Looking for some advice! I will be in Namibia in early November and want to travel budget style. Looks like public transportation is slim to none, so Im thinking of renting a car and camping for 8 nights. Would like to head to Swakopmund (already have accommodations there), Etosha and Kaokoland/Opuwo. Would you recommend bringing my own gear and renting a 2 wheel drive budget car to camp in campgrounds or rent a 4x4 with roof tent? 4x4 is 2-3 times the cost and I really don't mind roughing it. Actually prefer it that way, but don't want to be limited if roads in Kaokoland are rough and I only have 2x. Thoughts?
2
boomslang
You should be fine in November unless the rains come really early.
Re the car option, you will be agreeably surprised at how far you can get in a normal 2wd sedan. The roads in Namibia are generally very good, so unless you're planning to go way, way out into the boondocks, you should be fine.
Best way to be safe? Ask the locals about each stage of your route - they will know whether you're likely to run into problems. Also, drive conservatively: do not go too fast and KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD. It is so easy to get distracted by the scenery and before you know it, you are heading too fast into a corner you didn't see coming or you're heading down a dip into a dried out riverbed at 90km/hour.....look ahead!!
3
jeroen
We rented a small Kia and also rented tents, chairs, pots, pans etc from a Windhoek outdoor rental place, was fine for 2,5 weeks in August.
4
itchyfeet38
There are loads of good places you can get to with 2WD but not everywhere. As you might expect some of the wildest places have trickier access. So you need to decide what you'd rather do - have an off road adventure, or a a cheaper but still very enjoyable camping holiday. In terms of the places you've mentioned Etosha and Opuwo will be fine. parts of Kakoland won't be.
I have traveled all over Africa and I think Namibia is the best camping destination of all. Even die hard "I don't do camping" types are usually smitten after the first night in the desert under the stars.
5
emmyht
Namibia's public transportation is not that bad. There are some good bus lines such as Intercape...do your research! Plus there are local taxis... I have been using public transportation in Africa for 2 yrs, 25 countries so far... if you can afford to rent a vehicle, do it.... it is the easiest way to see it. Namibia is beautiful, people are lovely. Enjoy your travels.
6
graco
Hi Getoffthepath
Plan to travel to Namibia in november too . I would like see most of atractions in central part Sousvlei,Skeleton coast,Etosha and than continue further to the north to Damaraland&Koakoveld region. Looking for people that might be interesting doing same thing and renting a vehicle for couple of weeks. Feel free to concact me if you like on : marko_gracin@hotmail.com.
Take care
Graco
7
portlandian
I'll be traveling in Namibia & Botswana for 1 month at the end of Nov. If you folks want to team up then please let me know.
I'm open to renting a car and camping as well.
8
cmc6
Hello! I am also looking for travel companions in Bots and Namibia in Nov/Dec. Please let me know if we can work something out. Thanks!
9
viaether
hey,
yes please that is also what i am trying to plan - end of november through december for namibia/botswana.
so it seems like there's a possibility for three of us to travel together?
that would help reduce costs on car hire / petrol etc considerably.
please contact me if you're still planning this.
viaether
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