Car Rental in Namibia

Why rent a car in Namibia?

Namibia is a great country to explore by car. The distances are huge, but the long traveling will be justified as there will always be a unique landscape awaiting you at the end, be it ocean, cliffs, or desert. 

Top ways to enter Namibia

• Windhoek Hosea Kutako Airport: Namibia’s main airport has flights to and from African destinations, the Middle East as well as European cities like Amsterdam and Frankfurt. It has some domestic flights but the majority of domestic flights fly out of Windhoek Eros Airport (ERS). 
• Walvis Bay Airport: Namibia’s second international airport has good connections to Cape Town and Johannesburg in neighboring South Africa. 
• Windhoek Eros Airport: The capital city’s other airport is quite small, but hosts flights to and from many domestic destinations.
• By land: If your rental car provider permits it and you have the visa and other necessary entry documentation in order, it might be possible to pick up a car in a neighboring country and then drive to Namibia. Large international airports near Namibia include Cape Town Airport in South Africa and Gaborone Airport in Botswana. 

Top cities and places to visit

• Windhoek: The capital of Namibia and the entry destination for most international visitors, Windhoek is a good place to collect your rental car and supplies for your road trip. However, don't spend too much time in lieu of seeing more of the country.
• Walvis Bay: Located on the Atlantic Coast and also on the edge of the Namib Desert, Walvis Bay is an absolutely unique destination where you can go surfing or dolpin watching one day, then on a desert safari the next.
• Swakopmund: Located next to Walvis Bay, this pretty Bavarian town offers excellent dining and shopping opportunities.
• Nature Parks: Etosha National Park, Fish River Canyon Park, Waterberg Plateau Park are just some of the nature areas that are scattered throughout the country showcasing Namibia’s amazing wildlife and diverse landscapes.
• Kaokoland: This area near the border with Angola might be a challenge to reach, but seeing the desert elephants and lions, mountains, and Epupa Waterfalls are just some of the reasons why the effortwill be more than justified.
• Kalahari Desert: Located on the very east of the country, this desert’s landscape will make you truly feel like you’re on another planet.

Most popular rental car

The most popular rental car in Namibia is the Nissan X-Trail 4x4, but travelers also tend to pick the Toyota RAV4 and the Toyota Fortuner. Many roads are unpaved and it is best to have a high clearance 4x4 vehicle.

Driver's license requirements

• Namibia only recognizes foreign driver’s licenses if you are visiting on a short trip and if they are written in English. If you’re residing in Namibia permanently, you need to obtain a local driver’s license.
• If your driver’s license is printed in another language than English, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Similarly, if your driver’s license doesn’t show your photograph, you might be required to have an IDP.
• Even if you have an IDP, you also need to keep your original license on you as you will be required to provide both.
• You must carry your driver’s license, not a copy, with you at all times. 
• You need to have had your driver’s license for at least two years.
• Some rental car suppliers charge a young driver fee for drivers between the ages of 22 and 25 and a senior driver fee for drivers over the age of 65.
• There may be additional requirements depending on the car supplier and category, so make sure to check the rental conditions before booking.

Crossing borders

Namibia borders Zambia, Angola, Botswana, and South Africa. Each of the countries has its own visa policy, so depending on your citizenship, you may or may not need a visa for visiting them. Generally speaking, citizens of most western nations can visit Botswana and South Africa visa-free, but visa policies change often, sometimes even week to week.

Due to insurance and border-crossing issues, most car rental companies do not permit crossing borders in a rental car. There are a few exceptions for cross-border trips to South Africa. You can look for the companies that allow this by entering your car pickup and dropoff locations and dates when searching or checking the rental conditions.

Most popular types of rental car

The most popular rental car type in Namibia is a full-size, followed by standard and compact. Large parts of Namibia’s terrain and roads can be challenging, especially the nature areas away from the main highways, so it would be a good idea to choose a powerful 4x4 vehicle with high clearance fit for the challenge. Make sure before you leave with your rental car that there is at least one extra tire in the trunk and the proper equipment to change it.

Top driving routes

1. Windhoek - Walvis Bay (439 km / 273 mi) The distance between the two main cities of Namibia can be done in just about four hours if you drive the highways B1 and B2. Another option is to travel along Highways C22 and C14 which will take about 45 minutes longer, but will let you stop at Namib-Naukluft National Park on the way.
2. Windhoek - Etosha National Park (415 km/257 miles) The distance between Windhoek and Etosha takes about 4 hours. The Park’s main characteristic is a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. Yet there is abundant wildlife giving you guaranteed wildlife sightings. It is one of the most accessible national parks in southern Africa and you can take a regular sedan car on its paved roads on your safari.
3. Windhoek - Cape Town (1,519 km / 944 mi) Traveling by car from Windhoek to Cape Town, one of Africa’s most famous cities, takes at least two days, but many travelers still choose to do it as it lets you truly see and experience what Southwest Africa is about. Note that you’ll have to cross a national border, so check with your car rental provider first to make sure they allow it. Also, make sure if the citizens of your country need a visa to enter South Africa.
4. Windhoek - Victoria Falls (1353 km/ 841 miles) The long drive will be justified not only in that you’ll get to see Victoria Falls on t Zambezi River, but also because a long part of it will take you through Namibia’s northeastern corridor and the Bwabwata National Park. 

Car rental prices in Namibia

• Small cars - from $30 per day
• Large cars - from $59 per day
• Medium cars - from $44 per day
• SUVs - from $68 per day
• Premium cars - from $106 per day

Money-saving and other tips

You can do a number of things to get a good car rental deal in Namibia:

• Compare rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go to determine whether you can rely on a sedan or you will need a high clearance 4x4 vehicle.
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the low season when rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Namibia is the cheapest in May when renting a car is about 24% less than the yearly average and about 50% less than renting a car in August, the year’s most expensive month.