Safari Holidays to South Africa and Namibia for independent travellers.

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Things to Look Out For

Introduction

Whatever you do, you cannot avoid the fact that distances between destinations in this country are vast. In many cases, you may find that you do not pass a single person or car, let alone a town or village, for a couple of hours at a time.

Driving on a gravel road It is imperative to ensure that, before you set off on any trip, you have sufficient petrol in your tank.

Even if you have ¾ of a tank, it is always worth filling up completely while you have the opportunity - it is not uncommon to find the nearest petrol station in the direction you are heading is a heartbreaking 400 km away!

Investing in a jerry can, and carrying an emergency supply of petrol - just enough to get you a further 100 km to the next petrol station - is strongly recommended, and ensure that you have a good road map with petrol stations marked on it.

Puncture Problems

We would also recommend travelling with 2 spare tyres. Most 4WD vehicles come with a second spare tyre as a matter of course, and it is usually possible to hire a second spare tyre for other types of vehicle from your car hire company for a nominal charge.

Gravel Road in Namibia Punctures are a common problem, especially on the gravel roads, and you may have to cover an extremely long distances before reaching the next town, where you can get the puncture fixed.

The chances of getting a second puncture are quite high, and quite simply it is not worth the risk or worry of driving with no other form of emergency back up.

Most garages will repair a puncture for a small fee, and whilst they generally do a good job (lots of practice!), we recommend that you should still take the repaired tyre to your car hire company when you get the opportunity to get it professionally fixed or replaced.

Potholes

Potholes should be avoided where possible, unless you want to change a tyre, or hand your car back with a bent tyre rim.

Animals and People

Around rural settlements, domesticated animals are generally not fenced in, and have a tendency to wander wherever they feel like.

Weaver Nest Don't be surprised to go round a corner, and find a cow standing in the middle of the road, or a goat grazing right at the roadside, or a horse drawn cart racing towards you.

People often walk along the roadside as well. During the day, it is easy to see and avoid people and animals, but at night it is more difficult (street lights are few and far between!), and extra care should be taken.

It is also more difficult at night to spot any potholes.

The Overtaking 'Rule'

Finally, the custom in Namibia when overtaking is simple. The onus is on the car in front.

If you see that someone wants to overtake you, the unwritten rule is that you pull over to the left to allow the other vehicle to pass - but watch out for any pot-holes unless you want a puncture!

Similarly, if you are overtaking someone, it is courtesy to acknowledge this politeness by turning on your hazard lights once past, or raising your hand in a 'thank you' salute.