Here my top tips that will be useful for a self-drive trip:
TIMING
If you land in Windhoek in the afternoon, I recommend staying one night in the capital or at a lodge on the way to your first destination to avoid driving in the dark. You should consider that it will take around 1.5 to 2 hours to collect your car and get briefed on everything you need to know: how to change a tire, how to open and close the air camping setup, how to charge the batteries, how to refuel the double tank, and so on. Trust me, there’s always something new to learn!
LEARN HOW TO CHANGE A TIRE
When at the car rental shop, make sure you leave knowing how to change a tire. Hopefully, you won’t need to use this skill, but there is a high chance you will, considering that most of the roads are gravel.
DO NOT DRIVE IN THE DARK
Plan your days to avoid driving in the dark. The roads are mainly gravel with little to no lighting, and animals are everywhere, so they may suddenly cross the road without warning.
TIRE PRESSURE
To avoid the tires exploding, the pressure should be 1.8 bar when driving on gravel and 2.2 bar on normal roads. This means you have to stop and adjust accordingly each time. Ensure the car rental shop provides you with a tool to check the pressure and that the compressor is working.
BUY A LOCAL SIM CARD
Buying a local SIM card at the airport upon arrival is highly recommended and almost essential. It is very cheap, around 15 dollars for 30 GB, and it will help you with Google Maps. However, do not expect to have a connection everywhere; there will be many areas where you won’t have any. Relax and enjoy the amazing scenery! An additional GPS is not needed if you buy a SIM card and download the maps offline before leaving. In fact, Google Maps is more reliable than a GPS, which can sometimes indicate incorrect routes.
SUPERMARKET
I highly recommend stopping at a supermarket in Windhoek before starting your trip to stock up on water, snacks, and food if you plan to camp. There won’t be supermarkets in most destinations apart from Swakopmund, so plan accordingly. Most cars have a fridge in the back; ensure they add it to your booking!
MOSQUITOS
Depending on the season, you might encounter more or fewer mosquitoes and insects. I suggest bringing a couple of sprays for your skin and clothes just to be safe, and wearing long sleeves and pants during sunrise and sunset.