This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
Self-drive - Namibia car hire groups

Self-drive - Namibia car hire groups

Hire groups explained

Included with all of our Namibia self-drive trips is a Group C or similar (manual) car hire. These are the smallest cars that we recommend for Namibia. Unfortunately, we're not able to guarantee specific models or specification of vehicle; we can only request a particular group of vehicle. The usual* choices of car categories group are:
  • Group B
  • Ford Fiesta/VW Vivo or similar. With radio/ CD, air-con, ABS, air bags & power-steering.

  • Group C
  • Toyota Corolla/VW Polo Classic or similar. With radio/CD, air-con, ABS, air bags & power-steering. Comfortable for 2-3 people and included in our prices.

  • Group E/D
  • Toyota Corolla or similar. With radio/CD, air-con, ABS, p/steering, air bags & automatic transmission.

  • Group K
  • Nissan Qashqai/Mitsubishi ASX or similar. With radio/ CD, air-con, ABS, air bags & p/steering. (This group is being phased out over the course of 2017 and replaced by the group K4.)

  • Group K4/P
  • Renault Duster 4WD or similar. With radio/CD, air-con, ABS, air bags & p/steering.

  • Group R
  • Nissan X-Trail 2WD or similar. With radio/ CD, air-con, ABS, air bags & p/steering. Automatic transmission is available on request subject to availability. (This group is being phased out over the course of 2017 and replaced by the group L4.)

  • Group L4/S
  • Nissan X-Trail 4WD or similar. With radio/CD, air-con, ABS, airbags, p/steering & automatic transmission.

  • Group 1L
  • Toyota single-cab 4WD or similar. With radio/ CD, air-con, ABS, air bags, p/steering & canopy (optional). Please note: these vehicles have a solid canopy without windows, this is better for security but restricts your rear view.

  • Group I
  • Toyota Fortuner 2WD or similar. With radio/ CD, air-con, ABS, air bags, p/steering & automatic transmission. (This group is being phased out over the course of 2017 and replaced by the group I4.)

  • Group I4/U
  • Ford Everest 4WD or similar. With radio/ CD, air-con, ABS, air bags, p/steering & automatic transmission.

  • Group 7L
  • Toyota single-cab 4WD or similar. With radio/ CD, air-con, ABS, air bags & p/steering. Fully equipped for camping including 1 tent, available on special request subject to availability.

  • Group 1M/W
  • Toyota double-cab 4WD or similar. With radio/CD, air-con, ABS, air bags, p/steering & canopy (optional). Please note: these vehicles have a solid canopy without windows, this is better for security but restricts your rear view.

  • Group 5M
  • Ford Ranger 4WD or similar. With radio/CD, air-con, ABS, air bags, p/steering, canopy (optional) & automatic transmission.

  • Group 7M
  • Toyota double-cab 4WD or similar. With radio/CD, air-con, ABS, air bags & p/steering. Fully equipped for camping including 1 tent, available on special request subject to availability.

  • Group 7N
  • Toyota double-cab 4WD or similar. With radio/CD, air-con, ABS, air bags & p/steering. Fully equipped for camping including 2 tents, available on special request subject to availability.

  • Group N
  • VW Combi T5 or similar. With radio/CD, air-con, ABS, air bags & p/steering. Seats eight people.

*There are a few additional categories of car available that are not listed here, if you would like to know more please contact us and we would be happy to help.
An example of a group B car
An example of a group C/E car (included in our prices)
An example of a group K car (being phased out during 2017)
An example of a group K4 car
An example of a group R car (being phased out during 2017)
An example of a group L4
An example of a group 1L car. The Namibia fleet canopies no longer have window.
An example of a group I car (being phased out during 2017)
An example of a group I4 car.
An example of a group 7L car
An example of a group 1M car
An example of a group 5M car
An example of a group 7M car
An example of a group 7N car
An example of a group N car

An example of a group B car

An example of a group C/E car (included in our prices)

An example of a group K car (being phased out during 2017)

An example of a group K4 car

An example of a group R car (being phased out during 2017)

An example of a group L4

An example of a group 1L car. The Namibia fleet canopies no longer have window.

