Affordable Botswana - trip report Aug-Sept 08
Jan 20th, 2009, 03:49 AM
#101
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Thank you, we will get the downloaded maps, but what we liked about the book was that if you are driving around and haven't pre-booked you can look up the details of the accommodation in that area and decide if it's suitable as well as having contact numbers. We don't always decide where we are staying in advance.
Jan 20th, 2009, 04:09 AM
#102
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I don't think anyone has done what I have done for the self drive in Zambia yet. In English, to my knowledge. http://tinyurl.com/5twsv7
Jan 21st, 2009, 04:53 PM
#104
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Thanks again for kind comments, it's been a pleasure to relive the experience!
Pol,
Thanks for the input, appreciate the suggestions, I had already seen your report but good to give it a re-read to get ideas . We also have Purros as a ‘definite maybe’, we got as far as Sesfontein on a previous trip, (after staying on the Palmwag concession, which is worth doing for the incredible scenery and black rhinos) so if we are in the Purros area we could try and get to Hobatere. We’re a little unsure about the terrain to Purros, the warnings are to travel with at least 2 vehicles, but can it be any worse than Chobe and Moremi?
We are also very tempted by the Caprivi area, … but we’re tempted by everything we investigate and read about at the moment! We haven’t got so long this time, so we’ll need to plan a bit more carefully.
How long will your 2010 trip be? I don’t think you can be disappointed by visiting the places you’ve seen before, and adding new places is an adventure. Xaro lodge was recommended by friends of ours who stayed there, and we liked the panhandle area of Botswana, certainly great for birding. Happy planning to you too!
Mongoose,
I can’t help with the second question, but would like to hear if you find this book, sounds good. Luangablondes is usually the person in the know regarding self-driving, or another self-driver with vast experience of Southern Africa is Canadian Robin, have you seen a guide like this Robin?? Maybe if you ask the question under its own thread you’ll find some residents of SA who can help.
About the car, it’s always a slight worry that we’ll trash the car, to be honest! We didn’t get extra insurance, I doubt anyone issues it, and just hoped for the best. We used a recommended hire firm, which we’d used before, and felt that they would be fair with us, but you never know. I would be honest with the car hire people and tell them where you are going and double-check the small print and see that you are covered as much as possible. Friends of ours had an elephant rest it’s trunk on their car in the Kruger and caused some serious damage, luckily a passing car took a photo and gave them a copy which they gave to the car hire company and they didn’t even have to pay excess on the damage (Avis)! Maybe it’s another general question for the forum, if anyone has ever done serious damage to a car in off-road conditions and what the consequences were.
Robin, get a move on!!! I’m sure I’ll end up adding Kgalagadi to the ‘definite maybe’ list if I read your next report, you always make places sound so attractive! Oh for more time to go everywhere.
Pol,
Thanks for the input, appreciate the suggestions, I had already seen your report but good to give it a re-read to get ideas . We also have Purros as a ‘definite maybe’, we got as far as Sesfontein on a previous trip, (after staying on the Palmwag concession, which is worth doing for the incredible scenery and black rhinos) so if we are in the Purros area we could try and get to Hobatere. We’re a little unsure about the terrain to Purros, the warnings are to travel with at least 2 vehicles, but can it be any worse than Chobe and Moremi?
We are also very tempted by the Caprivi area, … but we’re tempted by everything we investigate and read about at the moment! We haven’t got so long this time, so we’ll need to plan a bit more carefully.
How long will your 2010 trip be? I don’t think you can be disappointed by visiting the places you’ve seen before, and adding new places is an adventure. Xaro lodge was recommended by friends of ours who stayed there, and we liked the panhandle area of Botswana, certainly great for birding. Happy planning to you too!
Mongoose,
I can’t help with the second question, but would like to hear if you find this book, sounds good. Luangablondes is usually the person in the know regarding self-driving, or another self-driver with vast experience of Southern Africa is Canadian Robin, have you seen a guide like this Robin?? Maybe if you ask the question under its own thread you’ll find some residents of SA who can help.
About the car, it’s always a slight worry that we’ll trash the car, to be honest! We didn’t get extra insurance, I doubt anyone issues it, and just hoped for the best. We used a recommended hire firm, which we’d used before, and felt that they would be fair with us, but you never know. I would be honest with the car hire people and tell them where you are going and double-check the small print and see that you are covered as much as possible. Friends of ours had an elephant rest it’s trunk on their car in the Kruger and caused some serious damage, luckily a passing car took a photo and gave them a copy which they gave to the car hire company and they didn’t even have to pay excess on the damage (Avis)! Maybe it’s another general question for the forum, if anyone has ever done serious damage to a car in off-road conditions and what the consequences were.
