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Unsure of whether you’re up for the challenge of driving and renting a car in Namibia? Let’s fix that!
My 10-day road trip through Namibia is without a doubt one of my favorite trips I’ve ever done in my lifetime. Namibia is absolutely stunning and the landscapes are vast and otherworldly, making it a dream trip if you’re someone that likes to get off the beaten path.
However, road tripping through Namibia (while absolutely the best way to get around) is not for the faint of heart. Let’s just say, it’s a very different experience than taking a road trip in most other countries.
Hitting the open road here requires much more planning and precautions, with the top highlights being many, many miles apart from one another, often along gravel or bumpy roads, and with very few services between them.
It all can feel very intimidating, and believe me, I get it. The first time I considered traveling to Namibia was back in 2018 with a girlfriend of mine who was living in South Africa at the time. During the planning process, I heard enough stories about remote stretches of road with no services, cars getting stuck in sand, and flat tires, to ultimately scare me away from the trip.
Once I met my husband (who is a very confident driver) though, we decided we were up for the challenge together. We planned our trip, rented a car, and embarked on an epic Namibian road trip that we will truly be talking about for decades to come.
In the end, it wasn’t nearly as scary or stressful in actuality as I imagined, and luckily we walked away from the trip without a flat tire or any accidents.
Still, I learned a LOT about driving in Namibia in the process and I’m sharing all the do’s and don’ts of renting a car in Namibia, along with key driving tips to help you navigate with ease.
Renting a car in Namibia doesn’t have to feel scary, but you’ll want to read the details in this post thoroughly to make sure you’re prepared for the adventure.
Everything You Need to Know About Renting A Car and Driving in Namibia
How Far Apart is Everything in Namibia, Really?
Before we get into all the logistics of renting a car and driving in Namibia, let’s just ground ourselves in some geographical facts about Namibia, shall we?
In scale, Namibia is slightly larger than the state of Texas or about twice the size of California. So just imagine trying to see all the main sites in Texas in a single week. It would be nearly impossible—and require a ton of driving!
Namibia also has one of the lowest population densities in the world—roughly 10 people per square mile.
With so few people populating such a large area of land, this means that infrastructure is limited and facilities are scarce. Just to give you an example, on one day, my husband and I drove over five hours without seeing a single town or gas station to stop in.
Driving distances are already long between attractions, and once you factor in gravel roads, wildlife crossings, and inevitable photo stops, you can easily spend endless hours a day in the car.
This isn’t all bad though—the remoteness of Namibia is part of its magic, so if you can embrace the wildness of the adventure that’s all part of the fun!
Here’s a quick guide to approximate driving times in Namibia:
- Windhoek to Swakopmund: About 360 km / 225 miles, roughly 4–5 hours.
- Windhoek to Etosha: About 415–500 km / 258–311 miles, usually around 5.2–5.5 hours, depending on which gate or lodge you’re heading to.
- Windhoek to Sossusvlei / Sesriem area: About 370–382 km / 230–237 miles, around 5 hours.
- Sesriem to Swakopmund: about 340–350 km / 211–217 miles, but often 5–6.5 hours because much of the route is gravel and average speeds are lower.
*Keep in mind these are times listed on Google Maps, but it’s recommended to give yourself an additional buffer if traversing on gravel roads. I would recommend adding 1-2 hours to the allotted Google Maps time.
Do You Need to Rent A Car in Namibia?
The honest answer is no, not always. If you’re willing to splurge on your trip, it is possible to fly domestically between some of Namibia’s top safari lodges and attractions via private air strips, but it’ll cost you a pretty penny.
Another way to avoid renting a car yourself is to book your entire trip through a tour company who will be doing all the driving for you. If the thought of renting a car in Namibia sounds too stressful, this might be a good option.
However, if you want the autonomy of planning your own itinerary and being on your own schedule, then you’re going to need to rent a car in Namibia. It’s really the best option in my opinion and what most people choose to do when visiting.
Is It Safe To Rent A Car in Namibia?
Many visitors to Namibia rent cars every year without issue, but like in any destination it’s important to take precautions and know what to expect to keep yourself safe. I’ll get into more details around safety throughout this post!
