South Africa Namibia
South Africa 
NamibiaLast reviewed July 2026
Crossing the border
The Vioolsdrif–Noordoewer crossing over the Orange River links the N7 toward Windhoek.
Driving rules in Namibia
- Drive on the left.
- Gravel roads — reduce speed and watch tyres.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Long distances between fuel stops.
What to see when you arrive in Namibia
- the dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert
- the Etosha National Park
- the Fish River Canyon
- the German colonial town of Swakopmund
- the Skeleton Coast
Once you're driving in Namibia
Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.
Driving on a foreign licence
A foreign licence in English (with photo) is accepted for short visits; if it is not in English an International Driving Permit is required, and rental firms generally expect one. Carry the licence at all times for roadblock checks.
Tolls & road charges
Namibia has effectively no toll roads - the national network, including the tarred B-roads, is free to use, so no vignette or e-tag is needed.
Parking in the cities
In Windhoek and towns, kerb markings signal the rules: red-and-white means no parking, yellow-and-white indicates restricted/short-term parking; central bays are often metered or attended by marshals. Heed signs (English) to avoid being clamped or towed.
Fines & camera enforcement
Speeding (cameras and roadblocks), seatbelt and phone offences carry fixed fines; on gravel the limit is 100 km/h but 60-80 km/h is far safer. Rental firms charge the hirer for any fines plus tyre/underbody gravel damage, which basic insurance often excludes.
If you have an accident
By law an accident must be reported at a police station or to a traffic officer within 24 hours; call the police on 10111. Do not move vehicles if there are injuries until police attend, photograph the scene, and notify your rental company.
Driving in the capital
Windhoek is compact but its central one-way streets and metered/marshal-controlled bays catch tourists out; watch for sudden speed-limit drops to 60 km/h entering town and roving roadblocks on the B1 approaches.
Sources: travelbutlers.com · rhinocarhire.com · uncovernamibia.com · en.wikipedia.org