Why We Decided to Do a Namibia Self Drive Safari
After completing an incredible guided tour with Chameleon Safaris, we still felt there was more of Namibia we wanted to explore. Rather than joining another organised trip, we decided to rent a fully equipped 4×4 and spend eight days exploring independently.
It was one of the most memorable road trips we’ve ever done.
That said, if we were planning the trip again, there are a few things we would do differently. This guide covers everything we learned about renting a 4×4 in Namibia, where we stayed, how much it cost and whether we think a self drive safari is worth it.
Renting a 4×4 in Namibia
The first lesson we learned is simple. Book early!
We booked far later than we should have and quickly discovered that most of the best rental companies were already sold out. We eventually ended up with our third choice of rental company, which worked out fine, but it wasn’t ideal.
If you’re planning a Namibia self drive safari, try to reserve your vehicle at least three to six months in advance, especially if you’re travelling during peak season.
Picking Up Your Vehicle
Whether you’re collecting your vehicle at Windhoek Airport or in the city itself, take your time before driving away.
We always recommend:
- Filming a complete walk-around video
- Photographing any scratches or dents
- Checking the condition of the tyres
- Testing the fridge
- Checking the water container for leaks
- Confirming all camping equipment is present
- Learning how to set up the rooftop tent
Our water container leaked and our fridge wasn’t working correctly. Neither issue was discovered until we were already on the road, which caused much unnecessary stress.
Read the Insurance Terms Carefully
Many rental companies track vehicle location and speed electronically. That means they know exactly where you’ve driven and how fast you’ve been travelling. If your rental agreement says no river crossings or no off-road driving, don’t ignore it. Breaking those conditions could invalidate your insurance immediately.
Stock Up Before Leaving Windhoek
Before heading into the wilderness, make your first stop a supermarket.
You’ll need:
- Drinking water
- Breakfast supplies
- Lunches and dinners
- Road snacks
- Fire starters
- Braai wood
- Ice
- Drinks
We found it easiest to buy enough supplies for at least three or four days at a time.
Sam’s top Tip: don’t leave Namibia without trying biltong, it makes a great energy booster when driving.
Our Namibia Self Drive Safari Route
Because we had already visited Etosha National Park during our Chameleon Safaris tour, we decided to focus on areas we had previously missed.
Our route included:
- Spitzkoppe
- Brandberg
- Vingerklip
- Waterberg
Looking back, it was the perfect combination of landscapes, hiking, camping and wildlife.
Spitzkoppe: Namibia’s Most Beautiful Mountain Landscape
If you only add one stop to your Namibia self drive itinerary, make it Spitzkoppe. Rising dramatically from the desert floor, these granite peaks create one of the most photogenic landscapes in the entire country.
We spent our time:
Hiking Around the Granite Formations
There are countless trails winding between the rocks, offering fantastic viewpoints and opportunities for photography.
Visiting the Famous Rock Arch
One of Namibia’s most iconic photography locations.
Stargazing
Like many places in Namibia, Spitzkoppe offers exceptionally dark skies. The Milky Way here was absolutely spectacular.
Where We Stayed
Spitzkoppe Cabin Camp provided an incredible location right among the rocks. One important thing to know is that there are no supermarkets nearby, so bring all your food, drinking water and firewood with you. Internet access is practically non-existent.
Brandberg Mountain and the White Lady Hike
Our next stop was Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain. The name means “Fire Mountain”, and it quickly becomes obvious why. At sunset, the mountain glows a deep red colour that appears almost unreal.
Hiking to the White Lady
One of the main attractions here is the famous White Lady rock painting.
The hike is approximately 2.5 kilometres each way and can be surprisingly demanding in the heat.
We strongly recommend:
- Starting early
- Carrying plenty of water
- Wearing a hat
- Bringing sunscreen
The hike is guided and well worth doing. Here is a google map location to the starting point called ‘White Lady Felszeichnungen‘
Where We Stayed
White Lady Lodge was one of our favourite campsites of the trip. The facilities were excellent, the staff were incredibly friendly and the resident meerkats quickly became a highlight. Sadly, we missed the desert elephants, which had moved elsewhere due to the rainy season.
Vingerklip and the Ugab Terraces
After Brandberg, we continued towards the fascinating landscapes around Vingerklip. The scenery here reminded us of Arizona, with huge plateaus, dramatic rock formations and endless views across the Ugab Valley.
Ugab Terrace Lodge
Our first night was spent at Ugab Terrace Lodge Campsite. The campsite offered private showers, toilets and plenty of space.
Vingerklip Lodge
If you’re looking for something more luxurious, Vingerklip Lodge is exceptional. The restaurant sits high above the valley and offers some of the most spectacular sunset views we experienced in Namibia. Make sure you reserve dinner in advance.
Rhino Tracking at Waterberg
The final stop of our Namibia self drive safari was Waterberg Wilderness. And what a way to finish. We booked their rhino tracking experience without really knowing what to expect. It turned out to be one of the most incredible wildlife experiences we’ve ever had.
After spotting several rhinos from the vehicle, our guide suddenly stopped and told everyone to get out. A few minutes later, we were walking alongside wild rhinos. Not viewing them from a vehicle. Walking with them.
Each rhino is protected by dedicated anti-poaching guards who monitor them constantly. Later we encountered a mother and calf, which required considerably more caution, but the experience was unforgettable. The evening ended with drinks and snacks in the bush while watching the sun disappear over the Namibian landscape.
It was the perfect ending to our road trip.
Namibia Self Drive Safari Safety Tips
Namibia is one of the safest countries we’ve travelled in, but there are still some important things to remember.
Do:
- Carry 10-15 litres of drinking water
- Fuel up whenever possible
- Carry a spare tyre
- Bring a first aid kit
- Take a head torch
- Keep shoes inside your tent
- Drive with headlights on all the time
Don’t:
- Drive after dark
- Pick up hitchhikers
- Ignore fuel levels
- Wild camp outside designated areas
How Much Does a Namibia Self Drive Safari Cost?
Our costs for two people were approximately:
4×4 Vehicle Rental in Namibia
20,650 NAD (€1,100)
Including:
- Insurance
- Taxes
- Camping equipment
- Cleaning fees
Fuel
Approximately €120-150
Food
Around €100
Campsites
€15-30 per person per night
Lodges
Starting around €100 per night
Is Namibia Safe for a Self Drive Safari?
In our experience, yes.
The roads can be challenging, distances are huge and you’ll spend long periods far from major towns, but with sensible preparation Namibia is an excellent self drive destination.
We never felt unsafe.
The biggest risks are usually mechanical problems, wildlife on roads after dark and simple lack of preparation.
Final Thoughts
We absolutely loved our Namibia self drive safari.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about turning off the tarmac and heading down a gravel road towards somewhere you’ve never been before. Camping under the stars, cooking dinner over a braai, waking up to sunrise over the desert and having complete freedom to explore at your own pace made this one of our favourite road trips anywhere in the world.
Would we do it again?
Without hesitation. Next time, we’d simply book earlier.