Botswana or Namibia on a budget?

Trotter

On honeymoon last year, we headed to South Africa and were stunned by the safari trips, sunsets, landscapes etc.

Theres no way we can afford a similar holiday again in SA this year with the world cup and diminished funds, but has anyone been to Botswana or Namibia on a tight budget? We don't need amazing accomodation. Clean and friendly would do the trick. I'd appreciate any advice from anyone! Thanks a lot.

shanagarry

What is a tight budget - backpacker, or just not few hundred dollar a night lodges?

I was in Namibia about two years ago now and it was fairly reasonable - stayed in decent accommodation, nice meals every night etc. It's definitely doable with a bit of research. It's a stunning country, i'd definitely recommend seeing it. The only downside is it's huge and there is no option really other than to self drive, which is a lot of mileage if you want to e.g. go to Sossusvlei and Etosha like we did. I'd recommend getting your hands on the Bradt guidebook, it's the only one I found any good.

PM if you want more details of where we stayed etc and I can have a look to see if I still have the details.

Trotter

Thanks a lot! The budget will be tight, I'd say less than 1200 each. So I'm not even sure if its a possibility at all. Flights seem to be costing huge money that might throw a spanner in the works.

cfitz

I was in Namibia for about 3 weeks in October/November 2009. We got there by:

Flying to Johannesburg,
Spent 1 night in Jo'burg
Took a 10 hour bus to Upington (Northern Cape)
Spent 2 nights in Upington
Rented a small car
Drove to Kgalagadi National Park and spent 5 nights camping there
Exited the park into Namibia
Over the next 3 weeks, visited Hardap Dam, Sossusvlei, Duwisib Castle, Luderitz, Gondwana National Park, Fish River Canyon
Returned our car in Upington and spent another night there
Got the bus back to Jo'burg and spent a night there before leaving Africa

I found South Africa to be generally cheaper than Namibia. From what I've read, Botswana is a much more expensive destination than either SA or Namibia. Options for accommodation seemed limited because of the towns being SO small. Not difficult to find nice accommodation, just there wasn't always a low budget option. I'd say 40 EUR per night would be tough unless you had a tent.

If you want any more info, just ask...

youcancallmeal

I was in Namibia and Botswana last year as part of a guided overland tour from Cape Town up to Nairobi. A good few people on our truck just did the Cape Town to Victoria Falls section which takes about 3 weeks. Its very cheap depending on how many optional activities you want to do. I would highly recommend this if your on a budget. I did it with Africa Travel Co but there are loads of companies that do the same route. It may not seem very adventurous as doing it on your own but its the best option for seeing these places on a budget.

And yeah Namibia is absolutely stunning in particular Fish River Canyon, Skeleton Coast, Etosha and the big red sand dunes!