Namibia is a remote, vast and breathtakingly beautiful country that’s perfect for a self-drive holiday.
1. Namibia is a huge country (roughly the size of France and Germany combined). Some roads can be quite challenging, and there are enormous distances between attractions. It’s important to plan your route carefully.
2. Allow yourself at least 10-14 days for a self-drive holiday in Namibia, with two or three nights at each property to break up the long drives.
3. Familiarise yourself with Namibia’s road rules and travel times between destinations, and stay updated with road and weather conditions, and any local safety recommendations.
4. A four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle is essential. You’ll need something that can handle rough terrain, deep sand and river crossings, especially if you plan to visit remote areas or go off-road.
5. Make sure your hire vehicle is well-maintained, has all the necessary safety features, and is equipped with essentials like spare tires, tools and a first aid kit.
6. Your vehicle hire company should run you through things like insurance and its nationwide network of repairers, should anything go wrong. Keep a list of emergency contacts (including your car rental company), a detailed itinerary and relevant local information handy. And always have a fully charged phone ready (preferably with a local SIM card), in case of a breakdown. English is the official language in Namibia so if you <do> run into any trouble, a language barrier should be one less thing you have to worry about.
7. Use reliable navigation tools, such as a GPS device or navigation apps. Have paper maps (or even screenshots) as a backup, as mobile service is not always guaranteed.
8. Make sure you have a good supply of drinking water at all times. And pack lots of snacks!
9. Playlists, podcasts and audiobooks are recommended for those long drives; download them before you leave home.
10. Book your accommodation in advance, especially in popular tourist areas and during peak tourist seasons (this is what Encompass Africa is for!).
11. Respect wildlife and nature, and keep a safe distance from them at all times. Never approach an animal on foot, and drive cautiously, especially at dawn and dusk when they’re more active.
12. Familiarise yourself with local customs and respect the cultural diversity in Namibia.
13. Be flexible and open to changes in your itinerary. Like everything in life, sometimes plans just don’t go as, um, planned. But you never know what extraordinary experience might be just around the corner. Embrace the unexpected.
14. Allow plenty of time for rest stops, photo ops and unexpected detours. Take your time and enjoy the journey.
15. Plan your fuel stops, as some areas may have long distances between petrol stations. While service stations in Namibia are generally safe, it’s always a good idea to exercise caution and common sense. According to many experts, Namibia is pretty much the safest country in Africa. But no matter how safe a place is, you should always take standard safety precautions, just as you would at home.
16. There’s such an established self-drive network in Namibia that you’ll keep bumping into people along the way. We ended up having dinner at Omaanda with a lovely couple we’d met days before at Mowani Mountain Camp, and as we arrived at the airport to fly home we were reunited with people we’d met at Etosha National Park and then again at Safarihoek, where we shared an unforgettable experience at the photographic hide. Expect to meet fascinating people and make some new friends.
17. Maybe this should be tip number one: GET TRAVEL INSURANCE. It needs to be comprehensive insurance that covers, among other things, medical emergencies, vehicle breakdowns and other unforeseen circumstances. Remember: if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.
Happy travels!
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