Does anyone want to share the cost of a car and driver for a 2 or 3 week trip in September or early October. Might be able to save money by sharing lodge or hotel rooms too if you're female. British female, 32, on a mid range budget.
1
john_in_brum_uk
Save money by driving yourselves - it's a safe country, the roads are good (but mainly gravel), there are good maps/road signs and it will feel like a real adventure - without being too adventourous !
2
montana1
Can't agree more with Bri, to hire a driver is not going to be cheap let alone possible, do it yourself you are gonna love.
4
britinnamibia
Back-packing is totally possible in Namibia. There are the more 'reputable' shuttles which are essentially geared for tourists. These travel to Etosha, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund. The other form of transport is to use the local shuttle buses. Like most local african shuttle buses, these are often very busy and fully laden, but it is of course an african experience.The larger towns, Walvis, Swakopmund, Rundu, Katima, Tsumeb also have local taxi services, again mainly used by the locals, so getting around in these towns is also possible. In September the weather shuold be great, so camping is a real option if you really want to see Namibia on a budget. If you do find a friend to travel with and want to hire an economic car, let me know. my recommendation would also be to hire a 4x4 fully equipped with camping gear. This will certainly work out cheaper than hiring a regular car and moving from lodge to lodge.
5
eden0844686
Thanks Brit - self drive car hire is not an option for me but it looks like a car may not be essential after all if the buses/shuttles are as regular as that.
6
john_in_brum_uk
I would suggest you read other posts on here about the practicality of backpacking & using public transport to see Namibia.
Yes - you could probably get to Etosha by "shuttle" but then how are you going to get around the NP ? Same question re Sossusvlei. Everywhere in Swakop is walkable and you can get there by train !
Alternatively, use one of the local tour companies.
You can get excellent advice from Cardboard Box (who I've not used) or ATI (who I've used several times - Dave & Lotte are young(ish) expat Brits).
7
britinnamibia
Hi Eden,
In response to John, getting around and seeing Etosha is easy, you simply use the NWR or Lodge Vehicles that offer open 4x4 game drives morning and afternoon and evenings also if camping inside Etosha at the NWR camps.. All lodges do this. Likewise in Sossusvlei. Sossusvlei adventure centre located at Sossusvlei Lodge offers a whole range of activities and excursions to the dunes. I know both cardboard box and ATI very well, I am also a tour operator, and clearly would not offer incorrect advise. Correct John, you can get a train to Swakopmund, likewise you can also get a train to SA, stopping over in Keetmanshoop, which then allows access to Fish River. There is also a shuttle that takes you to Fish River Canyon.ran by Gondwana.
8
teachertoffee
If you're going in September there is an organised trek run by UNICEF, with a large group of people and the chance to fundraise and see the projects: www.unicef.org.uk/treks
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