November 4, 2023
Car Hire Namibia: Your Complete Guide to Hiring an Off-Road Vehicle for Adventure
Namibia is one of the best off-road destinations we have ever visited, and that’s coming from Australians. With huge open spaces, rugged landscapes, and remote coastal beaches just waiting to be explored, a road trip through Namibia is surprisingly easy and comfortable. Whether you’re looking to simply drive between major towns on the remote gravel roads, take in vast panoramic vistas, or venture down deserted stretches of coastline – having your own 4-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is a must in this sparsely populated southern African country.
While it’s possible to visit some areas via shuttles or organised tours, hiring a 4WD is by far the best way to maximise your time and experience Namibia’s unique wilderness on your own terms. Having a 4WD provides freedom to stop whenever you spot wildlife, or to discover hidden surprises off the beaten path (and honestly, some destinations on the beaten path like Sossusvlei). It also allows multi-day trips deep into the sparsely populated interior of Namibia, and camping under the dazzling night sky in unique locations like Spitzkoppe.
Preparation is key
Of course, driving conditions in Namibia present some challenges due to unpaved or sandy routes. But by renting from a reputable local company, you will have a sturdy, well-equipped vehicle suited for both dirt roads and unpredictable desert conditions. With the proper 4WD and essential supplies you’ll be all set to take on an unforgettable over-landing road trip across the breathtaking but remote landscapes of Namibia.
This detailed Car Hire Namibia guide covers everything you need to know about hiring a 4WD in Namibia. We include information on what you should consider when choosing the type of vehicle you should rent, what off-road skills you’ll need, how much to budget, and essential tips like luggage, permits and safety tips.
If you’re currently planning your road trip itinerary through Namibia, we also have a detailed 14-day road trip itinerary, a guide to the 12 most epic things to do in Namibia, as well as guides to Swakopmund and Sossusvlei to help make your planning easy!
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In this article
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Why hire a 4WDWhy hire a 4WD
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Where to hire a 4WDWhere to hire a 4WD
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Off-road driving skills you'll needOff-road driving skills you'll need
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Things to consider when choosing a vehicleThings to consider when choosing a vehicle
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Essential tips for 4WD'ing around NamibiaEssential tips for 4WD'ing around Namibia
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How much to budgetHow much to budget
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Safety tips from driving around NamibiaSafety tips from driving around Namibia
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Best time of year for a road trip in NamibiaBest time of year for a road trip in Namibia
Car Hire Namibia - Why hire a 4WD
In this Car Hire Namibia guide, we highly recommend a 4WD vehicle for exploring Namibia because of the unique and varied terrain you’ll come across. While some destinations in Namibia can be explored with a regular sedan or 2WD vehicle, having a 4WD enhances your flexibility, accessibility, and overall experience. A 4WD will enable you to fully embrace the adventure and natural wonders that Namibia has to offer. Here are some reasons why renting a 4WD is preferable in Namibia:
Desert exploration
Namibia is home to vast desert landscapes, including the iconic Namib Desert. Navigating the sandy terrain of the desert, such as in Sossusvlei, requires a 4WD with good off-road capabilities to handle the soft sand. We include detailed information on how to access the iconic Dead Vlei in our guide to Sossusvlei, including how to navigate the sandy track that leads to the Dead Vlei carpark.
Rough and gravel roads
Many roads in Namibia, especially in remote areas and national parks, are unpaved, rough, or gravel-based. A 4WD offers better traction, stability, and ground clearance, making it more suitable for driving on these challenging surfaces. We didn’t drive anywhere that required previous 4WD experience, however the conditions of the roads would be very uncomfortable (and so slow!) in a 2WD.
Wildlife viewing
Namibia is renowned for its incredible wildlife, particularly in national parks like Etosha. A 4WD allows you to explore off-road tracks and access remote areas where wildlife may gather, increasing your chances of spotting animals up close. You’ll have a rough time trying to drive through Etosha in a 2WD anyway. The roads aren’t very well maintained and you’ll be driving for multiple hours at a time during your safari’s, so having a 4WD will provide a much more comfortable experience.
Safety and self-sufficiency
Having a 4WD provides an extra level of safety and self-sufficiency, especially in remote areas where assistance may be limited. The vehicle’s capabilities allow for better handling of unexpected obstacles or challenging conditions that you might encounter on your road trip.
