Africa > 🇳🇦 Namibia
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Namibia can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Namibia; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Namibia?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Namibia?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Namibia
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Walvis Bay | WVB | |
| Windhoek | WDH |
🚗 Why You Absolutely Should Rent a Car
Driving in Namibia isn’t just a choice — it’s the key to unlocking the country. Distances between destinations are huge, and most of the best experiences lie far beyond public transport routes. With a rental car, you can explore the Sossusvlei dunes, Etosha National Park, Damaraland, and the Skeleton Coast at your own pace.
The road network is remarkably good. Tarred highways such as the B1 and B2 are smooth and well maintained. Most scenic routes, however, are gravel roads — firm, wide, and fairly easy to drive if you take your time. Travellers who enjoy wide-open roads, dramatic landscapes, and the sense of freedom will find Namibia ideal.
Most visitors choose a 4×4 or high-clearance SUV. It isn’t always essential, but it makes driving safer and more comfortable, especially on gravel or when crossing riverbeds.
🦓 Exploring Namibia’s National Parks
Renting a car lets you self-drive inside the parks, something few countries allow. Etosha National Park is world-class for this. The roads are well marked, the rest camps are frequent, and wildlife — from elephants to lions — is often right beside the road.
Namib-Naukluft, home to Sossusvlei, offers surreal desert scenery, while Waterberg Plateau and Damaraland combine mountain backdrops with rock art and rare wildlife. With your own vehicle, you can explore these areas independently instead of joining expensive group tours.
🛣️ Roads, Fuel, and Safety
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Fuel stations are reliable on main roads but can be 200 km apart elsewhere — fill up when you can.
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Driving after dark is risky due to wildlife and poor lighting.
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Mobile coverage drops outside towns — download offline maps.
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Speed limits: 120 km/h on tar, 100 km/h on gravel, 60 km/h in towns.
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Car hire firms usually provide two spare tyres — punctures are common but easily fixed.
Car rental prices are reasonable by international standards and excellent value by African standards. Service levels are good, and the fleet quality is high. You might find cheaper rentals in South Africa, but renting locally avoids cross-border insurance issues and long delivery distances.
🚆 Rail Travel — Sadly Not an Option
Namibia once had limited passenger trains under TransNamib, including routes between Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Keetmanshoop. Sadly, these were suspended in 2021 and have not resumed.
The TransNamib website lists passenger services but shows no timetables or booking options. Rail travel here simply doesn’t exist right now. That’s a real shame — because the lines crossing the Namib Desert would have made incredible journeys, from simple local expresses to the once-luxurious Desert Express tourist train.
For now, rail is not an option in Namibia. Driving remains the only practical way to explore independently.
🏜️ The Joy of the Open Road
Few countries reward driving like Namibia. The scenery changes constantly — from dunes to mountains, salt pans, and Atlantic fogbanks. Roads are quiet, and the driving feels calm and meditative.
Every hour brings new light, colour, and wildlife. Many travellers stop so often for photos that a three-hour journey can take all day — and that’s part of the joy.
🧭 Summary
✅ Yes — without hesitation. A car is essential for seeing Namibia properly, and driving here is half the adventure.
🚫 No — only if you prefer fully guided tours or have no experience driving long distances.
So, should you rent a car in Namibia?
Absolutely. Namibia is one of the strongest “yes” answers anywhere in the world for self-drive travel. With smooth roads, honest pricing, and unmatched scenery, this is a country where the journey truly is the destination.