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African Safaris and Tours
Getting Around Namibia
Getting Around Namibia – By Road, Guided Safari or Light Aircraft
Getting around Namibia is one of the great pleasures of a trip here. Long, quiet roads, tarred on many main routes and gravel or earth across much of the rest, run through landscapes that change by the hour. A network of airstrips puts even remote lodges within reach of a light aircraft. However you choose to travel, we plan the route around you.
There are four ways we put a Namibia trip together:
- Self-drive safaris: your own hire car at your own pace, with the route planned and the lodges booked for you.
- Guided accommodated safaris: a professional guide drives you between lodges in a 4x4 safari vehicle.
- Guided camping safaris: the same guided road journey, sleeping under canvas.
- Fly-in safaris: light aircraft between lodges, landing on airstrips close to camp.
For most people travelling in Namibia, tar and well-maintained gravel roads link the main destinations, though gravel can deteriorate after heavy rain. The remote north-west is a different matter. Kaokoland and the wilder corners of Damaraland have rough tracks and long stretches without fuel or phone signal. Getting there takes a properly equipped 4x4 and real off-road experience, or a guide who has both.
Self-drive is a favourite with families and couples who want to explore at their own pace. You can stop wherever the light is good, take the road that looks most interesting on the map, and arrive when you're ready.
Guided accommodated and camping safaris are just as popular. A professional guide and crew drive you across the country in a custom 4x4 safari vehicle, sharing what they know of the cultures, landscapes, geology, wildlife and birds along the way. Group sizes range from four people on a private trip to 24 on an overland departure, and we'll help you match the option to your budget.
On a fly-in safari, most lodges and areas are served by a gravel airstrip. You trade long road transfers for the desert seen from the air.
Driving Tips for a Self-Drive Safari in Namibia
- Namibia drives on the left. If you're used to the right, settle in on quiet tar before the first gravel road.
- Don't drive at night outside towns. Wildlife and livestock on the road are a serious hazard.
- Keep your speed down on gravel and watch for animals at the roadside.
- Drive with your headlights on, especially on gravel roads.
- Plan no more than 400 kilometres in a day. You're on safari, not in a rally.
- Fill up whenever you pass fuel, and carry water, snacks and two spare tyres.
- Expect no mobile signal for long stretches, and medical help may be far away.
- Take comprehensive insurance and read what it excludes. Any damage your cover excludes is for your account.
- Never leave your vehicle unattended at a fuel station.
- Carry your driving licence whenever you drive. UK licence holders also need a 1949 International Driving Permit to hire a car.
Distances between the main towns and parks are in our Namibia distance table.
Tell us how you'd like to travel and we'll build the route, the lodges and the logistics around you. We've been planning Namibia trips since 1999.
Choosing the Perfect Vehicle for Your Self-Drive Safari Adventure in Namibia
Toyota Navi
Toyota Trax
Toyota Land Cruiser Single Cab
Toyota Fortuner
Nissan X-Trail
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota Hilux Double Cab
Toyota Hilux Single Cab
Toyota RAV4
Getting Around Namibia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which side of the road do you drive on in Namibia?
Namibia drives on the left, as South Africa and Botswana do, with the steering wheel on the right. If you normally drive on the right, spend your first hour on quiet tar roads before you reach gravel. Take most care when pulling away from fuel stations and junctions, where old habits return.
What driving licence do I need to drive in Namibia?
Carry your valid photocard driving licence in the car whenever you drive. UK licence holders also need a 1949 International Driving Permit to hire a car in Namibia. Other nationalities should check the rules with their hire company and the nearest Namibian mission. On a self-drive safari we confirm the hire company's requirements when we book.
Can you drive at night in Namibia?
Avoid it. The UK government advises against driving at night outside towns because wildlife and livestock on the road are a serious hazard, and help can be a long way off. We plan every self-drive day so you reach your lodge well before dark, with time to spare for a sundowner.
What car-hire insurance do I need in Namibia?
Take comprehensive cover and read the exclusions carefully. The UK government notes that accidents are common on gravel and dirt roads. It also notes that most policies exclude accidents that involve no other vehicle or animal, such as a single-car roll-over on gravel. Any damage that isn't covered is for your account.
Are there domestic flights in Namibia?
