You may be headed to the fascinating Etosha National Park, the captivating Namib desert or the atmospheric Skeletal coast. You’ve bought the latest 4 x 4 and all the accompanying gadgets and you’ve filled a few 2-litre bottles with water for good measure and now you think you’re ready to hit the (dirt) road and start your Namibian adventure. Unfortunately, this type of road trip is not always as easy as it seems and preparation is definitely key. We provide a few useful tips on preparing to tour Namibia so you can travel safely and, most of all, enjoy this unique and unparalleled experience.
Tip #1: Go in Groups
The expression, or perhaps cliché, ‘there’s safety in numbers’ is never truer than when you’re travelling in Namibia. Namibia is so vast – and in places remote – that if you’re travelling in a single vehicle and it breaks down, you could be left for weeks without phone reception or without seeing another soul. If you travel in convoy, there’ll always be someone to help out or call for help.
Tip #2: Stockpile the necessities
Although there is a good network of petrol stations in Namibia, you may still have to drive extremely long distances between towns. It’s advisable to fill your petrol tank whenever you’re given the opportunity and to carry extra petrol in your boot. Petrol stations also only take cash, so make sure you keep enough cash with you. If you travel on gravel roads you are at risk of tyre punctures, so carry at least one spare tyre with you, although it would be safer to take two spares if you have the space.
Tip #3: Avoid driving at night
Part of the charm of Namibia is the variety of wild animals that roam freely along the roads. However, this is also part of the danger. Imagine the consequences if a kudu jumps in front of your car in poor visibility. For this reason, driving after sunset in the Namibian countryside is strongly advised against. If you absolutely have to drive at night, keep your speed limit under 80km/hour.
Tip #4: Don’t ‘Wild’ camp
Wild camping – where you find any comfortable looking spot to set-up tent – is illegal in Namibia. It is also advised against for safety reasons. However, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the camping grounds on offer, and if you get stuck, you are permitted to ask a farmer’s permission to camp on his grounds.
Taking out the appropriate travel insurance for Namibia is also strongly recommended, especially if you intend to go off-roading or want to take part in adventurous activities. Once you’ve taken the necessary precautions, however, it is unlikely that anything unfortunate will happen on your trip. Namibia is arguably the safest country in Africa and the rewards of travelling in this vast and diverse destination far outweigh the risks.
Jade Scully is a copywriter excited about writing copy and stories, blogging about the world and editing. She currently and regularly publishes her stories on a number of blogs. Jade loves animals and hopes to begin writing copy for the animal rescue charity TEARS as her contribution to the cause.
