Take A Drive On The Wild Side - Driving in Namibia

Feb 24
09:47

2010

Diane Engelbrecht

Diane Engelbrecht

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

Driving in Namibia - where the journey is as exciting as the destination.

mediaimage
When was the last time you drove down a road for over 2 hours without seeing another person or car?

In a country over 3 times the size of UK with a population of less than 2 million,Take A Drive On The Wild Side - Driving in Namibia Articles this is the norm in Namibia. One of last remaining unspoiled areas in the world, with a diversity of habitats and large areas of wilderness untouched by roads, telephone poles and civilization, this is the perfect country to get away from it all and feel at one with nature. Surprisingly though, Namibia has excellent roads and infrastructure. All major roads are tarred and in good condition, enabling the visitor to see all the major highlights this country has to offer in a 2 wheel drive car. Although for a true adventure, taking a 4 wheel drive vehicle gives you the freedom to explore all the amazing landscapes and natural phenomena by venturing on the gravelled secondary roads. Can you imagine the sheer delight at driving up to the biggest sand dunes in the world – towering at over 300 metres high or driving up to the edge of the 2nd largest canyon in the world, Fish River Canyon? Don’t forget the freedom to go game viewing at your own pace in one of Africa’s largest National Parks, Etosha. Accommodation is of a very good standard in Namibia and ranging from camping sites in the wilderness to 5 star luxury lodges with top quality restaurants.

As for personal safety – it is imperative that travel insurance is taken, whilst medical facilities are very good in Namibia, they are also expensive. An option is to also take out air medivac insurance if you are going to be far away from the main towns. Another requirement is a driving licence written in English and a credit card for the car hire. The speed limit on the tarred roads is 120km p/h out of town but on the gravel roads it is advisable to drive between 80 and 100 km per hour. Please remember to keep left and avoid driving at night as this is when you may well encounter game on the roads. With the long distances between towns, it is wise to carry at least one spare tyre, spare fuel and plenty of water, both for the passengers and for the car.

It is possible to fly from destination to destination in Namibia, but the roads are as much a part of the attraction and beauty as the destination to which they lead. It is well worth the small effort to travel the tarred highways and the gravel roads, expect slow progress and possible delays to change tyres. Don’t expect to arrive anywhere in a hurry, and enjoy the journey while it lasts.

Article "tagged" as:

Categories: