A Namibian adventure

Our founder, Claire Monson, shares her self-drive expedition-style safari experiences in Namibia, offering valuable insights for exploring this captivating country...

As South Africans with Namibia on our doorstep, my husband and I dreamt of venturing north on a self-drive adventure. Having organised countless guided tours for happy travellers, I felt I "knew Namibia like the back of my hand." Yet, the allure of uncharted territory was irresistible.

Nothing could have prepared us for the vast, ever-changing landscapes. Forget reading a book – the scenery demands your full attention! People warn you about the roads, but until you're navigating them yourself, you don't truly understand. Bumpy and long, they offer stunning vistas and unexpected challenges.

So, self-drive or guided tour? This account will help you decide.

Our self-drive journey:

Our two-week itinerary took us to Windhoek via Springbok and Keetmanshoop, before embarking on the scenic route with its infamous Namibian gravel roads. Many sources assure you a 2WD vehicle suffices, but off-road excursions require a 4WD. We opted for a 4WD and emerged unscathed, but here are some essential tips:

Tyre pressure: Standard air pressure spells disaster on gravel. Reduce it to 1.8 bar at gas stations before venturing off the beaten track.

Fuel stations: Not all towns have them, and even those marked on maps may be dry. Carry a jerrycan for emergencies – better safe than stranded! Thankfully, we never needed ours.

Maps: Invest in a good one! We used the Namibia Map by TASA, showcasing scenic D-Roads that enhance your journey.

Punctures: Expect them! Our first occurred near Spitzkoppe, but luckily, friendly locals came to our aid. We purchased a replacement tyre in Swakopmund at the highly-recommended Dunlop Workshop.

Our second flat occurred near Solitaire (a must-stop for lunch and local delicacies!) in the middle of nowhere with no phone signal. Thankfully, a passing motorist helped us. Here's how to be prepared:

• Ensure correct tyre pressure.
• Carry a suitable jack and know how to use it. If renting a car, test the equipment beforehand.
• Remember, you're on a tourist route – help is usually available.
• Have contact details for your accommodation and rental company (or insurance) in case you need assistance.

ATMs: They can be unreliable, but you'll likely find one eventually. Most places accept cards, but cash is handy for park permits and tipping helpers (like those who fix punctures). 

We needed cash in Sesriem for a tyre repair at the Engen Garage (excellent service!). Luckily, between us, we had enough for the repair and our Deadvlei shuttle the next day, as both ATMs were out of order. Aim to carry around R/N$1000 in cash.

Weather: Namibian weather is unpredictable. It's a hot, desert country, so bottled water is essential (available everywhere). Be prepared for cooler coastal climates in towns like Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

We were surprised by a fierce windstorm near Aus, the gateway to Lüderitz and old mining ghost towns. The wind howled all night and continued the next day. Used to Cape Town winds, I wasn't prepared for this.

From our cabin at Klein Aus Vista (highly recommended), we watched swirling dust devils engulf the horizon. Hoping for respite, we ventured to Lüderitz... only to be caught in a powerful sandstorm that forced us to turn back, damaging our windscreen.

Moral of the story: Avoid the Aus-Lüderitz route during strong winds and visible dust clouds. Apparently, these winds typically start around August, but were late this year, starting the day we arrived in Aus (early November).

Winter nights and early mornings can be very cold. If travelling between April and September, pack warm clothes for these times, despite generally sunny days.

The verdict:

Our self-drive adventure was incredible. The route was well-planned, with manageable distances allowing for exploration and avoiding the midday heat.

Prefer a guided safari?



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