Self-drive - Namibia car hire groups
Hire groups explained
- 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.
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.
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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.
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$7,720 - US$10,390 per person
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$3,700 - US$5,080 per person
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$5,420 - US$8,600 per person
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$2,830 - US$4,330 per person
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$4,940 - US$6,050 per person
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$8,220 - US$10,370 per person
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$2,490 - US$3,850 per person
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$3,470 - US$4,460 per person
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$8,810 - US$11,230 per person
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$10,250 - US$13,500 per person