To pick up a camping equipped 4x4 and explore the wilds of Namibia. We'd decided upon the Western and Central Area of Namibia for our route. Heading as far
north on the coast as the road would take us, exploring sand dunes, rock valleys, canyons, seal colonies, wildlife safaris, local people, dinosaur footprints and animal
rehabilitation centres. All in we knew it would be an intense trip with lots of driving, bad or non-existent roads, rough nights camping and just generally being worn down
by the desert conditions.
We choose Kalahari Car Hire as they had cheaper rentals of slightly older cars with higher mileage. While this was a risky strategy we had found them well reviewed and they
were 40% cheaper than many rivals. We also didn't have tons of spare cash rolling around at this point and we knew they're vehicles, if old were well serviced. They also still
came fully equipped with fire extinguisher, onboard fridge, roof tent, water storage, gas stove and pots and pans.
While we had done some 4x4 driving on our round the world trip, specifically in Tasmania in winter in 2013. This would be our first proper self drive off roading adventure.
In Tasmania we'd only had a Nissan X-Trail with 4WD. This time we'd have a proper 4x4 with both High and Low range four wheel drive. Low range being something we knew we'd
need driving through the dunes of Sossusvlei. We eagerly looked forward to our adventure.
NOTES: Our route via Qatar meant our flight time out was 17 hours. Its not the most direct route, but we took this route as it allowed us to visit Qatar on the way home.
NOTES: This is a long drive day with not a lot of scenery to see. It was also the first taste of 4x4 driving and the risks that come with it.
NOTES: This drive either requires a fully capable 4x4 with a low range gear box for the deep sand roads. Or you will need to leave your car where the tarmac ends and get a shuttle 4x4 through the sand to the dunes. This requires waiting a while, and in bad conditions like we had would be very uncomfortable. If you come to Namibia you should pay to be well equipped to not leave disappointed. There is really nowhere in Namibia a 4x4 wouldn't be advised. Also climbing the dunes needs to be done before 11am, it gets too hot and the climb is very strenous walking up hill in deep sand.
NOTES: The weather is much cooler in Walvis Bay, and along most the western coast line. It is exposed to ocean weather and it really is twice as cool here as in the desert and central areas.
NOTES: Driving the Skeleton Coast requires a 4 wheel drive car. You wont be able to reach Terrace Bay without one.
NOTES: The lodge is up a very steep climb, requiring a 4 wheel drive with low range. If you don't have one or aren't comfortable you can park at a parking area at the footer and then be driven up in a very capable land cruiser.
NOTES: The drive to the lodge is long, rough and requires a 4 wheel drive car. It would also be easy to get lost or think you are lost.
NOTES: It is extremely hot in Doha. 49°C when we were there with a real feel up to 52°C. Qatar is also quite conservative and the hotels swimming pools were spilt separately for males and females. At the airport the passport queues were split separately for men and women as well. Almost everyone entering at the airport was men, there to work with almost no women or tourists.
We had managed to get both flights and car rental for much cheaper than expected. But this is still a long trip. Camping and cooking the odd meal for ourselves also kept the cost down where possible, along with staying in national park lodging. However this still blew most of our years travel budget on just this trip.
You can see how our actual trip went along with photos here: Namibia 2017