Getting around Namibia

Map of Namibia

By road

Despite the vast distances in Namibia, most people get around by land, and not air. Namibia's roads are very good, with primary routes paved, and secondary routes of well-graded gravel. An all-wheel drive vehicle is not necessary except on tertiary roads and the Skeleton Coast. Driving at night is very dangerous because there is a lot of wildlife on the roads. Traffic drives on the left. It is quite easy to get around using combies (shared or long-distance taxis). Just ask around to find out where the taxi rank is (sometimes there are several taxi ranks, each one with departures to different areas of the country). Drivers are not in the habit of overcharging foreigners. TransNamib operates air-conditioned buses (and trains) to destinations all over Namibia via their StarLine service. Thrifty Car Rental offers 24 hour car rental service for a scenic drive through Namibia, phone +264 61 220 738. Namibians often estimate the time to drive between places according to their experience driving quickly on dirt (untarred) roads. Add a third and you will arrive alive with kidneys intact!

By rail

The national railway company of Namibia, TransNamib, operates trains (and buses) to destinations all over Namibia and also into South Africa via their StarLine passenger service. Some routes available are

• Windhoek-Otjiwarongo-Tsumeb
• Windhoek-Gobabis
• Windhoek-Swakopmund-Walvis Bay
• Windhoek-Keetmanshoop-Upington (South Africa)
• Walvis Bay-Swakopmund-Tsumeb

The StarLine scheduled service conveys passengers via special coaches hooked on the back of freight trains. These passenger coaches offer comfortable airline-style seating with air-conditioning and (sometimes) video entertainment. Vending machines provide refreshments on long journeys. StarLine, +264 (0)61 298-2032 (paxservices@transNamib.com.na, fax: +264 (0)61 298-2495). Other rail services operating in the country are:

• Desert Express, ☎ +264 (0)61 298-2600 (dx@transNamib.com.na, fax: +264 (0)61 298-2601), [5]. The Desert Express is a luxury tourist train that traverses Namibia regularly, taking tourists to such destinations as Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Etosha National Park. Buses are used to transport visitors from train stations to the various sights.