For Self-Drivers
Driving the Namibian deserts or through the Botswana bush is a joy!
Driving in Namibia and Botswana is surprisingly relaxed, even though traffic keeps to the left. You get used to it quickly, although the windscreen wipers may occasionally win out over the indicators. In Botswana all main roads are tarred, in Namibia you’ll travel a lot on well-maintained gravel roads, which, after a short briefing, are comfortable and easy to navigate. What truly makes driving here special are the vast, breathtaking landscapes and the wildlife you may casually encounter along the roadside.
Road conditions vary
Tarred roads are often in good shape but can locally be affected by potholes, requiring extra attention. Gravel roads invite unhurried travel, though some stretches may feel like a washboard. Rather than speed, choose a steady rhythm, and allow extra time in your planning; distances here often take longer than a route planner suggests. Dry conditions can limit visibility due to dust; keep your distance and travel at your own pace. We recommend avoiding driving after dark (mainly because of cattle or, in the North, wild animals on the road) and seeking local advice on 4x4 routes, which range from straightforward to genuinely challenging.
Finding your way through vast open spaces
Navigating Botswana and Namibia doesn’t have to be a challenge. We prefer working with Tracks4Africa, complemented by its excellent paper maps. We recommend installing the system on your smartphone or GPS before you leave home. Virtually all roads are included, from main highways to 4x4 tracks, long with a wide range of accommodations, campsites, points of interest and even up-to-date road conditions. In short, it’s a pleasure to use.For those who like to have a physical map at hand, true adventurer-style, Tracks4Africa also offers some of the best maps on the market.
By default, the app selects the fastest route, but you can easily add waypoints or deliberately choose scenic routes. GPS reception is generally good. We’re happy to help you arrange a local SIM card, or you can opt for an eSIM, slightly more expensive, but extremely convenient.
We also gladly share our local route knowledge and up-to-date tips, ensuring you don’t miss any hidden gems. Prefer a fully worry-free experience? We can also arrange a driver or guide, often a real added value for families or small groups, and surprisingly affordable.
Car rental
We’re happy to assist you with car rental as well. We work with a selection of reliable partners in Botswana (Maun, Kasane and Gaborone), as well as in Namibia and South Africa.The right vehicle largely depends on how you plan to travel, your budget and your personal preferences. If you intend to explore national parks on your own, especially in Botswana, we recommend a well-equipped 4x4, such as a Toyota Hilux or Land Cruiser. If your safaris are organized and the vehicle is mainly used to travel comfortably from point A to point B, a 4x4 is, in our view, a luxury rather than a necessity. In Namibia, and certainly in South Africa, this applies even to many national parks.
We’ll gladly discuss this with you in detail and offer tailored advice, so you can set off with the right vehicle and complete peace of mind.
Practical tips on the road
Fuel planning requires some attention. Both countries are vast and sparsely populated, so fill up whenever you have the chance. A flat tyre is not uncommon: 4x4s are usually equipped with two spare wheels, other vehicles with one. If you do get a puncture, have it repaired as soon as possible, it’s usually quick and affordable, and ensures you always have a spare. Make sure you carry enough drinking water at all times. Also bear in mind that, especially during the dry season on Namibian gravel roads, conditions can be very dusty. Our personal tip: don’t linger unnecessarily behind another vehicle in its dust cloud, you’re on holiday, so feel free to let it pass. In Botswana this is generally less of an issue on the main connecting roads, which are largely tarred. Both countries are vast and sparsely populated: make sure to fill up when you can.
One final tip
Tyre pressure makes a significant difference and is something we always discuss together. As a general rule: the rougher the terrain, the lower the tyre pressure. On gravel roads, reduce pressure by about 20%; for off-road driving, by 30%; and in deep sand, you can go as low as 40%. This greatly improves both grip and driving comfort. But use this wisely, lower tyre pressure has also its disadvantages of course.
Almost every fuel station can assist you with this. Be sure to ask for the correct advice when collecting your vehicle, as the ideal tyre pressure varies depending on the vehicle type.
