Driving in Namibia
Namibia has an excellent network of national asphalted roads. You can recognize these (high) roads by the letter ‘B’ and connect all larger cities and border posts. When you travel through Namibia yourself, you will sometimes want to visit places that are not on these highways. You will then have to use the unpaved roads, these are indicated with ‘D’ or ‘C’. Most of these roads are easy to walk on, but can be very sandy in places, have large holes in the road or are quite wet during the rainy season. In general, we recommend that you rent a somewhat higher car when you travel to Namibia, so that the sand and dust from the unpaved roads is no problem (see our selection of rental cars with good ground clearance). A 4×4 is required if you move off the beaten track (see our selection of 4×4 rental cars in Namibia). If you want to follow 4×4 routes, never do this alone, but arrange a second vehicle or travel in a group. Also make sure you know what to do, do a 4×4 course prior to your vacation.
In Namibia, people drive on the left side of the road. The maximum speed on motorways (asphalted roads) is 120 km / h, on gravel / unpaved roads 80 km / h and when you drive through a city or village 50 km / h. Keep to the speed limit i.v.m. your safety and to avoid high fines.
In Namibia, the rule is generally not to drive in the dark. Wild animals cross the road in particular between sunset and sunrise and a collision with a kudu, for example, can cause major damage to the car and passengers. Many wild animals scare and run in response to a car. Cows / goats can also cross the road since they are usually not kept within a fence. Day or night, always be on the alert for crossing animals and people!
What should you bring? Here is a list of basic necessities:
– Make sure you always have at least 1 spare wheel in good condition. When you rent a car, check whether a spare tire and the necessary tools are available to change a tire. When you drive ‘off road’, 2 spare wheels are recommended. Have the tire pressure and water and oil level checked regularly at a gas station (the staff will gladly do this for you in exchange for a small tip).
–Make sure that you do this wherever you can refuel. The distances in Namibia are large and you have to stop en route because you no longer have gas / diesel, it is no fun. Also keep in mind that you take enough cash with you because there are no options for debit card payments in some places.
–Think of a first aid kit in the car and very important: plenty of water! In addition to water, it is also important to always have some snacks in the car.
–You can also burn in the car, so take a sunscreen with a high protection factor and good sunglasses.
–Even if you use a GPS system, always take a normal road map with you. You then always have a backup if technical problems arise.
– With your mobile phone you will not be able to reach everywhere and because you sometimes drive hundreds of kilometers in Namibia without encountering another car, many travelers opt for a satellite phone. This way you can contact someone in case of an emergency.
–Read the safety instructions carefully when you enter a national park or game park and stay on the indicated paths.
–Plan your route carefully and make a large planning so that you have enough time to visit sights and to stop en route.