Is It Safe to Self-drive in Namibia

• Use a proper vehicle. A 4×4 with good clearance and sturdy tyres is strongly recommended — especially if you plan to travel off main tar roads, go into desert, gravel, dunes or remote reserves.
• Drive carefully (not fast). On gravel or unpaved roads, keep speed low — many sources suggest around 60-80 km/h on gravel. That helps avoid accidents or losing control.
• Don’t drive at night (unless unavoidable). Night driving is risky because animals move around, and roads are often unlit. Many accidents with animals or roll-overs happen at night.
• Plan your route and fuel / supplies carefully. Fill up your tank whenever you can. Carry enough water, spare tyre(s), tools, a first-aid kit. Treat trips as rugged — be ready for basic survival if needed.
• Use reliable navigation — offline maps or good GPS. Mobile signal can disappear. Have paper maps or offline apps as backup.
• Stay alert to surroundings — wildlife, livestock, sand or gravel patches, changing road quality. On gravel roads, stones or soft sand can cause tyre damage or sliding.
• Respect local traffic rules. In Namibia you drive on the left. Obey speed limits, wear seatbelts, don’t drink and drive, use headlights when needed.
• Take breaks. Long drives + solitude + roads that might be rough = tiredness can catch up. Rest often, especially if you plan long distances in a day.

If you follow these — drive slow, respect road and wildlife, prepare well — self-drive in Namibia can be a great experience.

• Tyre punctures or flats are common if roads are rough, or if driving too fast on gravel. A small tyre leak could end badly if you’re far from town.
• At night, you might hit an animal or livestock — often because it’s hard to see, or animals show up suddenly. That can be life-threatening.
• Running out of fuel or water — especially on remote routes — can turn a fun trip into a danger. Distances can be misleading, detours common, help far.
• If you don’t know how to fix a flat tyre or deal with a breakdown — or you lack tools/spare tyre — you could be stuck for hours or longer in remote areas.
• Insurance and rental conditions matter a lot. Driving too fast, or off-road where not allowed, or at night — some rental companies void insurance. That risk isn’t worth the thrill.

Here’s to prepare for your self-drive:

• Check the route: map out fuel stations, rest stops, lodges/campsites — aim for realistic drive segments, not over 300-400 km per day.
• Fill fuel always when available (never risk running low), carry extra water and snacks.
• Download offline maps (or buy a physical road map), and plan with the assumption that there might be no mobile signal.
• Drive during daylight. Plan to arrive before sunset. Avoid night driving unless it’s unavoidable.
• Watch out for animals or livestock on roads — especially near nature areas and rural settlements. Slow down if you see movement near the road.
• Respect road rules — left-side driving, speed limits, seatbelts, lights. Don’t drink and drive.
• Rest if you feel tired. Don’t push long drives without breaks. Fatigue on gravel can lead to mistakes.
• Be humble — treat local land and wildlife with respect. Stick to roads. Don’t drive off-road where prohibited.
• Travel with patience. Expect some rough roads, some delays. If you accept that — you’ll enjoy the silence, the desert, and the wildlife.
• If you do all that — your self-drive journey in Namibia can be safe — and beautiful.