Because Namibia is so remote, this is not a country where you want to wing it. Being prepared is key, but if you arrive informed and prepared you’ll have a great time.
Important Note for Female Travelers: I felt perfectly safe during our time driving around Namibia, but if I’m being honest, I don’t know that I would have felt that way without my husband traveling with me given the potential of getting stranded as a solo woman. Flat tires and poor road conditions are more common in Namibia, increasing your chances of things going awry, so I would recommend traveling with a buddy you feel safe with.
Is It Easy To Rent A Car in Namibia?
The rental process itself is easy but the actual driving in Namibia is what can be challenging.
Our rental company told us that 60% of drivers they rent to in a week end up calling with punctured tires, which is very common in Namibia because so many roads are unpaved/gravel.
Side note: Make sure your rental car provides a spare tire (and that you know how to change it) and double check that it’s inflated before you drive off the lot!
If you want the easiest and most straightforward method, book online in advance with a company like Discover Cars and choose a company where you can pick up your car right from the airport when you fly in to avoid additional trips to the rental agency.
Why Book with Discover Cars
I like to book with Discover Cars for a number of reasons:
1) They aggregate and compare prices from multiple rental companies. So you have all the info you need in one place.
2) Their “full coverage” insurance option is a great deal and is typically cheaper than what you’ll be quoted at the rental desk. Plus, you can pay everything up front so you’re not surprised by added fees when you arrive at the rental counter.
3) No hidden fees or add ons.
4) Flexible cancellation policy that allows you to cancel at least 48 hours before pickup.
5) Excellent reviews across the board. I can vouch for them as well from personal experience.
6) 24/7 customer support
Book your rental car with Discover Cars here
How To Book A Rental Car in Namibia
What are the Requirements for Renting a Car in Namibia?
You only need a few main things in order to rent a car in Namibia:
- Valid driver’s license (an international driving permit is only necessary if your license is not in English).
- Passport
- Credit Card
The legal driving age in Namibia is 18, but rental company minimum ages vary. Some operators rent to drivers 18+, while certain vehicle categories or suppliers may require you to be older and may charge a young driver fee.
This can vary by rental agency though, so always look at the terms and conditions before you attempt to rent with any company.
Choosing the Right Rental Company
The way I see it, you have two main options when it comes to choosing your rental company in Namibia.
Option #1: Go with one of the big, well-known brands and rent straight from the airport.
Option #2: Rent from one of the more local, boutique brands who typically have offices in Windhoek (about 30-40 minutes away from the airport). Though some of them will deliver your car to the airport as well.
I will preface this section by saying that we personally rented from a local company called Namibia Car Rental who have great reviews. We had a (mostly!) wonderful experience with them in terms of the pick up/drop off experience and overall customer service, but we did receive a vehicle with horrible suspension issues that they had to swap out for us mid-way through the trip.
Keep in mind that all vehicles in Namibia go through a LOT of wear and tear due to road conditions, so no matter who you rent through, always do a thorough check of the vehicle before driving it off the lot. I strongly recommend taking it for a test drive around town and on highways before heading off on your road trip to make sure all is working with your vehicle.
Whether you book with the big name brands or local companies is up to your personal preference and depends on the needs of your trip. Let’s get into both below.
Why Book With the Big Name Brands:
For the ease and convenience of picking up your vehicle right at Windhoek Airport, this might be the best option for you especially if you have loyalty with any of the bigger name brands and feel more comfortable renting from a name you know.
You can find companies like Hertz, Sixt and Avis right at the airport.
If your itinerary is pretty straightforward and doesn’t require car camping or any particularly rugged terrain, you’d be fine to just rent with the big name brands.
Even though we didn’t choose this option for our trip, knowing what I know now I probably would just book a Toyota Hilux or Fortuner with 4WD on Discover Cars straight from the airport to avoid having to do a vehicle pickup in the Windhoek city center.
Discover Cars is my favorite site to use when renting cars around the world. They find the best prices for you and you can book everything online, including insurance.
If you go with this option, just make sure to inquire with your rental agency to confirm they offer spare tires and spare gas cans before you depart from the rental agency.
Why Book with Local Operators:
A lot of the time booking the well-known, big brands seems like the right idea, but when looking for car rentals in Namibia, choosing a local company can be a better option.
