How to Pick Up Your Rental Car in Namibia

A few days before your Namibia adventure begins, the excitement builds: the suitcases are almost packed, the route is set and the countdown to departure is running. You mentally go through everything one more time.

…but then the question comes up: How exactly does the rental car pick-up in Namibia work? And what should I keep in mind when picking up the rental car?

So that you know exactly what to expect, we explain step by step in this article how the pick-up of your rental car works and what you should pay attention to. From arriving at the airport to the first drive into your Namibia adventure.

Which documents you absolutely must not forget

To ensure everything runs smoothly when picking up the rental car, you must have the following documents with you:

• Passport
• National driving licence
• International driving licence
• Credit card

Important: Contact your bank before departure and ask whether your credit card has been activated with a sufficient limit for the deposit.

Where does the rental car handover take place?

Since the airport is around 30 km outside of Windhoek and most car rental companies have their offices in the city, you will receive your rental car directly in the capital Windhoek. That is why car rental companies offer a free airport transfer.

Info: The airport transfer is included as a complimentary service with most car rental companies. With some, however, only on the same day as the pick-up or return of the rental car.

Who picks me up from the airport?

You will be picked up at the airport by a driver from your car rental company. After landing at the airport in Windhoek, you first go through immigration and baggage claim. Once you have found your luggage, head to the arrivals hall.

In the arrivals hall, your driver will be waiting for you with a name sign. With so many welcome signs around, it can sometimes take a moment to find your driver. He will wait for you and will not leave without you — don't worry.

Tip: If you can't find your driver, ask other people for help. Car rental companies often know each other and are happy to help you find your driver. Or you can call us directly.

After finding your driver, you can use the restroom, withdraw cash or buy a SIM card. Once everything is taken care of, you will head off to Windhoek.

Arrived at the office in Windhoek

After a drive of approximately 30 minutes, you will arrive at the car rental office. You should plan around 1–1.5 hours for the rental car handover.

First, you sign the rental agreement, get an explanation of what to look out for with the rental car, and also have the opportunity to take out insurance on-site. In addition, the deposit will be blocked on your credit card.

Rental car handover – what to look out for

Once the contract is signed, it's finally time to see the 4x4 rental car. Together with a staff member, you inspect the rental car for any existing damage. These are recorded on the handover report. You are also welcome to take photos and videos so that there are no discrepancies about pre-existing damage later on.

Tip: Check the windscreen for stone chips, the wing mirrors for scratches, and also take a look underneath the car.

Once you have checked the car for damage, you will be shown the basic functions of the rental car. If you have rented a car with a rooftop tent, the complete camping equipment will also be shown and explained to you. This includes how to set up the rooftop tent.

By the way: If you already have experience setting up a rooftop tent, feel free to let the staff member know that they don't need to set it up as a demonstration.

Rental car handover checklist

Here is an overview of what you should check during the rental car handover:

• Scratches and damage
• Stone chips
• Undercarriage
• Check tyre tread (including spare tyre)
• Spare tyre
• Jump leads
• Car jack
• Wheel change tools
• Compressor
• Tyre pressure gauge
• Tow rope
• Check fridge
• Power cable for fridge
• Rooftop tent zips
• Camping equipment

Off to the adventure

Once you have no more questions about the car and the rental car handover is complete, you will be handed the keys and nothing stands in the way of your Namibia adventure.

Is this your first self-drive trip in Namibia? Then you'll find a few tips on driving in Namibia in this blog article.

FAQ

1. How long does the rental car handover take? How much time should I plan for?
   You should plan around 1–1.5 hours for the rental car handover. The transfer from the airport is not included in this time.
2. Which documents do I need to pick up a rental car in Namibia?
   You will need your passport, your national driving licence, an international driving licence and a credit card.
3. My flight is delayed. Can I pick up the rental car later?
   Yes. If your flight is delayed, you can pick up the rental car without any problem at a later time. By providing your flight number, the car rental company will keep track of any potential delays.
4. Can I pick up the rental car on a Sunday?
   Yes. You can pick up and return the rental car on a Sunday as well.
5. Can I pick up the rental car in the evening?
   If you land late in the evening, the pick-up of your rental car will be postponed to the following day. Night driving is not permitted by car rental companies for insurance reasons.