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911 Dakar in Namibia

Norfolkporsche

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Whilst this thread is not about the Taycan, many of us are Porsche enthusiasts, so I thought it might be of interest.

I have just returned from a Porsche Experience with the 911 Dakar in Namibia. This is a week long trip that sees a lot of off-road driving in the Dakar along tracks which, quite frankly, you’d think the car has no business being on. We drove through the Moon landscape, along a section of the beach on the Skeleton Coast and into Etosha National Park.

It was, quite simply, the most amazing holiday I have ever been on.

We started the trip in a camp near Swakopmund.

The camp is comfortable and each tent has two single beds, two showers (one inside and one out) and toilet.

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This area is very dry, but, being near to the coast, gets a degree of moisture from the almost daily sea fog that coats the cost and inland to part of the desert. We set off into the Moon landscape on heavily corrugated roads. You need speed (90 to 120 kph) to get the least harsh drive. There are 9 Dakars and two Cayenne support vehicles. The Cayennes carry three Porsche technicians. These guys are race trained who are used to analysing and fixing problems in minutes. They are very good. If only normal Porsche servicing could be the same!

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There are stops for drinks and light snacks. One of the Cayennes carries cold water, biscuits and fruit.

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We venture into rocky terrain. You are driving a 911 and your logic keeps saying you shouldn't be doing this, you will damage the car, but it is amazingly capable.

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The Cayennes also carry fuel - my car was getting low. No Shell VPower here - all 95 ron.

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There's a drivers' briefing each morning, when we're told where we are going and what to expect. This morning is exciting - we're heading North to the Skeleton Coast and driving on the beach.

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Norfolkporsche

Norfolkporsche

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Beach driving in a 911 is tremendous fun.

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All stability systems are switched off. Lunch is a beach barbeque, Porsche style.

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It's called the Skeleton Coast for a good reason.

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After lunch, back to the camp.

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We stop to admire the view (not sure which I liked more).

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Next day sees a drive North to the Etosha National park and a safari Dakar style. Some of the drive is off road and some on. The roads are not busy apart from the odd very slow truck.

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It's warm.

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AllanG

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Sounds like a fantastic trip…….I’m envious!! ??
 
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Norfolkporsche

Norfolkporsche

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Etosha is a busy National Park. There are lots of safari trucks chasing after animals, but we were more comfortable in the Dakars (a/c).

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The camp just outside Etosha is very luxurious.

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The next part of the trip is to a Relais and Chateaux lodge near Windhoek.

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Early morning safari the next day.

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Murph7355

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WOW!

Now that beats a wet afternoon at Silverstone.

Of all the current line ups, the Dakar is one I like. I'd have Rothmans colours.

Do you own one?
 
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Norfolkporsche

Norfolkporsche

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My partner does, and whilst it's great at coping with the dreadful UK winters and general bad weather we get at times, I doubt it will see the type of action I experienced in Namibia.

The Dakar comes with the option of a tent too. Porsche picked three names from a hat (not me sadly) and each person had a night in the roof tent. The general consensus was that it was very comortable.

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daveo4EV

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this has been on my radar for a while - need to decide when to pull the trigger

your trip report is fantastic and very very helpful - thank you for taking time to post/share your trip!
 


daveo4EV

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My partner does, and whilst it's great at coping with the dreadful UK winters and general bad weather we get at times, I doubt it will see the type of action I experienced in Namibia.

The Dakar comes with the option of a tent too. Porsche picked three names from a hat (not me sadly) and each person had a night in the roof tent. The general consensus was that it was very comortable.

L1000288.jpeg
this sounds more like a punishment vs. reward but I could be wrong.
 
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Norfolkporsche

Norfolkporsche

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this has been on my radar for a while - need to decide when to pull the trigger

your trip report is fantastic and very very helpful - thank you for taking time to post/share your trip!
I'd do it daveo if you can - it is a stunning trip. Porsche Experience has released the dates for 2025 already.
 

Leawood CT

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That looks like a fantastic trip! Very nice pics and thanks for posting them. It is great to know that Porsche uses Relais and Chateaux for some lodging choices. I have been considering a Porsche Experience trip. On average, how much time was spent driving each day?
 
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Norfolkporsche

Norfolkporsche

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That looks like a fantastic trip! Very nice pics and thanks for posting them. It is great to know that Porsche uses Relais and Chateaux for some lodging choices. I have been considering a Porsche Experience trip. On average, how much time was spent driving each day?
Hi Leawood. The Relais and Chateaux lodge was after the Porsche trip had ended, and was a very nice place to stay. Most driving days were a 9am start and finish by 4pm with an hour or so for lunch. We had one long day on the drive to Etosha and that was a 7.30am start finishing at 4pm.
 
 








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