Getting around Namibia without a car

Hi there, we’re planning a trip to Namibia this summer and we’d love to know if it’s possible to get around without our own vehicle? Thanks.

Hi there,

Namibia is a country where public transport is scarce. What’s more, when it is available, it only serves cities—not tourist sites.

In short, Namibia without a car isn’t ideal at all, especially if your trip is focused on landscapes and parks.

I remember picking up a Japanese hitchhiker in Sesriem—he hadn’t found any other way to get around. He struggled every day, spending all his time trying to find kind souls who’d take pity on him.

There are tourist shuttles, but using them means you’re stuck doing organized excursions once you reach your accommodation since you won’t have a vehicle. It’s not exactly budget-friendly, and you’ll never really have the freedom to explore on your own.

You don’t *have* to rent a 4x4 for a standard itinerary. Depending on your plans, an SUV or even a regular city car might be enough.

Summer is peak season. Accommodation and campsites are limited, so bookings fill up months in advance if you want to secure a spot where you want to stay within your budget.

Thanks for all this info. We’re going to rethink our plan.