Safari Holidays to South Africa and Namibia for independent travellers.
Contact Phone Numbers
0845 838 2450
Local rate in the UK
0800 981 420
Toll free in SA
Other +44 1932 268230
Travel Butlers are pleased to announce that we are working together with Avis to enable you to book your hire car for Namibia through this website before you leave home. To access this service, please click here.
Alternatively you can ask us to book a car on your behalf as part of your fully prepared holiday itinerary by clicking here.
Although many visitors to Namibia choose to rent a 4WD vehicle, they find that they rarely need to engage 4WD, and a regular 2WD saloon car is perfectly fine for the vast majority of journeys - even on gravel roads. However, a high-clearance 2WD is a good idea, especially in the rainy season.
This is when many gravel roads become flooded or crossed by seasonal rivers, and the extra clearance makes it easier and slightly less worrying. Having said this, many people still prefer the peace of mind (and adventure!) of a 4WD.
Picking up your Hire Car
To pick up your hire car from the airport, all you need is your passport, current full driving licence, and a credit card. Filling out the paperwork will take about 15 minutes, and then you are ready to start your Namibian driving holiday!
Even if you have already pre-paid for your car, most car hire companies will ask for your credit card to take a holding deposit, to safeguard themselves should you fail to return the car for whatever reason.
This money will not be debited from your account unless you do actually not return the car, so do not be alarmed at this procedure.
It is also advisable to take out additional insurance cover for 100% collision damage loss waiver, as road conditions are poor and accidents can happen.
However, puncture repairs are NOT covered by any insurance in Namibia, as they are such a common occurrence.
It is recommended that you hire a second spare tyre as well, as punctures are very common, but you will have to specifically ask for it as for some reason it is not a regularly offered service.
Bumps and Scratches
When you pick up the car, check round it carefully and note any scratches, bumps or dents and mark them down on the sheet, or tell the attendant.
This will ensure that you are not help responsible for them when you return the car. Don't worry about being too picky - it is better for you in the long run to point out every small mark to safeguard yourself.
And if you are not happy about anything, do not hesitate to ask for another replacement car.
Free Kilometres
Many car hire companies will include a number of free kilometres per day along with your hire car agreement.
It is important that you work out in advance roughly how many kilometres you think that you will be driving, and ensure that you have sufficient for your entire holiday period.
It is advisable to add a few extra hundred kilometres on - just for luck! For every kilometre that you go over the agreed amount, you will be charged - and if you are over by a lot, then this is an unwanted additional expense at the end of your holiday.
Crossing the Border
If you are planning on crossing the border into South Africa, then you need to inform the car hire company at the onset that this is what you intend to do.
The hire company will issue you with an authorisation letter which should include the registration number and the chassis number. There is usually no additional charge to do this paperwork.
All you then have to do is present this letter at the border post, and you are OK to drive out of Namibia.
At the end of your holiday, should you wish to leave your hire car in South Africa, for example if you are flying home from either Cape Town or Johannesburg, then this is normally possible.
However, an additional one-way drop off charge will be applied to the car hire rate. You may also wish to check with the car hire agency that they are happy with this arrangement before booking.
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