Driving in Namibia for Beginners/Foreigners. Self-Drive Tips

1. Always Keep Left

In Namibia, vehicular traffic adheres to the left side of the roadway.

On tranquil gravel roads, it is advisable to travel closer to the middle, except when navigating curves, approaching blind elevations, or encountering oncoming traffic. This will provide you with greater flexibility should your wheels skid on the gravel, among other surfaces.

2. Avoid Excessive Speed

The interplay of gravel and velocity is the primary cause of accidents among tourists. The roads are well-maintained and can accommodate high speeds. Nevertheless, losing control for whatever reason can be perilous.

We urge you to adhere to a safe velocity while navigating gravel roads. Remain vigilant for animals crossing the roadway.

3. Stick to Speed Limits

120 km/h on paved or sealed roads
80 km per hour on unpaved roads

Specifically on gravel, one should reduce speed if conditions worsen. In the event of losing control of the vehicle, remove your foot from the accelerator and grip the steering wheel firmly. Excessive steering inputs and abrupt braking may result in your vehicle skidding.

If necessary, pause, rest, and appreciate the surroundings.

4. Reduced Traction

Gravel roads provide diminished traction. Consequently, velocities must be substantially diminished, and deceleration distances should be extended. Utilising established tracks will yield a more stable surface and more traction.

When traversing between tracks, ensure you reduce speed, as diminished control and the presence of larger stones in the loose gravel may inflict harm on the vehicle. Remain vigilant for an approaching train!

5. Keep Following Distance

Maintain a prudent distance from adjacent vehicles. This aims to mitigate dust and enhance visibility while preventing wheels from dislodging rocks. Overtaking is permissible solely on extended, straight road segments if vision is unobstructed, road conditions are appropriate, and the preceding vehicle acknowledges your presence.

Illuminating your vehicle in sandy circumstances enhances visibility.

6. Avoid Driving at Night

Animals are significantly more prone to traverse the road during nocturnal hours. Also, judging the road conditions in the dark is more difficult.

Meticulously plan your path to evade detection while driving at night. In winter (about May to August), the sun sets at 18:15 in central Namibia, and darkness ensues within 20 minutes of sunset. During the longest days of summer, it occurs at 20:00.

7. Stay Aware

Remain vigilant for wildlife and, naturally, the unforeseen. Adhering to the speed limit can mitigate the risk of accidents and animal collisions; however, this is not always feasible in wilderness driving conditions.

Alterations in road colouration may also signify a modification in surface quality.

8. Salt Roads

Although resembling a tarred road, the majority of coastal routes are composed of salt roads. These are entirely safe in bright and dry conditions; nonetheless, they may become slippery in the presence of moisture in the air.

9. Storing Valuables

Avoid displaying valuables conspicuously, particularly in urban areas when your vehicle is left unattended. Strive to retain the majority of luggage in the boot or trunk, while securing smaller, more expensive goods in the glove compartment.

10. Driving in the Rainy Season

Particular caution must be exercised during the rainy season, since road conditions can deteriorate significantly, with even paved roads susceptible to considerable floods and severe potholes. The initial rainfall can render asphalt roads exceedingly slick. Therefore, maintain your distance!

11. Crossing Rivers

Whenever feasible, refrain from traversing a flowing river. Many rivers cease to flow after a few hours, so take advantage of the mandatory pause. Should you choose to cross, either await the passage of another comparable vehicle or wade into the river initially to assess the flow velocity and depth, as well as to identify a secure path devoid of impediments (such as huge stones or deep pits).

Entering a river with an overheated engine can result in significant damage. Similarly, it is detrimental for water to infiltrate the engine via the air intakes; maintain a safe distance from water exceeding approximately 30cm in a compact vehicle and 50cm in an SUV.

In the presence of crocodiles or other perilous fauna, postpone your passage until the water level diminishes, then traverse when it is more shallow.

Dry riverbeds can pose navigational challenges and should only be traversed with expert instruction and assurance.

Despite appearing arid, rivers can experience perilous flash floods during the wet season.

12. Engaging 4×4

If you are committed to 4×4 driving in remote regions, ensure thorough preparation. It is essential to understand how to operate and effectively utilise the four-wheel drive system in your car. Kindly ensure the disengagement of the 4×4 while traversing paved roads.

A comprehensive map, two additional tires, a long-range fuel tank (or fuel canisters), and ample water constitute a solid foundation.

Should you anticipate engaging in sand driving, it is advisable to include a shovel and a tyre pump. In deep sand, it is advisable to reduce tyre pressure to prevent becoming immobilised.

Ensure that an individual is informed of your complete itinerary and location.

Namibia Lodges & Camps

Namibia provides a variety of lodges and camps, ranging from opulent desert resorts to tented accommodations in wildlife-abundant regions. Prominent selections encompass Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast, offering a spectrum from family-oriented to exclusive and private accommodations.