Typical camp set up for two people (picture taken in Spitzkoppe)
Car hire Namibia - Where to hire a 4WD
You’ll likely want to hire a 4WD on your arrival in Namibia. So, where you hire the vehicle will largely depend on where you are arriving into the country. However, the main cities to hire a 4WD vehicle in Namibia include Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay. Windhoek, as the capital city, has the largest selection of rental companies. It’s also a convenient starting point for venturing out to popular northern and eastern destinations such as Etosha.
The coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay on the other hand act as gateways for exploring the Atlantic coastline and the Skeleton Coast. However, you’ll find that there aren’t as many options in these towns. Smaller rental companies can also be found in other central towns like Otjiwarongo and Outjo, which allow direct access to more remote reserves and national parks. However keep in mind that you will need to organise your own transport to these remote locations to be able to collect your car in the first place.
Car Hire Namibia - Off-Road Driving Skills You'll Need
Previous experience
You won’t need previous 4WD experience for the majority of the tourist sites in Namibia. However, you will need to be comfortable driving on unpaved roads including on gravel and sand. Although you don’t need to engage 4WD for the most part on these roads, you still need to be conscious of the differences in driving on asphalt compared to gravel (and know when you do need to engage 4WD).
The only location we visited that required 4WD experience was in Sossusvlei to reach the Dead Vlei car park. This track was only a few kilometres, however the sand was very deep and without previous experience you risk getting stuck. Importantly, you’ll need to use an air compressor to reduce the pressure in your tyres before driving in deep sand (an air compressor is usually included in your rental, but always make sure ahead of time). We have more information in our Sossusvlei guide on how to navigate the drive to Dead Vlei, including alternatives if you’re not comfortable with driving yourself.
Navigation
If you download offline maps before arriving, and buy a sim card on arrival, you will be able to easily navigate the country. We bought a physical map ahead of time on Amazon and didn’t use it once. We have detailed information on purchasing sim cards for Namibia in our comprehensive road trip itinerary guide here.
Other skills
Beyond driving skills, you’ll need to be self-sufficient with camping, including knowing how to use a gas stove and setting up a roof tent. Your rental company will give you a quick overview of these things as well, so just notify them if you haven’t previously used a gas stove (or similar) and they will give you a more detailed orientation. Basic skills in roadside self-recovery and minor repairs to vehicles will also come in handy. In particular, you should be comfortable with changing a tyre. Flat tyres are pretty common on the rough Namibian roads and roadside assistance can take a long time to reach you. We were lucky and never got a flat tyre but we did have various other issues with the car, like the trailer latch catching, our air compressor not working and more. It wasn’t anything that prevented us from continuing on, but it helped having basic skills in fixing these problems for convenience sake.
Car Hire Namibia - Things to Consider When Choosing a Vehicle
When hiring a 4WD for your Namibia road trip, there are several key tips to keep in mind to ensure that you have a smooth experience:
Book in advance
It’s important to book your 4WD rental vehicle well ahead of time when visiting Namibia, especially during peak seasons. Namibia’s peak tourism season lasts from July to October due to more mild weather and better conditions for wildlife viewing. The most popular vehicles, and rental companies, can book up quickly during this time, so reserving in advance ensures you secure the rental dates that work best for your itinerary. It also gives you time to compare options and get the best available rates. For our trip, we booked about 4 months in advance and were able to hire the exact vehicle we wanted from our preferred hire company. However we visited in June which is just before the peak season. We also got 3 quotes from our top picks and then selected our most preferred from there.
Choose a reputable rental company
We recommend that you research and select a reputable rental company with positive reviews, excellent customer service, and a well-maintained fleet of vehicles. This will help ensure a reliable and hassle-free rental experience. Not all hire companies will offer the same things either. For example you may have to pay more for sleeping bags and pillows with some, or there may be extra fees for a fridge with other companies. Make sure you compare total costs for everything that you will need including hire gear and insurance. We went with Savanna Car Hire and would highly recommend them. Their customer service was fantastic. They were friendly, efficient, helpful and informative. The check in and return processes were simple and quick and they provide a pick up and drop off service (either to the airport or your hotel).
Ensure you have two spare tyres
A lot of companies will offer this, but it’s important to make sure it’s included. With road conditions the way they are in Namibia, a lot of people end up getting flat tyres. And when it rains it pours, so you want to make sure you don’t get stranded with just one spare tyre on you.
Consider the size and type of vehicle
Assess your travel needs and group to determine the appropriate 4WD size and type that best suits you. You will need to consider factors such as luggage space, the terrain you plan to tackle, and the number of passengers you need to accommodate. You’ll find that a single vehicle can accommodate between 1 and 5 people (camping). However, if you’re travelling with 5 people you might find that you need to be very strategic with luggage!
