Tips to navigate Namibia safely

The gravel roads of Namibia stretch like sandy tributaries from the main tar arteries that bisect the country. There is something about being on gravel, the slower pace required, the remoteness, the sense of being on a journey, that always makes me want to open my window – wide – and let the fresh air blow my hair into a wild halo, to let the dust anoint everything and give me a sense of freedom not experienced on the tar.

Ron Swilling, Travel News Namibia

Paul van Schalkwyk http://www.tala.com.na/

Which vehicles are the most suitable to rent?

• Any 2WD with good ground clearance and standard high-profile tyres that is available in the outlying areas of our country.

• Any 4WD with suitable tyres as referred to above.

• A camper van or motor home with suitable tyres as referred to above.

Namibia has an excellent road system that reaches just about every popular tourist destination in the country. However, the majority of the roads are gravel, and in the more remote areas they become tracks, which require careful driving, and for safety considerations, a second vehicle. These areas are not recommended for the inexperienced driver, for whom guided tours or organised safaris are recommended.

Important facts to consider

• 4WD vehicles cost more to hire and run, but have good ground clearance and are normally fitted with tyres that are better suited to Namibian roads.

• 2WD vehicles have less ground clearance and carry less.

• 2WD camping cars come equipped with everything you’ll need.

• 4WD camping cars come equipped with everything you’ll need and are more versatile than normal sedans or other two-wheel-drive vehicles equipped for camping.

• Motor homes are usually better suited to tarred roads as they tend to be top heavy and have poor ground clearance.

Safety precautions

• First and foremost, in Namibia we drive on the left side of the road.

• Passengers in the back as well as the front seats must wear seatbelts.

• To drive a vehicle in Namibia, you need a valid driving licence and must carry it with you when you are driving. If your driver’s licence is not printed in English, it is advisable to travel with an International Driver’s Licence.

• Make sure you are fully insured.

• Before leaving on your self-drive tour, make sure the brakes of your vehicle are in good working order.

• Your tyres must have the correct air pressure for the roads on which you’re planning to travel and also for the amount of luggage and number of passengers in your car.

• Always carry at least one spare tyre. When visiting remote areas, it is advisable to carry a second spare tyre and a tyre-repair kit.

• In Namibia, four-by-four vehicles are recommended when travelling through remote areas.

• You should carry a well-equipped first-aid kit.

• Plan your trip carefully, ensuring that you have enough fuel for the journey you have planned. Fill your tank at every available opportunity, even though you may not be in immediate need.

• Always carry water when you travel. Plan to have enough water for your entire journey, also in case you have a breakdown or become stuck.

• It is advisable to leave your itinerary with your tour operator, hotel or friends. In the unlikely event that you become lost, authorities will be able to find you if they know your plans.

• Make sure you have a current, authoritative map before you leave on your trip. When you leave the official roads marked on your map, there may be no road signs to direct you and the condition of the road may be poor.

• Take time to listen carefully to the safety briefing given by your car-hire company. Ask advice on the condition of the roads in the areas you plan to visit. If your car has extra fuel and water tanks, use them.

• Watch out for animals crossing the road or grazing near the roadside. Both wild and domestic animals frighten easily and can jump directly in front of your moving car.

• Avoid travelling at night. Wildlife is most active at dusk, and the possibility of a collision at this time of day is vastly increased.

• When entering any game park or other area where there are wild animals, read the safety guidelines provided. It is dangerous to leave your vehicle when you are in a wildlife area. The only safe way to look at a wild animal is from the safety of your vehicle.

• As distances are long, take regular breaks. However, take care at roadside picnic stops – robberies are known to occur.

Tsauchab 4×4 route

Absolute speed limits:

Tarmac roads:         120 km/h

Gravel roads:           80 km/h

Towns:                      60 km/h

Special safety precautions for gravel roads

Not all gravel roads are the same. Be aware of this and drive accordingly. Take note of the following before you set out:

• Punctures are common on gravel roads, so carry two spare tyres.

• Do not exceed the prescribed speed limit. The safest speed on a gravel road is between 60–80 km/h.

• Observe road traffic signs conscientiously, particularly those indicating a gentle or sharp curve ahead, and reduce your speed accordingly.

• In dusty conditions it is advisable to switch on the headlights of your vehicle so as to be more easily observed by other road-users.

• When there is oncoming traffic, reduce speed and keep to the left of the road as far as possible.

• In rainy or wet conditions, beware of slippery roads, sections of the road that have washed away, and running and/or stagnant water at drifts and/or causeways.

• Be on the lookout for animals, domestic and wild, at all times.

• Be constantly on the lookout for the unexpected, such as loose and sandy patches, potholes or a sharp bend in the road.

• Other hazards are dry stream crossings and dry dips in the road. These are often eroded or rocky.

• Be constantly on the alert, as road signs have sometimes been removed or run over.

• Overtaking on gravel roads is dangerous. Draw the attention of the driver in front of you by flicking your headlights, indicating that you wish to overtake.

• The simple rule when going into a skid is: skid left, steer left – skid right, steer right. Gently! In other words, if the car starts to slide towards the left side of the road, gently steer to the left, and vice versa. Take your foot off the accelerator for a moment as the car is gently brought under control and stay off the brakes!

• Be careful when you approach the top of a blind rise, as there is often a slight bend just out of sight that could catch you off-guard.

• The major hazards when driving on gravel roads are: driving TOO FAST, not concentrating or taking a chance by overtaking ‘blind’ into the dust of another vehicle.

Paul van Schalkwyk. www.tala.com.na

Due to the erratic nature of Namibia’s rainfall, the rivers in the interior of the country are ephemeral and usually dry.

Runoff occurs only when the intensity of a rainstorm is high or if it lasts long enough to produce runoff. In terms of driving, all dry riverbeds should be considered as hazardous during the rainy season, especially when clouds are visible on the horizon.

Devastating flash floods can occur in the period between late afternoon and early morning.

Visitors should, therefore, never drive along a dry riverbed or camp near the river in the rainy seaso

Paul van Schalkwyk. www.tala.com.na

Self-drivers, take note

The Namibian landscape is extremely fragile, so please follow only well-defined tracks and roads. Deviating off existing tracks not only spoils the scenery and enjoyment of others, but also destroys plants and small creatures. In certain areas, such as the gravel plains, a single set of tracks can remain visible for decades.

Respect the culture and traditions of those inhabiting the area through which you are travelling. Disrespect causes resentment and ill feeling towards other tourists.

Bear in mind that assistance could be days away in the event of an unexpected breakdown. A minimum of two vehicles travelling together is, therefore, strongly recommended.

Vehicles must be equipped with at least two spare wheels, basic spares and tools for emergency repairs, jumper cables and recovery equipment such as towing ropes.

Engage four-wheel drive and manually lock front hubs (if required) before negotiating difficult terrain such as loose sand, rocky terrain or steep inclines or declines. Inspect the terrain for obstacles and plan your route accordingly.

In sandy terrain, deflate the tyre pressure to about 1 Kpa (front) and 1.2 Kpa (rear). If the vehicle becomes stuck, remember that brute force will not get you out of trouble. If anything, you’ll become bogged down even more. Stop immediately and take stock of the situation. Check whether the vehicle is engaged in four-wheel drive and the front hubs are locked, and clear the sand in front and behind the wheels.

Other options are to deflate the tyres a little more or jack the vehicle up to place stones or dead branches under the wheels.