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Namibia is one of the best places in the world to explore without a guide. In most cases, travellers to the desert country opt for self-drive adventures, enabling them to visit all of the country’s major attractions at their own pace. Furthermore, hiring a car can end up being a lot cheaper than taking domestic flights and shuttles between places like Windhoek and Walvis Bay.
However, even if you’re camping, costs can quickly add up – and nobody wants to exceed their holiday budget. We’ve put together some handy advice that will help you dodge unwanted expenses and keep your budget to a minimum. Let’s take a look at what you can do to get more value for money on your next adventure in Namibia.
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An effective and practical way to save money on a self-drive holiday is to split costs. If you travel with friends, you can reduce your fuel, food, and accommodation expenses significantly. Plus, you’ll have company on the long road and the opportunity to make lifelong memories.
After all, five heads are better than one. The more adventurers on your expedition, the more ideas you’ll have for activities and sightseeing – and you’ll never need a selfie stick again.
Good planning makes for good holidays. Ideally, you want to start planning your adventure months, if not a whole year ahead, giving you enough time to plan out all the details and logistics. When looking out for cheap accommodation, you should:
A long lead-up time will also give you the chance to shop around for things like travel insurance, camping equipment, clothing, and any gadgets you plan to use on your adventure. Furthermore, you’ll benefit from preferential rates for both accommodation and car hire.
Always group your activities according to your planned route. This way, they’ll always be in sync with your accommodation bookings, so you won’t spend more time – and money – on the road. Some accommodations feature their own activities, and you can often book “combo deals” that include both lodging and activities.
Some of the exciting activities you can experience in Namibia include:
Again, this is where travelling in a group comes in handy. The more people taking part in an activity, the cheaper it’ll be per person. And, if you’re willing to wake up early and book less popular time slots, you’ll save even more.
You might also like: The Top 7 Namib Desert Adventure Excursions in 2024
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Let’s start with your rental vehicle. You’ll want to hire something that blends comfort, off-road capability, and – most importantly – fuel economy. After all, Namibia is a vast country, and any self-drive adventure here will involve plenty of long distance driving.
Here are our top suggestions for fuel-efficient rental vehicles in Namibia:
After you choose a vehicle, you can save even more fuel by driving well. Speeding, harsh braking, and rapid acceleration all increase fuel consumption significantly, so stick to this Golden Rule: As fast as necessary, as slow as possible. You should also avoid idling the vehicle for long periods and use cruise control where possible. It’s also essential to maintain the correct tyre pressure to maximise fuel efficiency.
Finally, use some good maps to avoid unwanted detours. You can use your smartphone, but remember that you won’t have much cellular reception outside of towns and cities. The best option is to hire a dedicated GPS device, although this will add to your expenses slightly.
You might also like: The Best Namibia 4×4 Routes
It may be a cliche, but some of the best things in Namibia really are free. Protected areas like the Namib Desert cover much of the landscape, so even if you’re on a major road, you’re likely to be surrounded by nature.
Free activities include swimming at the beach, tackling hiking trails, and going wildlife spotting along public roads. You can even enjoy sundowners from the top of a sand dune – those Atlantic sunsets are truly spectacular.
Finally, when the sun finally dips below the horizon, you can take in the incredible light show above. Stargazing is a very popular activity in Namibia, and you can enjoy it right from the comfort of your campsite
In southern Africa, the peak travel seasons largely coincide with school holidays. They can also be weather dependent, with some parts of Namibia more popular in summer and others more popular when it’s cooler. The flip side, however, is that you also get “off-peak” seasons.
If your itinerary doesn’t need to line up with school holidays, you can save plenty of money on off-peak accommodation and activities. You’re also likely to spend much less on car hire. Off-season is undoubtedly the most affordable time to visit Namibia and you’ll have the added benefit of avoiding large crowds at major attractions like Sossusvlei and Etosha National Park.
In Namibia, peak season generally starts in May and ends in July. November, December, and January are the quietest months, but also the hottest. Ultimately, if you brave the blistering heat, you’ll save quite a bit of money.
If you’re planning a self-drive adventure, chances are you’re not planning on staying at five-star lodges and hotels. Instead, you might want to hop from one destination to the next, and if you hire a camping-equipped 4×4, you’ll have enough fridge space, water, and fuel to be more or less self-sufficient.
The best way to save money on accommodation is to stick to self-catering accommodations. Camping is definitely the cheapest option – and it’s also the best way to get close to nature in Namibia. In fact, the country is flush with world-class campsites, from Hobas Campsite near the Fish River Canyon to Etosha National Park’s various rest camps.
If you rent a camping-equipped 4×4, you’ll have everything you need, from a roof top tent to camping chairs and tables. However, if camping isn’t your thing, you could always opt for glamping and self-catering chalets. Essentially, if you stay away from hotels and lodges, you’ll save a huge amount of money.
You might also like: The Best Namibia Camping Experiences in 2024
Choosing self-catering accommodation certainly isn’t as convenient as booking a bed-and-breakfast or hotel room, but your food bill will definitely be a fraction of the size. Plus, if your rental vehicle has a fridge and freezer, you’ll be able to take meat, dairy, and fresh produce wherever you go.
If you really want to be frugal, stock up on canned foods, crackers, and spreads. These make for excellent mid-day snacks or quick breakfasts on early morning game drives. For snacks, choose local favourites like biltong, nuts, and dried fruit – you can usually buy these on the side of the road.
Finally, what’s better than a braai and a cold drink at the end of a long day in the desert? Make the most of your campsite by stocking up on plenty of firewood and using the braai facilities. Remember, if you ever feel lazy, you can simply visit a local restaurant for a hearty Namibian meal.
You might also like: Packing Guide and Tips for a 4×4 Self-Drive Camping Adventure in Namibia
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For self-drive adventurers, Namibia is fairly affordable and has a lot to offer. So much, in fact, that you’ll need your own vehicle to truly experience this remarkable southern African country. Whether you’re more comfortable in a 4×4, SUV, or sedan, Drive South Africa will set you up with the right car for your road trip.
Remember: the sooner you book your adventure, the cheaper it’ll be! Take a look at our affordable rental options today and get your Namibian holiday rolling.