Offroad driving in Namibia taken to the limit

Namibia with its rugged landscapes requires good off-road driving skills of the locals and many stories have been told around the campfire about hair-raising experiences by “four-by-four” drivers - or their passengers!

Drivers and their vehicles can also show off their tricks during the popular “Vasbyt” sport events organised around the country.

During the just ended holiday season at the central coast, a Vasbyt rally outside the port of Walvis Bay was one of the main attractions. Vasbyt – pronounced like the English words “fuss” and “bait” – comes from the Afrikaans language and means to bite on something and not letting go.

This attitude was definitely needed as obstacles like thick sand, tyre pits and mud puddles as well as dune climbing got the adrenaline pumping again for driver and navigator!

The specially built vehicles are equipped with roll cages, five-point safety belts, a safety harness and fire extinguishers. The vehicles usually have shorter wheelbases and lifted suspensions.

The teams must always wear safety helmets. 

Brigitte Weidlich