In short
On a guided self-drive you drive your own fully equipped 4x4 with a roof tent, and our guide vehicles lead the way. You get the driving, we handle navigation, camps, permits, food and recovery. Some driving experience helps — we practise sand, mud and water crossings before we leave Windhoek.
How it works
A guided self-drive, step by step
Based on our Namibia journeys in rental 4x4s.
- 01
Handover in Windhoek
After you land, you are taken to the rental company. The team shows you the vehicle, how to set up the roof tent and the camping gear, and gives you the key driving tips.
- 02
Practice before we start
We practise sand, mud and water crossings before we leave Windhoek. Some experience helps — we show you the rest.
- 03
On the road behind the guide
Our two guide vehicles lead the way and know the tracks. You follow in your own vehicle — route, permits and recovery are our job.
- 04
Evenings in camp
The sites are booked and we eat together. You sleep in the roof tent, and on some routes in lodges.
The difference
On your own, guided or as an expedition?
Three ways to travel Namibia by 4x4.
| On your own with a rental | Guided self-drive | Guided expedition | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who drives? | You | You, in your own 4x4 behind the guide | Marcel — you ride along |
| Route and navigation | You plan it | The guide knows the tracks | The guide knows the tracks |
| Camps and permits | You book them | Booked | Booked |
| Food | Self-catering | Included | Included |
| Stuck or broken down | The rental company’s breakdown service | Guide with recovery gear, spares and satellite phone | Guide with recovery gear, spares and satellite phone |
| Driving experience | A lot, above all on gravel and sand | Some helps, we practise first | None needed |
| Group | Whoever comes along | Two to twelve people | Two to twelve people |
What you need
What to bring
Official rules change — we send you the current requirements before your trip.
- 01
Driving licence
Your national licence plus an International Driving Permit. The German Foreign Office calls the IDP mandatory, and without it the rental car’s insurance can lapse after an accident.
- 02
Minimum age
The large rental companies usually require at least 23, and 25 or more for bigger vehicles. Some want you to have held your licence for five years.
- 03
Visa and passport
Since April 2025 many nationalities, including Germans, need a visa for Namibia — best applied for in advance as an e-visa. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond the trip.
- 04
Some driving experience
You should be a confident driver; off-road experience is not a must. Only the Extreme Expedition through the Kaokoveld requires solid experience.
Driving in Namibia
What is different on gravel
Only about 16 % of the roads are tarred; the rest is gravel, earth and sand. You learn most of it on day one — and the guide drives ahead.
- 01
Drive on the left
Traffic keeps left and the steering wheel is on the right. Turning and roundabouts feel unusual at first.
- 02
No more than 80 on gravel
The legal limit on gravel is 100 km/h, but rental companies allow no more than 80 — above that your cover can lapse. Many accidents involving travellers happen without another vehicle, often because of speed on gravel.
- 03
Not after dark
The German and British foreign offices advise against driving at night outside towns: animals and livestock stand on the road. Some rental companies ban it outright.
- 04
Refuel whenever you can
In Etosha and in remote regions fuel is not always available. Fill up at every station — the guide tells you when the next one comes.
Sources: German Foreign Office (travel and safety advice for Namibia and Botswana), Namibian Road Traffic and Transport Regulations (speed limits), British and Canadian foreign offices, terms of large rental companies (Asco, Africa on Wheels), Roads Authority Namibia (road network). As of 13 November 2026.
Journeys
Three of our journeys run as guided self-drives: two through Namibia in rental 4x4s and one through Botswana in our own Defenders and Land Cruisers.
Journeys as guided self-drive
View all journeys
Frequently asked
Questions about self-driving
Can you self-drive in Namibia?
Yes. You need your licence, an International Driving Permit and some respect for gravel roads. On a guided self-drive you drive yourself, but not alone: our guide leads the way and knows the tracks, and we take care of camps, permits and recovery.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Namibia?
Yes. The German Foreign Office calls it mandatory, and it is only valid together with your national licence. Without it, the rental car’s insurance can lapse after an accident.
Do I need 4x4 experience?
Some experience helps on a guided self-drive, but it is not required: we practise sand, mud and water crossings before we leave Windhoek. Only the Extreme Expedition through the Kaokoveld requires solid off-road experience.
What happens if I get stuck or break down?
That is what the guide is there for. We carry recovery gear, spares and satellite communication and know the tracks — including where there is no phone signal for days.
What are the speed limits in Namibia?
60 km/h in towns; outside towns 120 km/h on tar and 100 km/h on gravel. Rental companies allow no more than 80 km/h on gravel, otherwise your cover can lapse.
Who pays for fuel?
On our Namibia self-drives you pay the fuel for your rental vehicle; fuel for the guide vehicles is included. On the Botswana journey in our own vehicles, fuel is included in the price.
Can I drive at night?
Better not. The German and British foreign offices advise against driving at night outside towns, and some rental companies ban it. In Etosha you have to be in camp between sunset and sunrise anyway.
Can I take a rental car into Botswana?
Only with written permission from the rental company (a letter of authority), plus fees at the border. We run our Botswana journey in our own Defenders and Land Cruisers.
Plan a journey
Drive yourself, not alone
Tell us when you want to travel and how much driving experience you have — we will suggest the right route.
Plan a journey