Robin, get a move on!!! I’m sure I’ll end up adding Kgalagadi to the ‘definite maybe’ list if I read your next report, you always make places sound so attractive! Oh for more time to go everywhere.
Jan 21st, 2009, 07:46 PM
#105
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I guess I was thinking of avoiding the insurance question. There are some issues here for renters.
When getting quotes on rates, find out what is included(and excluded). I suggest you get Super cover with no excess or low excess.
Be sure to go over the contract... and the fine print.
Standard cover options will not usually include towing, tyre or windscreen damages but the excess advised by the rental company should. Ask about that.
The choice of insurance can also depend what cover they get from their credit card or travel insurance, sometimes they have excess cover and then it may be best to go with standard insurance.
People often save money by going with standard, being careful with the vehicle and making sure all docs are signed and cleared of damage before departing.
Taking pictures when the keys are handed to you, and going over closely with the rep for damage, including the undercarriage.
No insurance covers vehicle replacement on 4x4 rentals or specialised vehicles if in collisions and can't continue, client pays for new vehicle if he chooses to continue. Some have an issue with this but picture if you owned the vehicle and had an accident, you can't phone the dealer and order another to arrive, to continue you have to rent another. There are some hire companies that occasionally assist a client where accident was not their fault but this is out of goodwill and not contractual obligation.
There are some rental companies who go to town after receiving the rental vehicle back- I've heard tales especially about some Namibia companies and from a rental company who did a couple subhires- and you get completely ripped off by the rental company. The credit card regulations however favour the card holder and they will invariably reverse any damages not completely agreed so client is often more protected than rental company.
Now as far as taking a rental all over the place, often it is about taking your time or being judicious about where you are going and treating it like your own car.
If you are adventurous and want to get off the beaten path (and damn few tourists)- depending on the length of time too, Zimbabwe and Zambia has a lot to offer in what you are looking for.
When getting quotes on rates, find out what is included(and excluded). I suggest you get Super cover with no excess or low excess.
Be sure to go over the contract... and the fine print.
Standard cover options will not usually include towing, tyre or windscreen damages but the excess advised by the rental company should. Ask about that.
The choice of insurance can also depend what cover they get from their credit card or travel insurance, sometimes they have excess cover and then it may be best to go with standard insurance.
People often save money by going with standard, being careful with the vehicle and making sure all docs are signed and cleared of damage before departing.
Taking pictures when the keys are handed to you, and going over closely with the rep for damage, including the undercarriage.
No insurance covers vehicle replacement on 4x4 rentals or specialised vehicles if in collisions and can't continue, client pays for new vehicle if he chooses to continue. Some have an issue with this but picture if you owned the vehicle and had an accident, you can't phone the dealer and order another to arrive, to continue you have to rent another. There are some hire companies that occasionally assist a client where accident was not their fault but this is out of goodwill and not contractual obligation.
There are some rental companies who go to town after receiving the rental vehicle back- I've heard tales especially about some Namibia companies and from a rental company who did a couple subhires- and you get completely ripped off by the rental company. The credit card regulations however favour the card holder and they will invariably reverse any damages not completely agreed so client is often more protected than rental company.
Now as far as taking a rental all over the place, often it is about taking your time or being judicious about where you are going and treating it like your own car.
If you are adventurous and want to get off the beaten path (and damn few tourists)- depending on the length of time too, Zimbabwe and Zambia has a lot to offer in what you are looking for.
Jan 22nd, 2009, 10:42 AM
#106
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The only book I have seen that sounds remotely like it, but is only South Africa not Southern Africa is:
"The Travel Guide to South African Craft Sites" I have the 2004 edition - there is a more recent edition. www.duesouthcraftroute.co.za.
I happened upon it in a CT bookstore while on sabbatical.
It is an excellent book, organized by province and includes maps, places to stay, places to see and of course, craft sites from all over SA. It is a much more extensive book than the name implies - much more than just craft sites. The maps are excellent and the book gives all the necessary contact info.
I would highly recommend the book to anyone driving in South Africa.
You can get the book online from Due South (it takes a while!) or at the new Due South store on the main street of Franschhoek in the Winelands. The store is worth a visit!
Sorry Tockoloshe - busy time at work so my trip report on SA and Namibia has slowed down. Perhaps I will start posting as I go rather than waiting until it is finished. Robin
"The Travel Guide to South African Craft Sites" I have the 2004 edition - there is a more recent edition. www.duesouthcraftroute.co.za.
I happened upon it in a CT bookstore while on sabbatical.
It is an excellent book, organized by province and includes maps, places to stay, places to see and of course, craft sites from all over SA. It is a much more extensive book than the name implies - much more than just craft sites. The maps are excellent and the book gives all the necessary contact info.
I would highly recommend the book to anyone driving in South Africa.
