DESTINATION DEFENDER: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA FAQS

You’re behind the wheel, but there will be a qualified instructor on hand to provide guidance and support.

The instructors and hosts will communicate with guests in English.

Driving activities, accommodation, breakfast, lunch & dinner, drinks with meals and airport transfers to/from Windhoek Airport for Namibia journeys, and transfer to/from Maun International Airport and Victoria Falls International Airport for Botswana journeys. There will be one fixed transfer arrangement for each group.

Flights, visa fees (if required), vaccinations, travel insurance, tips, all personal expenses (e.g. minibar in the hotel, spa treatments etc.), and any pre or post-trip arrangements that deviate from the itinerary.

We recommend comprehensive travel insurance.

Each journey is designed for drivers of all abilities. You will be accompanied by a qualified instructor who will provide expert guidance and support.

Guests will drive the latest Defender. All vehicles are equipped with automatic transmission.

Guests will generally travel in convoy using radio communication between vehicles.

All driving guests must be at least 19 years old and have held a full valid driving licence for at least one year. An International Driving Permit is required.

To participate in Destination Defender, you should ensure that you do not know of any circumstances or conditions which would impair your ability to drive or disqualify you from driving, such as eyesight which doesn’t meet the standards for driving, pregnancy, or heart problems.

Prices are based on two people sharing a vehicle. On request, a third and fourth guest can be booked into the vehicle.

It is not possible to participate with your own vehicle due to insurance reasons.

For safety reasons, solo travellers will be paired with another guest. If there is an odd number of guests, one of our instructors will accompany you in the vehicle.

Your travel concierge will inform you in advance about the provisions of passports, visas, and health regulations. If you need an invitation to get your visa, please inform the concierge team, who’ll provide this to you. 

Information on recommended or prescribed vaccinations for the respective destinations can be found here.

Destination Defender is generally suitable for children over 11 years, but please contact the concierge team for further details and to discuss your individual requirements.

We will gladly facilitate private journeys for group bookings of 10 guests or more. The programme can be tailored and adapted to meet the needs of the group.

Your travel concierge will gladly assist you with booking your flights and travel insurance. They will also inform you about any possible changes prior to departure.

To maintain an intimate and exclusive experience, the maximum group size for Destination Defender is as follows:

-   10 guests maximum (two per vehicle) for Botswana Safari, Namibia Safari, with a minimum group size of 6 guests per journey.

-   8 guests maximum (two per vehicle) for Skeleton Coast, with a minimum group size of 5 guests.

Your travel concierge will be happy to assist with holiday planning and booking extensions before or after your trip. 

There are no specific luggage recommendations – Defender can handle various combinations of suitcases and travel bags.

The local currency is Namibian Dollar (NAD).

The local currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP).

Evening dress code is casual.

We endeavour to finalise all journeys and travel documentation 65 days prior to departure. Journeys are subject to change based on local conditions, accommodation, availability, and minimum guest numbers. Your travel concierge will be in contact should a withdrawal be necessary. Please refer to our terms and conditions for more information.

The itineraries and accommodation displayed may be amended and replaced with similar alternatives based on availability.