Namibia

Landmines

Unexploded landmines and remnants of war are a danger in: 

• East and West Kavango
• the Zambezi regions of north-eastern Namibia
• areas bordering Angola

Use main routes in these regions.

Driving permit

To drive in Namibia, you need both:

• a valid Australian driver’s licence
• a valid International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must obtain your IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

You’re 4 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Namibia than in Australia.

Hazards include:

• poor local driving practices
• poor street lighting
• poorly maintained vehicles
• pedestrians, wild animals and livestock on roads

Roads between main urban centres are good, but they are usually unsealed in rural areas.

Gravel and sandy roads, flash flooding and water-damaged roads are driving hazards.

Tourists have had accidents because they were driving too fast on unfamiliar roads.

Most vehicle insurance policies only cover accidents involving other vehicles or animals.

Check your insurance policy covers you for accidents on unsealed roads and single-vehicle accidents.

To reduce your risks while driving:

• check local traffic laws and practices
• be aware of animals and pedestrians on roads
• travel with sufficient fuel, water and emergency provisions in desert areas

More information:

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use registered taxis, preferably arranged through your hotel.

To protect yourself if you need to take a taxi:

• avoid hailing taxis on the street
• don’t share taxis with strangers
• always sit in the back seat

Public transport

Avoid public transport where possible.

Vehicles are often poorly maintained.

Local buses don’t follow permanent routes.

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Namibia’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government