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Driving In Namibia

Rules of the Road

In Namibia driving is on the Left Hand side of the road.
The maximum speed limit on open roads is 120 km/hr (75 mile/hr)
The maximum speed limit in towns is 60-80 km/hr ( 37-50 mile/hr)
Documentary proof of ownership of the vehicle along with a police clearance certificate are required if your are driving to or from Angola or Zambia.
Car hire companies will provide the necessary documentation if the vehicle is rented on the basis for cross border use.
All passengers are required to wear seat belts *
Drivers must be in possession of a valid driving license at all times *
The use of cellular phones when driving is illegal

(* N$300 fine for not complying with the law.)

Important Info:

Foreign registered vehicles: We Repeat that you must be in possession of Proof of Ownership of The Vehicle Owner / License / Plus Police Clearance Certificate. The Chassis, Engine Number, Trailer Number, and License Details will be checked by the Police from the country you are leaving and also by the Namibian Police on Entry into Namibia and Departure. If your vehicle / Trailer documents are not in order they will not be allowed to enter Namibia.
A Cross Border Entry Fee: Is payable when entering Namibia

Passenger Cars N$110

Trailers N$70

Insurance: You should consult with your insurers before commencing your journey and ensure that you have adequate insurance cover for the journey.

Namibia Roads

Use Of Headlights During Daylight Hours: Road Traffic And Transport Regulations states that head lights of a vehicle must be switched on between sunset and sunrise as well as in poor visibility, such as fog, mist, smoke, sandstorms, rain and other poor weather conditions. You will see many Namibian vehicles using their headlights in the day time, particularly when crossing the desert. This is done as a safety precaution.

Road signs in Namibia are good. Below is a selection you may not be familiar with.


Warthog	Kudu	Oryx	Hippo	Wild Horse	Elephant

Animals On Road Warning:

Animals on the roads present a major danger to drivers. The areas in which the particular species of wild animals are liable to be are well signed with warnings. When driving in the South of the country you are likely to find Wild Desert Horses crossing the main B2 road to Luderitz, just west of Aus. Throughout the south you may also find Oryx on the roads, especially during hours of darkness. In the central and northern areas of the country you may find Kudu and Warthogs grazing alongside the road. You can also find domestic Livestock grazing alongside the roads where there are small villages and settlements. Driving at night in areas where animals are to be found on the road is dangerous. Avoid driving after dark. Certain species are confused by oncoming headlamps and will run head on into the vehicle.

Tarred road surfaces are quite well maintained and one can cruise along at 120km/hr. The distances between towns in Namibia are lengthy. The roads have a low traffic density and driving can become monotonous. Falling asleep while driving is one of the main causes of tourist accidents on Namibian roads. You may find the main roads in Namibia narrow compared to the road system in your home country. Beware of Heavy vehicles

Beware of Super-links these are 26 wheelers, 22 meters in length and having a gross vehicle mass of up to 56 tons and are quite common on Southern African roads. They are legally limited to a maximum speed of 80km/hr. However, you might encounter one cruising along in comfort on the open roads at speeds of over 120km/hr. Be careful when overtaking or passing these long heavy vehicles. You can experience air-blast which has the effect of either sucking you into the oncoming traffic lane, or blowing you off the road. Drive defensively and hold your steering wheel firmly.

The gravel road system in Namibia is considered to be of a high standard. Driving on gravel roads requires constant concentration. One has to be on the look-out for sharp stones on the road surface that may cause impact fractures to tires. These usually result in a blow-out, and often cause the driver to lose control resulting in a roll over. Beware of fast driving vehicles as these can throw stones onto your windscreen. If the conditions are dusty switch on your headlights in order to make oncoming vehicle that bit more aware of you. Beware when driving on a corrugated road surface. When approaching bends you can literally be bounced across the road.

If you intend to drive on gravel roads in Namibia during the rainy season you would be wise to consult with locals or the Automobile Association Office for a road report.

Driving on gravel roads during rains, or following a downpour of rain can be tricky. The road surface can, in areas, become extremely slippery owing to a soap like mud. When encountering this condition please drive accordingly. When encountering normally dry rivers that are in flood and cross the road be extremely cautious. Fast flowing water across a gravel road carries small stones along the river bed which act like small ball bearings. Your vehicle could lose traction with the road surface and could be swept along with the river, usually with fatal results. When crossing mountain passes you may find that heavy rains have washed the road binding away and that the surface is just a gravel or boulder bed. You should drive carefully in order to avoid damage to your vehicle. Rental companies will charge you for any damage to the vehicle.

You will see cars being driven on gravel roads in Namibia. However, 4 x 4 vehicles or 2 x 4 pick-up trucks are more suitable for this type of road surface. Their tire size is greater thus giving a more comfortable ride.

The Salt Road along the Skeleton Coast from Swakopmund north is made of a mixture of compacted sand and salt. There are no centre of road markings. Head on collisions are not uncommon. You are requested to drive even in daylight using your headlights to alert oncoming vehicle of your presence. At certain times of the day reflections on the road surface give the impression of it being water. Mirage effect along this coast is common.

Following a heavy mist the salt road becomes extremely slippery. Please drive accordingly.

In the rare event of it raining you are advised not to make use of the road. (1) There is little traction on the surface making driving , even for a 4 x 4 difficult. (2) The salt- mud accumulates on the vehicle and is costly to remove. (3) Your usage of the road when it has been softened by rains will damage the existing structure of the road making it a longer and more costly for the Roads Authority to repair the road for service-able use.


Long empty roads	Beware of Super-Links	Gravel Road in Damaraland	C34 Salt Road


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Driving In Namibia