Good hostels other than chameleon? Why do fully equipped SUV ?

Hello,

I have heard Chameleon is great. However, it seems their tour outfitters are giving me higher quotes than others for car rental, etc, therefore, I am a little hesitant to stay there knowing that I probably will look for more reasonably priced quotes on cars/self drives, etc.

Does anybody know of any other cheap but fun hostels? I have heard about cardboard box but their hostel website isnt working...

Also, does anyone know why I keep being told i need a 4x4 that is fully equipped with camping gear for 1200 a day? I thought we could rent a 2x2 (with high clearance for rainy season) and hire a tent and be fine...and that would be about 500 a day for the car and like 30 a day for a tent. My travelmates and I cannot afford to pay 1200 a day for a car!

Thanks.

Value Car Hire www.carhirenamibia.com
Toyota Condor 2 wheel drive higher clearance
MODEL 2004
01/12/2008 - 30/06/2009
Rental price per day: N$ 300.00 with an excess of N$ 16,000.00
01/07/2009 - 30/11/2009
Rental price per day: N$ 350.00 with an excess of N$ 16,000.00

Silver Cover: + N$ 50.00/day with an excess of N$ 8,000.00
Gold Cover: + N$ 100.00/day with an excess of N$ 2,000.00

or

Nissan Double Cab 2004/5 models 4x4 4/5 seats
from N$400 - N$560 per day with no excess
N$60 or N$120 extra /day for Silver/Gold Cover

Camping packages N$24 per day up to 4 people (ground tents) N$34 roof top tents doesn't include fridge.

Cardbox is def a good choice!

seb

well it depends where you wantto go - 4x4 is not necessary everywhere, although it provides peace of mind at some time. The fully equiped 4x4 is an easy and very popular choice in Namibia - it comes with the tent, yes, but also everything that you'll need : stove, chairs, everything to make your trip confortable.
Higher clearance is def. a good idea anyways (I did a 3 weeks trip in a polo VW, tricky at some point...)

The prices quoted by threedogs look quite good - is that unlimited kms?

I stayed at Chamaleon and it was good - but my second choice would have been Cardbox too.

the above prices are unlimited kms and 24hour back-up service