Self Drive Namibia

A self-drive holiday in Namibia offers a great way to explore the country, and allows you to set the pace, so that you actually enjoy the landscapes as you travel through.

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Namibia Self Drive Tours

Namibia self drive holidays - Gemsbok on a gravel road

Where the roads are gravel, the horizons endless, and the petrol stations... sparse

Namibia is the kind of place that begs to be explored on four wheels. If you're happy driving on the left, comfortable on gravel roads, and keen to set your own pace, then a self-drive holiday in Namibia might just be the most rewarding adventure you'll ever take.

Why Choose a Self-Drive Holiday in Namibia?

Flexible, Affordable & Immersive

Letโ€™s be honest: distances are long, roads are dusty, and help is not always around the corner. But thatโ€™s precisely why so many people love self-drive in Namibiaโ€”itโ€™s immersive, exhilarating, and unforgettable.

  • Freedom to explore - to immerse yourself in the surreal landscapes and to set your own pace. (In contrast to small group tours which speed around the countryโ€™s highlights as a galloping pace.)
  • Cost-effective compared to private guided trips (which can be pricey due to distances)
  • Access to off-the-beaten-track gems that mainstream tours often skip
  • The excellent road network carries little traffic in this sparsely-populated country.
  • Detailed support from us, including maps, directions ย and emergency backup
Mix it Up

A happy medium could be to mix some self-drive with some flying around the country (using Fly Namibia's schedule.) This allows you to get to the areas which are not accessible by flight. But also reduces the overall number of days driving.

Tips for Self Drive in Namibia

Gravel, Distances & What Itโ€™s Really Like

Namibia self-drive - Etosha, White elephant walks on road of Namibia South Africa

Namibia has more gravel than tarmac, and that's part of the charm. Itโ€™s a vast country and its scenic delights are spread throughout the country rather than conveniently located close to each other!

However, with good clearance, you'll cover long distances comfortablyโ€”if not quickly. Youโ€™ll need to:

  • Enjoy driving, and view the road trip as part of the whole adventure.
  • Preferably two people would share the driving.
  • Have time to spare โ€“ we recommend 3 weeks to do north and south comfortably. If only 2 weeks, youโ€™ll need to leave some things for next time. Or risk needing another holiday to recover from this one!
  • Be ready for the occasional tyre change โ€“ we always include a second spare

Want to skip the trickier sections? No problem. Many of our clients fly into Sossusvlei, then pick up a rental in Swakopmund. We especially recommend this if you're short on time.

Do you need a 4 x 4 for a self-drive in Namibia?

Where a High-Clearance SUV Is Enough

Not necessarily. Outside the rainy season (January to March), a high-clearance SUV is usually enough. During the wetter months, or for more remote regions like Kaokoland or the Skeleton Coast, a 4x4 is a wise choiceโ€”and weโ€™ll advise accordingly.

Why Book Your Namibia Self-Drive with Cedarberg Africa?

Namibia self-drive - Damaraland, Spitzkoppe

Realistic Drive Times, Smart Routing

Itโ€™s important to work withย an expertย when planning a self drive tour to Namibia. Planning a self-drive in Namibia takes local insight. We know where you can (and shouldnโ€™t) go, how long things really take.

Driving in Namibia takes longer than you might expect. So it's vital to know how far you can happily travel in enjoyment, rather than in exasperation.

We also:

  • Plan logical, well-paced itineraries (no 500km days unless you really insist)
  • Include detailed directions and time estimates
  • Book unique, characterful lodges en route
  • Stay on call in case anything needs changing mid-trip

Sample Namibia self drive tours

Namibia Adventure โ€“ Etosha, Damaraland, Swakopmund and Sossusvlei

Namibia Discovery โ€“ longer extension tour also covers Southern Namibia

Cape to Namibia โ€“ the ultimate cross-border odyssey

Namibia Explorer to Victoria Falls โ€“ 3 week adventure trip to Katima Mulilo and Victoria Falls

Useful Reads whilst youโ€™re planning:

Tempted by the thrill of the open road in Namibia?

Letโ€™s build an itinerary that balances adventure with comfortโ€”and leaves the ordinary far behind.ย Weโ€™ll handle the planning. You handle the playlists.

Back to main Self Drive Tours page or check out Self Drive in South Africa

Download our Free Guide to Car Rental in South Africa & Namibia

All you wanted to know about renting a car in South Africa or Namibia. Find out how easy it is, and what a great way to get around the country with our Frequently Asked Questions. Get our Free Guide
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Delivered the goods
"Cedarberg took on board what we wanted and delivered the goods!! Accommodation everywhere was fantastic we couldnโ€™t have asked for any more! Preferred safari at madikwe as saw loads more because the rangers could go off road, would definitely look at this type of safari next time. " - Mr Eastwood, UK
We had a great time, a very memorable holiday
"Thank you for your patience with us through the planning stage. Standard of room we realise is important to us maybe we should have discussed this more at the planning stage.ย It was a very memorable holiday " - Mrs Sara Brill, USA
Cedarberg & company have been amazing!
"Cedarberg & Co have been amazing! Professional, knowledgeable and very helpful. We had put everything together in about a week. Communications are of high standards. All plans worked. " - Mr Roland, UK
Incredibly well organised
"Everything was incredibly well organised and left nothing wanting. We did not see all of the animals that we had hoped for but the experience we had was so much more than that. Hopefully we will return to Africa one day – maybe Namibia / Botswana next time. Thank you so much for organising everything for us it is very much appreciated. " - Mr James Coleman
I loved the trip!
"I loved the trip. The accommodation was all lovely, i.e. comfortable, nicely located, some nice touches (e.g. treats at bed turn down), the managers were all helpful. The locations of each were also beautiful and convenient for what we wanted to do " - Mrs Deb, USA
 
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Nita Kemp

AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST

Hi I'm Nita , I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience GET IN TOUCH