This is definitely the case if you are planning on doing car camping during your Namibia road trip, have a cross-border itinerary, or need more specific accessories for your vehicle as the local operators specialize in these kinds of rugged adventures.
Plus, the bigger brand names may appear to have lower prices but often have all sorts of add-ons and fees that end up jacking up the cost. Customer service can be lacking too, so always read through reviews before choosing a particular car rental company.
Some highly rated local rental companies include Namibia Car Rental (who we rented with), Namibia 2 Go, Asco Car Hire, and AfriCar Car Hire.
My Final Recommendation:
Choose Hertz or SIXT: If you want the easiest airport pickup and brand familiarity, and are doing a shorter/lighter itinerary, with mostly lodges and well-touristed spots rather than camping. Book here.
Choose Local Operators: If you plan on doing an extensive Namibia road trip with lots of gravel roads, long distances to places like Etosha/Sossusvlei/Damaraland and want 4×4-specific support, better briefings, extra spares/equipment, or more tailored insurance.
What Kind of Car to Book
We booked a Suzuki Jimny two-door and unfortunately ended up with a car with an extremely loose and borderline dangerous suspension. Namibia Car Rental swapped it out for us later on in the trip, but if I were doing it again I wouldn’t choose a Jimny.
They replaced our Jimny with a Toyota Hilux and we quickly learned that was a much superior option for this kind of rugged road trip.
The all around best vehicles to book in Namibia are the Toyota Hilux or Toyota Fortuner vehicles with 4WD. They’re really sturdy, have high clearance, and are overall just the most comfortable options for extremely long car rides along bumpy roads.
Save yourself time trying to decide on a vehicle and just go with one of these!
Michelle’s Tip: Always make sure to video document any damages on your vehicle before driving it off the rental lot so you have it as proof later.
Do You Need to Rent a 4×4?
Do you really need a 4×4 in Namibia? This is a question I researched for hours ahead of our trip as I was concerned with making the wrong choice and paying for it later.
The short answer is this: technically no, you don’t need a 4×4 in Namibia in order to get around between the most popular spots (especially if you’re following a very similar Namibia itinerary to mine). The truth is we would have gotten around fine most everywhere without one.
BUT…I would still recommend getting one and here’s why.
If you have a more capable vehicle with higher clearance, you’re going to be so much more confident and less stressed in the off chance that you do encounter roads where you need a little extra oomph. In a place like Namibia, it’s worth it alone for the peace of mind.
Plus, the 4WD vehicle options in Namibia are typically much more comfortable than the ones without it and when you’re spending 3-6 hours in the car per day (on bumpy roads no less), comfort becomes much more important.
My Recommendation: Book a Toyota Hilux or Fortuner 4×4 for ultimate comfort and capability on Namibian roads.
Where We Needed 4WD: The only area in Namibia we visited where having a 4×4 was absolutely crucial was in Sossusvlei on the final stretch of road to Deadvlei. There are shuttles that can take you there, but if you want to drive it yourself you’ll need a 4×4 to navigate the sandy roads. For more in-depth detail, check out my full guide to Sossusvlei.
Quick Tips When Booking Your Rental Car
- Book as far in advance as possible to ensure you get the car that you want, especially if traveling in high season.
- For a trip like this, I’d prioritize splurging on a good car over nicer accommodations because that’s where you’ll be spending most of your time. Don’t skimp on price here!
- Just book the 4×4. Many things can be accessed without one, but it’s just going to make your life easier and more comfortable to have one. The thicker tires are less likely to puncture and the suspension is better, making for an overall cozier drive.
- Make sure your car has working air conditioning. I probably don’t have to tell you this, but it gets hot in Namibia and keeping your windows down on dusty roads isn’t a great combo.
- If the vehicle’s age is listed, pay attention to it—cars in Namibia go through extreme wear and tear.
- Take a video of the car before you leave the lot, detailing any damages that are already present so you don’t end up being responsible for anything that wasn’t your fault.
- Make sure to test drive your vehicle before you embark on a super long drive if your rental company will allow for it.
Where Is the Best Place to Pick Up a Rental Car in Namibia?
