There are a lot of car rental companies in Namibia. Some reputable, some that would never be recommended, and some that should do visitors a favor and simply close the store. So how do you decide on the right car rental for your Namibia vacation?
1. Match your itinerary to the roads you will be traveling on: gravel and / or paved (asphalt).
2. Determine the number of passengers, height / weight, etc.
3. Determine how many pieces of luggage each passenger is carrying. What is the size of the luggage?
4. Determine how much space in the vehicle you would like.
5. Is it worth feeling uncomfortable to save money by renting a standard sedan?
When a large part of your itinerary runs on the paved roads of the Trans-Caprivian and / or Trans-Kalahari Highways, 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 are simply too close to the gravel when venturing off the paved roads; Etosha National Park, the Waterberg Plateau, and the Cheetah Conservation are examples of times when you will leave the road paved. This makes your trips bumpy, uncomfortable, slow and more likely to blow your tires. Travel smoothly and with greater reliability by paying the additional costs to rent a four-by-four (4×4).
Travelers to Namibia, time and time again, are glad they opted for a four-by-four (4×4) over a sedan or two-by-four (2×4). While most itineraries never require a “real” four-wheel drive, the benefits and comforts of a four-wheel-drive (4×4) are numerous. The most obvious, four-by-four (4×4) have enough clearance between you and the ground, allowing you to maintain speed and a smooth ride. Also, most of the time, they are more spacious.
All travelers, especially those with a limited time frame, pray for a hassle-free and hassle-free vacation. Gravel roads in Namibia can be difficult and dangerous. Sharp stones, especially along the C19 road to Sossusvlei, and thorns in Etosha National Park frequently puncture tires and leave travelers stranded in remote corridors with few options. When renting a four-by-four (4×4), the tires are stronger and more reliable than sedans. Rental companies that supply, or even specialize in four-by-four (4×4) rentals, sometimes supply their customers with 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 NP, traveling between paved and gravel roads. Is it worth getting stranded in the middle of the Namib-Naukluft just because you wanted to save a few bucks?
On a quiet expedition. What are some reputable car rental companies based in Windhoek, Namibia? http://wildsafariafrica.com/about/your-specialist-in-african-safari-planning/