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General

Is there a minimum rental period?

Yes, during the high season (July to November), the minimum rental period is 8 days. During the green season (shoulder & low season), rentals must be at least 5 days. Rentals of 8 days or more come with unlimited mileage. For shorter rentals, excess mileage charges may apply.

How do I reserve my vehicle?

To reserve a vehicle, click on the reservations tab and follow the steps to select a suitable vehicle. A deposit payment will secure your rental. If no vehicle is available for your desired period, please contact us via email.

What are the speed limits in Namibia?

The speed limits are:

  • 120 km/h on tarred roads or as indicated

  • 80-100 km/h on gravel roads

  • 60 km/h in national parks and towns

For your safety, we impose a limit of 80 km/h on gravel roads. Our vehicles are equipped with tracking devices, which will be referenced in the event of a traffic accident. Deviation from our terms and conditions or prevailing traffic laws may affect your insurance cover. Please refer to our T&Cs for more details.

Will there be any additional charges?

No, the price you see is what you will pay, provided you have selected the correct rental duration and all required equipment and extras. The security deposit and vehicle excess (if applicable) will be clearly detailed during the reservation process and on the rental agreement. An “unscheduled collection or delivery fee” will apply if your collection or return differs from what is booked.

How old do I need to be to rent a car?

You must be at least 23 years old to rent a vehicle from us. Drivers under 25 will incur a young driver fee. Additionally, your driver’s license must be at least one year old.

Do I need insurance waivers?

While not required, we highly recommend insurance waivers. We offer four options:

  • Standard Insurance: No waivers elected, no additional daily charge. The applicable vehicle class excess will be authorized against your credit card.

  • Super Cover Waivers: Includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Loss Waiver (TLW), with an additional daily charge. This is our most popular option and covers most types of damage or losses, provided you are not criminally liable and have not contravened our T&Cs.

  • Waiver Booster: Covers additional damages such as sandblasting, tyre and rim damage, undercarriage damage, side and rear glass, and parking lot collisions, with an additional daily charge.

  • Tyre Waiver: Covers tyre damage, included in the Waiver Booster option and can be selected with Standard Insurance or Super Cover Waivers.

We recommend the Super Cover Waivers (CDW & TLW) with Tyre Waiver. Please review our T&Cs for exclusions, which will be explained at the start of your rental. Contact us if you have any questions.

How can I amend or cancel my reservation?

To amend or cancel your reservation, please contact us via email and quote your reservation number or reply to any email you received from us. Cancellations made more than 30 days in advance will be refunded minus banking charges (approximately 2% card fees). Cancellations made less than 30 days before the rental start will incur cancellation fees. No-shows will be billed at the full rental rate.

Reservations

Do I need an international driving license?

The Namibia Transportation Act requires driving licenses to be in English. If your license is not in English, you may need an international driving license at police checkpoints. We accept many countries’ licenses, especially those following the EU format. However, it is best to follow the law to avoid difficulties.

My flight was delayed and I might miss the airport transfer. What should I do?

We try to track flights and stay aware of timetable changes. If there is an unexpected delay, such as lost luggage, please contact our office as soon as possible. Our staff will help arrange alternative transport to our offices or your accommodation.

How will I get to the car hire from the airport?

We offer a free airport shuttle for all clients. Upon arrival at Windhoek International Airport, our driver will be waiting for you, provided you have informed us of your travel dates and times. The shuttle can take you directly to our office in Windhoek or to your accommodation if you wish to pick up your car later. When dropping off your car, at rental termination please arrive at our office as arranged (latest 17:00) to catch the last shuttle to the airport.

I arrived at the airport but there was no one to meet me. What should I do?

Our shuttle drivers often pick up multiple clients from the airport. They are instructed to wait for 90 minutes after the plane lands before heading to the city. If you anticipate a longer check-out time due to customs or lost luggage, please contact our office so we can arrange for the driver to wait or provide alternative transport.

What payment methods are accepted?

We accept Visa and MasterCard, bank transfers, and cash (no 500 Euro notes). PayPal, American Express, and Diners Club cards are not accepted. A 25% deposit payment will secure your rental.

Am I permitted to travel to other countries with my rental vehicle?

Yes, you can travel to neighbouring countries in southern Africa or arrange for vehicle collection or drop-off in these countries (one-way service). This must be arranged with our office prior to your rental, as some countries require a SADC Police clearance certificate. There is an additional charge for the cross-border permit and a one-way fee if you pick up or drop off the vehicle outside Windhoek.

Where do I collect or return my rental vehicle?

