre is in a good condition and make sure you have all necessary tools needed for changing a tyre.

Break-down / Tyre changing

Be prepared for a tyre change on the gravel roads in Namibia. It might happen that edgy stones can harm your tyre and you may be faced with a break-down. Maybe even add second spare tyre and a tyre repair kit if you plan to visit very remote areas.

Cell phone reception

In remote areas there is no cell reception. If you are stuck or have a puncture on one of the gravel roads in the middle of nowhere, it might take hours or even days until another vehicle passes by and help. Please make sure you have enough food and drinks packed as well as sun screen or a sun hat.

Water

Carry lots of water with you during your Namibia self-drive trip. It is highly needed in case of a break-down in the vast and isolated desert landscape of Namibia.

Animals on the roads

While driving in Namibia, you might be lucky to spot African wildlife next to the road. Please do not get distracted by this sight, rather stop your car slowly if you want to take a picture. Also be very cautious and alert. Animals might jump into the road or cross suddenly.

Avoid driving at night

Ensure that you reach your stop-over venue or destination before nightfall. Potholes in the roads can be overlooked and lead to unnecessary punctures or car damage. Also, the African wildlife is most active at dusk. The chances that you hit an animal or are distracted by wildlife jumping on the road at night are highly increased.

Avoid driving long distances

Please avoid driving long distances as the road conditions and your speed might vary. A trip that doesn't seem long in kilometers might end up being a 14 hour drive due to driving slowly on certain roads or a break-down.

Driver weariness is an issue so plan enough stops at guesthouses or lodges in Namibia - or even better: Hire a 4x4 camper in Namibia and have your home with you all the time.

Namibia Self-Drive Guide

If you are planning to tour Namibia independently and self-drive, here are some things you need to know about roads and open desert driving....more

Namibia Self-Drive Tours

Namibia self-drive safari tours can be done in your own vehicle or depending on the terrain you can hire a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle for touring...more
South and East African Safaris
©2024 Siyabona Africa (Pty)Ltd - Private Tours and Safari