Take the handover seriously
Allow time for the vehicle briefing: tyres, spare, tools, 4x4 controls, fuel type and emergency contacts. Ask every question you have.
WINDHOEK PICK-UP
Car rental in Windhoek: starting your Namibia road trip.
Windhoek, Namibia's capital, is where most self-drive journeys begin.
QUICK ANSWER
Windhoek, Namibia's capital, is where most self-drive journeys begin. Hosea Kutako International Airport is roughly 40 km from the city, and the three main highways to the coast, the north and the south all start here. Tsawises accepts pick-up requests for Windhoek and the airport, and confirms availability and terms in writing.
PICK-UP OPTIONS
Where you can collect a vehicle
The Tsawises enquiry form lists these pick-up locations. Other locations can be requested.
Hosea Kutako International Airport
The main international gateway, roughly 40 minutes from central Windhoek. Many travellers collect a vehicle here after an overnight flight.
Windhoek city
A good option if you plan a night in town first, with easy access to supermarkets, cash machines and fuel.
Walvis Bay
Useful for one-way or coastal itineraries. Availability and any one-way charges are confirmed in writing.
Other locations
Ask Tsawises if you need a different pick-up or drop-off point.
YOUR FIRST DAY
A simple plan for the first 24 hours
How to get from the airport to the open road without stress.
Stock up in town
Buy water, snacks, a local SIM card and cash in Windhoek. Fuel up and check tyre pressures before you leave.
Avoid a long first drive
Jet lag and unfamiliar roads add risk. Plan a short first drive or a night in Windhoek, and arrive before dark.
Know the highways
The B1 runs north and south, the B2 goes west to Swakopmund, and the B6 heads east. Most roads out of Windhoek are paved.
ROUTES FROM WINDHOEK
Popular drives from the capital
Approximate road times; confirm your own route and pace with Tsawises.
Sossusvlei
About 5 to 6 hours. See the Sossusvlei guide.
Swakopmund
About 4 to 4.5 hours. See the Swakopmund guide.
Etosha
About 5 to 6 hours to Anderson's Gate. See the Etosha guide.
Kalahari
About 3 hours south. See the Kalahari guide.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions
How far is Hosea Kutako International Airport from Windhoek?
Roughly 40 km east of the city, about 40 minutes by road.
Can I pick up a rental car at Windhoek airport?
Tsawises lists Hosea Kutako International Airport as a pick-up location on its enquiry form. Availability, time and terms are confirmed in your written quotation.
Should I rent a 4x4 or an SUV in Windhoek?
It depends on your route. Paved highways and well-graded gravel suit most vehicles, but remote or sandy routes need a higher-capability 4x4. See the guide on choosing a vehicle.
Is it easy to drive out of Windhoek?
Yes. Traffic is light compared with most capitals, and the main highways are well signed. Drive carefully in the city and avoid night driving outside it.
KEEP READING
Related guides
Namibia car rental guide
What to confirm before you book.
Namibia self-drive itineraries
7, 10 and 14-day routes.
Do I need a 4x4 in Namibia?
Match a vehicle to your route.
Windhoek guide
Gateway to Namibia.
PLAN WITH TSAWISES
Tell us your dates and route.
Share your travel dates, group size and the places you want to see. Tsawises confirms the vehicle category, availability, rate and insurance terms in a written quotation before anything is booked.