Namibia in general is a very remote area and being able to safely make your way through the 4×4 tracks is essential when visiting the country. It’s important to follow general road safety guidelines as well as take extra caution when travelling on the road less travelled.
We have compiled a few tips to help you make your way through the Namibian desert – safely.
20 General Tips For Driving In Namibia
- Take the time to familiarise yourself with your vehicle and all of its features.
- In the event that you are renting a 4×4, ask the staff and the rental place to explain the vehicle’s features to you.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Pack enough snacks and water – the heat is often underestimated, especially when travelling a long distance. It’s also important to ensure that your vehicle has enough fuel to last the journey.
- Ensure that your vehicle has sufficient ground clearance, especially when travelling to remote areas.
- Be careful when travelling after rain. The gravel is often in poor condition and the soil is often washed away, leaving loose rocks behind.
- Reduce your speed when travelling on a gravel road to prevent the stones and rocks from damaging your vehicle’s undercarriage.
- Avoid swerving for animals.
- Slow down when passing animals.
- Avoid driving through water unless it’s necessary.
- If you need to deviate from the road, keep your steering wheel straight and avoid harsh braking.
- If you have a flat tyre, rather coat to a stop – don’t slam on the brakes!
- Keep your lights on at all times.
- Follow the speed limits.
- Pay attention to the road’s conditions.
- Don’t get too close to wild animals.
- Keep left when passing over a rise.
- Avoid stopping on a blind turn or rise.
- Cell reception is often limited, so be sure to let your destination know as soon as you leave. That way, they can send a search party to find you if you don’t arrive when expected.
- It’s recommended that you do a short 4×4 driving curse before taking on difficult terrains.
More 4×4 tips for travelling in Namibia
- Always pack the essentials – water, first aid kit, an additional spare tyre, tow rope, shovel, and jumper cables.
- Avoid getting too close to the wild animals
- Don’t split up in the event of an emergency. Stay together and wait for the search party to find you.
- If you need to signal distress, pack rocks or burn one of your spare tyres.
- Only travel on dunes, beaches, and desert areas where permitted. Most bays form part of a conservation zone and it’s important not to interrupt the environment by driving through it.
- Tidal washouts are a possibility – be careful.
- When travelling in deep sand, tr to maintain your momentum.
- Avoid harsh braking, rather roll to a stop wherever possible. This will prevent your tyres from digging into the sand.
Don’t Be A Hero
While it may be tempting to go off of the dedicated routes, taking the road less travelled is not a good idea. Save the venturing into the unknown with safe places to play, like Asian casino sites. Sticking to the basics and following the rules of the area will ensure that you reach your destination safely.