If you’re flying into Namibia from out of the country, you’ll most likely be landing at Hosea Kutako International Airport which is close to the capital city of Windhoek. This is the main airport to fly in and out of and it’s the starting point for most Namibian road trips.
All the major car rental companies can be found here, so if you want to book with a well-known brand like Hertz, Avis or Sixt, I’d recommend booking your rental for pickup at the airport so you have access to a car right away.
If you book through one of the boutique car rental agencies in Namibia that specialize in more rugged vehicles and set-ups for things like car camping, these agencies are mostly located in the city of Windhoek though some will deliver your vehicle to the airport. You’ll likely need to pick up their vehicles in-office which can be a 30-40 minute drive from the airport.
What You Need to Know About Driving in Namibia
Let’s just say, driving in Namibia is not for the faint of heart. Between driving on the left-hand side of the road, spotty cell service, and varied road conditions, it’s quite different than driving in the U.S.
But it can also be an awesome adventure with insanely rewarding views. If you love road trips and have an adventurous spirit, then you’ll do just fine as long as you know what to expect.
Here are some things you should know before embarking on a Namibia road trip, so you know what you’re getting yourself into.
Road Conditions in Namibia
Road conditions aren’t great throughout much of the country with a majority of the roads being unpaved. While it adds to the adventure, this can significantly slow down your trip and requires drivers to be more alert when clocking time behind the wheel.
Some roads are so bumpy that locals we talked to jokingly referred to them as “the Namibian massage.” Expect a lot of gravel, rocks and sand, though fortunately we didn’t encounter too many potholes on our route.
The good news is that there are very few drivers on the road and most drivers are respectful of driving laws in Namibia—one less thing to worry about!
Pro Navigation Tip: Namibian roads are labeled B, C or D on maps and road signs. B roads are tarred and easiest for any vehicle to drive on at normal speed, C roads are gravel/sand so a little rougher but still pretty well maintained, and D are off-road routes that can have deep sand and very rocky conditions. You’ll only want to attempt D roads if you have a 4×4 vehicle and are experienced with these types of conditions, but best to avoid if possible!
If you want a more thorough look of the types of roads you might encounter in Namibia, I love this breakdown of Namibia’s road types from Expert Africa.
Driving Distances in Namibia
As I mentioned earlier, Namibia is a vast country about twice the size of California, but it’s one of the least densely populated countries in the world. Everything is spread out with a ton of distance (but not much else) in between.
If you’re looking to visit some of Namibia’s top attractions like the coastal dunes of Sandwich Harbor, the clay plan forest of Deadvlei, or the ghost town of Kolmanskop, there’s no way around it—you will be in the car a lot.
Just to give you an idea, we spent over 30 hours driving in the car over a 10 day period. And that itinerary included several days where we were at safari lodges and never left our hotel!
Here are a few estimated driving times between top sites in Namibia:
- Windhoek to Swakopmund: 4–5 hours.
- Windhoek to Etosha: 5.2- 5.5 hours, depending on which gate or lodge you’re heading to.
- Windhoek to Sossusvlei: 5 hours.
- Sesriem to Swakopmund: 5–6.5 hours because much of the route is gravel and average speeds are lower.
- Sesriem to Kolmanskop: 6 hours.
*Keep in mind that it’s recommended to add 1-2 hours to Google Maps’ estimated driving times to account for slower gravel roads and driving speeds.
Michelle’s Tip: While it might be tempting to book the cheapest rental car, don’t do it! You will likely be spending more time in your car than your hotel, so it’s worth making sure you’re comfortable and have all the features and add-ons you want/need.
Extra Gas Cans Are Crucial
If your rental agency doesn’t already offer it, ask about adding on emergency gas cans. Before we went to Namibia I thought it was one of those “just in case” type of things, but turns out they can be essential because there are long stretches of road without gas stations—we’re talking 5-6 hours in some places.
We dipped into our reserve gas multiple times throughout our trip and I was very happy we had them.
One of the longest stretches without gas stations we encountered was between Luderitz and Sesriem. You’ll of course find the most petrol stations around bigger towns and cities like Rehoboth, Sesriem, Windhoek, and Walvis Bay.
