Hitch-hikers in Swakopmund find themselves in a predicament as they contend with inflated transportation prices, leaving them stranded at no-hitchhiking zones and service stations.

As the demand for travel surges during the festive season, transport owners have raised prices, leaving many people, stranded with belongings and accompanied by children, waiting for rides.

The usual hustle and bustle at taxi ranks, where seven-seaters and licensed transport vehicles pick up passengers, have now become quiet, with no cars in sight.