Important Information

Money, Payments & Namibian Currency:
Namibia employs the Namibian Dollar (N$), which is pegged to the South African Rand (ZAR) at a one-to-one exchange rate. The Rand serves as legal tender in Namibia.

Banks operate from 09:00 to 15:30 on weekdays and from 09:00 to 11:00 on Saturdays.

Most major credit cards are accepted at supermarkets, restaurants, and accommodation places in metropolitan Namibia, with Visa and MasterCard being the most prevalent; however, Amex and Diners Club are generally not accepted. In rural areas, cash payments are more commonly required.

Note: N$ is not recognised in South Africa. Any Namibian Dollars (N$) should be converted to South African Rand before departing Namibia.

Remember to Pack

• Sun hat (preferably with a tie for windy conditions or open game drives).
• Choice of comfortable, casual, and durable apparel. Layering is the optimal strategy for the Namibian climate, regardless of the season. Namibia exhibits a preference for informal attire, particularly in rural areas. White is impractical for much of Namibia, as it does not retain its brightness for an extended period.
• A light-colored, long-sleeved blouse or top is beneficial for protection against sunlight and, to a degree, mosquitoes throughout the evening.
• Cosy jersey
• Ergonomic footwear for ambulation and sandals. Bear in mind that wearing sandals when ascending a sand dune in summer is inadvisable.
• Swimwear (for the exceptionally daring when travelling in winter).
• Camera apparatus and an ample supply of film/memory cards (with batteries and chargers).
• Waterproof and dustproof cases or covers for cameras.
• High-quality sunglasses
• If you utilise contact lenses, we advise bringing a pair of glasses to mitigate potential irritation from dust. It is prudent to carry your eye prescription in the event of losing your glasses or requiring extra contact lenses.
• Personal hygiene products
• High SPF sunscreen lotion, hydrating cream, and lip balm.
• Insect deterrent
• Binoculars
• Consult the bird book if you are an avid ornithologist, or explore the information provided here.
• Hydration vessel
• Flashlight
• A compact hold-all backpack or rucksack for use during game drives.
• Personal medication, if necessary, accompanied by a copy of your prescription.
• Antimalarial medicines if necessary. Consult your local physician.
• Fundamental medical kit
• Visas, if necessary. Please contact us in advance for further details.
• Tickets and vouchers for all accommodations, safaris, or activities you have reserved.
• The passport must be valid for a minimum of 90 days (6 months suggested) after your departure from Namibia and must contain 3 blank pages.

General Info

Electricity

• We utilise 220-volt power.
• Mains sockets feature three round-pin holes; however, numerous products utilise smaller 2-pin plugs that necessitate an adaptor, which can be easily obtained from stores. US-manufactured appliances may require a transformer.
• Urban regions consistently receive energy, but rural areas often rely on generators and/or solar panels. This will frequently indicate that power is curtailed. In these instances, utilising certain equipment, such as hairdryers, is impractical as they cause the system to trip.

Mobile Phone

Namibia possesses a GSM 900 cellular network that encompasses the majority of cities, towns, and principal thoroughfares. To ensure peace of mind, activate your phone for roaming in Namibia, rent a local phone, or, if you possess an unlocked device, the most economical alternative is to purchase a local SIM card or a Car Rental Drives Africa WiFi dongle.

Park Entrance Fees

All day visitors and overnight guests in accommodations within national parks must pay a daily entrance fee. Payment has to be made at the park office, and your receipt will be verified at the gate before exiting the park.

Information regarding park entrance costs is available online or can be obtained from your agent or consultant.

Vat & Vat Refunds

The majority of goods and services incur a 15% VAT; however, tourists to Namibia may reclaim VAT on exported goods (VAT cannot be reclaimed on services such as accommodations or rental vehicles, nor on goods consumed within Namibia). VAT refunds are available at Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek), Ariamsvlei border post, and Noordoewer border post.

To be eligible for a VAT refund, the products and valid tax invoices must be presented to a customs official and a representative of the VAT return administration. Consequently, it is inadvisable to bundle or wrap things for which you plan to reclaim VAT, as they must be unpacked or unwrapped for inspection by the appropriate authorities.

• VAT refunds are issued just when the refunded VAT exceeds N$ 250.00.
• The Inland Revenue determines the value of cheques that can be issued prior to departure. If the VAT refund exceeds that amount, the cheque will be dispatched.
• Original tax invoices must be submitted.

Namibia Self-Drive Cost Per Day

Namibia is an exquisite nation in southern Africa, presenting a diverse array of species and landscapes for exploration throughout your safari. Budget camping safaris typically commence at approximately $150-$200 per individual per day, and mid-range lodge safaris are priced around $300-$500 per individual per day. For a more private and opulent safari experience, pricing may commence at approximately $1,000 or above per person each day.

The cost of a Namibia safari can fluctuate significantly based on the type of accommodation, transportation, meals, and activities encompassed in the package.