After my hunt in Namibia this July, I`ll meet three friends in Windhoek and we will travel around for 18 days..
Mostly in Namibia, but maybe also some of the neighbouring countries (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Angola)..
Anyone who could give me some tips on what to do, and where to go..?
Where to rent a car? Car rental prizes?
Cheap accomodations?
Any problems I should be aware of when travelling around like this..?
We`ll make this a budget trip.. Is that possible?
All my money goes to the hunt..

Anders,

While my wife and I were driving around in southern africa, we saw quite a few people with rental 4x4s. They came equiped with about as much equipment you might need for shorter (month long) drives around that vicinity. Fridge, rooftents etc were included. I don't remember the names on the car doors, but if you get a Lonely Planet /Footsteps guide book, I'm sure they have info on that. A good road atlas for southern africa is made by MapStudio (South African I think?). You can find it on the internet as far as I know.

While in Namibia, since you have some time, I'd suggest you use a week in Damaraland and Kaokoveld. Epupa Falls on the Angolan border is very nice too, and it's in this area you'll be able to come in contact with the Himba. Personally, I found the Himba to be one of the most facinating cultures in southern africa.

My route if I were you would be Windhoek-Epupa Falls-Van Zyl's Pass-Marienfluss-Purros-Sesfontain-Kamanjab-Etosha(If you want to spend a couple of more days seeing animals)-Grootfontain-Tsumkwe (to see San people)- Then enter Botswana, passing by Drotsky's Caves- and on to spending a few days on the Okovango for example near Sepupa, where you can drive back to Namibia via the Caprivi Strip; Popa falls, and then the B8 highway down to Windhoek again.
This can be done in 18 days, but remember, the distances are long down there, and some days have to be "transport" days... I think it would be hard to see much more of the area in the timeframe you mentioned because of the distances involved. The route would be like a figure 8, showing you a fair bit of north Namibia, and a touch of Botswana. There is so much to see, that you could use months actually! We drove around in Botswana for 4 weeks and the same in Namibia. And there is still stuff we would like to see...

To do a drive like this, you need to know how to read a map, and use a compass (although a GPS would be preferable sometimes!). Shell (oil) makes a reasonable map called "The Shell touris map of Botswana" showing the dirt trails you would need to go on with my suggested route. It even has some GPS waypoints.

Camping in the bush is the nicest (and cheapest!) and possible in virtually all the areas I mentioned. Safety isn't a problem either driving around in the southern countrys. Border crossings down there are a piece of cake, corruption isn't a problem, and officials are friendly and helpfull, as are regualar locals. Food is cheap compaired to here in Norway, and having a braai every night with a few beers can become a habit!

This is at least one possibility, and feel free to ask more questions if I can be of help! I'd go back down to explore more in a heartbeat, and I'm positive you guys will have a great time!

Erik D.

Anders,

ErikD gave some good tips. I'm by no means an expert, but I just got back from Namibia about three weeks ago and would recommend spending a few days in Etosha. The rest camps at Namatumi and Halali are ok, but the one at Okaukuejuo is the best by far of the three.

We also spent a few days in Swakopmund shark fishing and I would recommend giving that a try. The sand dunes in the Namib desert are also quite spectacular.

Wherever you go, I'm sure you'll have a blast!! Good luck and safe travels.

K

Anders,
send me a PM with more details including the area you�ll be hunting in and what preferences you have. I�ll see what I can do for you.
Reg. Kamaatu

Anders

Good advice above is to get a Lonely Planet and similar guidebooks.

I hired a car in Zimbabwe in 1994 and my wife and I travelled around for four weeks. In Hwange Park rented chalets with 15 beds for as little as $17 a night. No luxuries but just reading the guestbook entries was entertainment. Some very humourous entries such as "Why did the Parks (management) remove the shade trees over the chalets?" Reply (a African accent is required)- "We did not pull down the trees, the elephants did!" Sitting on chairs made from sable horns on the porch and listening to Africa and the bush. The lions roaring in the darkness down at the waterhole. The shades of elephants moving through the night. Talking to the African caretakers/gardeners about their lives and families. They were very helpful and deserved the small tips we left (a lot for them).

Just sitting by yourself in a hide for hours and watching the game as they came in. The multitudes of foolish and unaware impala. The crafty and cautious kudu and roan. The pugnacious warthogs. The waterhole bullies the elephant. The unafraid buffalo. The joyful birds.

Using the guidebooks you can probably find cheaper accomodation which is also self-catering. Places to camp and where to hire gear and vehicles.

Namibia, Botswana and most of South Africa shouldn't be dificult. Zimbabwe, well tourists are shy of the place and until change happens maybe it isn't the best for budget travel. Fuel supplies would probably be a problem there. Drive over to Vic Falls should be easy though from Bots.

Check into carnet issues (ie import of a motor vehicle and avoiding import taxes).

Wish I could go back again. Have fun.

