Safety Tips

Your Driver's License must be in English otherwise an international license is required in Namibia. It is compulsory to have your driver' license with you at all times.

Always drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Always wear your seatbelt as it is compulstory. Hefty fines can be issued for non-compliance.

The speed limit on tarred national roads is 120 km per hour. However we recomend you do not exceed 100km per hour. Excessive speed is the main cause of accidents on gravel roads.

The speed limit in towns and villages is 60 km per hour unless otherwise stated. People are always on the roads as well as animals so extreme caution is advised.

The maximum speed limit on gravel roads is 80 km per hour. It is highly advisable to keep to a speed limit of 60 - 70 km/h on gravel roads. Not all gravel roads are in the same condition, so please be cautious.

Wildlife is also fequently in the road. In some areas cattle, horses, donkeys and goats graze on the verge of the road. Reduce speed as their movements are unpredictable. Gravel roads can be misleading in terms of their condition and gripping of the tyres to the road surface can be slippery.

Avoid driving at night, sunrise or sunset - visibility is low and this is when the wildlife is particularly active. Drive during the prescribed hours of 7am - 7pm. Times in winter changes, so prescribed hours are 6am until 6pm.

Observe road traffic signs, particularly those that indicate a gentle or sharp curve ahead, cattle grid or drift (dry river bed). In all cases slow right down when approaching these obstacles.

In rainy weather beware of slippery roads, wash ways and running or standing water in drifts and rivebeds. Check the depth of water before attempting to cross. In most cases the water level drops after a few hours.

Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel at all times - remember a gravel road is not the same as an iced road.

Check the availability of petrol on your route. Fuel may only be purchased with cash. The service at petrol stations is not self-service - a petrol attendant will assist you.

Check the radiator water daily.

Check the oil levels daily.

Tyre pressure plays an important role in the road-holding ability of your vehicle. Stick to the recommended pressures at all times. Check your tyres and tyre pressure every day.

In cloudy, dusty and misty conditions it is advisable to switch your headlights on as well early mornings and evenings, so that other motorists and pedestrians can see you.

With oncoming traffic, reduce speed and keep to the left of the road - however, be aware of sand build up on the outer edge of the road.

Any accidents must be reported immediately to the nearest Police station and the the Gecko Car Rental office.

Never drive with 4H or 4L engaged on tar roads.

If you drive in the 4H or 4L engaged mode on sandy or muddy terrain, never drive faster than 60km/hour and remember to disengage when road conditions are better, because the gearbox of the vehicle can be seriusly damaged and result in claims.

Driving of vehicles on off-road areas, where there is no road, can damage the vehicle and result in claims. Thus try to keep within permitted areas only.