Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Buffalo Campers
( 27-82 412 3099;
www.buffalo.co.za
)
, which offers fully equipped
4WD campers.
The cheapest 2WD will end up costing the rand equivalent of about US$50 per day, and
a 4WD will cost in the region of US$100 per day.
PURCHASING A CAR IN SOUTH AFRICA
If you are planning an extended trip (three months or more) in Namibia, it may be worth considering purchasing a
second-hand car in South Africa.
It's worth noting that cars bought in Cape Town will be viewed less favourably at sale time than those pur-
chased in Johannesburg. This is because Cape Town cars are considered to be at risk of rust given the city's sea-
side location. On the flipside, cars with a Jo'burg registration tend to fetch a higher premium when resold in Cape
Town.
If you're buying, newspapers in Jo'burg are obviously one place to start looking. Used-car dealers won't ad-
vertise the fact, but they may be willing to buy back a car bought from them after about three months for about
60% of the purchase price - if the car is returned in good condition.
Naturally, check the vehicle documents from the previous owner. A roadworthy certificate (usually included
when a car is bought from a used-car dealer) is required; as is a certificate from the police (also provided by most
car dealers) to prove that the car isn't stolen. Once bought, re-register the vehicle at a Motor Vehicle Registration
Division in a major city. Also recommended is a roadworthiness test by the
Automobile Association
(
www.dekraauto.co.za
)
before you buy anything; membership is not required.
For a
very
rough idea of prices, don't expect a vehicle for less than the rand equivalent of US$4000 to
US$6000. A 4WD Land Rover or equivalent model will cost around US$8000 to US$10,000.
Getting Around
Namibia is a sparsely populated country, and distances between towns can be vast.
However, there is an excellent infrastructure of sealed roads, and to more remote locations
there are well-maintained gravel and even salt roads. With such a low population density,
it's hardly surprising that the public transport network is limited. Public buses do serve the
main towns, but they won't take you to the country's major sights. By far the best way to
experience Namibia is in the comfort of your own hire car.
