Car Hire in Namibia
If you are a little bit confused about how to start planning your trip to Namibia, the first thing we encourage you to do is to drop us an enquiry and start chatting to us. Our self drive tours are a few of our favourite and most popular tours. They concentrate on the highlights of Namibia including the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei, Damaraland and the Skeleton Coast and Etosha National Park. Ranging from 8 days to 3 weeks they are ideally suited for the person looking to explore Namibia by car.
Namibian Driving Tips
In Namibia the cars are right hand drives and everyone drives on the left. The speed limit is 60 - 80km per hour in built up areas and 120km per hour on open roads. All passengers must wear safety belts and drivers are required to have their original drivers license at all times. The use of cellphones when driving is illegal.
The road network is one of the best in the world. Road signs are international and easy to understand. Though Namibia is rated as having the best gravel roads in the world, travel is hazardous at speeds above 80kms per hour. Slight bends in the road easily cause the vehicle to slide – avoid over correction when this happens. Accidents are common, hence the above average insurance excess charged by Namibia Car Hire companies.
Special attention should be paid to Namibian wildlife and signposts warning of antelope, warthog, and kudu, as they often graze along the edges and can be unpredictable. As roads north of the veterinary cordon are usually unfenced, drivers should watch out for animals, both during the day and at night. Always have your headlights and spot lights on at night and when dusty conditions are encountered. Slippery conditions can be encountered during the rainy season in the interior and throughout the year when using the coastal ‘salt’ roads.
Tyre pressure should be checked as often as possible. Correct pressure plays an important role in maintaining grip and prolonging tyre life. Slow punctures are common and if pressure is checked regularly they can be fixed at a service station. When you collect your hire car, check all tools and spares yourself; do not take the car rental company's word for it. Refuel as often as possible when travelling through remote areas as supplies in these areas can be erratic.
The Namibian landscape is extremely fragile, so please follow only well defined tracks and roads. Deviating off existing tracks not only spoils the scenery and enjoyment of others, but destroys plants and small creatures. In certain areas, such as the gravel plains, a single set of car tracks can remain visible for decades. Respect the Namibian culture and traditions of those inhabiting the area through which you are travelling. Disrespect causes resentment and ill feeling towards tourists.
CARAN stands for the Car Rental Association of Namibia, and all car hire companies in Namibia must comply with certain standards if they are to be come members. These standards include: providing sufficient insurance, 24 hour back up service in cases of accidents or breakdown, providing new vehicles, and ensuring that vehicles are regularly serviced. The companies that we use for car rental in Namibia are all members of CARAN.
When it comes to choosing your car you will have to choose between a 2 Wheel Drive Sedan Car and a 4 Wheel Drive. Generally speaking the 4 Wheel Drive cars cost more to hire and run and must be driven with greater care and alertness. These vehicles can be unstable. They do however have greater ground clearance and allow you to go further, and of course there is a certain appeal about driving a 4x4 in this particular setting. Two wheel drive vehicles have less ground clearance and carry less, however this prevents novice drivers attempting the impossible and can lead to a safer journey.
