There is a plethora of car rental companies in Namibia. Some reputable, some that would never be recommended, and others that should do visitors a favor and simply close shop. So how do you decide the right car rental for your Namibia holiday?
1. Match your itinerary with the roads you’ll travel -gravel and/or paved (tarred).
2. Determine number of passengers, height/weight, etc.
3. Determine how many pieces of luggage each passenger is carrying? What is the size of luggage?
4. Determine how much space in the vehicle you would like?
5. Is saving money by renting a standard sedan worth being uncomfortable?
When a large portion of your itinerary is coasting along the paved roads of the Trans-Caprivian and/or Trans-Kalahari Highway’s, a two-by-four (2×4) will be a better option. Why a two-by-four (2×4) and not a standard sedan? In a standard sedan you’re simply too near the gravel when you do venture from the paved roads; Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau, and the Cheetah Conservation, are all examples of times you’ll leave the paved road. This causes your travels to be bumpy, uncomfortable, slow, with greater chances of blown out tires. Travel smoothly and with greater reliability by paying the extra costs to rent a four-by-four (4×4).
Travelers to Namibia, time and again, are glad they decided on a four-by-four (4×4) over a sedan or two-by-four (2×4). Although most itineraries never require “real” off-road four-wheeling, the benefits and comforts of a four-by-four (4×4) are numerous. The most obvious, four-by-four (4×4) have plenty of clearance between you and the ground, thus allowing speeds to be maintained and the ride to be smooth. Also, more times than not, they are more spacious.
Every traveler, especially those on a limited time frame pray for a hassle, problem free holiday. The gravel roads in Namibia can be both rough and dangerous. Sharp stones, especially along the C19 road towards Sossusvlei, and thorns in Etosha National Park frequently puncture tires leaving travelers stranded in remote corridors with little option. When renting a four-by-four (4×4) the tires are stronger and more reliable than sedans. Rental companies supplying, or even specializing in four-by-four (4×4) rentals supply their clients with, sometimes, up to two spare tires and an air compressor.
With only 10-12 days to see Namibia, travelers often follow the same route -Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha N.P. – traveling between both paved and graveled roads. Is it worth your time to be stranded in the middle of the Namib-Naukluft only because you wanted to save a few dollars?
To a smooth expedition. What are some reputable car hire companies based in Windhoek, Namibia? http://wildsafariafrica.com/about/your-specialist-in-african-safari-planning/