Don’t forget about fuel efficiency
It’s important to consider how fuel efficient your vehicle will be. You’ll be covering a lot of distance, and fuel in Namibia is not as cheap as you might expect for a country in Africa. You should be able to find the fuel economy listed on your preferred rental company’s website. Otherwise, look up the make and model of the vehicle that you’re choosing and research the fuel economy yourself.
Also consider whether having a second fuel tank is important to you. A lot of the 4WD’s will come with 2 tanks, but make sure to ask your rental company ahead of time if it’s not clear on their website or quote. We went with a Hilux 2.4L dual cab, which has incredible fuel efficiency! This is a common model for 4WDs in Namibia so you should be able to find it, or something similar, with most rental companies. In general just stay away from any Land Cruisers as these are fuel guzzlers and will cost you a fortune (not to mention they’ll put out a lot of emissions).
Check rental terms and conditions
Thoroughly review the rental terms and conditions, including insurance coverage, mileage limits, fuel policy, and any additional fees or restrictions. Pay attention to the fine print to avoid any surprises or misunderstandings. We opted for full insurance with no excess given the conditions of the roads. Going through Savanna Car Hire we were confident that we were aware of all conditions of our hire right from the start. To be clear, we paid for our car hire in full, and in no way were sponsored by the company, we just had a very good experience with them!
Equipment and supplies included
When renting a 4WD vehicle in Namibia, carefully check what standard equipment is provided such as recovery gear, extra fuel cans, kitchen kits for camping, and tools for self-assistance. Remote driving requires proper equipment, and you want to avoid additional costs. Make sure to inquire about what is included to ensure you have everything required for comfort and safety off the beaten path. Some companies will list things like blankets and pillows as extra costs, while others might list the electric fridge as an extra cost per day. With the three companies we got quotes from, each was different when it came to extras:
| Company | Extras |
|---|---|
| 4x4 Namibia Rentals | Washing up kit |
| Advanced Car Hire | Fridge, sleeping bags and pillows, jerry can |
| Savanna Car Hire | Sleeping bags and pillows |
The below equipment list is exactly what we had for 2 people for a 2 week road trip in Namibia. It included everything that we needed, and there wasn’t any instance where we lacked an essential item. Obviously we packed all our own personal items though.
Camping equipment
- 1x Roof tent (1.3m x 2.4m) with mattress
- 1x 40L Engel Fridge with own battery
- 1x table & 2 x chairs
- 2x gas cylinder
- 2x single cooker plate
- 1x barbeque grid
- 1x 12v lamp (although the one supplied for us wasn’t great, we really recommend buying a solar Luci solar lamp before your trip as they’re incredibly lightweight, can be hung up anywhere, are rechargeable and will literally last you years. We’ve had ours for 5 years and it’s still going)
- 1x 20L water canister (this will carry your non-potable water for washing dishes etc.)
- 1x bed sheet for the mattress
- Sleeping bag with pillow (these were extra for us and had to be booked in advance. They cost 30 NAD (€1.50) per day per person)
- 1x shovel
Kitchen equipment
- 2x coffee mugs
- Big chopping board
- 2x cereal bowls
- Tin opener
- Bread knife
- Small Knives
- Cutlery for two people
- Potato peeler
- Bottle opener
- Cooking utensils
- Wooden spoon
- Big, medium and small pot
- 2x water cups
- 2x dinner plates
- Scraper
- PVC wash basin
- Frying pan
- Salad bowl
- Kettle
- Dish towel
- Dishwashing liquid and sponge
- Lighter
Extras
- 2nd spare tyre
- Tow rope
- Basic tools
- First aid kit
- Spare fuses
- Danger triangle
- Wooden support block for jack
- 2nd jack
- Jumper leads
- Electrical compressor with pressure gauge (this was super handy for Sossusvlei)
- 24 hour backup-service
4WD’ing through Sandwich Harbour (note that you should take a tour for this as it is not advised that tourists navigate this remote area by themselves)
Insurance and Damage Policies
Pay attention to the insurance and damage policies included in your rental. More than likely you will be given multiple options such as reducing your excess, tyre protection, windscreen protection and undercarriage protection.
Note that there may be a minimum rental period for things like tyre and windscreen protection, and also for full excess reduction. With Savanna Car Hire for example, you need to hire a vehicle for a minimum of 8 days to avail of these options.