A general rule of driving in Namibia? Always fill up your car when you can.
Make Sure to Have a Local Sim Card
We found Namibia to be a little tricky as far as staying connected goes and this can make navigation more challenging. You’ll definitely want to download offline Google Maps for Namibia ahead of your trip. But it’s also helpful (not to mention safer) to get a local eSIM.
Our usual eSIM providers didn’t offer them for Namibia, or if they did, they were way overpriced.
If you have a phone with a SIM card slot, grabbing a physical SIM right at the airport is probably going to be your best bet. If you have an iPhone 14 or later, you don’t have a physical slot, so you’ll either need to get an eSIM beforehand (or travel with an older iPhone model like my husband does—kind of genius, right)?
You don’t want to be stuck out in the desert without any way to contact help if need be, so be sure to get your phone situation sorted out before you go. It’s also worth having the customer service number for your rental car agency handy along with local emergency numbers in your phone before your trip, such as 10111, 999, and 112.
Some car rental companies offer the option of adding on a satellite phone, which you could do too if you want to cover all your bases.
Be Prepared in Case of Emergencies
In the worst case scenario like an accident, injury, or popped tire, you definitely want to be prepared with some emergency supplies in case you get stuck in one of the many remote areas.
The majority of Namibia is extremely remote so this is not something to take lightly.
At the very least, you’ll want to have a first aid kit and extra water in your vehicle at all times. At gas stations, we would stock up on gallon jugs of water to have in our trunk to refill from throughout the day as there is nowhere to stop on long drives for water. Namibia is extremely dry and I found that I was more thirsty here than usual!
You’ll also want to have some non-perishable snacks and warm clothes in case you get stranded and help takes a while to arrive.
Buy the Travel Insurance
It’s always a good idea to purchase travel insurance ahead of any trip, but in Namibia you’d be a little reckless not to. The landscape is wild and remote with many wild card factors like extreme weather, wildlife, etc. While you will likely visit Namibia with no issues, there are a lot of potential issues that can arise here and it’s better to be safe and covered.
For standard travel insurance, I love World Nomads and have been using them for the last 10 years as a travel blogger. They reimbursed me $1,500 for an emergency flight my first year of traveling and they made the process so seamless that I’ve been a dedicated customer ever since.
Depending on the type of travel insurance you buy, you’ll be covered for things like emergency medical expenses, adventure activities, medical evacuation, trip cancellations and more.
You can grab a quote with World Nomads here.
Rental car insurance is another thing though. And I recommend paying for the most comprehensive insurance no matter who you rent through. Driving conditions make vehicle damage and accidents much more likely in Namibia. And if anything were to happen, you’ll be glad you had it.
If you book through Discover Cars, which is my go-to online rental aggregator, you can select their full-coverage insurance at checkout.
Other Helpful Driving Tips in Namibia
- Download offline maps ahead of your trip as service can be sparse.
- The Maps.me app is known to be more accurate than Google Maps on some of the roads in Namibia, so download it on your phone as backup.
- It’s best to avoid driving at night because the roads are not lit and you won’t be able to see animals, people, or anything else that might be in the road. I’d recommend timing the arrival to your destination each day a couple hours before sunset.
- With help and roadside assistance potentially hours away, this is not the place to drive recklessly. Obey speed limits, familiarize with local driving laws and drive extra safe.
- Keep headlights on for safety at all times, even during the day.
- Ask your rental car agency about the proper tire pressure needed for different conditions in Namibia. You’ll use a different tire pressure for sand and gravel roads than on regular paved ones and your rental agency should be able to explain it to you.
- At all Namibian gas stations, workers will pump your gas for you. Expect to pay a small tip after filling up (about 5–10 Namibian Rand).
- If you plan to travel to a neighboring country like South Africa, note that there can be cross-border charges. You’ll want to clear all this with your rental car company first and make sure you have all the necessary paperwork.
- Always practice simple safety precautions like locking your vehicle, avoiding driving at night and refraining from leaving valuables visible in your car. Be smart and aware of your surroundings at all times.
read more posts
Visiting Sossusvlei Dunes in Namibia
Guide to Kolmanskop, Namibia
The Ultimate 10 Day Namibia Road Trip Itinerary
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