Yes. FlyNamibia runs scheduled flights from Windhoek's Eros Airport to towns including Ondangwa, Katima Mulilo and Lüderitz. Light-aircraft charters fly into airstrips at or near many lodges. On a fly-in safari the charter flights are built into the itinerary, so you move between areas without driving the long road legs.
Map of Lodges in and around Namibia
Namibia Travel Topics
5 Best Lodges in Etosha National Park
Etosha's finest lodges sit just outside the park, on the private reserves fringing its eastern and southern boundaries. This guide covers our six favourites — from ultra-luxurious Onguma Camp Kala and exclusive Little Ongava to the value-led Etosha Oberland Lodge — with accommodation, activities and who each suits, plus sample combinations, how many nights to plan and a practical FAQ. Every property is one we use personally, and our Namibia specialists can build any into a tailor-made safari.
10 Reasons To Visit The Namib Desert
Located in Southern Africa, the Namib Desert is one of the oldest and most majestic deserts on Earth, perfect for travelers seeking adventure, peace, and a connection with nature. With vast sand dunes stretching endlessly, its surreal landscapes must be seen to be believed. The Namib Desert is not just a destination; it's a journey into an ancient world that has remained largely unchanged for millions of years. From the awe-inspiring beauty of its endless dunes to the unique ecosystems that have adapted to thrive in this harsh environment, there are countless reasons why this stunning desert should be at the top of your travel bucket list.
Namibia National Parks
Namibia, a country of stark beauty and contrasting landscapes, is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world. Each park offers a unique window into the heart of Africa's wilderness, where the drama of survival plays out against backdrops ranging from towering sand dunes to dense woodlands. This blog explores Namibia's top national parks, offering adventure, wildlife, and endless exploration. Whether you're a birdwatcher, wildlife lover, or nature enthusiast, these parks have something for everyone.
10 Reasons To Visit Etosha National Park
This blog highlights "10 Reasons to Visit Etosha National Park" and why it deserves a spot on every traveller's bucket list. Located in Namibia, Etosha is a stunning haven for wildlife, home to elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Beyond its famed inhabitants, Etosha captivates visitors with its unique landscapes that stretch across 22,270 square kilometres. From the shimmering expanse of the Etosha Pan to the dense mopane woodlands and savannah grasslands teeming with life after the rains, this park offers a mosaic of ecosystems waiting to be explored.
5 Best Lodges In The Namib Desert
Nestled in the heart of Southern Africa, the Namib Desert is a mesmerising landscape of endless dunes, stark beauty, and unparalleled tranquillity. It's a place where time seems to stand still, offering travellers a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life and reconnect with nature in its most primal form. Our latest blog takes you through the five best lodges in this ancient desert, offering more than just accommodation. Each lodge is chosen to complement the natural beauty and serenity of the area, blending comfort with a wild Namib Desert adventure.
Best Namibia Honeymoon Destinations
Namibia, with its vast and mesmerizing landscapes, is the perfect destination for a romantic honeymoon. From the sweeping sand dunes of the Namib Desert to the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha National Park, this African gem offers an unparalleled blend of adventure and luxury. Whether you're soaring above the desert in a hot air balloon or relaxing in a luxurious lodge under a starry night sky, Namibia promises an unforgettable experience. Discover the best Namibia honeymoon destinations and embark on a journey filled with stunning landscapes, magnificent wildlife, and cherished memories.
10 Must-See Attractions In Namib Desert
The Namib Desert, one of the world's oldest deserts in southern Africa, is a stunning expanse of sand dunes and stark landscapes. Known for its beauty and unique natural wonders, it invites travellers to discover its wildlife, ancient geology, and cultural heritage. From the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei to the ghost towns of Kolmanskop, the Namib Desert offers a one-of-a-kind adventure. From the rugged Skeleton Coast to the wildlife of Etosha National Park, this desert guarantees unforgettable experiences for every explorer.
Best Namibia Safari Itinerary
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Namibia, a land of striking contrasts and breathtaking beauty. Our suggested Namibia safari itinerary takes you on a 10-day adventure across this diverse country, showcasing its iconic landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant cultures. From the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei to the wildlife of Etosha and the charm of Swakopmund, this itinerary offers an immersive experience of Namibia's natural wonders. Whether planning a self-drive road trip or a luxurious fly-in safari, this blog helps you capture the essence of Namibia and make your safari dream a reality.