Overland Namibia - Travel Tips from two French Travellers (Part 2 of 5)

Hello, we are Maé and Oré @travelburners, and we have been travelling extensively across the African continent aboard our Land Rover Defender. During this long journey, Namibia has become particularly close to our hearts, and we would like to share some tips with you. Today it's all about safety and preparations for a self-drive trip through Namibia.

Safety and Preparations

Namibia is known as one of the safest destinations in Africa. The country benefits from a stable government and solid infrastructure, providing travellers with a serene and free experience.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of essentials to bring with you:

- First aid kit

- Tire compressor and spare wheel. If you rent a 4x4, these are part of the essential equipment. We explain its use further below.

- Basic tool kit for bush mechanics if you’re travelling with your own vehicle. If you rent a car, you typically have breakdown insurance, so you won’t need to get your hands dirty.

- Water supply of at least 5 liters per person per day + food: a precaution in case of problems (better safe than sorry).

Finally, we regularly receive questions on Instagram about the model of our satellite phone. The answer is simple: we don’t have one. After travelling over 80,000 km across the African continent, we’ve never felt the need for one. It’s true that in Namibia, network coverage is limited outside the cities, so a satellite phone could be an additional safety measure in case of an emergency. However, for us, it’s not a necessity.

Driving Gravel Roads

As mentioned earlier, outside the major roads (similar to national and departmental roads in France), you will primarily find gravel roads. These gravel roads are generally easy to drive on, but there are several factors to consider before venturing onto them. Proper preparation will allow you to drive with peace of mind and, most importantly, safely.

First of all, gravel roads — like most roads in Namibia — are vast, straight stretches that extend as far as the eye can see across the country’s expansive desert landscapes. Be cautious of the monotonous driving experience, which can lead to a lack of vigilance and, consequently, accidents.

Additionally, these tracks often have a bad reputation for causing discomfort to 4x4s due to their “corrugated” surface. These are known as corrugated roads. They are formed by the repeated vibrations of vehicles and are characterised by regular undulations, creating a rough and uneven surface.

Here are some tips to improve your comfort while driving on gravel roads:

- Adjust your tire pressure.

- Pay attention to your speed. If you drive too fast, you risk losing control of your vehicle. If you drive too slowly (below 60 km/h), you'll feel all the vibrations and the ride will be (very) uncomfortable. 80 km/h is the maximum allowed speed.

- Be cautious in curves.

- Drive with your headlights on at all times: these roads are often very dusty, which significantly affects visibility.

- Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front to ensure good visibility and avoid stone chips.

- Stay alert at all times: you might encounter potholes, wildlife crossings, sudden appearances of other vehicles, or groups of villagers.

- Avoid driving at night: there are no streetlights outside the cities, and the risk of accidents involving people and wildlife is very high. Trust us on this.

Driving on these roads can be quite a challenge, as the intense vibrations tend to make the journey uncomfortable and taxing for both vehicles and drivers. However, they cross spectacular landscapes, offering travellers a genuine sense of adventure and connection with Namibia’s wild nature — absolute freedom and happiness!

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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Website: www.travelburners.com