Driving - Useful Info

The do's & dont's - South Africa & Namibia

Both countries are fantastic self-drive destainations with good road networks & infrastructure. When booking arrangements with Africa Collection in either country we will provide you with comprehensive directions, contact details & maps. So if you follow a few basic rules you will enjoy a great African adventure.

South Africa

Driving is on the left-hand side. Requirements for driving in South Africa are a valid national licence provided that it carries a recent photograph or an International Driving Licence. In general, road conditions are good. Along the main highways, petrol is available 24 hours a day. While driving, do not pick up hitch-hikers and ensure that your car doors are locked at all times. As driving in South Africa is an adventurous affair, travellers are advised to drive defensively.

On the toll-roads, there are telephones available in case of breakdown or in case of an accident. Along these roads, petrol stations operate on a 24 hour basis. Some of these petrol stations include a workshop. Always wear seatbelts. It is a law in South Africa that back-seat passengers should wear their seatbelts as well. Cellular telephones are not allowed to be used in a car without a handsfree kit. Cellular telephone rental services are available at all international airports.

Namibia

The developed national road and tourist infrastructure within Namibia makes it an easy self-drive destination for the international tourist. The road network is well developed and of a high standard. It is approximatelty 50 / 50 between tarred road & dirt roads, with the vast majority of the dirt roads navigable in normal vehicles - a 4x4 vehicle is not a necessity. The one excpetion to this is January & February when it can be adviseable due to seasonal rains - it all depends on your itinerary.

There is little mobile phone signal outside of the main towns in Namibia so we have arranged with AVIS to make satellite phones available for rental. It is also advisable to rent an extra spare wheel & this needs to be made clear when making the reservation.