Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
INSURANCE
No matter who you hire your car from, make sure you understand what is included in the
price (unlimited kilometres, tax, insurance, collision waiver and so on), and what your li-
abilities are. Most local insurance policies do not include cover damage to windshields
and tyres.
Third-party motor insurance is a minimum requirement in Namibia. However, it is also
advisable to take damage (collision) waiver, which costs around US$20 extra per day for a
2WD; and about US$40 per day for a 4WD. Loss (theft) waiver is also an extra worth
having.
For both types of insurance, the excess liability is about US$1500 for a 2WD and
US$3000 for a 4WD. If you're only going for a short period of time, it may be worth tak-
ing out the super collision waiver, which covers absolutely everything, albeit at a price.
PURCHASE
Unless you're going to be staying in Namibia for several years, it's not worth purchasing a
vehicle in Namibia. The best place to buy a vehicle is across the border in South Africa (
Click here
)
.
ROAD HAZARDS
In addition to its fantastic system of sealed roads, Namibia has everything from high-
speed gravel roads to badly maintained main routes, farm roads, bush tracks, sand tracks,
salt roads and challenging 4WD routes. Driving under these conditions requires special
techniques, appropriate vehicle preparation, a bit of practice and a heavy dose of caution.
Around Swakopmund and Lüderitz, watch out for sand on the road. It's very slippery,
and can easily cause a car to flip over if you're driving too fast. Early-morning fog along
the Skeleton Coast roads is also a hazard so keep within the prescribed speed limits.
ROAD RULES
To drive a car in Namibia, you must be at least 21 years old. Like most other Southern
African countries, traffic keeps to the left side of the road. The national speed limit is
120km/h on sealed roads out of habitation, 80km/h on gravel roads and 40km/h in all na-
tional parks and reserves. When passing through towns and villages, assume a speed limit
of 60km/h, even in the absence of any signs.
Highway police use radar, and love to fine motorists (about N$70, plus an additional
N$10 for every 10km you exceed the limit) for speeding. Sitting on the roof of a moving
vehicle is illegal, and wearing seat belts (where installed) is compulsory in the front (but
not back) seats. Drunk driving is also against the law, and your insurance policy will be