You can get the book online from Due South (it takes a while!) or at the new Due South store on the main street of Franschhoek in the Winelands. The store is worth a visit!
Sorry Tockoloshe - busy time at work so my trip report on SA and Namibia has slowed down. Perhaps I will start posting as I go rather than waiting until it is finished. Robin
Jan 22nd, 2009, 10:27 PM
#107
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Tockoloshe,
I'm planning for around 8 weeks in 2010. Still in the very preliminary stages of planning and watching the AU$ drop with a sickening feeling.
Yesterday I had a moment of inspiration that I am going to run past my fellow travellers. We want to miss most of the winter at home so would like to travel in Africa in July and August 2010. Only problem is the World Cup could put a squeeze on accommodation in JNB where we have to overnight. One alternative I thought of was to fly Perth-Mauritius and then into Nairobi to do an itinerary that we cancelled last year due to 'the troubles'. Although the prices will be in US$, there is a wide range of accommodation in Kenya and there will be 3 of us to split the vehicle/guide costs.
I also think that Aberdares, Nakuru, Naivasha and Tsavo with possibly Samburu and Shaba on the front will give my newbie friend more of a traditional safari than say Kgalagadi. I sponsor a boy at St Judes School and this would allow me to visit him and have a trip to West Kilimanjaro NP before meeting up with the others in NBO and heading to Nanyuki.
I so enjoying spinning the cube to see what safari combinations are possible. This itinerary could be timed to put us in JNB when most of the WC people have left and the pressure is off accommodation and flights.
I'm away to find Kimburu's Tsavo report.
Cheers,
Pol
I'm planning for around 8 weeks in 2010. Still in the very preliminary stages of planning and watching the AU$ drop with a sickening feeling.
Yesterday I had a moment of inspiration that I am going to run past my fellow travellers. We want to miss most of the winter at home so would like to travel in Africa in July and August 2010. Only problem is the World Cup could put a squeeze on accommodation in JNB where we have to overnight. One alternative I thought of was to fly Perth-Mauritius and then into Nairobi to do an itinerary that we cancelled last year due to 'the troubles'. Although the prices will be in US$, there is a wide range of accommodation in Kenya and there will be 3 of us to split the vehicle/guide costs.
I also think that Aberdares, Nakuru, Naivasha and Tsavo with possibly Samburu and Shaba on the front will give my newbie friend more of a traditional safari than say Kgalagadi. I sponsor a boy at St Judes School and this would allow me to visit him and have a trip to West Kilimanjaro NP before meeting up with the others in NBO and heading to Nanyuki.
I so enjoying spinning the cube to see what safari combinations are possible. This itinerary could be timed to put us in JNB when most of the WC people have left and the pressure is off accommodation and flights.
I'm away to find Kimburu's Tsavo report.
Cheers,
Pol
Jan 23rd, 2009, 06:53 AM
#108
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Mongoose, I forgot to mention that we also have an insurance policy to cover the excess on a car hire policy, you refuse the car hire company excess cover and are covered instead by your own policy. It covers tyres and windscreens which many zero excess policies don't. Only problem is that they will insure a 4x4 but not if you have any cooking equioment on board, so not appicable if you hire all the camping equipment. I'm not sure if I can say the name here but if you google 'excess insurance' you should find it ...
"xxx insurance covers you not only for the total amount of Excess for which you are liable if the car is damaged or stolen, but also for damage to the roof and undercarriage of the car, and windows and tyres."
I don't know where you are based, might only be avialable in UK.
A pity we can't track down your guidebook, I know there's a good bookshop in JNB airport, will have a look there next time we pass through.
Pol, the exchange rate is a worry - Sterling ain't doing too well either! Doesn't bode well for our trip to Oz later in year, which is why we have to keep to a tighter budget on this year's Africa trip. Your ideas for 2010 Kenya trip look great, would like to do something like that, and Canadian Robin's 2009 trip looks good too, ... as well as Zambia (always championed by luangwablondes!) We hope to go to all these places in the near future, but all need a bigger budget and more planning, at least we know our way around Namibia & Bots and are comfortable winging it a bit this time.
Robin, only joking about your report of course, real life does sometimes intrude on our Africa time! That arts & crafts book sounds good, would be worth a return visit to SA just to follow their suggestions!
"xxx insurance covers you not only for the total amount of Excess for which you are liable if the car is damaged or stolen, but also for damage to the roof and undercarriage of the car, and windows and tyres."
I don't know where you are based, might only be avialable in UK.
A pity we can't track down your guidebook, I know there's a good bookshop in JNB airport, will have a look there next time we pass through.
