Self Drive Namibia

A self-drive holiday in Namibia offers a great way to explore the country, and allows you to set the pace.

Scroll for more

Overview

Self-drive in Namibia is one of the most rewarding ways to explore Namibia’s contrasting landscapes. If you are happy to drive on the left hand side of the road, without much traffic around, and on gravel road (as opposed to tar), then self-drive in Namibia is very do-able for many international visitors.

It is also one of the more economical ways to enjoy a Namibia safari trip. Private escorted tours are pretty expensive because of the vast distances involved and guides in Namibia are well-educated, skilled workers.

On the other hand, many scheduled departure group tours travel at a pretty brisk pace to see the country's highlights in a very short period of time. Also, they often stay at larger, less interesting, hotels and lodges.

Tips for Self Drive Namibia

  • Ideally you need to enjoy driving, and view the road trip as part of the whole adventure. Namibia is a vast country and its marvels are spread throughout the country rather than conveniently located close to each other!
  • Preferably two or three people would share the driving.
  • Similarly, make sure that you have set aside enough time. We reckon on 3 weeks to see the highlights in both the north and the south. If you only have 2 weeks, you'll need to leave some places out. Or risk needing another holiday to recover from this one!
  • Why not mix some self-drive in Namibia with other modes of transport? For example, you could fly in and out of Sossusvlei by scenic charter flight. Then pick up a car in Swakopmund to continue on. We recommend this if you're short on time.

Namibia self-drive - Etosha, White elephant walks on road of Namibia South Africa

It helps if you can change a tire, too. Punctures are not uncommon on gravel!

Do you need a 4 x 4 for a self-drive in Namibia?

What little rain the desert country of Namibia does get falls during the southern hemisphere summer months from November to March. (And mainly January to mid March.) So during this latter time we do recommend a 4x4 vehicle. But, at other times of the year, an SUV with high clearance will do just fine.

It’s important to work with an expert when planning a self drive tour to Namibia. Driving in Namibia takes longer than you might expect. So it's vital to know how far you can happily travel in enjoyment, rather than in exasperation. We provide detailed directions and a comprehensive itinerary for you.

Namibia self-drive - Damaraland, Spitzkoppe

The trip was amazing
"I will write in detail about all the places. In the meantime, I just wanted to write you a quick note to say THANK YOU so much for putting a wonderful trip together for our family. From the beginni ..." - Mr Gord Dubey, USA
Thanks for setting up the most glorious flowers trip for us!
"From start to finish we experienced fantastic service from Cedarberg Africa especially from Sonja. The itinerary was perfect, accommodation was great and the suggestions of things to see were very ..." - Davies & Edwards family
Happy Clients
"Nancy and I want to thank you for the extraordinary trip!  Every excursion, transfer, and flight was on-time and stress-free. Everyone we met was kind, patient, and welcoming.  And, the sights on ..." - Milandi
Everything was brilliant
"Ginny Russell and the Cedarberg team have arranged many trips to Africa for us over the last 25 years. Each holiday has been wonderful and we love planning them with Ginny. When we think Africa &am ..." - Mrs Val Cummins
High satisfaction with Cedarberg
"We just returned from our third African safari booked with Milandi. I cannot say enough about our high satisfaction with Cedarberg and, particularly, Milandi. Milandi has always worked with us, mak ..." - Mrs Shirley Spain
 
Find me the best in for
Thanks for setting up the most glorious flowers trip for us!
"From start to finish we experienced fantastic service from Cedarberg Africa especially from Sonja. The itinerary was perfect, accommodation was great and the suggestions of things to see were very ..." - Davies & Edwards family
Ginny's advice was spot on
"Ginny’s advice was spot on – the locations, pace of trip and quality of accommodation was superb. The 2 slightly different safari areas also worked out well and it was great that our be ..." - Mr Matthew Campbell
Cedarberg & company have been amazing!
"Cedarberg & Co have been amazing! Professional, knowledgeable and very helpful. We had put everything together in about a week. Communications are of high standards. All plans worked. " - Mr Roland, UK
Namibia was as wonderful as ever and didn't fail to impress third time around !
"Namibia was as wonderful as ever and didn’t fail to impress third time around ! Thank you for arranging it and for your patience and understanding. It can’t have been easy to kee ..." - Mr Andy
Exceeded all expectations
"Cedarberg was professional, responsive, and personable. All flights, all transfers, all accommodation, all activities, and the safari itself went exactly to plan. The experience, end-to-end, exceed ..." - Mr Michael Barnard
 
staff image

Kate Bergh

AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST

Hi I'm Kate, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience GET IN TOUCH