March 2012: travelers for 4x4 drive in SA, Botswana, Namibia

I told myself when I was last in Africa several years ago that if I ever came back, I'd explore without a tour guide/safari. Well I'm going back in March, but turns out it's quite expensive to rent a 4x4 for 20+ days, but not so bad if you split it up two or three ways. Want to join?

Me: 32, male, laid back, good humored music snob. Currently live in NYC and work in tech marketing but about to quit the rat race to begin 6 months of RTW travel + photography/photojournalism. Previous travel in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, SE Asia, China, etc.

You: 26-40, experienced, easy-going and self-sufficient traveler, willing to contribute $ for vehicle, fuel, food costs (I'm willing to bear a larger burden if necessary, we can discuss over email/phone/skype/facebook)

I'm flying from Buenos Aires to Johannesburg on March 7th, and will immediately pick up the 4x4 rental + camping equipment. Ideally we meet up in Jo-burg to outfit supplies and make sure we're on the same page before setting off.

Basic itinerary (flexible): 3/8 – start drive in Johannesburg to Botswana, head to Maun, Okavango Delta, Kalahari Desert,Tsodilo Hills, Namibia sand dunes, Etosha NP, Windhoek, ghost towns near the coastline, then down to Cape Town around 3/29 to return the car.

I've got to be back in Johannesburg by April 5th for a flight to Istanbul. Planning to take train from Cape Town to Jo-burg.

I'm wiling to do this thing solo, but would obviously welcome a good companion (or two) to share trip costs, help backup on driving, reduce the # of cliché self-portrait pictures of myself and generally just be awesome people to share the experience with. I've got one person lined up already, so at this point just looking for one more to join us. It will likely cost around $900-1000 a person for 20+ days of self-driving around these countries - keep in mind you're camping on top of the 4x4 (a very sturdy Toyota Hilux) in tents, and cooking your own food. Quote from one rental company here: https://www.drivesouthafrica.co.za/mybo ... SCR107711/ (doesn't include satellite phone and GPS rental or food costs)

Drop a line if you're interested and I'll share more info.

E