Travelling on gravel roads gets challenging during the summer months from October to April. During this time, we do recommend a 4 x 4 vehicle. Also, if you are planning to combine your visit to Namibia with one of our neighboring countries such as Botswana and Zambia, a 4 x 4 is definitely advisable.

Namibia’s roads are one of the best in Africa! However, driving in Namibia takes longer than you might expect. Namibia’s gravel roads are generally in good condition as they are graded frequently, but during peak tourist season road conditions are not always desirable. During the rainy season, road conditions also changes quite quickly. After heavy rains, the roads can be washed out, thus it is highly recommended to drive slowly. You will also come across small rivers crossing the roads and you need to be very cautious when crossing these rivers. You might have to turn around and find another route, or wait for the river to run down. All of this can influence travel times.
We very often experience drivers that have never been on gravel roads before. Although most of them do cope well with that after the first few days.
We don’t want to scare you off but save you from wrong expectations and bad surprises as our aim is to ensure that your journey is safe and enjoyable as much as possible.

Generally, Namibia is a safe country. However, robberies, muggings, and thefts do occur, especially in downtown shopping areas and locations where foreign visitors tend to congregate. Foreign visitors to Namibia can be victims to crime. The most common incidents are non-violent crimes of opportunity, committed by thieves who rely on stealth and surprise, such as pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, and vehicle break-ins. Common sense measures, such as not leaving valuables in parked cars, safeguarding purses, keeping wallets in front pockets, and being alert to one’s surroundings, are the best deterrents against crime.

Namibian police checkpoints are positioned approximately 15 kilometres outside the principal cities and towns on all major highways. During the holiday season, additional checkpoints are sometimes established along the Windhoek- Swakopmund highway and near medium-sized towns. Drivers should be prepared to produce personal identification (passport, identification cards), a valid driver’s license together with an international driver’s license if your license is not in English. When crossing the borders of Namibia, you will require additional documentation that will be prepared by Namib Trails 4×4 Rentals.

You will be expected to produce a valid, unendorsed driver’s license when you collect a vehicle from Namib Trails 4×4 Car Rentals. It is a legal requirement in Namibia to be in possession of your original driver’s license at all times whilst driving a vehicle. If your driver’s licence is not in English, it is also recommended to obtain an international driver’s license.

Yes! All our rentals have unlimited kilometers.

Our vehicle collection procedure usually takes anywhere from 45 – 90 minutes, depending on your experience level as well as the amount of questions you may have. The procedure includes a detailed explanation of the contract, the vehicle and all its functions (e.g. 4×4) as well as the camping equipment.

If you’re driver’s license is in English and has a photo of you on it, you will not require an international driver’s license. If your driver’s license does not meet the aforementioned requirements, you will need an international driver’s license.

Namibia has approximately 90% cell coverage and has cell coverage on most common tourist routes and therefore a satellite communication device will not be necessary in most areas. However, most of the parks such as Etosha National Park, Skeleton Coast and Namib Naukluft does not have coverage. Below is a useful map of cell phone coverage to help you decide whether you would need a satellite communication device.

Mobile Telecommunications Company | MTC