Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
You can find pretty much all the camping essentials you need in major supermarket
chains, which have outlets throughout Botswana and Namibia. They stock everything
from tents and sleeping bags to cooking equipment and fire lighters.
RENTING A 4WD IN SOUTH AFRICA
Renting in South Africa is almost invariably cheaper and more reliable than doing so in Botswana or Namibia,
even accounting for the extra distance you'll need to drive just to get into those countries. While you could rent
from one of the mainstream car rental agencies, there are some specialist 4WD operators that can set you up per-
fectly for almost any self-drive expedition into Botswana or Namibia. You may be able to arrange to pick up the
vehicle in either country, but this will, of course, cost extra.
A good option for vehicle rental is
Explorer Safaris
( 082-855 1574;
www.explorersafaris.co.za
; Johan-
nesburg)
in Johannesburg. All of their vehicles are two years old or less and are fitted with a fold-out camper,
rooftop tent, gas cookers, a fridge and all necessary camping equipment. Rates range from R995 up to R1575 per
day, depending on the vehicle and the duration of the rental period, plus petrol and insurance. Booked in conjunc-
tion with
Drive Botswana
(
www.drivebotswana.com
)
, it's an excellent overall package.
Other South African companies that rent 4WDs with camping equipment include:
Around About Cars
(
0860 422 4022;
www.aroundaboutcars.com
)
Britz
(
011-396 1860;
www.britz.co.za
)
Buffalo Campers
(
27-11 021 0385;
www.buffalo.co.za
)
Walking & Hiking Safaris
At many national parks, you can arrange walks of two to three hours in the early morning
or late afternoon, with the focus on watching animals rather than covering distance. Fol-
lowing the walk, you'll return to the main camp or lodge.
It's also possible in Namibia to arrange safaris on foot to track black rhinos in the wild.
This presents a unique opportunity to see one of Africa's most endangered animals in the
wild. Such a safari usually takes place on private concessions.
Horseriding Safaris
Riding on horseback is a unique way to experience the landscape and its wildlife - Bot-
swana presents numerous opportunities to canter among herds of zebras and wildebeest.
The horse-riding safaris in Botswana are highly rated and there are numerous operators.