Our depot is located at No. 4 Teinert Street, Windhoek, and is listed on Google Maps. Our office hours are from 07:30 to 17:00 on weekdays and by appointment on weekends and public holidays. We also offer a one-way service, allowing you to collect or drop off your vehicle anywhere in southern Africa. This is practical for clients who do not want to backtrack. Contact us with your one-way location queries.

How old do I need to be to rent a car?

To rent a vehicle from Namibia Car Rental, you must be at least 23 years old. If you are under 25, a young driver fee will apply. Additionally, your driver’s license must be at least one year old, regardless of your age when it was issued.

Is there an age limit for drivers?

There is no upper age limit for renting a vehicle from Namibia Car Rental. We believe that if you can handle the rigors of travel, you are fit to drive our vehicles. The only requirement is a valid, unendorsed driver’s license.

I have not driven a 4x4 before. Can you help me?

Absolutely! When you pick up your 4x4 vehicle, our staff will provide comprehensive instructions on how to use the 4x4 controls and systems. It’s important to note that our 4x4s are part-time and should not be used in 4x4 mode during normal driving. Extended use at high speeds can cause damage to the drive train. 4x4 mode is only necessary in soft sand or challenging terrain. Most tourist attractions in Namibia only require good ground clearance and off-road tires.

What is Namibia Car Rental’s refueling policy

At Namibia Car Rental, we ensure that all our vehicles, including those with auxiliary fuel tanks, are fully fuelled before they leave our yard. We kindly ask our clients to return the vehicles with a full tank as well. To maintain this standard, we refuel every vehicle upon its return.

Refuelling Cost Absorption Thresholds

We absorb the refuelling costs and do not charge clients if the fuel level is within the following thresholds:

  • 10L for vehicles with dual tanks

  • 5L for vehicles with tank sizes over 50L

  • 3L for vehicles with tank sizes under 50L

These thresholds are particularly important for pickups with dual tanks, which can experience airlocks and take longer to fill properly.

Refuelling Charges

If refuelling costs are applied to a rental contract, the following charges will be incurred:

  • Refuelling fee: N$34.50

  • Credit card merchant fee: 2% of the settled value

Fuel Level Testing

Clients are welcome to test their tank levels. If you can add more fuel to your tank than the threshold immediately after leaving our premises (at the nearest filling station), we will gladly refund the difference.

Driving

Does Namibia drive on the right or the left?

Namibia, along with South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, drives on the left side of the road. These countries use right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles, with the steering wheel on the right. This may be unfamiliar to North American and European drivers. Be extra vigilant with your left-side blind spots and regularly check your side mirrors. Roundabouts operate in a clockwise direction; approach with caution, yield to vehicles already in the roundabout, and signal clearly when exiting.

Avoid driving in the dark

While Namibia offers stunning landscapes and diverse attractions, driving after dark poses unique challenges. The risk of collisions with animals increases, as they can be difficult to spot. Road infrastructure may not be well-lit or maintained, making navigation harder. Services such as fuel stations and accommodation establishments may be sparse in remote areas, so plan your travel during daylight hours. Avoiding nighttime driving helps ensure your safety and that of local wildlife.

Watch out for wildlife crossing the roads

When driving in Namibia and southern Africa, be vigilant for wildlife crossing the roads. Domestic animals can also pose a risk, as fences are often missing or damaged. The region’s rich ecosystems mean that wildlife may appear unexpectedly, offering both excitement and potential safety challenges for drivers. Namibia and southern Africa are celebrated for their incredible biodiversity. You might encounter elephants, giraffes, and antelopes crossing the roads. Stay alert, especially during dawn and dusk when animals are most active. Wildlife can be unpredictable, so if you see animals on the road, keep a safe distance and avoid honking, as loud noises can stress them. Wait patiently for them to move, ensuring your safety and theirs.

What are the speed limits in Namibia?

The speed limits in Namibia are 120 km/h on tarred roads, 100 km/h on gravel roads, and 60 km/h in cities and national parks. For safety reasons, Namibia Car Rental imposes a speed limit of 80 km/h for our vehicles on gravel roads. Note that our vehicles are equipped with trackers. Exceeding the speed limit will invalidate your insurance. Please refer to our T&Cs for more information.

If there’s a problem with the car, what should I do?

Within our borders, Namibia Car Rental offers a 24-hour breakdown service to ensure your trip continues uninterrupted. If you encounter an issue with the car, contact our team via one of the emergency phone numbers, available 24/7. Our staff will assess the situation over the phone and provide troubleshooting assistance if possible. If necessary, we will dispatch a qualified mechanic to assist you. Please note that some remote areas in Namibia may not guarantee 24-hour service due to difficult terrain or long distances. Assistance in other southern African countries may take longer as it is conducted by third-party partners.

