During our self-drive adventure in Namibia, we faced a different kind of challenge. Our vehicle had a flat tire in the remote Namib Desert, followed by a flat spare tire. Stranded in the vast expanse with no cellular signal, panic set in. However, we had come prepared with a satellite phone, a trusty Iridium 9555 handset, which proved to be a lifeline in this unexpected situation.

With the satellite phone in hand, I connected to the Iridium network and reached out for assistance. It was a relief to hear a reassuring voice on the other end, assuring us that help was on the way. While waiting, the satellite phone provided a vital connection to the outside world.

In the early hours of the morning, a rescue team arrived. They could not fix the vehicle, but helped us with transport to our accommodation. The satellite phone had transformed a potentially stressful situation into a manageable one. It had allowed us to stay (relatively) calm, knowing that help was on its way.

Reflecting on that experience, I am immensely grateful for having a satellite phone during my travels in Namibia. It had been the difference between feeling stranded in a remote desert and having a lifeline to rely on. This incident further emphasized the importance of preparedness and carrying a satellite phone when exploring Namibia’s remote regions.

When venturing into the untamed beauty of Namibia, unpredictable situations can arise. Having a satellite phone provides a crucial means of communication in emergencies, ensuring that help is just a call away. It is a small investment that can make a significant difference in your safety and peace of mind while exploring this captivating country. Hopefully, you will have it and never need it, but do not put yourself in a situation where you need it and do not have it.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Namibia, particularly for self-drive adventures in remote areas, consider equipping yourself with a satellite phone. It will serve as a reliable companion, providing a lifeline in unexpected circumstances and allowing you to navigate through challenges with confidence. With a satellite phone by your side, you can fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Namibia, knowing that help is within reach even in the most remote corners of this captivating land.

It is also worth noting that Iridium offers discounted Africa minutes, which only work on the African continent. Buying Africa minutes is significantly cheaper than global minutes, and you are unlikely to need more than the minimum purchase of 300 minutes. SatComms in neighbouring South Africa assisted us with all our satellite phone needs.

Another important thing to mention is that satellite phones do not have a 112 or 911 service, so it is essential to collect numbers you may need in advance - your accommodation provider, police stations, ambulance services, breakdown services, etc.

If you are wondering what happened after our unfortunate evening in the Namib desert, a local mechanic managed to restore the vehicle to a driveable condition, but advised against travelling with it until we could get a proper tire replacement. Three days later, we managed to source a tire from Windhoek and continue the journey to the capital where we could rent a car (we still had no spare). Ultimately, we could not fully fix the vehicle in Namibia, but managed to drive it to South Africa for repairs.