How to Plan a Namibia Self Drive Trip - A memorable driving experience

Often considered the ideal destination for a road trip in Africa, Namibia is not only safe and highly accessible thanks to its well laid-out network of roadways but also offer captivating attractions along the way. Home to some of Africa's best wildlife sanctuaries, the traffic-free paths laid across the country can make for a memorable driving experience for those who plan their trip prudently. Here are some tips on how to plan a self-driven road trip around Namibia.

Image via hippopx

1. Timing the Trip

Those who are planning a self-drive tour around the country should first and foremost decide on the duration and the set-out date for the trip. The best time to explore Namibia via a road trip falls between the months from June to October, which is also the dry season in the country. The days are rain-free and warm although the nights can get pretty cold. This time of year is also deemed the ideal time to sign up for a safari in the Etosha National Park so travellers know they can also capitalize on this opportunity during the dry season.  Avoid planning a road trip in Namibia from December to March as it is both rainy and too humid for driving around and the roads will also be harder to navigate due to the rough weather conditions.

2. Visa Requirements and Getting There

Tourists hailing from the USA, UK and Canada as well as the EU and Australia will be relieved to find that they do not need to secure a visa to travel to Namibia and spend less than 90 days in the country. Travellers from other parts of the world, however, will need to apply for a tourist visa before they make concrete plans to tour Namibia through the Namibian consulate in their home country. All international flights heading to the country land at Windhoek airport although those who are visiting South Africa can fly directly from Cape Town via Air Namibia. The country's national carrier also provides direct connections from Frankfurt.

3. Vehicle Rentals Basics

As the most important decision to make regarding a road trip, selecting the right vehicle is crucial to the success of your road trip in Namibia. While most travellers will opt for a four-wheel drive, there are enticing and well-priced two-wheel drives also available via local car rentals. Visitors who are travelling in groups will need to secure a 4WD although they are significantly more expensive in terms of rental fees as well as fuel economy. Land Rovers and similar 4WD vehicles do fair better during rainy weather, however, so the cost is worth it for those who intend to travel during this time of year. Two-wheel drives as Toyotas, are compact and easier to handle but they may have a harder time negotiating the gravel roads in the rural areas and national parks of Namibia.

4. Driving Tips

While criminal activity is not a major concern in Namibia, poor driving can land tourists in sticky situations during a road trip. Some of the off-road tips that are essential for navigating Namibia's gravel roads include slowing down to a speed below 80 kmph and driving on the 3rd and 4th gear instead of the second gear.  Driving on the left of the road is also necessary to avoid accidents while driving in sand must also be avoided unless one has experience in guiding a 4WD through sand. Snacks and water should be always packed and on hand as the presence of convenience stores is scarce outside the city limits.

5. Internet Access and Accommodation

Don't forget to book accommodation at quality hotels in Namibia whether it's the Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino or any other rest throughout the journey. It is not prudent to sleep in one’s vehicle even if it's a camper and road trip participants will need a place to enjoy some rest and a bath at the end of a long drive. Internet access is available in most hotels although the speeds may be slow.