My husband and I are intending to take a self-drive holiday in Namibia next June for two weeks. We plan to visit Sossusvlei, Damaraland, Etosha National Park and the Africat Foundation. Should I book everything myself, or is it a better idea to use a tour operator? We have had very little experience of Africa, but are keen on the idea of a bit of adventure!

Maya Fowler, by email

Sunday Times travel expert, Richard Green, responds: More than twice the size of France, with less than two million inhabitants, Namibia has fantastic scenery and abundant wildlife, with ancient cave paintings, a 50 ton meteorite and several mining ghost towns. There are some good sealed roads, and many more miles of gravel and dirt tracks, and driving here is a wonderful adventure.

With so much ground to cover, and over such hostile terrain if things should go awry, you are best off getting the pre trip expertise and on-trip back up of a specialist tour operator.

Safari Drive (01488 71140) has pioneered self-drive exploration throughout the Southern Africa. You pick up a Land Rover on arrival and get checked out on and the satellite telephone. The vehicles have a nifty pop-up tent on the roof, which makes for some spectacular sunrises, and means that you can really get off the beaten track. All bedding and camp style cooking gear is supplied, plus there are maps and a starter kit of food.

A 12-night trip, including your wish-list sights, costs from £1655pp, including flights from Gatwick to Windhoek with Air Namibia, use of Land Rover and satellite phone, with eight nights roof-tent camping and four nights in lodges.

For other suggestions on self drive in Namibia, try Responsible Travel (01273 6000030) or South Africa based Uyaphi (00 27 21 7972168).

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