Inspecting the Vehicle Before Renting
Thoroughly documenting the vehicle’s condition before and after the rental can help address any issues that arise upon return. Don’t hesitate to ask questions! Our vehicle had a lot of damage. From general wear and tear, but still it was a lot of damage. This was all documented thoroughly in our rental documents and we had no issues at all upon returning the vehicle. There were also certain issues (not critical) that came up during our hire period such as the back tail gate latch catching, and the air compressor breaking, which we didn’t have any problems with when we reported them to the company.
Tips for your vehicle inspection
Here are some tips for inspecting a 4WD vehicle before renting it in Namibia:
- Check the exterior for any dents, scratches or damage that aren’t noted on the rental agreement. Take photos/video as proof.
- Inspect all tyres, including the spare, for adequate tread depth and any signs of wear or damage. You can also check the tyre pressure.
- Look over the lights and signals to ensure they are all working properly. This includes headlights, fog lights, brake lights and turn signals.
- Try all doors, locks, windows and hatch/trunk to verify they open and close securely.
- You can opt to take the vehicle for a test drive and check that the brakes, transmission, engine and steering respond smoothly. Listen and feel for any odd noises or vibration.
- Check that climate control and stereo functions operate as expected.
- Confirm tools like a jack, jumper cables, warning triangle and first aid kit are included as stated in the rental agreement. And importantly, know where they are located. You don’t want to be stuck on the side of the road in the heat hauling everything out of the car to find your emergency kit.
- Inspect the undercarriage for rust, leaks or damage when parked.
- Note the condition of the interior upholstery, seats, dash, console and carpets for excess wear.
What if you notice damage?
Here are some tips for what to do if you notice any damage or issues during the vehicle inspection:
- Point out any concerns to the rental company representative and have them note the issues on the inspection form before you sign it.
- Take clear photos/videos of any existing damage or flaws to provide a visual record.
- For significant problems, like non-functional lights or bald tyres, consider requesting another vehicle. Safety should be the top priority.
- Minor scratches or dents that don’t compromise safety can still be documented but may be acceptable depending on rental policies.
- If fluids are low, inquire if they will fill them before your rental period starts.
4WD’ing through Sandwich Harbour (note that you should take a tour for this as it is not advised that tourists navigate this remote area by themselves)
Cari Hire Namibia - Essential tips for 4WD’ing around Namibia
Don’t pack hard-case luggage
You’ll struggle to fit hard luggage in the back of your 4WD with the rest of the camping gear. Instead, opt for soft-shelled luggage like backpacks and duffle bags. Remember to pack some large plastic bags to cover your luggage while you’re driving as they will get very dusty in the back of the vehicle.
Obtain necessary permits
Some areas in Namibia, such as national parks or private reserves, will require permits or entrance fees. Ensure you have the necessary permits in advance to avoid any complications or delays during your trip. We provide more details on permits (including how much they cost and where to get them) for places like Sossusvlei, Etosha, Waterburg and more in our detailed Namibia road trip itinerary.
Carry essential supplies
Pack essential supplies such as water, food, a first aid kit, spare tyre, tyre repair kit, and necessary tools for basic vehicle maintenance. Namibia’s remote areas may have limited services, so being self-sufficient is important. Our vehicle came with 2 spare tyres, all tools needed for a tyre change, a first aid kit, an air compressor, and a 50L non-potable water bottle. We always made sure we had 5L of potable water on us (you can get these from any of the main grocery stores), and our fridge was always stocked.
Familiarise yourself with the vehicle
Before hitting the road, take the time to familiarise yourself with your 4WD’s features, including 4×4 functionality, spare tyre locations, and any specific driving instructions provided by the rental company. Savanna Car Hire did a great induction with us so we knew exactly where everything was and how to use it. If you’re unsure of how to use anything, or the location of any equipment, don’t hesitate to ask before you begin your road trip. Most importantly, know how to reach your spare tyre and use the equipment to replace a tyre if need be.
Car Hire Namibia - How much to budget for a 4WD
For 12 days we paid 20,160 NAD (around €1,000, or €83 per day). This included airport transfers, pillows and sheets (which were extra with Savanna Car Hire), zero excess and tyre and windscreen insurance. This was the lowest we were quoted. The other two quotes we received were 22,230 NAD and 30,600 NAD (€1,100 from 4×4 Rental Namibia and €1,500 from Advanced Car Hire respectively).
You’ll likely have to fill up with fuel as soon as you pick up the vehicle. The policy is that you bring it back with as much fuel as you picked it up with. Our rental car was already half empty when we collected the vehicle. Most 4WD’s will be double tanks too, so half empty means that one tank is already empty and the second only has half the fuel left. When you leave Windhoek, make sure you have a full tank as it is quite a drive to most tourist destinations outside of the capital city.
