Thread: Namibia self drive safari, any one done one?

Originally Posted by barney

A few of our (lroc) members have done it, one couple just got back from a trip they won. Another couple have recently shipped their defender over andcare driving from capetown, right up to the top of africa, then on to germany.
Getting a lot of cool photos from them on facebook.

Travel in Africa is on most peoples bucket list, I suggest, but I, like others, hear the stories of murder & robbery in some countries, & it puts you off. Do the couple travelling to Germany have a blog,[ think that's what they call it] or similar site to follow their journey? I notice that the safari company in Namibia offers tours to neighbouring countries, such as Tanzania, to see the great migration in the Serengeti , that would be something. But, once again, security & safety issues would hold me back, because I don't know enough about these countries & problems that may be there. I need to talk to those who have done it, to get clued up. Bob

Shaz & Frank | Home 2 Home

Originally Posted by bob10

Travel in Africa is on most peoples bucket list, I suggest, but I, like others, hear the stories of murder & robbery in some countries, & it puts you off. Do the couple travelling to Germany have a blog,[ think that's what they call it] or similar site to follow their journey? I notice that the safari company in Namibia offers tours to neighbouring countries, such as Tanzania, to see the great migration in the Serengeti , that would be something. But, once again, security & safety issues would hold me back, because I don't know enough about these countries & problems that may be there. I need to talk to those who have done it, to get clued up. Bob

Hi Bob I traveled in Africa down the west side to south Africa and then back up the east side and back in London way back in the late 1980s in a series 11.
Ordinary security such as robbing you and or you car was no much different to many cities in the "west" you tended to be targeted by the police and or army in some country's which was the real danger but I that has really improved a lot and the country's that are really bad you would not go to.
I would recommend you try it, there are so many people driving that way now and you will always meet up with people on the road who will provide on the most up to date information on what to do and or where to go or places to avoid.
We used to refuse to pay bribes by pretending to have no french language and or saying diplomat (we had a CD sticker on the landrover). All you needed was patience and they would move onto the next easier "mark".
I saw the migration you talk about it was amazing to see and would be worth the drive alone.
One time we did get thrown in a jail for no bribe but a packet of cigarettes fixed that!!!!
It was a life changing experience and I would recommend it to anyone who has the chance to do the trip

this site might help you with planning, paperwork etc

Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB


couple of old photos from those days: Main road in Zaire (congo ) 1980s in a Series 2a

Wife & I did a trip in 2007. Picked up a brand new Hilux camper known as a Trax from Britz. Had 120km on clock when we set off and 10,300km on return and due for first service. We started in Joburg and drove to Kgalagadi transfrontier Park and from there into Southern Namibia. Namibia was great and reminded us of central Australia. We went up to the Caprivi strip which is where we got the closest to the animals (or they got close to us) no fences in the parks there and one park we were the only vistors and the wildlife was amazing. Then onto Botswana, Chobe riverfront was amazing. Did Kubu island which is an absolute must and probably the most awesome place we have travelled to, camp under a 2500 year old Boab tree. (GPS and Sat phone a must). Then back into SA and into Kruger before entering Mozambique with a few days camping on the coast. 5 weeks all up but way to much driving so next time will concentrate on smaller area and not try to fit so much in.
We had no problems and did not book anything although the bigger parks will turn you away if full but we always found something.
Was happy with the Trax even though the Hilux got nicknamed Lo-lux due to hopeless ground clearance and lots of grading on the sandy tracks. We were glad we did not do the rooftop tent thing as we had close encounters with Elephants etc in the night so nice to be inside a tin ; ) not that it probably would have made any difference though.
Pic 1 is the 100km straight road to Luderitz.
Pic 2 Is camping on Kubu Island

Cheers
Mark

Have a look on Expedition Portal, the site also has a Landy section.

Mocky.

Originally Posted by barney

Shaz & Frank | Home 2 Home

Thank you Barney, definitely getting itchy feet now, & what's more amazing SWMBO is keen! just have wait until she finishes work, Bob

Originally Posted by bob10

Thank you Barney, definitely getting itchy feet now, & what's more amazing SWMBO is keen! just have wait until she finishes work, Bob

Ring her boss and call him some names... She'll be finished by Monday!!!

Originally Posted by Sitec

Ring her boss and call him some names... She'll be finished by Monday!!!

He's a NEWS Limited editor, Courier Mail, there are no names he hasn't been called, I think. Bob