I have already bought a copy of the Lonely Planet guide for Southern Africa, and it`s a lot of good tips there, but guys like you, which have recently been there, is much better!
I thought we might try to see as "many countries as possible" when we`re in the Caprivi Strip (Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana). The distances might be a bit longer than I think..?! Is it easy to visit all of these countries? No border crossing problems in any of them?

Thanks a lot for your help, anyone! I`ve allready made a print-out of these tips, and will put them into my travel schedule..

Another question, BTW..
How is actually the infrastructure in Namibia..?
Far between the gas stations, groceries etc..? Easy to buy food and other important things..?

Heard from a friend of mine, that there were a big problem with flat tyres, because of "gravel roads".. Is this right?

Anders

Sorry mate, haven't been to Namibia yet, its on my future list. Travelled in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and a little in South Africa.

Perhaps someone else can answer specifically for Namibia.


If you look at some of the better guidebooks, they list facilities in towns, such as fuel, accomodation, where to eat etc. From my limited experience it is always a bit of a gamble. Ask ahead if possible.

As for gravel roads unless the rocks are large I don't see a problem. Be prepared though. A general rule is to carry two spares plus a couple of tubes for true outback travel. Avoid trailers too (ie more tyres).

A problem with Africa can be the tyres are re-treads and often have no thread left. Had this happen in Kenya (we had a driver) where we had five flats. Check when you hire it as good rental companies should have decent tyres if you are paying for it.

Anders,



Distances between fuel stations are reasonably far in Namibia, Botswana etc, but the longest you would get would be around 7-800 kms if you do the circle through Kaokoveld. This isn't a problem for a regular 4x4 with a jerrycan or two as a spare. We could carry 220 liters of diesel, but that was only needed in north africa. If you can choose between a diesel and petrol 4x4, I'd go for diesel because the same amount of fuel will get you farther in a heavily loaded truck.



Water is usually not a problem, as most boreholes are safe to drink from, but that doesn't mean that it necissarily tastes good! You could always bring a MSR or simular filter with you for water you're not sure of. Use a couple of plastic jerrycans to bring water with you in the car. Again, these come with most rental 4x4s.



Stocking up on food when passing through towns is no problem, and you'll find the variety in many larger southern african towns "super markets" are far better than here at home! The variety might not be great in very small towns, but more than enough anyway. Carry a spare tyre (or 2). I'd say if going off for as long as we did, you must know how to permenantly repair tyres yourself. For your 3 week trip however, I don't think it's necissary. You'll find a guy who can fix tyres in almost any small town. Just make sure your tyre pressure is correct for the terrain you're driving in. For example; less for sand then on rock. The gravel roads are pretty much like the ones you'll be used to up here in Norways mountains and forests. A small compressor comes with some rental 4x4s as far as I've understood and is very usefull.



As I mentioned, don't bite of too big a chunk when it comes to where you want to go. I'm not kidding when I say the distances can be long! Some areas are slow going because of the terrain/tracks, so if you want to leave the highways to get to more remote and interesting places, your speed will be low sometimes... I personally would say that with your timeframe, seeing all the countrys you listed would in reality mean that you will just be seeing small parts of them through a car window at high speed. Barely! Which would essentially mean that you wouldn't really see or experiance much, although one could say that one has "been" there. IMO.



But, another possibility in your timeframe would be to drive from Windhoek up to the Caprivi Strip, continue east towards Zim, perhaps going via Mudumo Nat. Park, turning south at Katima Mulilo to the Ngoma Bridge where you can enter Botswana in the norht of Chobe Nat. Park, go to Kasane, cross over to Vic Falls and then either head south to Bulowayo where you'd turn west into Botswana again, continuing to Maun and so on back towards Windhoek, or turn around in Vic falls after seeing the sights, to cross back to Kasane, and head south through Chobe (and Moremi if you've booked a campsite) to Maun and so on. It's important to realize that camping spots in Botswanan nat. parks must be booked well in advance if it's during the vacation season. Well in advance... It's highly illegal to just put up camp in the wild inside the parks. Outside the parks it's no problem though.



Border crossings are not a problem in southern africa for tourists. The only hassle we got south of Kenya was actually entering RSA from Swaziland because of a real bitchy customs official who we automatically saw didn't like us simpley because we were white... All others in the nabouring countrys were friendly and polite. Non took more than 15 minutes to cross (compaired to a whole day to enter Sudan for example), and as long as you have your papers in order, and are polite, you're treated decently.



In the very unlikely situation were you come across a corrupt official, I suggest that you don't give in. Use a bit of humour to get out, without giving in. Humour with yourself as the "joke" works particulary well, letting them go off as the "big man", and thus retaining their "honor". basically, a bit of "child psychology" can get you off the hook if done right. It worked for us through some of the most corrupt countrys in africa for a year... Chances are though that you'll never have this problem where you will be going.



Erik D.

Anders,

I would highly recommend that you stay out of Angola as a tourist! Not save to travel if you don`t know the dos and don`ts.



Anyway, here is my suggestion for the days after the hunt:



1st Day. Try to arrange that your PH drops you off in Windhoek at Sturm�s Guesthouse

in Steinstr.

