MOST FREQUENT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Reservations can be done by calling our offices, via email or on our online platforms (Website)
How do I choose the right vehicle for my needs?
- What is your budget? How much are you willing to spend?
- Do you prefer an automatic or a manual transmission?
- How much space do you need for passengers, luggage, and perhaps extras/camping equipment?
- Car rental companies offer a wide range, also in regard to luxury. What are your needs in terms of comfort?
Expect to travel far distances, so it is more than advisable to pick a rental option with unlimited kilometres. You should also make sure that the rental vehicle is properly insured.
Usually you need a credit card for the deposit/excess, and you need to ensure that it is enabled, and the credit limit is set high enough. You also need to be in possession of the necessary travel documents (passport, visas, etc.) and a valid driver’s license.
It is important that you either have an international driver’s license, or that you carry an official translation of your own national driver’s licence (in English).
You can either visit stands at travel expos, or you can browse the internet. We also recommend you to visit homepages of the car rental companies, and read up on them in travel forums.
Booking directly with the rental company has the advantage that they can advise you and recommend the ideal vehicle suited for your personal needs. However, should you choose to contact an agency, it is important that the respective travel agent is knowledgeable of the country, and ideally either has a local office, or is working with a Namibian company.
Namibia is home to vast and seemingly landscapes, and you often travel long distances far away from civilization. A good travel agency will ensure, you see as much as possible, without being stuck in a car for too long. Ideally, you will travel no more than 300 to 350 kilometres a day, also because Namibia has many unsurfaced roads and on the best gravel roads there is a speed limit of 80 km/h. A good car rental company can also recommend a good travel agent that can assist you.
The handover of the vehicle happens either at the airport or at the company’s offices in town. Some car rental companies have a branch and a vehicle depot at the airport, while others offer customers a shuttle service. In case of late flights/arrivals, the customers will be brought to their accommodation, in order for them to pick up the rental the following day/morning.
Many car rental companies provide you with a full fuel tank upon handing the vehicle over to you, and usually you have to return the rental with a full tank. Some car rental companies, on the other hand, will provide you with only a quarter of a tank, and you will have to return the vehicle with an equal amount of fuel. However, the rental companies can be quite flexible and exceptions are not uncommon.
- What options can you choose from? What do they cover, and which of them suits your needs (excess, glas and tyre cover, etc.)?
- Are the different options explained clearly and transparent? Any hidden costs?
- Do they offer a 24-hour breakdown service or roadside assistance?
- The first and most important thing to do in an accident, breakdown, or similar emergency: call the rental company!
- In case of an accident, no matter how small or minor, you have to immediately call the police – for insurance purposes, an official police report must be provided as well as the driver’s (international) driving license.
- Can the rental company guarantee you a specific vehicle, or is there a possibility that you end up with a different vehicle?
- Does the rental company guarantee you a vehicle in a good condition?
- How many spare wheels will you be provided with, and do they cost extra? Will they ensure that you are provided with the right equipment?
Normally, you have to pay a deposit in order to make a booking, and if you pay the remaining amount upon arrival/pick-up of the rental, everything is sorted. Please bear in mind that this process usually requires the customer to provide his/her credit card details, and that the whole amount is payable when the customer receives the vehicle.
These facilities are normally based on your request
Rescheduling can be done via email with our sales agents, please not that this is normal based on the availability of the vehicles in question for reschedule
email reservations@simtaritours-lodges.com.na for more details