Pol, the exchange rate is a worry - Sterling ain't doing too well either! Doesn't bode well for our trip to Oz later in year, which is why we have to keep to a tighter budget on this year's Africa trip. Your ideas for 2010 Kenya trip look great, would like to do something like that, and Canadian Robin's 2009 trip looks good too, ... as well as Zambia (always championed by luangwablondes!) We hope to go to all these places in the near future, but all need a bigger budget and more planning, at least we know our way around Namibia & Bots and are comfortable winging it a bit this time.
Robin, only joking about your report of course, real life does sometimes intrude on our Africa time! That arts & crafts book sounds good, would be worth a return visit to SA just to follow their suggestions!
Jan 23rd, 2009, 10:07 AM
#109
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Not to worry - I just have to get a map of our route together and then I will start posting the trip report in stages! This morning, I made up my list of highlights and there are many - always the sign of a successful trip! Robin
Jan 25th, 2009, 11:13 PM
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Jan 26th, 2009, 06:16 AM
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Thanks for your replies and advice.
luangwablondes - I did see that book and in fact thought it was the one I wanted, and bought it online without seeing it first. It was a disappointment, glossy pages but short on detail. Appreciate you taking time to look though. I'm still looking!
luangwablondes - I did see that book and in fact thought it was the one I wanted, and bought it online without seeing it first. It was a disappointment, glossy pages but short on detail. Appreciate you taking time to look though. I'm still looking!
Jan 26th, 2009, 12:24 PM
#113
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Hi Tockoloshe!
I have started to post my report. Enjoy! Robin
http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...=1&start=0
I have started to post my report. Enjoy! Robin
http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...=1&start=0
Feb 5th, 2009, 07:11 AM
#114
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Feb 5th, 2009, 07:14 AM
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For those looking for information on campsites or accomodations while self driving in Botswana:
http://tinyurl.com/b9b9yb
http://tinyurl.com/b9b9yb
Feb 13th, 2009, 03:51 PM
#116
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luangwablondes,
The information on campsites is useful for me - sorry I saw you posted a while ago but didn't see it before now. Interesting to see comments about safety & security, not something you usually find in a guide book. Thanks.
The information on campsites is useful for me - sorry I saw you posted a while ago but didn't see it before now. Interesting to see comments about safety & security, not something you usually find in a guide book. Thanks.
Mar 26th, 2009, 07:22 AM
#118
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mongoose
Is this it? "Roadside Geology of Namibia" describes what you see as you are driving the roads and trails of Namibia written by Gabi Schneider. She was head of the Namib Geological Survey.It covers most of Namibia and has pen drawings of what you see as you are driving.
ISBN 3-443-15080-2/ISSN 0343-737 X
2004 by Gerbruder Borntraeger, Berlin-Stuttgart
http://www.borntraeger-cramer.de
Is this it? "Roadside Geology of Namibia" describes what you see as you are driving the roads and trails of Namibia written by Gabi Schneider. She was head of the Namib Geological Survey.It covers most of Namibia and has pen drawings of what you see as you are driving.
ISBN 3-443-15080-2/ISSN 0343-737 X
2004 by Gerbruder Borntraeger, Berlin-Stuttgart
http://www.borntraeger-cramer.de
Mar 26th, 2009, 11:03 AM
#119
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luangwablondes
You're a brilliant researcher, thanks for trying but that's not it either, what I saw was much more of a tourist guide. I'm travelling through JNB in July so will look in the bookshop there, I remember they have a good selection of travel books, and I'll certainly let you know if I find it.
You're a brilliant researcher, thanks for trying but that's not it either, what I saw was much more of a tourist guide. I'm travelling through JNB in July so will look in the bookshop there, I remember they have a good selection of travel books, and I'll certainly let you know if I find it.
Jun 6th, 2009, 06:08 AM
#120
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Hi mongoose
If you're still looking I found this excellent guide book which sounds like what you are looking for, but it only covers Namibia, not southern Africa:
'Journey by car through Namibia'
http://www.az.com.na/tourismus/reise...uide.19976.php
(I googled the title and this is the only reference to it I found, not on Amazon or other bookstores, I got my copy in Windhoek)
The article explains it well, but I particularly liked the section listing all campsites with facilities and a 'privacy and noise level' rating - I tested it out on the campsites I've been to and it seems pretty accurate. The edition I bought was 2006 so it might be a bit out of date now but still a good tool to have if you're touring.
If you're still looking I found this excellent guide book which sounds like what you are looking for, but it only covers Namibia, not southern Africa:
'Journey by car through Namibia'
http://www.az.com.na/tourismus/reise...uide.19976.php
(I googled the title and this is the only reference to it I found, not on Amazon or other bookstores, I got my copy in Windhoek)
The article explains it well, but I particularly liked the section listing all campsites with facilities and a 'privacy and noise level' rating - I tested it out on the campsites I've been to and it seems pretty accurate. The edition I bought was 2006 so it might be a bit out of date now but still a good tool to have if you're touring.
