Driving round Namibia

[eldar]

I'd like to fly to Windhoek, hire a 4x4 and spend 3 or 4 weeks exploring. I've been before, briefly, so I've experience of the southern parts like Luderitz.
So really the northern region and Botswana - Okovango.

Anyone any experience of something similar?

[Stephanie Plum]

You won't be able to drive around the Delta. When it's in flood forget it but even when dry it would be challenging and there's nowhere you can stay. All the camps are expensive and would have to be prebooked.

Namibia is easier but don't underestimate the mileages and also the fact there aren't many places to stay.

[eldar]

Stephanie Plum said:

You won't be able to drive around the Delta. When it's in flood forget it but even when dry it would be challenging and there's nowhere you can stay. All the camps are expensive and would have to be prebooked.

Namibia is easier but don't underestimate the mileages and also the fact there aren't many places to stay.

Thanks. I've looked at the mileage, and while big, seem reasonable given the time I've planned. 250km or so on the decent roads, less on the unsurfaced. Should be able to do around 1,000 km per week?

I think I know the pricing, it will be a mix of cheap and pricey, I suspect in the 500 to 2000 N$ - is that reasonable.

I was thinking Mar/Apr/May is that a good time?

[Yipper]

Know someone in South Africa who travels there for work fairly regularly. It has gotten pretty violent in recent years -- the crime rate is higher than Iraq, for example. Tourist attacks in and outside the capital city appear to have soared. And the rural roads are bad, often gravelly or potholey, and skidding accidents or tyre blowouts are common (sometimes resulting in roadside robbery). Best to do it in a sizeable group or organised convoy if poss.

[eldar]

Yipper said:

Know someone in South Africa who travels there for work fairly regularly. It has gotten pretty violent in recent years -- the crime rate is higher than Iraq, for example. Tourist attacks in and outside the capital city appear to have soared. And the rural roads are bad, often gravelly or potholey, and skidding accidents or tyre blowouts are common (sometimes resulting in roadside robbery). Best to do it in a sizeable group or organised convoy if poss.

Interesting. When I was there (southern Namibia) in 2015 the travellers said the roads are bad, but crime is low (compared to S Africa). I need more research.

[Flying Penguin]

Went for 2 weeks in May 2015; hired Toyota Hilux with roof tent for 2.500km round trip Windhoek- Kalahari- Deadvlei- Cape Cross- Etosha- Windhoek.
Mix of camping and lodges. No problems whatsoever and always felt safe; common sense is your friend.

1.000km/ week are easily done and the gravel roads are mostly in good condition. Just stick to the recommended speed limit for your car and you'll be fine.

Etosha maybe not the best time in Mar/ Apr/ May but still worth it. Don't forget your tele lens and binoculars.