Namibia Self Drive Tips
Self Drive Tips & Safety in Namibia
Due to Namibia’s safe and secure surroundings, excellent road infrastructure, frequent and clear road signs, accurate maps, low traffic density and comfortable climate conditions, Namibia serves as a great self-drive destination. Camps and lodges are easy to find – fuel and, where necessary, food, is obtainable in all towns. Most major regions have cell phone coverage.
Namibia encompasses a tremendous variety of culture, wildlife, geology and history. The awesome and constantly contrasting landscapes are best viewed from the ground, and a self-drive itinerary offers you the flexibility of enjoying these at your own pace.
The vibrant colours, sounds and smells as well as the captivating and thrilling sights combined with Namibia’s warm hospitality will leave you wanting to return time and again.
The advantages of self-drive holidays:
· You are free to choose the type of safari that matches your personal preferences.
· You are self-reliant in all that you do, but help will be provided should you need it.
· Your daily schedule is flexible and you decide the pace and itinerary.
· You can discover your surroundings on your own
Approximate travel distances have been indicated on the suggested itineraries, these are from point A to point B and do not include visiting attractions off the main route. Any itinerary contained within the Wild Africa Travel brochure can be tailored as a self-drive program – shortened or lengthened with added activities to suit your individual interests and requirements.
If you are planning to stay on the national roads and not go gallivanting into the untamed wilderness of Namibia then any reliable mass-produced four door sedan should do you just fine. For example, the main gravel roads in Etosha National Park (where most travellers choose to do a self-drive) don’t require a 4×4 and you’ll be just fine driving a normal car at a slower speed. Do bear in mind though, that if a car with a very low ground clearance may run into trouble, so it’s probably best to leave the sports-sedan at home
General information
· Vehicle category may be amended on request.
· Daily departures
· Minimum of 2 persons travelling, single supplement on request
· Children on request – apart from those indicated as suitable for families
· Special requests: Should you have any special request e.g. dietary or other, please advise us at time of booking.
· Self drive tours start and end as per individual itineraries.
· Any transfers can be arranged on request
Included on our Self-Drive Tours
· Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary
· Optional Meet & Greet service upon arrival.
· Tourism levy on accommodation
· Wild Africa Travel VIP Card
· Deluxe self-drive documentation pack including the latest map of Namibia.
· A full ground handling service along with a 24-hour emergency telephone back-up system
Excluded from Self-drive tours
· Rental vehicle (unless otherwise specified) and all matters relating to the rental vehicle
· Airport departure taxes
· Entrance and conservation fees
· Gratuities; laundry; drinks; extras and any items of a personal nature
· Accommodation and meals not specified in the itinerary
· Mentioned or recommended excursions or activities, unless specified to the contrary can be booked through our offices.
· Any devices such as Radio Guide, GPS or Satellite telephones, which can be booked directly through our offices
Rental Cars
Many visitors, especially those coming from outside of Southern Africa, will rent a car. There are many agencies in Namibia that specialise in all sorts of different kinds of vehicle hiring. From sedans to rugged off-road trucks to motorbikes you can hire the perfect vehicle for your self-drive adventure.
Driving & Road Safety:
· We drive on the LEFT HAND side. That’s right, LEFT.
· Safety belts are compulsory!
· Talking on cellular phones whilst driving is illegal. And dangerous.
· Adhere to the assigned speed limits!
· National roads (tar roads) are 120km per hour. However, we recommend you do not exceed 100 km per hour.
· Within towns and villages, speed limit is 60km per hour
· Gravel roads are 80km per hour. Not all gravel roads are the same! Please adjust your speed according to the condition of the road. We recommend you take it easy, enjoy the sights and arrive safely!
· Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel at all times, using both hands – you never know when a situation might arise.
· Approach blind rises with caution as approaching vehicles can veer to the wrong side of the road. Remember LEFT.
· Road signs are there for a reason – take note of them!
· In some areas, cattle, horses, donkeys and goats graze on the verge of the road – reduce speed as their movements are unpredictable. Same applies to wild animals.
· Drive with your headlights on whilst on open roads, as oncoming traffic can see you from a distance
· Check your tyre pressure daily. Regularly check your oil and water.
· Avoid driving at night, sunrise or sunset – visibility is low and this is when wildlife is particularly active.
· Loose and wet sand can be similar to ice, and the car may slide in areas. It is best to move with the slide and slow down accordingly to regain control
· Avoid sudden yanking of the steering wheel to avoid animals or other objects in the road as this may result in the vehicle rolling. (Read together with firm grip). Sudden braking can also result in an accident. It is best to apply the brakes gradually and stay on the road.
· When the road has excessive corrugation, slow the speed down. Corrugation affects road handling of any vehicle.
· In the rainy season (long may it last) many of the dry riverbeds will contain water. This usually is fast flowing water and does not last long. Ideally, before proceeding, first attempt to walk through, thereby checking depth, water flow and obstacles.
· Try to avoid overtaking on gravel roads. Only overtake if you have a long, clear stretch of road ahead of you.
More Wild Tips:
· Keep doors locked while driving
· Park in safe, designated and lit areas
· When leaving your vehicle, lock all doors as well as the boot (remember to close the windows as well!)
· Never leave valuables lying visibly in the vehicle (same as at home). Lock it up in the boot or take them with you!
· We do not have parking valets. Therefore do not hand keys to porters to park the vehicle and never leave your keys lying at reception.
· If the vehicle is to be collected, please speak personally to the rental office and hand the keys personally to the car rental attendant in charge.
· Do not hand keys to airport or airline staff when returning the vehicle
· It is not allowed to take any raw (if you like raw) meat over any Namibian veterinary borders or into any neighbouring country!
· Just before most of the bigger towns, there are road blocks, but these are more a formality than an issue. If you adhere to the Namibian rules and regulations there should be no problems. It is advisable to have the following documents with you:
· Police Clearance for vehicle
· I.D / Passport
· Driver’s Licence
· Road usage receipt if taking a vehicle across the border into Namibia. This is paid on entrance into Namibia
