There is a plethora of car rental companies in Namibia. Some reputable, some that would never be recommended, and some that should do visitors a favor and just close shop. So how do you decide on the right car rental for your Namibia vacation?

1. Match your itinerary to the roads you will be traveling on: gravel and/or paved (tarred).
2. Determine the number of passengers, height/weight, etc.
3. Determine how many pieces of luggage each passenger carries. What is the size of the luggage?
4. Determine how much room you would like in the vehicle.
5. Is it worth the hassle of saving money by renting a standard sedan?

When a large portion of your itinerary is on the paved roads of the Trans-Caprivian and/or Trans-Kalahari Highway, a two-by-four (2×4) will be a better choice. Why a two by four (2×4) and not a standard sedan? In a standard sedan, you’re simply too close to the gravel when venturing off paved roads; Etosha National Park, the Waterberg Tablelands and the Cheetah Conservancy are examples of times when you’ll leave the paved road. This makes your rides bumpy, uncomfortable, slow, and more likely to blow out your tires. Travel calmly and more reliably by paying the extra costs of renting a quad (4×4).

Travelers to Namibia, time and time again, are glad they decided on a four-by-four (4×4) instead of a sedan or two-by-four (2×4). Although most itineraries never require “real” four-wheel drive off-road vehicles, the benefits and comforts of a four-by-four (4×4) are numerous. The more obvious four-by-fours (4x4s) have plenty of ground clearance, which allows you to maintain speeds and keep the ride smooth. Also, most of the time, they are more spacious.

All travelers, especially those on a limited time period, pray for a hassle-free, hassle-free vacation. Gravel roads in Namibia can be both rough and dangerous. Sharp stones, especially along the C19 road towards Sossusvlei, and thorns in Etosha National Park frequently puncture tires and leave travelers stranded in remote corridors with little choice. When renting a four by four (4×4), the tires are stronger and more reliable than sedans. Rental companies that supply, or even specialize in four-by-four (4×4) rentals, sometimes supply their customers with up to two spare tires and an air compressor.

With only 10-12 days to see Namibia, travelers often follow the same route (Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha NP) traveling between paved and gravel roads. Is it worth being stranded in the middle of the Namib-Naukluft just because you wanted to save a few bucks?

To a quiet expedition. What are some of the reputable car rental companies based in Windhoek, Namibia? http://wildsafariafrica.com/about/your-specialist-in-african-safari-planning/