Road maps and GPS in Namibia

Hello, what’s the best road map? How reliable are GPS devices, and what downloads do you recommend before departure in case Wi-Fi isn’t available?

Hi there,

I’ll admit I’m using paper road maps less and less, even though I still like having a basic one for the big picture.

I use Maps.me for getting around. You can download the map ahead of time, and it works without Wi-Fi or mobile data. It’s way more useful than Google Maps, which doesn’t list many tracks or hiking trails at all.

OSMand: you can download up to 6 maps for free. It works offline.

Ok, thanks!

Hi there,

For me, the most accurate map for smartphone apps is offered by https://tracks4africa.co.za/maps/africa/

It’s impossible to get lost or miss a gas station, for example. It’s not very expensive and, in my opinion, essential. Happy planning! Loïc

My travel channel https://www.youtube.com/@lolodetoul54

Thanks a lot Loïc

Hi there,

If you stick to the main roads, Maps.me will be enough. Like SimonL, in this part of the world I use T4A.

As far as I know, there’s no T4A app for Android. It did exist but was abandoned. T4A is only compatible with Garmin GPS devices. That’s why OsmAnd for Android is recommended. Gotta give it a try! !

What do you mean by the main network?

There are also the trails listed on Maps.Me (and many other tracks too).

Hi,

You can find the T4A smartphone app for Android and iOS at the following link: https://shop.tracks4africa.co.za/t4a-apps/?srsltid=AfmBOormMllmioj45H8lh6ioBOx1G7fXyF07V7JN4yg-FzbsVqjF1jpI

It still seems to work for me. Worth double-checking though. Loïc

The app is no longer available.

Surprising with an update on April 2, 2025 (seen on Google Play)!

I just contacted Tracks4Africa in Cape Town, South Africa.

Their response I just received:

Hi Simon,

Thank you for contacting us.

You can still find the T4A Guide app on the Play Stores, yes.

A bit more info on our guide app: Please remember our app is NOT a navigation app with turn-by-turn directions. Also, please note that if you purchase 3 travel guides, the High Definition map will install for free. Have a look at our guide app video for more insight into our app: Youtube video for our guide app

Regards, Qadirah

We weren’t talking about the same thing. The navigation app is no longer available. All that’s left at T4A is the guide. It’s a map (like a paper map), and the app shows your position on it. It’s definitely not a navigation app that gives you directions, distance, or arrival time. I have this guide—it can be useful, but it’s not very practical. Also, check the Play Store reviews—they’re not exactly glowing. To each their own, I guess! !

I’ve never said anything other than that it’s a digital map that shows your position. Navigation point.

Hi, For Namibia or Southern Africa, it's always good to have a paper map, but not just any map—get "TRACKS4AFRICA". Their maps are very accurate. For GPS, it's the same—you can find them on "Tracks4Africa". Check out the blog "msiafricaroadtrip".

Best regards

If you have Google Maps on your phone, you can map out Namibia in several goes. It works offline 100%. I spent 5 weeks in Namibia without any issues. I also had the Namibia road map at a scale of 1:1,000,000

Indeed, you can use different road maps, But for extra safety and depending on your route, it's recommended to take Trak4

Tracks4Africa on my Garmin GPS, backed up by Osmand on my phone + Freytag & Berndt paper map