In total, we filled up about 4 times and paid between 1,000 – 1,200 NAD (€50 – €60) each time. We drove around 2,000km all up (Windhoek – Sossusvlei – Swakopmund – Spitzkoppe – Waterberg Plateau Park – Etosha National park – Windhoek). This equates to about 2 NAD/km – 2.4 NAD/km (€0.1/km – €0.12/km).
Car Hire Namibia - Safety tips for driving a rental 4WD in Namibia
Driving on the left-hand side of the road
In Namibia, you’ll be driving on the left side of the road. If you’re not used to it, just know that you’ll regularly mistake your windshield wipers for your turn signal! Take some time when you first collect your rental car to get used to the vehicle and to get accustomed to driving on the left hand side.
Keep your headlights on
Drivers in Namibia are required by law to keep their headlights on at all hours of the day. This is a new law, so not everyone complies currently. But if you are caught with your headlights off, you’ll likely face a 350 NAD (~$29 USD) fine. They may target you in a rental car, and we passed many highway patrols and checks, so just be aware.
Fuel type
Check whether your car takes diesel or unleaded gas before you get to the gas station. Your rental company will likely highlight this, and most vehicles have stickers either on the outside or inside of the fuel lid but it always pays to be aware of this at the start of your hire.
Do not drive at night
Tourists are advised not to drive at night as many animals cross the road or rest on the warm pavement and can be difficult to spot. Your insurance also likely won’t cover you after dusk or before sunrise due to the increased risk of collisions or accidents (again, read the fine print of your rental agreement).
Things take time
Expect everything to take a little longer than you expect it to. For example, when we bought our sim cards at the airport there were only 2 other customers in front of us and yet it still took almost an hour.
Things will get dirty
Also expect everything in your vehicle to be covered in dust all of the time! We made sure to bring a few spare extra-large garbage bags to cover our gear during the day. This came in handy to keep our pillows and blankets covered during the day as they don’t fit in the rooftop tent when you fold it down.
Bribes are illegal
Our rental company warned us that occasionally police will ask for money in exchange for ‘letting you go’ on certain things like not having your headlights on. However this is illegal and you should always decline and ask to be taken to the police station instead. Our rental company also said that we could call them if this happened to us, which gave us an extra level of safety that we appreciated.
Don’t speed
The speed limit for our vehicle was 80km/hr on gravel and 120km/hr on tar highways. Speeding is not only dangerous for those around you, including the incredibly unique wildlife in Namibia, but it’s also going to put you at greater risk of getting a flat tyre. We saw multiple vehicles who sped past us at ridiculous speeds on gravel roads, only to be pulled up on the side of the road with a flat tyre further up the road. Also, if you are speeding at the time of an accident your insurance won’t cover you (all vehicles will be fitted with trackers, so they will know).
You’ll experience epic sunsets everywhere you go in Namibia. Another reason to choose a 4WD camper!
Car Hire Namibia - Best time of year for a Namibia road trip
The best time to visit Namibia for a road trip is during the dry season, which typically runs from May to October. This period offers pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. The weather is more moderate, with cooler temperatures in the mornings and evenings, which is more comfortable for exploring the diverse landscapes of Namibia, including the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park, and the Skeleton Coast. This is especially the case if you’re camping in a 4WD. There is nothing worse than roasting in a tent as soon as the sun rises!
Additionally, the dry season is a prime time for game viewing as animals gather around waterholes, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife encounters. However, it’s worth noting that popular destinations can get crowded during the peak months of July and August. We went in June and thought the weather, and fairly small crowds, were perfect.
If you prefer fewer crowds and are interested in birdwatching, the months of November to April offer a chance to witness migratory bird species and the vibrant bloom of desert flowers. Camping at this time of year probably won’t be ideal, however. Ultimately, the best time to visit Namibia depends on your preferences and the specific experiences you seek.
Thanks for stopping by!
We hope that we’ve provided answers to all of your burning questions about hiring a 4WD in Namibia in our Car Hire Namibia guide. Proper preparation is key to freely exploring Namibia’s remote attractions while avoiding issues on your road trip. Following our rental recommendations will put you in the best position to safely conquer Namibia’s diverse and dramatic landscapes by vehicle!
If you’re looking for more Namibia inspiration, we have a detailed 2-week road trip itinerary, a comprehensive guide to visiting Sossusvlei and Swakopmund, and an entire post dedicated to the 12 best things to see and do in Namibia.
If you have any questions, please let us know, and please subscribe!
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