For travellers seeking the ultimate holiday experience, 4×4 hire Namibia offers one of the most flexible and easy ways to travel through this beautiful land of contrasts. A regular car may get you from one destination to the next if you’re sticking to paved roads, four wheel drives however will get you from the towering dunes of the Namib to the remote paths at Fish River Canyon, all in true off-road adventure style. Self-drive also has the added benefit of letting you travel the country on your own terms, choosing your own routes and creating your own adventure as you go where the wind takes you. This gives the perfect chance to explore the multitude of wonders to be found across Namibia.
In order to ensure that your 4×4 rental in Namibia is a safe and memorable one, keep these tips in mind when planning your trip:
1.Pack wisely and be prepared for anything from roughing it up in a tent to staying in backpackers or guest houses. If you are planning a full outdoor adventure, you will need a decent tent such as two person dome tents, which are waterproof with mosquito netting to keep out bugs, plus camping mattresses, sleeping bags, ground covers, assorted camping pots, pans, plastic or tin cups, bowls and plates, cutlery, camping stove, cooler box and anything else you may require on your adventure.
2.Aim to hire a GPS enabled 4×4 rental option and purchase a current Namibia road map. The last thing you need is to find yourself stuck in the middle of a desert without knowing where you are. Namibia is a vast country and getting lost is a very real possibility if you do not know where you are going so always plan your route properly.
3.Pack the right clothes to suit all weather. Temperatures towards the deserts reach fever point during the day and get very cold at night, while along the coast the weather can be cooler during the day time. Bring a range of comfortable clothing items, and pack sandals as well as hiking boots to ensure that you are well-prepared for any adventure.
4.Always know which areas are safe to venture to, and which may be better to avoid. Namibia is a safe country that is ideal for self-drive travel; however tensions in neighbouring countries can make border areas a bit more sensitive. Do your research, and keep a listen out for travel warnings or other indications of places to steer clear of during your 4×4 hire adventure.
5.Find out where there are rest and fuel stops on your route. These are often situated near remote areas, and are often the last place where you can refill your fuel and supplies before venturing out into the desert or game parks. Don’t assume you will find another fuel stop once you enter into these remote areas, rather take advantage of these rest stops to refuel, check water and oil levels and stock up on water and food.
As one of the most diverse and spectacular countries in Africa, with stark contrasts spanning desert, oceans and rich game regions, there is no better destination for self-drive than Namibia. You may have a planned itinerary to visit the top travel destinations in this country, or you may simply start at Windhoek and make your way down to coast into the Namib region. Whatever you decide, car hire offers the best way to see Namibia in style and comfort.
Andre Van Kets is the co-founder and IT Director of a leading car hire agency, and offers advice and tips on car hire in South Africa for travelers seeking affordable and reliable self-drive travel solutions.
