Africa's Secrets group posting on GLOBOsapiens

Car rental in Namibia?

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wojtekd Premium account Joined: Oct 02 Points: 20755 Posts: 303 Posted: 2003-10-31 06:57:00    Hi Globies! Maybe it is better to rent a car in Windhoek then to use rare local transport? Any experience? Do I need to rent 4WD to visit popular places like Etosha and the coast or standard compact car will be sufficient? Any sample of rental prices? Fuel cost in Namibia? Thanks Wojtek --- You can lose everything, but nobody will take away what you saw and what you experienced... W.D. Reply    Reply with quote    Contact wojtekd   travelbutlers Premium account Joined: Jul 04 Points: 151 Posts: 2 Posted: 2004-07-06 08:32:00    Hi Wojtek, I'm guessing that you have already been by now, given that you posted your message 6 months ago. Sorry for the late reply, but I've only just joined this excellent looking forum. Just in case you are going later this year (August is the most popular time for visitors to Namibia), I'll answer as best I can... Local public transport does not really exist at all in Namibia. There is a train from Windhoek to Swakopmund, and another from Windhoek going north...some local bus services around the larger towns, and the occasional long distance coach to other destinations in Namibia or South Africa. That is about it. As far as I am aware, none of the major attractions (Sossusvlei, Etosha, Damarland, Fish River Canyon...) are served by public transport, and I'm afraid that the only option if you hope to see any of the country without joining an organised trip is to hire a car from Windhoek. In terms of the type of car...well, everyone will tell you that you need a 4WD although depending on the time of year you travel, and your route, this is not really the case. Jan-March are the wettest months, and during this time I would reccommend a 4WD for all remote regions as there is often localised flooding on roads, and mud and wet sand can make some routes almost impassable. Outside of this period 2WD is fine - if you get a higher clearance vechicle you will get better game viewing in Etosha, and a more comfortable ride on grave roads elsewhere, although you would be very unlucky to find anywhere imapassable in a compact outside of some areas of Damaraland, and further north. You can read more about driving in Namibi at: http://www.travelbutlers.com/Namibia_Driving.asp You can book a car for namibia online at : http://www.travelbutlers.com/service_car_hire.asp I'm sure you'll have a great trip, and I hope this has been of some help. Cheers, Paul. --- Paul Travel Butlers Reply    Reply with quote    Contact travelbutlers