Namibia 4x4 trip: Tips to keep in mind

by Cheréne Pienaar on 21 September 2011

As most of the locations in Namibia are very remote, being safe when driving a 4x4 is essential. According to the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, the most causes of accidents are pedestrians who do not take responsibility for their own safety as well as drivers who lose control of their vehicles due to speed, drunk driving and poor road conditions.

According to Mark Stoffberg, Hertz Tour Operator Executive, these accidents are on the rise. “The number of fatalities as well as injuries has increased substantially over the last few years” Stoffberg says.

While you don’t always have control over these elements, there are a few things you can do to be more road savvy. The following general safety measures should be taken while driving across Namibia, as compiled by Hertz:

General driving tips

Familiarise yourself with all the technical features of your vehicle.
When hiring a 4x4, insist that the rental company staff explains all the aspects of the vehicle before driving off.
Seatbelts should be worn at all times (both front & rear).
Do not underestimate the midday heat and long distances between towns and carry enough water and snacks with you. Also note the filling stations are few and far in between - ensure that you always have sufficient fuel in the tank.
Ensure that you rent a 4x4 vehicle with a suitably high ground clearance (e.g. SUV or 4x4 or Kombi) if you intend to travel to remote areas such as Sossusvlei; Twyfelfontein, Keetmanshoop ; and Skeleton Coast.
After the summer rainfalls in Namibia the gravel roads tend to be in a poor condition, as all the topsoil has been washed away and a lot of loose rocks are strewn all over.
Drastically reduce your speed on bumpy gravel roads, so as to avoid stones damaging the under carriage of your vehicle.
Do not swerve for animals
Slow down when animals are at the edge of the road
As a rule, do not drive through water unless you have to.
If the vehicle should leave road, keep the steering wheel straight and brake gently
Do not slam on the brakes in case of a flat tyre; keep steering straight and coast to a stop
Drive with yours lights on at all times
Adhere to the speed limits. The recommend gravel road speed is 80 km/h
Read the road conditions!
Keep a safe distance from wild animals
Keep well to the left when going over a rise, especially on gravel roads.
Do not stop just over a rise or on a blind turn.
Remember that phone reception is extremely limited in certain parts of Namibia – always notify your next destination of your time of departure, so that a search party can be sent in case of an accident/mechanical failure en-route.
It is highly recommended to do a 2 hour long 4x4 driving course, for those people who will travel in very difficult terrain.

Above: Driving in Nambia with a 4x4 can be a tricky business. Photo by: Jakes Pauw

Survival in the bush

As you might stop over between your planned destinations, being safe doesn't end behind the wheel. When you're in the bush you should:

Always carry the essentials:

Lots of extra water
First aid kit
Extra spare tyre
Tow-rope
Shovel
Jumper leads

Keep a safe distance from wild animals
Stick together and remain at the vehicle. It is easier for search parties to find you at the vehicle than on foot.
Signalling: Burning spare tyre, packing rocks

Safe Beach Driving

Driving on sand (especially with a 4x4) can be a tricky business. Remember to keep these tips in mind when you're attempting to drive on the beach:

Only drive on the beach and desert where permitted
The coastal areas around Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Lüderitz and Henties
Bay form part of a conservation zone. The environment at the coast is very fragile to outside influences like for instance off-road driving. Therefore, off road driving in the dunes as well as on the beach is not permitted. Certainsections remain open for off-road driving.
Beware of tidal washouts
Do not drive in the water
Maintain momentum in deep sand
Do not brake hard when stopping, roll to a halt to avoid digging in.

Cheréne Pienaar

Cheréne Pienaar Born and bred in Bloemfontein, this Free state gal is an obsessive reader and hiker and loves discovering... all the time. As an e-marketing assistant and copywriter she believes social media is the future and plans to conquer Africa one word at a time.

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