Tips for a family car rental for a 4-week trip in Namibia

Hello everyone,

First of all, my apologies for writing in English. I don't speak German, but this forum is such a goldmine of information that I really wanted to post here anyway! Please feel free to reply in German—I will simply use a translation tool.

We are two families traveling together (our family has three children aged 4 to 10, plus two older children in the second family) for one month next July in Namibia. Out of these four weeks, we are planning 7 to 10 days in the Kaokoland (for instance: Palmwag – Elephant Song, maybe via the Palmwag concession – Puros – Etambura – Opuwo – Epupa). The rest of the trip will be fairly classic, starting with NamibRand and ending with Etosha.

We want to rent two vehicles, and I am hesitating between a setup with two rooftop tents or a Bushcamper configuration. Setting aside the price difference, the Bushcamper option (available through Bushlore https://bushlore.com/toyota-hilux-double-cab-4x4-bushcamper/ and Africamper https://africamper.com/vehicles/4x4-max-explorer/) seems potentially more practical for day-to-day life, but I am worried we might feel cramped as a family of five—especially in the Bushlore, where the beds measure 175 x 140 cm and 190 x 130 cm—and that there won't be much storage space for our luggage.

Alternatively, two hard-shell rooftop tents with Namibia2Go or Safari Car Rental are another option (there is also the Land Cruiser option with Savanna Car Hire; their newer models seem fine, though reviews for the older ones are not great.) We do not want ground tents.

Has anyone here tried the Bushcamper setup with three children? Any specific advice regarding the vehicles or the itinerary?

Thanks in advance!

Ben

I once had the "Family-Bushcamper" on a Hilux from Savanna Car hire with two "beds". On in the top and one transverse to the direction of travel. I was alone in that car, had apperently enough space for me but I would not recommend it for five people. It's way to small for sleeping and for the luggage. 

I would go for a Landcruiser with two root top tents and room for luggage and seating. Even there you will struggle a litle bit with the probably needed warm clothes and thick sleeping bags or blankets in July. 

Have a nice journey. 

br Wolfgang

Hi Ben,

Welcome to our Africa-loving community (some people might say obsessed 🤫)

For five people, I would always choose the extended version of the 4x4.

After all, you need to accommodate the equipment, food and luggage for five people as well.

Logi