Hire a car in Namibia without a credit card. Collect it in Windhoek or Walvis Bay, with full cover included and the deposit on your debit card.
Why hire a car in Namibia?
Namibia's tourism board calls the car the best way to get around the country. The highlights are far apart: the dunes of Sossusvlei, Etosha National Park, the coast at Swakopmund and the rock art of Twyfelfontein. With your own car you can link them in a round trip and stop wherever you like.
Where to start your trip
Windhoek, with Hosea Kutako International Airport about 45 kilometres east of the city, is the usual starting point. From the airport it is about 380 kilometres to Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei, about 405 to Swakopmund and about 475 to Okaukuejo in Etosha. On the coast, Walvis Bay lies about 300 kilometres from both Windhoek and Sesriem and is a second place to start. Smaller towns such as Tsumeb, Ondangwa and Oranjemund can be chosen in the search above.
You can also start or end your trip in South Africa or Botswana; see one-way and cross-border car hire for the routes and the measured one-way fees.
Driving in Namibia
Namibia drives on the left. At least 80 per cent of the roads are gravel, generally well maintained. The speed limit is 120 km/h on tarred roads, 80 km/h on gravel and 60 km/h in towns. Official travel advice is to avoid driving at night outside towns, because of wildlife and livestock on the road, and gravel roads turn slippery in the rainy season. Your licence should be in English; an International Driving Permit is strongly recommended in any case. Carry cash for fuel: filling stations may not accept cards.
In the national parks you pay an entry fee per person and per car. In Etosha the gates open at sunrise and close at sunset.
Best time to hire a car in Namibia
The dry season from May to October is the best time for wildlife viewing. The main rains fall from December to April; the first lighter showers can come from October or November. Summer days inland can reach 35°C or more in the north and south, while winter nights in the desert can drop below freezing. On the coast the cold Benguela current keeps temperatures lower, and fog is common. Namibia has some 300 days of sunshine a year.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hire a car in Namibia without a credit card?
Yes. We show you the cars that let you leave the deposit on a debit card. The amount is shown on the page of each pick-up point.
Do I need a 4x4 in Namibia?
Most roads are gravel but generally well maintained. Some remote routes need a 4x4, such as the road to Epupa Falls.
Can I drive from Namibia to South Africa or Botswana?
Yes, on several routes as a one-way trip. The one-way fee is paid at the desk; see one-way and cross-border car hire.
Which debit cards are accepted for the deposit?
A Visa or Mastercard debit card in the main driver's name, valid for at least six months after you return the car. Prepaid and virtual cards are not accepted. These are the rules in the rental conditions we checked; the conditions of the car you choose are shown before you book.
