Getting around Namibia
FlyNamibia operates scheduled domestic flights from Eros Airport in Windhoek to destinations including Ondangwa, Katima Mulilo, Rundu and Lüderitz. Services are relatively limited and some routes do not operate daily, so itineraries should be planned around the current timetable.
Safari shuttle flights connect Windhoek with destinations such as Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and the Etosha area, while charter aircraft serve remote lodges, private reserves and airstrips elsewhere in the country. Flying can substantially reduce journey times, although fares are considerably higher than travelling by road and baggage allowances on light aircraft are often restrictive.
Namibia has a good network of tarmac and gravel roads connecting cities, towns and attractions, making self-driving a popular way to explore the country. Away from the main highways, many roads are gravel or sand, and a vehicle with good ground clearance is advantageous, while a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for remote areas and routes involving deep sand. Petrol stations are available in towns and some rural areas, but distances between them can be considerable, so travellers are advised to fill up whenever they have the opportunity.
A popular self-drive circuit leads from Windhoek north to Etosha National Park, then west towards Twyfelfontein and the Skeleton Coast before continuing south along the coast to Walvis Bay and inland to the dunes of Sossusvlei, eventually returning to Windhoek. The route combines wildlife, ancient rock art, dramatic desert and coastal landscapes, and some of Namibia's best-known natural attractions.
Most national roads are in good condition. Paved roads connect Windhoek with major centres including Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Keetmanshoop, Otjiwarongo and the South African border, while the majority of roads in rural areas and national parks are gravel. Gravel surfaces can become corrugated, sandy or slippery after rain, and wildlife and livestock frequently cross unfenced roads, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Namibia's roads are classified as B (trunk roads), C (main roads), D (district roads) and M (urban metropolitan roads). B roads are mostly paved, while C and D roads are commonly gravel, although some sections are sealed.
Car hire is widely available in Windhoek, Walvis Bay and at Hosea Kutako International Airport. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for travellers planning to explore remote areas or drive extensively on gravel roads, although many popular routes can be completed in a standard vehicle during dry conditions.
Taxis are available in larger towns, particularly Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Most operate without meters, so fares should be agreed upon before the journey begins.
App-based ride-hailing services (Yango, LEFA, Bolt) are available in cities like Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
Cycling is popular for mountain biking and adventure touring, but it is less practical for everyday transport due to long distances, limited roadside facilities and high daytime temperatures. Motorists are generally accustomed to sharing the road with cyclists, although extra caution is needed on gravel roads.
Intercape operates long-distance coach services linking Windhoek with major towns including Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Keetmanshoop, Otjiwarongo, Grootfontein and Katima Mulilo, as well as cross-border services to South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Minibus taxis, known locally as combis, provide additional transport between towns and villages. They operate on flexible schedules and may depart only when full.
Traffic drives on the left. Seat belts are compulsory for front-seat occupants, and the use of handheld mobile phones while driving is prohibited. The national speed limits are 120kph (75mph) on rural roads, 100kph (62mph) on gravel roads unless otherwise signposted, and 60kph (37mph) in urban areas.
The Automobile Association of Namibia (AA Namibia) provides roadside assistance to its members, but if you are driving a hire vehicle, contact the car hire company immediately, as most rental companies provide 24-hour roadside assistance or can arrange vehicle recovery.
Mobile phone coverage is limited in remote areas, so travellers should avoid driving isolated routes without adequate supplies and should inform someone of their planned itinerary.
Visitors driving in Namibia must carry a valid national driving licence. An International Driving Permit is recommended if the licence is not in English. Drivers must also carry the vehicle registration documents and proof of insurance.
Namibia has an extensive rail network operated by TransNamib, but passenger services are limited and not a practical means of travelling around the country. Most rail traffic consists of freight services, and visitors generally travel by road or domestic air instead.
Luxury rail journeys occasionally operate, including Rovos Rail tours from South Africa. The Desert Express, formerly operating between Windhoek and Swakopmund, remains suspended until further notice. Travellers interested in rail travel should check the latest operating status before making plans.
Namibia has no significant domestic passenger ferry network. Although the country has a long Atlantic coastline, there are no scheduled coastal passenger services between towns, and sea travel is primarily limited to sightseeing cruises, fishing charters and recreational boating.
Boat trips are available in several destinations, including wildlife cruises on Walvis Bay Lagoon, seal and dolphin cruises from Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, and excursions on the Chobe River in the far north-east near Katima Mulilo. These are tourist activities rather than a means of transport.
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