FAQ

Essential Travel Information

Frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your Namibia self-drive adventure with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a 4x4 really necessary in Namibia?

A: Yes, a 4x4 is strongly recommended. Around 90% of Namibia's roads are gravel, and the high ground clearance and all-terrain tyres suit these surfaces far better. Smaller cars often pick up underbody damage on gravel, which no car rental company in Namibia covers.

Q: Are kilometres unlimited?

A: Yes, all our rentals include unlimited kilometres, with no distance caps or extra mileage charges.

Q: What is the minimum age to rent your vehicles?

A: Under Namibian law the minimum driving age is 18. To rent from us you must be at least 18 and have held a valid driver's licence for more than one year. This applies across our 4x4 and camping fleet.

Q: Do you require a deposit or hold funds on my credit card?

A: No, we do not block any funds on your credit card. On arrival at our Windhoek office we deduct the rental amount only if it has not been paid in advance. For your chosen Excess Option and the exclusions in our Terms and Conditions, we take a card imprint as security, which is returned to you when the vehicle comes back without damage.

Q: Is the complimentary airport transfer still valid if we arrive a day before the rental pick up date or if we leave a day after we return the vehicle?

A: Yes. We collect you from Hosea Kutako International Airport and take you to your guesthouse, then transfer you to our office the following day for collection, all included in your rental price. Only one transfer from the airport to Windhoek and one from Windhoek to the airport is permitted per rental.

Q: How do I know someone will pick me up at the airport?

A: Once you confirm your booking and send your arrival details, we immediately schedule your complimentary airport transfer at Hosea Kutako International Airport. It is arranged automatically, so there is no need to confirm beforehand or email to check.

Q: What does your bedding include?

A: Our bedding includes one sleeping bag, one mattress and one pillow.

Q: What is included with the camping equipment?

A: Please see our full Camping List at https://www.advancedcarhire.com/4x4-camping-equipment

Q: How does the vehicle collection process work and how long does it usually take?

A: Collection usually takes 45 to 90 minutes, depending on your experience and questions. It covers a walkthrough of the rental contract, the vehicle and its functions such as the 4x4 system, and a full demonstration of the camping equipment.

Q: How long does it usually take to get from the airport to your office?

A: It is approximately a 45 minute drive from Hosea Kutako International Airport to our office in Windhoek.

Q: What are the requirements for my driver's licence and do I need an international driver's licence?

A: If your driver's licence is printed in English and shows your photo, you will not need an international driver's licence. If it does not meet both requirements, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original licence. We recommend carrying both for the full rental period.

Q: Do I really need to rent a satellite phone?

A: Only if you plan to travel into Southern Africa's most remote areas. Namibia has roughly 90% mobile coverage, including most tourist routes, so a satellite phone is not necessary for most trips. For everyday connectivity we recommend a local prepaid SIM from MTC, Namibia's main mobile network.

Q: Which countries are we allowed to enter with our rental vehicle?

A: Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola (upon request), Mozambique, Malawi, Eswatini and Lesotho.

Q: Do your terms and conditions apply in other countries as well?

A: Yes, our terms and conditions apply in all neighbouring countries except for Angola, Mozambique, Malawi, Eswatini, Lesotho and Zambia.

Q: How is the fridge powered? Is it powered by the car battery?

A: In two ways. While driving, it runs off the car battery, drawing power only while you are on the move, so there is no risk of draining the battery. While camping, it runs off a long cable we supply that plugs into your campsite's power source, giving uninterrupted cooling.

Q: Does the rooftop tent have a mosquito net?

A: Yes, all our rooftop tents are equipped with a mosquito net.

Q: Do you have tutorial videos?

A: Yes. Our YouTube channel has videos on setting up your roof tent, what to expect at the airport, what to do if you have problems on the road and more: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGT-NaWJcE2kc1gNQuUGxdA