Road conditions in Namibia

Namibia has roughly 45,000 km of official roads, plus many hundreds of kilometres of rough 4×4 tracks and sandy riverbeds, which service the most remote regions. Paved roads – designated ‘B’ roads by the Namibian Roads Authority – connect the major cities and extend up to Etosha National Park and the Zambezi Region. ‘C’ roads are occasionally paved, but more often they’re well-maintained gravel and suitable for any type of vehicle. The ‘C’ roads along The Skeleton Coast are smooth, hard-packed salt – a very comfortable ride, but the surface can get slippery when wet. ‘D’ roads are not suitable for low-clearance vehicles, and the tracks and riverbeds are strictly 4×4 only. The most difficult road conditions are in the north where 4×4 tracks and dry riverbeds are essential conduits through Damaraland, Kaokoland and the Zambezi Region in particular. Here you’ll encounter a mix of deep sand and sharp rocks and, during the summer rains along the Zambezi, plenty of water and mud too.