Namibia is one of the few places in Africa where you can hold the map, choose the pace and drive yourself into the wild. Here's everything our Namibia expert, Kirsty , wishes every traveller knew before they turned the key and put their foot on the gas… The moment the tar runs out There's a point, usually about an hour out of Windhoek, when the smooth tarmac simply stops. The car drops onto gravel with a soft crunch, the radio loses signal, and the horizon opens up so wide you'd swear you can see the curve of the earth. Ahead of you: nothing but a pale ribbon of road, a few springbok grazing beside it, and the next small settlement is still three hours away. For some people, that moment is a little daunting. For almost everyone who has done it, it's the moment the holiday truly begins. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => People always ask me if they'll be nervous. The honest answer is maybe, for the first twenty minutes. Then you realise you haven't seen another car for an hour, there's an oryx on the skyline, and you wouldn't want to be anywhere else. [name] => Kirsty [location] => HA Namibia Destination Manager [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ People always ask me if they'll be nervous. The honest answer is maybe, for the first twenty minutes. Then you realise you haven't seen another car for an hour, there's an oryx on the skyline, and you wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Kirsty HA Namibia Destination Manager ” Self-driving in Namibia is one of the most rewarding ways to travel anywhere in the world. It's also a trip that goes best when you know what you're heading into. So we asked the people who know it best (Kirsty, who designs our Namibia holidays; Erin, the biggest Namibia fan in Team HA; and Chelsea, a Holiday Architects traveller who has fallen for the country completely) to share what you really need to know. Kirsty, HA Namibia Destination Manager, all smiles in her beloved Namibia Why Namibia was made for a road trip Is it safe to self-drive in Namibia? For confident drivers who plan well, yes. It's widely seen as one of the easiest countries in Africa for independent travel. The roads are quiet and well signposted. Namibians drive on the left, so if you're driving from the UK there's no switching sides to think about. English is the official language, lodges are used to welcoming self-drive guests, and the country is famously calm and friendly. But the real reason to drive yourself is the freedom you get when you do. You can choose to stop and watch when a herd of zebra crosses in front of you, you can choose to linger at a viewpoint for as long as the light is good, and you can pull over simply because you need a little moment to take in the magic. Your day, your schedule! With a Holiday Architects self-drive, you're never truly on your own either. Your route, your lodges and your daily driving times are planned by someone who has driven these roads herself, and we're just a call away for the whole trip. You also have great local support from our fabulous ground agents ATI in Namibia, every step of the way. Gravel, dust and very, very long straights The biggest surprise for most first-timers is the road surface. According to Namibia's Road Fund Administration, more than 90% of the country's roads are unpaved. The main routes between towns are tarred, but the most beautiful stretches (into the dunes at Sossusvlei, up through Damaraland, along the Skeleton Coast) are almost all unsealed. Good gravel is a pleasure to drive, where loose or corrugated gravel asks for a little more care. Most of these tips are common sense really, but here are a few things our team always tell travellers: Slow down more than you think. The legal limit on gravel is 100km/h, but around 80km/h is a much more sensible top speed, and go slower on bends, dips and loose patches. Decelerate rather than using the brakes. It's much safer and you're less likely to skid. Keep both hands on the wheel. Avoid sharp steering or hard braking on loose surfaces. If the unexpected happens, having two hands in control is always the safest option. Respect the dust. Leave plenty of space behind other vehicles, and don't overtake unless you can see clearly ahead. Distances are bigger than they look. A 300km day on gravel can easily take five or six hours once you've stopped for photos, fuel and the odd oryx. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => The thing I tell everyone is: don't judge a Namibian drive by the kilometres, judge it by the hours. We plan your days so you're never rushing. The goal is always to have you at your lodge with a drink in hand by sunset. [name] => Kirsty [location] => HA Namibia Destination Manager [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ The thing I tell everyone is: don't judge a Namibian drive by the kilometres, judge it by the hours. We plan your days so you're never rushing. The goal is always to have you at your lodge with a drink in hand by sunset. Kirsty HA Namibia Destination Manager ” That's why we build driving times into every itinerary we design. It's also why we'll often suggest two nights in a place rather than one: it turns a long drive into a well-earned day of doing very little in a very beautiful spot. Kirsty, HA Namibia expert, on her own self-drive adventure 4x4 by day, unforgettable lodge by night Do you need a 4x4 in Namibia? Not necessarily, but we always recommend one. The extra ground clearance makes gravel far more comfortable, and it gives you real peace of mind on sandier tracks and in the remote north-west. We'll match the vehicle to your route and make sure it's fully equipped for the journey (we provide two spare wheels as standard). Then, at the end of each day's drive, there's the part everyone looks forward to. Every Namibia self-drive we design pairs your car with hand-picked lodge stays, and Kirsty chooses each one because she's stayed there herself. Imagine pulling up to your lodge as the light turns gold, someone greets you with a smile and a cold drink, and the only decision left to make is whether you fancy watching the sunset from the pool or the terrace. One night it's a desert lodge with the dunes glowing on the horizon. Another, it's a camp tucked into Damaraland's red boulders, or a lodge where you can watch elephants drinking at the waterhole over dinner. That balance is what makes a self-drive with us so special: the freedom of the open road all day, and real comfort, great food and a warm welcome every evening. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => After a long day on the gravel, arriving at our lodge was the best feeling. One night we ate dinner under more stars than I'd ever seen, then fell asleep to total silence. Every lodge felt completely different, and every one felt like it had been chosen just for us. [name] => Chelsea Hardie [location] => Holiday Architects traveller [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ After a long day on the gravel, arriving at our lodge was the best feeling. One night we ate dinner under more stars than I'd ever seen, then fell asleep to total silence. Every lodge felt completely different, and every one felt like it had been chosen just for us. Chelsea Hardie Holiday Architects traveller ” Chelsea, HA traveller, enjoying the hot tub with a view at her lodge The small things that make a big difference Most of what makes a Namibia self-drive go smoothly comes down to a handful of simple habits. Never drive after dark. This is the golden rule, and most car hire companies don't allow night driving anyway (although it is fine in the towns if you are going out for dinner). Wildlife wanders onto the roads at dusk, livestock isn't fenced in, and some vehicles don't have working lights. Plan to arrive before sunset, every day. Fill up whenever you can. Every town has a fuel station, but the gaps between towns can be very long. Our advice is simple: if you pass a pump and you're below half a tank, stop. Carry some cash. Most fuel stations and lodges take cards, but not all of them. Namibian dollars (or South African rand, which are accepted too) are handy for fuel, small shops and tips. Bring the right paperwork. You'll need your passport, a driving licence in English with a photo, and a credit card in the main driver's name. If your licence isn't in English, you'll need an International Driving Permit, too. Always check the latest rules with us before you travel, that’s what we’re here for. Expect no signal. There will be stretches with no phone coverage - but you will be surprised how many places you will have coverage (but for calls only - no data!). Download offline maps before you set off, and keep your printed itinerary and our emergency contact details in the glovebox. (Please always use the driving directions you are given rather than SatNav maps.) Always watch for wildlife. Warthogs, kudu and springbok can dart across the road without warning. In Etosha National Park, be sure to stay in your car, stick to the marked tracks and keep to a strict speed limit, also remember the gates open and close with the sun. Namibia self-drive ready. Photo taken by Erin on her Namibia adventure. We don’t usually supply radios, this was due to them having two cars and wanting to communicate between them. When to go to Namibia The best time for a Namibia self-drive holiday is the dry season, roughly from May to October. During these months, the days are sunny, the roads are at their best, and wildlife gathers around the waterholes in Etosha, making for superb viewing. June to August brings warm days and properly cold desert nights, so don’t leave home without packing a fleece. November to April is hotter, with most of the rain falling in the north and centre of the country. It's a quieter, greener time to visit, with dramatic skies and plenty of newborn animals. If you don't mind the heat, these months are definitely worth considering - Namibia is somewhere you can visit year round. As always though, our Kirsty knows best. Chat to her about where you’re hoping to go, and she’ll help you figure out the best time for your visit. A classic first-time Namibia Self-Drive route Every trip we design is tailor-made, but this loop from Windhoek is a wonderful starting point for around two weeks: 1. The Kalahari: red dunes, golden grass and a gentle first day on the road. 2. Sossusvlei: climb the towering dunes at sunrise and walk among the ghostly trees of Deadvlei. 3. Swakopmund: a coastal breather, with fresh seafood and a chance to swap the car for a boat or a quad bike. 4. Erongo Mountains: a lovely spot to break the journey north and a chance to visit Spitzkoppe en route, an area often overlooked by many tourists. 5. Damaraland: vast, rugged landscapes, ancient rock engravings and the chance to track desert-adapted elephants with a local guide. 6. Etosha National Park: days spent parked by a waterhole, waiting to see who comes to drink. 7. Back to Windhoek: with a very dusty car and a camera roll you'll be scrolling through for months. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => The route matters, but the order matters just as much. We think about where you'll be tired, where you'll want a lazy morning, and where you'll want to be up before dawn. Getting the pace of things right is what turns a good road trip into a brilliant one. [name] => Kirsty [location] => HA Namibia Destination Manager [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ The route matters, but the order matters just as much. We think about where you'll be tired, where you'll want a lazy morning, and where you'll want to be up before dawn. Getting the pace of things right is what turns a good road trip into a brilliant one. Kirsty HA Namibia Destination Manager ” Kirsty, HA expert, Sossusvlei, Namibia "Not another soul for miles" Chelsea came to us wanting space. Big skies, empty roads, and a holiday that felt like hers rather than a coach tour's. Namibia gave her all of that, and then some. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => I'll never forget the drive into Damaraland. The road just kept going, the mountains kept changing colour, and we didn't pass a single car for over an hour. Then we came round a bend and there was a family of elephants walking along the dry riverbed. We turned the engine off and just watched. Nobody else was there. It felt like the whole country was ours. [name] => Chelsea Hardie [location] => Holiday Architects traveller [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ I'll never forget the drive into Damaraland. The road just kept going, the mountains kept changing colour, and we didn't pass a single car for over an hour. Then we came round a bend and there was a family of elephants walking along the dry riverbed. We turned the engine off and just watched. Nobody else was there. It felt like the whole country was ours. Chelsea Hardie Holiday Architects traveller ” Like many first-timers, Chelsea had a few nerves about the gravel before she left. What helped was knowing exactly what each day would look like. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => Kirsty had thought of everything. Every day we knew how long the drive was, where to get fuel and what to look out for on the way. It meant we could relax and enjoy it, rather than worrying about whether we'd make it before dark. I'd go back tomorrow. [name] => Chelsea Hardie [location] => Holiday Architects traveller [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ Kirsty had thought of everything. Every day we knew how long the drive was, where to get fuel and what to look out for on the way. It meant we could relax and enjoy it, rather than worrying about whether we'd make it before dark. I'd go back tomorrow. Chelsea Hardie Holiday Architects traveller ” That's not luck – it's what happens when your trip is planned by someone who has driven those exact roads and knows exactly where to turn the engine off. Read more reviews like Chelsea's, here. Your Namibia road trip, designed around you A self-drive gives you the freedom. We make sure it comes with the confidence too. When you plan a Namibia self-drive holiday with us, it will always start with a real conversation with Kirsty. She'll ask how you like to travel, how much driving you're comfortable with, and what you're dreaming of seeing. Then she'll design a route that fits you and what you want to see. Driving days that make sense, with realistic times and plenty of stops. Hand-picked lodges and camps she knows personally, from desert hideaways to camps overlooking a waterhole. The right vehicle for your route, fully equipped. Detailed road notes, so you always know where you're heading and where to refuel. Support the whole way, because we're just a call away from the moment you land. Everything you need. Our ground agents, ATI, will provide all the maps you will need plus a local pre-paid mobile phone (it'll be a brick!) that'll be pre-programmed with all the numbers you need. On top of this they have a superb app where you can access all their documents and directions for your trip. And your holiday is fully ATOL protected , so you can book with complete peace of mind. Ready to hit the road? Speak to a Destination Expert and start planning your Namibia self-drive, or get inspired by our Namibia itineraries . Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => I thought I’d only go to Namibia once… but now i’m already planning my third trip.. If you're even slightly tempted, go. Just let Kirsty help you plan it properly like she did for me. And a small word of warning… it might just ruin all other destinations for you from that holiday on! [name] => Erin [location] => Team HA [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ I thought I’d only go to Namibia once… but now i’m already planning my third trip.. If you're even slightly tempted, go. Just let Kirsty help you plan it properly like she did for me. And a small word of warning… it might just ruin all other destinations for you from that holiday on! Erin Team HA ” Erin and her husband, Stu, enjoying one of those iconic Namibian sunsets Namibia self-drive FAQs Is it safe to self-drive in Namibia? Yes, for confident drivers who plan well. Roads are quiet, people are friendly and English is widely spoken. The key is to drive at sensible speeds on gravel and never drive after dark. Which side of the road do they drive on in Namibia? Namibians drive on the left, just like in the UK. Do I need a 4x4 in Namibia? Not for every route, but we usually recommend one. The extra clearance makes gravel roads more comfortable and gives you more options in remote areas. Do I need an International Driving Permit for Namibia? A valid photo licence in English is generally accepted. If your licence isn't in English, you'll need an International Driving Permit. We'll confirm the latest requirements when you book. How long do I need for a Namibia self-drive holiday? Two weeks is ideal for a first trip covering Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland and Etosha. You can do a shorter loop in 10 days, but you'll spend more of it in the car. What is the best time of year to self-drive in Namibia? May to October is the dry season, with the best road conditions and wildlife viewing. November to April is hotter and greener, with fewer visitors. Can I drive at night in Namibia? Only in towns. Otherwise, we strongly advise against it, and most car hire companies don't allow it. Wildlife and livestock on unlit roads are a real hazard. Namibia holidays Kirsty recommends Ready to self-drive across Namibia? ZEN_HOLIDAY_SPEAK_TO_SPECIALIST ZEN_HOLIDAY_GET_A_QUOTE ZEN_HOLIDAY_TEL ZEN_HOLIDAY_OPEN_HOURS