Self Drive Namibia

A self-drive holiday in Namibia offers a great way to explore the country, and allows you to set the pace.

Overview

Self-drive in Namibia is one of the most rewarding ways to explore Namibia’s contrasting landscapes. If you are happy to drive on the left hand side of the road, without much traffic around, and on gravel (as opposed to tar) roads, then self-drive in Namibia is very do-able for many international visitors.

It helps if you can change a tire, too. Punctures are not uncommon on gravel!

It is also one of the more economical ways to enjoy a Namibia safari trip. Private escorted tours are pretty expensive because of the vast distances involved and guides in Namibia are well-educated, skilled workers.

On the other hand, many scheduled departure group tours travel at a pretty brisk pace, to see the country's highlights in a very short period of time. Also, they often stay at larger, less interesting, hotels and lodges.

Tips for Self Drive Namibia

  • Ideally you need to enjoy driving, and view the road trip as part of the whole adventure. Namibia is a vast country and its marvels are spread throughout the country rather than conveniently located close to each other!
  • Preferably two people would share the driving.
  • Similarly, make sure that you have set aside enough time. We reckon on 3 weeks to see the highlights in both the north and the south. If you only have 2 weeks, you'll need to leave some places out. Or risk needing another holiday to recover from this one!
  • Why not mix some self-drive in Namibia with other modes of transport? For example, you could fly in and out of Sossusvlei by scenic charter flight. Then pick up a car in Swakopmund to continue on. We recommend this if you're short on time.

Namibia self-drive - Etosha, White elephant walks on road of Namibia South Africa

Do you need a 4 x 4 for a self-drive in Namibia?

What little rain the desert country of Namibia does get falls during the southern hemisphere summer months from November to March. (And mainly January to mid March.) So during this latter time we do recommend a 4x4 vehicle. But, at other times of the year, an SUV with high clearance will do just fine.

It’s important to work with an expert when planning a self drive tour to Namibia. Driving in Namibia takes longer than you might expect. So it's vital to know how far you can happily travel in enjoyment, rather than in exasperation. We provide detailed directions and a comprehensive itinerary for you.

Namibia self-drive - Damaraland, Spitzkoppe

Highlights

  • Self-drive gives you the freedom to explore, to immerse yourself in the landscape and to to set the pace so that you enjoy the landscapes as you travel through.
  • It’s most affordable way to see the country.
  • Driving is on the left in Namibia. And the excellent road network carries little traffic in this sparsely-populated country.

Outstanding & First class

"We are back from our trip to SA and having had just the best time ever. Everything slotted into place perfectly and all the accommodation and activities you booked for us were outstanding. Couldn’t have been bettered, you chose very well! Stands out as one of the best trips we’ve ever had. Virtually everything went like clockwork and we had a fantastic time. You did a brilliant job and the info pack was first class. The best organised holiday we have been on. We will defintely go back to Africa " Mr& Mrs Cott, UK

Everything was perfect

"Your service and the holiday you put together for us was faultless. Everything was perfect from the choice of accommodation to the transfers, flights…… everything! It was seamless. " Mrs Ruth Koper

Your prices better than the bigger companies

"Brian came home with your attractive brochure and we started looking at possibilities. We both thought Cedarberg would be too expensive for us but were pleasantly surprised to find your prices better than the bigger companies. The itinerary you gave us went totally to plan. All our airport pickups and transfers went smoothly and local drivers were friendly and informative. We also appreciated all the phone conversations and help you gave at Cedarberg before we went and were delighted with the program you put together for us. " Dale Family, UK
 

Tasha Eygelaar

Africa Travel Specialist

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Did you know
  • RoadsVast majority of Namibia roads are gravel
  • SpeedsAssume 100km/hr for tar roads but only 60km/hr for gravel

We enjoyed it all

"Ginny created a holiday that was well-suited to our requirements. The arrangements, timings and itinerary were sensible and all stages of the holiday were faultlessly executed by the chosen representatives. " Mr John Hartley, UK

Very helpful discussions

"Very helpful discussions beforehand to give us lots of options. The personalised website was really good. The pre-holiday booklet was really useful as well. " Mrs Rachel O'Connell, UK

A quite outstanding holiday

"We have just returned from a quite outstanding holiday. Milandi listened to what we wanted and organised it perfectly. The standard of the whole trip was even better than we expected and the itinerary was interesting, enjoyable, relaxing and fun in exactly the right proportions. " Mr Allan Cole

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