Driving in Botswana & Namibia ... - Thorn Tree travel forum

Driving in Botswana & Namibia

Replies: 11 - Last Post: 18-Aug-2007 22:27 Last Post By: Dutch_Uncle

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Posted
25-Apr-2007 13:25
by: firkle

Posts: 17
Registered: 11/02/07

Driving in Botswana & Namibia

My wife and I are considering hiring a 4 wheel drive truck in Jo´burg and driving through Botswana and Namibia (and hitting most of the normal sites). Neither of us know much about cars. Are we crazy to consider doing this on our own? Specifically, we are concerned about breaking down and getting lost. At the same time, we dislike organized tours and would prefer to do things on our own if possible. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Posted
25-Apr-2007 14:45
by: RudiK

Posts: 3,533
Registered: 12/03/05

1

Depending on where you want to go you may not need a 4x4. And if you do need a 4x4 - for example to drive from Kasane to Maun through Chobe and Moremi, or in the Central Kalahari, or in the Kaokoveld - you should not try to do it unless you are in the company of another vehicle. If you get stuck or have a breakdown or an accident you could end up in BIG trouble.
If you are not going to that type of area, you would not need a 4 wheel drive. Most of the "normal sites" can easily be reached in an ordinary car. And you should find your way very easily.

Some people make things happen; others watch things happen; still others don't even know that things have happened.

Posted
25-Apr-2007 18:11
by: chriskean1

Posts: 3,668
Registered: 22/07/03

2

I agree with #1. I had a Nissan Almera (regular 2WD car) and was able to get from Zimbabwe across to (Francistown and then) Maun and Ghanzi, up into Namibia via Tsodilo (even to the Tsodilo Hills area though not around it), Tsumeb and several days in Etosha, then Swakopmund, Sossusvlei, Ludderitz and then down to Cape Town with no trouble. Most of this way is paved, some is quite good gravel, and only the Tsodilo Hills part was iffy.

Getting lost is not an issue unless you are really going off-road somewhere.

My concern about inexperienced drivers taking out a 4WD is one might be tempted to take more risks--driving faster on the gravel, for one--and end up having an accident. I have very little 4WD experience myself (mostly in Oman).

CK

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Posted
26-Apr-2007 01:50
by: nuheart

Posts: 78
Registered: 01/11/06

3

Hi Firkle,

What is the timing of your trip? I am travelling up from Durban through to Botsawana and Namibia from 22nd August and plan on returning home on 24th Spetember. I will be travelling with a single vehicle and if the timing works perhaps we could neet up somewhere. Just a tip when travelling the huge distances in both countries it is good to have someone at a home base somewhere. Work out a pretty detailed route and then give them regular SITREPS (situation reports). ALWAYS carry water with you, sufficient to tide you over a good few days. At least if your home base knows that you are between 2 points and if they don't hear from you within a specified time they know at least the general area to send someone to look for you if they have to call out the cavalry. In Namiba a simple thing like 2 or more puntures could immobilise you. I always carry 2 spare wheels when travelling.

Happy travels,

Brian

Posted
26-Apr-2007 01:54
by: peterscot

Posts: 2,175
Registered: 21/08/03

4

There are companies that specialise in hiring 4x4 and providing backup such as satellite phones. eg

http://www.africa-explorer.co.uk/

http://www.drivesouthafrica.co.za/4x4-hire-south-africa.php

Also, Getaway magazine has lots of advice. I agree with the previous posters. 4x4 unnecessary. If you break down with a normal car, someone will be along in a few hours. If you go off-road with a 4x4 and you break down - you might be there for a very long time. I have been to Namibia 4 times and not hired a 4x4. Botswana has trickier roads, I understand.

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Posted
26-Apr-2007 03:09
by: ROB_S_NZ

Posts: 62
Registered: 30/10/02

5

Ive done both in both countries. 4WD is not really necessary but is higher for game viewing and can have a roof tent or 2 on top for camping. These are great! Unless you are not a cofindent driver or are over adventurous or stup[id thre are no woprries driving one.

