Driving on Namibian Roads

Namibia is the land of vast spaces and if you want to make the most your journey you probably want to drive yourself. Considering the amount of people and equipment you are transporting and the condition of roads to your destinations will improve your experience considerably.

Plan your route

Even though most of the major highways in Namibia are tarred and in good conditions, many tourist attractions are only accessible via gravel roads. Some attractions like the Etosha National Park are open to 2WD vehicles but if you are to venture into the Skeleton Coast, the Kaokoveld or the dunes of Sandwich Harbour you will find some of the most challenging 4×4 trails Africa has to offer.

You will have to plan your route according to your vehicle and your driving skills. Most maps will classify the roads into tarred major roads, gravel major roads, gravel district roads and 4×4 only. The weather plays an important role as well. The rainy season from January to April can make driving a lot more difficult. You might have to navigate along soaked gravel roads and you could be faced with a river crossing the road.

There are also great distances between towns and many of the roads are less than busy, so it might be a while before help arrives. The best thing is to be well prepared which obviously includes driving the right vehicle.

Choose your vehicle

Choosing a vehicle depends on your destinations, your budget, driving skills and the amount of people and equipment you’re carrying.

Especially if you don’t have much more than one or two weeks to spend in Namibia you might be fine with a 2WD. All the major cities such as Windhoek, Swakopmund or Lüderitz can be reached in a 2WD. Game viewing in Etosha National Park isn’t a problem either. The well-maintained C14 gravel road will get you to the dunes of Sossusvlei.

Travelling into 4×4 country also means that you will have to be self reliant at least to a certain degree. Make sure you have enough room to stock up on food and petrol and also find out how far a full tank will take you.

Safety tips

• Wildlife ahead – There is a lot of wildlife crossing roads in Namibia. It is obviously not the most desirable thing to collide with any living creature, but having a kudu crashing into the driver’s cabin might cause more than a guilty conscience.
• Speed kills – Sharp corners, potholes and the wildlife might call for sudden changes in direction, which are even harder to manage on gravel roads. So slow down and enjoy the ride.
• Don’t overload – Clearance and manoeuvrability are major issues and both are affected by overloading. So make sure you have the right sized vehicle for whatever you need to carry.
• Tire pressure – If you go into 4WD terrain it is advisable to slightly reduce tire pressure. Just make sure to bring a pump and restore the status quo when you get back onto tarred roads.
• Light up the dust – Driving on dry gravel roads might get you caught in a cloud of dust. Switching on your lights might not increase your visibility but I will allow other drivers to see you.
• Read the signs – Speed limits and warning signs are there for a reason. So comply with the instructions, it’s that simple.

Contact us today to find out more about a 4×4 safari in Namibia.