Overland Namibia - Travel Tips from two French Travellers (Part 1 of 5)

Hello, we are Maé and Oré @travelburners, and we have been travelling across the African continent since April 18, 2022, aboard our Land Rover Defender. From France to South Africa, we have covered more than 80,000 km through 22 countries, exclusively by road. On July 14, 2023, we left Angola and entered Namibia for the first time through the Omahenene border post in the north of the country.

After more than 3 months and no less than 20,000 km travelled, Namibia has become a true home for us. This country, now dear to our hearts, captivated us with its vast deserts, breathtaking variety of landscapes, abundant wildlife, endless scenic drives, intimate lodges, rich culture, the warm hospitality of its people, its wild spots, and its starry skies.

It is thanks to this long and extensive journey that we have gained significant on-the-ground experience. Travelling by road in Namibia is an extraordinary adventure and, according to us, the best way to truly discover the country in depth. However, such a trip cannot be organised overnight, and good preparation is essential to ensure an unforgettable stay. Below is a non-exhaustive list of our essential tips.

Choosing your Vehicle

Namibia is a country best explored by road. Imagine driving for hours through endless expanses, among some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, where your surroundings change every 20 km. It’s truly magical!

Major cities such as Windhoek (the capital), Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Otjiwarongo, and Rundu are connected by tare roads. Otherwise, most roads in Namibia are gravel. A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended to handle these conditions, especially if you plan to visit remote areas like Damaraland or Kaokoland.

If you arrive in Namibia by plane, be assured because renting a 4x4 vehicle is very easy. There are numerous rental agencies, and they all offer more or less the same services. However, the Namibia2Go branch from Gondwana Collection Namibia is very competitive due to its excellent value for money — my parents were delighted with their Toyota Fortuner from Namibia2Go. Note that it is advisable — especially during the high season (June, July, August) — to book your rental car before arriving in Namibia.

To choose your ideal vehicle, take the time to read reviews from previous travellers about the rental company you are considering. It is essential that your vehicle is robust, comfortable, well-equipped, and insured.

If, like us, you arrive in Namibia by land with your own vehicle, you’ll find that temporarily importing a foreign vehicle into Namibia is quite straightforward. We discuss this further below in the “Land border crossing” section.

Plan your Itinerary

After more than three months of travelling through Namibia, we believe that a stay of at least two weeks is necessary to truly enjoy the country.

Namibia spans 825,000 km², which is 1.5 times the size of France, more than twice the size of Germany, and nearly 20 times the size of Switzerland. It is a vast country, and distances can sometimes be misleading. Based on our experience, Google Maps estimates in Namibia are generally accurate. However, we recommend always allowing extra time due to the variable nature of the roads, potential photo stops, a flat tire, or other travel-related contingencies.

It is also crucial to plan your stops carefully. Don’t overload your days to avoid spending too much time in the car. The Gondwana Travel Centre can advise you on different possible stages based on your preferences, the level of comfort you seek, and especially the experiences you want to have in Namibia.

Finally, know that you can never be too prepared, especially in Namibia. You’ll quickly see that nature rules supreme here. That’s why it’s important to regularly check road conditions with locals or authorities. Some sections can become impassable after heavy rains, for example. Don’t be negligent or overly confident — advice from fellow travellers ;).

To be continued.

This article is part of the series “Overland Namibia” with valuable travel tips:

05/12/2024   Choosing your Vehicle | Plan your Itinerary
19/12/2024   Safety and Preparation | Driving Gravel Roads
02/01/2025   Off-Road Driving | Adjusting the Tire Pressure
16/01/2025   Respect for the Environment and Communities | Health and Hygiene
30/01/2025   Documents and Assurance | Land Border Crossings

Article series written by Manon Glasberg for Gondwana Collection Namibia
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