Self-Drive Checklist
Namibia is THE self-drive country of Africa — but conditions are different from Europe. This checklist saves you in an emergency:
Before Departure
- ☐ International Driver's License — not always checked, but recommended
- ☐ Vehicle Check: All tires (including 2 spare wheels!), jack, lug wrench
- ☐ Spare Canister: 20 liters of diesel for remote routes
- ☐ Water: At least 5 liters per person in the car — ALWAYS
- ☐ Navigation Device: Tracks4Africa app (offline) or Garmin — Google Maps does not work on pad roads
- ☐ Satellite Phone: Consider for Kaokoland and remote areas
On the Road
- ☐ Speed: Max. 80 km/h on gravel, 60–70 km/h recommended. Max. 120 km/h on tar
- ☐ Fuel: Fill up at EVERY gas station — never continue with less than half a tank
- ☐ Night Driving: NEVER drive at night — wildlife crossings (kudus, oryx) are extremely dangerous
- ☐ Tire Pressure: Deflate on sand (1.5 bar), refill on tar. Gas station attendants help
- ☐ Riverbed Crossings: In Kaokoland and after rain — get out and check first! If you can't see the bottom, don't drive through
- ☐ Police Checks: Friendly and routine. Driver's license, vehicle papers, passport
In Case of Breakdown
- Open the hood — signal for help
- Stay with the vehicle — do not wander into the desert
- Ration water
- Namibians are extremely helpful — the next farmer or tourist will stop