An example of a group I car (being phased out during 2017)

An example of a group I4 car.

An example of a group 7L car

An example of a group 1M car

An example of a group 5M car

An example of a group 7M car

An example of a group 7N car

An example of a group N car

Car-hire Insurance

We always hire the best vehicles that we can and these include unlimited mileage and local taxes. The car insurance that comes with our trip ideas includes full cover for theft of the car, accident damage (even single-vehicle accidents), tyre damage, windscreen cover and roadside assistance. We believe that we offer the highest level of cover available in the industry today.

Note that it excludes a 'claim administration fee' (typically about £50/U$75) and towing fees (if the problem is not mechanical). It may also exclude water, sand and undercarriage damage - although it is very rare for our travellers to incur such damage.

Note that car drivers aged 18-20, and those aged over 75, must draw our attention to their age in writing before booking, and we may need to discuss the insurance with you. Cover may be restricted or supplements payable.

If you'd like a more precise outline of what your car-hire insurance covers, then please ask as to send you a copy. Note also that 4WD vehicles, and minibuses/people carriers may require different insurance provisions.

Spare tyres

Punctures are rare, but they can happen. All of our Namibia hire cars have the tools to cope and a spare wheel. Namibia is a friendly place; people will usually stop to help you. Currently we can arrange additional spare tyres for car groups 1M and L4 only.

In addition to our advice before you leave the UK, our colleagues in Namibia will be happy to further discuss the route for your journey, with the latest local advice and tips, if you drop into their office when you arrive in Windhoek. Driving in Namibia is a joy, it’s a great way to see the country and meet the people.

It’s good to have currency before you leave Windhoek, as most fuel stations only accept cash. South African Rand and Namibian Dollars are interchangeable in Namibia.

For more information on car hire and Namibian roads, see also:


Self-drive - types.

Self-drive - road types.

Self-drive - driving tips.

Our top picks for holidays to Namibia

We'll always tailor-make your Town for you. Here are some of our favourites to inspire you.


Itinerary image

Chongololo Self-drive Safari

21 days • 11 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This self-drive safari focuses on the best walking experiences in Namibia. Get your boots ready for the apricot dunes of the Namib Desert and the ancient hills of Damaraland.

US$5,800 - US$7,210 per person

Itinerary image

Hartebeest Self-drive Safari

16 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This self-drive safari focuses on the best cultural experiences in Namibia. Visit a Himba village and enjoy three days living with the San Bushmen interspersed with some excellent wildlife watching.

US$3,390 - US$4,160 per person

Itinerary image

Rock Hare Self-drive Safari

20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.

US$5,090 - US$7,260 per person

Itinerary image

Caracal Self-drive Safari

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

The quintessential Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the highlights from Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert to Damaraland’s wilderness and a safari in Etosha. A great mix of accommodation and excellent value.

US$2,300 - US$3,890 per person

Itinerary image

Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A combination fly-in self-drive exploration of Namibia, with quick, easy and scenic flights in and out of Sossusvlei before a classic road trip adventure of the country’s rugged north.

US$4,370 - US$5,610 per person

Itinerary image

Brown Hyena Self-drive

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

The perfect trip for those who want to mix the adventure and freedom of a self-drive with some of our favourite luxury camps in Namibia and a great mix of activities.

US$5,960 - US$7,620 per person

Itinerary image

Quiver Tree Self-drive Safari

14 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

An offbeat Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the epic Fish River Canyon and fascinating Kolmanskop ghost town in the south, before turning north via the classic highlights of Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Damaraland.

US$2,290 - US$3,160 per person

Itinerary image

Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari

19 days • 10 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.

US$3,180 - US$3,660 per person

Itinerary image

Cape Fox Guided Safari

13 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A classic clockwise circuit around Namibia’s northern highlights with a private guide and vehicle. We can’t think of a better way to see more in this timeframe.

US$8,080 - US$10,300 per person

Itinerary image

Black-faced Impala Guided Safari

13 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A unique mix of luxury and adventure in our original, and perhaps most varied, destination on a privately guided Namibian overland safari. Perfect for families, friends or couples travelling together.

US$4,700 - US$6,200 per person

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team