Dont be scared at all but be prepared as OPs suggest. Your own trip will be a much better adventure than w a group IMO hving done lots of both. Just take is easy and your adenture will unfold before U

Nam roads are great even the gravel. Bots are variable to poor off the main road The main roads avery ggod and sealed. With a 4WD U will get good access to Chobe NP and the waterfront game viewing that is not allowed in 2wd. With care and talking to others or teaming up w them and the time of year u may get access to Bots parks OK and Moreri but take care as u could get stuck. Yu will meet lots of intersting people at the camps along the way and most will be very helpful.

There are lots of good maps and friendly people help. Shop round for prices as they vary lots. Many 4x4 have 2 spares and u can ask for a second anyway.

Highly rec Kaharhi Transfrontier Park for cats either in 2wd or 4wd 4wd is best due to rough roads and xtra height ( I had 2wd)

Have fun!

Posted
26-Apr-2007 12:53
by: Juno101

Posts: 110
Registered: 21/04/07

6

Botswana definately needs a 4WD for most places - although you could get away with it by sticking to the main roads / towns and getting a guided drive into the parks etc. But that seems pointless when you are paying for vehicle hire. Why not get one of the self-drive companies to organise your itinerary for you? DriveBotswana arrange 4x4 hire, camping equipment, sites, accommodation etc. They also arrange for other countries in southern Africa as well I think.

Depending on how long you want to go for (I reckon 10 days minimum in Botswana) I recommend the 'desert' experience (either CKGR, Khutse or KTP) and the wetland experience (Okavango, Moremi or Chobe riverfront) to give you a broad view of the country. As for Namibia, Namib-Naukluft, Fish River Canyon, Swakopmund...

Good luck!

Posted
27-Apr-2007 17:06
by: ndlovu

Posts: 301
Registered: 01/09/06

7

Nothing more to add to this good advice! Be Aware! Let people know where you're going and, if possible, call ahead with an estimated time of arrival - that way people will know to come looking for you if you don't arrive!
Ndlovu

Posted
30-Apr-2007 14:54
by: Opsafari

Posts: 136
Registered: 30/11/01

8

If you are not going to drive through Botswana's game parks, you do not need a 4x4 for Bot. and Namibia. However, I would make use of a small truck or as we in South Africa call it: Bakkie. It is more ore less the same size as a 4x4 without all the gears. If you plan to do a camping trip, the back of the bakkie has more than enough storage place. You even get bakkies kitted for camping. A bakkie is better for driving on gravel roads and provide more ground clearance than a sedan vehicle. The ride will be a little more harder – suspension is harder than a sedan – but the ground clearance will help in Etosha. Visiting Kasane it is better to book a game drive for the morning and do a sunset cruise on the river in the afternoon than try to do the driving yourself due to the very soft sand along the river. If you need advise, drop me an email: opsafari@mweb.co.za
Stephan

Posted
01-May-2007 12:52
by: firkle

Posts: 17
Registered: 11/02/07

9

Wow! Thanks so much everyone for all the helpful replies. I think we are probably going to do what number 5 suggested and get the 4 wheel drive truck with rooftop camping. Unfortunately nuheart we will be doing our trip late june to late July. Thanks for the invite though.

Posted
18-Aug-2007 13:27
by: WildDogs

Posts: 22
Registered: 17/08/07

10

hello firkle
my husband and I just got back from a 4 x 4 self drive camping trip around Botswana. And lived to tell the tale. We've come back with a 100 + page trip report of all our hints and tips. If you're intereted its available on this blog and downloadable from the same place as PDF (so you can still read it crashing around the bush in Bots!) http://wilddogsandenglishmen.files.wordpress.com/
It is amazing.
WD

Posted
18-Aug-2007 22:27
by: Dutch_Uncle

Posts: 1,106
Registered: 26/08/00

11

Remember that any 4WD has a higher center of gravity and is more prone to tip and roll than a normal sedan. The 4W part is really an insurance policy. You probably wont need it, but if you do you will need it real bad. On one Botswana trip we only used it to get out of a lodge parking lot. Another consideration is that it is indeed possible to get a 4WD stuck, in which case it is most profoundly stuck.

""Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things can not be acquired by vegetating in one llittle corner of the earth all one's lifetime." - Mark Twain

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