Frequently Asked Questions

The roads in Namibia are among the best in all of Africa! Driving in Namibia does, however, take longer than you might anticipate. The majority of Namibia’s gravel roads are in good shape since they are graded frequently, although during the busiest travel season, conditions can occasionally be less than ideal.

Road conditions are also subject to rapid change during the wet season. Following a lot of rain, the roads may become washed out, thus it is very important to travel cautiously. Occasionally, small rivers will cross roads, and you must cross these rivers with extreme caution. You could have to backtrack and choose an another path, or you could simply wait for the flood to recede. Travel times may be impacted by all of this.

It’s quite common for us to come across drivers who haven’t driven on gravel roads before, but they usually get used to it after the first few days. We want to prepare you without causing unnecessary worry or unexpected challenges. Our priority is to ensure your trip is as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Namibia is generally considered a safe country for travel, but it’s important to take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime. Thieves often target downtown shopping areas and places where foreign visitors gather, and non-violent crimes like pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, and vehicle break-ins can occur. To stay safe, it’s recommended to take simple measures such as keeping valuables out of sight, keeping wallets in front pockets, and remaining aware of your surroundings.

Police checkpoints are typically found around 15 kilometers outside the main cities and towns along major highways in Namibia. Additional checkpoints may be set up during the holiday season near medium-sized towns and along the Windhoek-Swakopmund highway.

To pass through these checkpoints, drivers must have personal identification such as a passport or identification card, a valid driver’s license, and an international driver’s license if the license is not in English. If you are crossing the borders of Namibia, additional documentation will be provided by GoRent 4×4 Car Hire Namibia.

To rent a vehicle from GoRent 4×4 Car Hire Namibia, renters need to have a valid and unendorsed driver’s license and must be at least 18 years of age. According to the law in Namibia, it is mandatory to carry your driver’s license while driving.

When collecting a vehicle from GoRent 4×4 Car Hire, a valid and unendorsed driver’s license must be presented as it is a legal requirement in Namibia to have the original license while driving. It is also advisable to obtain an international driver’s license if the license is not in English.

Indeed! There are no limitations on the number of kilometers you can travel with any of our rental vehicles.

The vehicle collection process typically takes between 45 to 90 minutes, depending on your level of experience and the number of questions you may have. It involves a comprehensive explanation of the contract, the vehicle and its features (such as 4×4), as well as the camping equipment.

The journey from Windhoek airport to our office takes approximately 45 minutes by car.

If your driver’s license is in English and contains a photo of you, an international driver’s license is not necessary. However, if your driver’s license does not meet these requirements, you will need an international driver’s license.

In Namibia, cell phone coverage is around 90%, and it is available on most common tourist routes. Therefore, in most areas, a satellite communication device is not necessary. However, many parks, such as Etosha National Park, Skeleton Coast, and Namib Naukluft, do not have coverage. You can refer to a useful map of cell phone coverage to determine whether you need a satellite communication device.

Mobile Telecommunications Company | MTC

A satellite communication device is not necessary in most areas of Namibia, as the country has approximately 90% cell phone coverage. However, some parks such as Etosha National Park, Skeleton Coast, and Namib Naukluft do not have coverage, so it may be useful to have a satellite device in those areas.

The common types of roads in Namibia include tarred (paved) roads, gravel roads, and sandy tracks.

Off-road driving is generally discouraged and illegal in Namibia due to the risk of damaging the fragile desert ecosystem. It is also important to be aware of the potential hazards such as wildlife, hidden rocks, and steep drop-offs.

No special permit is required to drive in most national parks in Namibia. However, it is important to pay the park entrance fees and follow the rules and regulations of each park.

A 4×4 vehicle is recommended for traveling in Namibia, as many areas outside of major cities and towns are only accessible via gravel or dirt roads.

Some driving regulations and laws to be aware of in Namibia include driving on the left-hand side of the road, wearing seat belts, obeying speed limits and driving with lights fully on in the day time on national highways. 

Here are some top items to pack while traveling to Namibia:

1. Valid passport and visa (if required)
2. Driver’s license and international driver’s license (if necessary)
3. Travel insurance
4. Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
5. Lightweight clothing for warm weather during the day, and warmer clothing for cooler temperatures at night
6. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection against the strong African sun.
7. Insect repellent and mosquito netting
8. Personal medications and a first aid kit
9. Camera and binoculars to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife
10. Power adapter to fit the Namibian electrical outlets
11. Cash and credit/debit cards for payment and ATM withdrawals
12. Map or GPS device for navigation
13. Portable charger and spare batteries for electronics
14. Water bottle and water purification tablets
15. Camping gear (if planning to camp) including tent, sleeping bag, and camping stove.

Namibia has many incredible destinations to visit, here are some of the top ones:

1. Etosha National Park – famous for its wildlife and vast salt pan
2. Sossusvlei – known for its towering red sand dunes
3. Fish River Canyon – one of the largest canyons in the world
4. Skeleton Coast – a stunning and rugged coastal region
5. Damaraland – home to unique rock formations and desert-adapted wildlife
6. Swakopmund – a charming coastal town with a mix of German and
7. Namibian culture
8. Kaokoland – a remote and wild region with fascinating indigenous cultures
9. Caprivi Strip – a lush and tropical area with abundant wildlife and wetlands
10. Namib-Naukluft National Park – a diverse and stunning park with mountains, desert, and canyons
11. Windhoek – Namibia’s capital city with a mix of modern and colonial architecture and culture.