What to do if you’re involved in an accident

In the unlikely event of an accident or any damage to the car, immediately contact our office emergency number. We will assess the situation over the phone and make arrangements to ensure you can continue your trip as soon as possible. Gather as much information as possible, including pictures. If a third party is involved, exchange details and accompany them to the police station to file an accident report, which is necessary for insurance purposes. Please note, never admit guilt or agree to pay the other party. Our third-party insurance will handle any claims.

Camping

Is it safe to camp in Namibia?

Namibia is one of the safest countries in Africa, making it a popular destination for camping among nature enthusiasts and families. Most lodges and campsites are fenced to ensure guest safety. Wild camping is not permitted in game parks or on private land. If you plan to wild camp, ensure it is allowed and leave no trace behind. In remote areas like Kaokoland, you might even have wildlife visitors such as antelope, jackals, or elephants. Enjoy the experience, but always respect wild animals.

What camping equipment is supplied?

Namibia Car Rental provides camping equipment including rooftop tents (ground tents available on request), bedding, table and chairs, a fridge/freezer, cutlery, crockery, a gas cooker, cooking utensils, a braai grid, and a wash basin with sponge and cloths. For a detailed list, please refer to our camping equipment section. You only need to bring food, drinks, and dishwashing soap.

Will I be shown how to operate the camping equipment?

Yes, our team will provide a full briefing before you leave our depot. You are welcome to take pictures or videos during the briefing for future reference.

Extras

What equipment and accessories are fitted to Namibia Car Rental’s 4x4 pickups?

Our single and double cab pickups come equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks (65-80L capacity), dual battery systems (separate from the vehicle battery for camping equipment), a 50L water tank, two spare wheels, a tyre compressor, a tyre pressure gauge, a tow rope, and a wooden block for the jack.

What equipment and accessories are fitted to Namibia Car Rental’s 4x4 SUVs?

Our SUVs feature roof racks (for the 2nd spare wheel), two spare wheels, a tyre compressor, a tyre pressure gauge, a tow rope, and a wooden block for the jack.

What equipment and accessories are fitted to Namibia Car Rental’s 4x4 Land Cruisers?

Our Land Cruiser double cab pickups are fitted with ARB bull bars, either an auxiliary fuel tank or bumper carriers with double jerry cans, dual battery systems (separate from the vehicle battery for camping equipment), a 50L water tank, two spare wheels, a tyre compressor, a tyre pressure gauge, a tow rope, and a wooden block for the jack.

Is there anything else we should bring along?

We recommend bringing bath/swimming towels and appropriate clothing, as desert and coastal regions can get cold at night, even in summer. Food, drinks, insect repellent, sunblock, and firewood can be purchased at shops, even in remote areas.

What additional equipment can Namibia Car Rental provide?

We offer a variety of additional vehicle accessories and camping equipment, either from our stores or through our industry partners. This includes items like Sat Phones, GPS devices, baby seats, camera rests, sand tracks, shower tents, bush toilets, ground tents, stretchers, and 220V inverters. Extras should be booked in advance to ensure availability. Please refer to our extras section below our camping equipment on our equipment page. We pride ourselves on finding solutions for our clients, so feel free to email us with any special requests.

Do you rent out Sat Phones and GPS devices?

Yes, we do. Please book these well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Do the vehicles have power sockets?

Yes, all our vehicles are equipped with a 12V power point (cigarette lighter) and USB ports.

What media devices/connections are supported in the vehicles?

Most of our vehicles support USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Aux connections. Some are also equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Does Namibia Car Rental rent out Wi-Fi devices?

Yes, we do offer Wi-Fi devices. Please contact us for more details.

Insurance

What does the insurance cover?

All Namibia Car Rental vehicles are comprehensively insured, including third-party insurance. Additionally, you can choose from our different insurance waivers, which provide varying degrees of coverage. The reduced excess options determine the amount of damages you are liable for in case of an accident. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us.

Do I need a credit card for the rental liabilities?

Yes, a credit card is required. Even if you choose Waiver Booster, where your excess liability is N$ 0, we still need to pre-authorize a credit card in the main driver’s name. In case of an accident due to driver negligence, as detailed in our insurance terms, the driver will be fully liable for damages, and Namibia Car Rental has the right to charge this amount to the client’s credit card.

What does it mean that the excess is “blocked” on my credit card?

When you rent a car with us and choose your insurance type, we will block the amount of your excess or damage liability on your credit card. This means the amount is “frozen” and pre-authorized for Namibia Car Rental to use if needed. The blocked amount is not charged to your card but kept in reserve. In case of damages, Namibia Car Rental is authorized to charge your card for the amount within your excess limit. If the car is returned in good condition, the authorization is cancelled. For more information us via email.