Int. Phone: 00264-61-225500

Tel From Namibia: (061)-225500

You might spend a night there to have a look at Windhoek and to get geared up for your trip.

He has a huge Safe where you will be able to leave your guns after the hunt while travelling the country. Hans Sturm himself is an elderly gentleman and has got very moderate prices.

The guesthouse is situated in `Klein Windhoek`, 3 km from the centre of town, close to a shopping mall and the Namibian Professional Hunters Association.

Ask him to take you to a car rental, my suggestion would be Camping Car Hire! http://www.campingcarhire.com.na/

Book yourself a Toyota Hi-Lux double cab.

They might be a bit more expensive than others, but their vehicles are in perfect condition. They have a huge assortment of camping gear to hire as well.

While in Windhoek, do the usual sightseeing around town and have supper at Joe`s Beerhouse.



2nd. day: Drive up north on the main road via Okahandja towards Otjiwarongo. Take the turnoff 25 km before you to Otjiwarongo in an easterly direction towards the Waterberg Plateau Park. There you will find the government owned `De la Bat` rest camp where you can spend the night. (The place has got a historical background due to the fights between the Germans and the Ovaherero 1904)

If you would like to spend the night in a bungalow instead of camping, get the bungalow booked through the NRI office. They are part of the ministry for tourism and manage all the state owned Restcamps.



3rd. day: Travel via Grootfontein to Rundu on the banks of the Okavango and spend the night at some Lodge around Rundu.

Hakusembe Lodge +264 67 255010



4th.day: Leave Rundu early and travel to Katima Mulilo!

Stay at the Kalizo Lodge and spend the afternoon tiger fishing.



http://www.natron.net/kalizo/index.html



5th.day: Drive up to Victoria Falls via Ngoma through Botswana.

There are government owned rest camps where you will be able to set up your tent. Otherwise go for private owned lodges.

Make sure you have US $ for entrance fees at the actual falls, for rafting tours and bungee jumping.





6th day: Spend the day rafting, bungee jumping etc and have fun. There is a bar called `Explorers` in Vic Falls where all sorts of young people from all over the world meet up. Great fun, great booze etc.



7th day: Drive back to Botswana and try to stay at lodge somewhere on the banks of the Chobe river. Do some driving around and don�t freak out when you see more than 500 buffalo in one single heard. That`s not unusual!



8th. Day. Back to Rundu



9th. Day. Rundu-Grootfontein-Tsumeb- towards Etosha.

Spend the night at Namutoni ( government owned restcamp inside the park) or at a Lodge around the Main entrance. (Mukuti Lodge, Mushara lodge etc, they are all good)



10th. Day. Spend the day driving through the Etosha towards Okaukuejo (government owned camp) and enjoy seeing rhino, elephant, lion and all the other plainsgame.

Spend the night at Okaukuejo



11th. Day. Travel via Outjo, Kamanjab to Palmwag Lodge in the Damaraland

and spend the night at there. (natural oasis with frequent visitors who have long trunks and ivory sticking out of the lip)

http://www.namibweb.com/palmwagl.htm





12th. Day. Travel down to Swakopmund at the Atlantic ocean via Uis.

Plenty of accommodation around Swakopmund.

http://www.natron.net/hotelse.htm



13th. Day: Have fun in Swakopmund (Fishing, micro light, ATV�s)



14th. Day: Remain in Swakopmund but take a day trip to Walfishbay (30km) and join a tour on a ski boat which travels out to the seals, dolphins, etc. (Mola-Mola Tours or similar)



15th. Day: Travel down to Sesriem Canyon (south east of Swakopmund) and stay there for the night. Also government owned rest camp! There are a few private owned lodges around as well.



16th. Day: Early morning drive to Sossusvlei (highest dunes in the world) and afterwards back to Windhoek (Sturm`s Guesthouse)



17th.Day: Spend the day shopping in Windhoek, returning the vehicle etc. There are a few taxidermists around Windhoek. As a hunter you are always welcome to have a look around and watch them doing professional mounts.



18th Day: Departure (Sturm will take you to the airport)

Kamaatu,

Where do I sign up!? I need to plan a couple days in the hospital at Windhoek to sell a kidney to pay for a return trip this fast, but it sounds good!

Anders,

With regards to staying near Etosha, Mokuti Lodge is excellent as Kamaatu mentioned. We ended up staying in the luxury cabins and they were not exactly cheap, but giraffes and Bontebok walking through the camp make things pretty interesting. It is also right next to the entrance to Etosha so you can be in the park very easily first thing in the morning. The reptile house is not extravagent, but you get to see all the nasty creepy crawlers in the proper setting --- behind glass!!

As far as Swakopmund goes, we stayed at the Beach House B&B and it was great too. Right on the ocean and very cool rooms. Rates were very reasonable. We also ended up renting a guest house in Swakopmund for a couple days later in the trip. It was entirely a self catering deal and very cheap. I think we paid something like 10 USD per person/day and the house could easily hold 6-8 people with no problem.

K