Namibia - Botswana - Victoria Falls

With its well-developed infrastructure, some of the best tourist facilities in Africa and an impressive list of breathtaking natural wonders, touring Namibia is truly a pleasure. Visit the capital of Windhoek and the lovely coastal town of Swakopmund to discover remnants of the country’s German influence, reflected in the architecture, culture, cuisine and the annual Oktoberfest celebrations. To properly appreciate this extraordinary country, you will have to venture out of the cities to explore the remarkable natural landscapes Namibia has to offer. These include: the impressive Fish River Canyon Park; the vast Etosha National Park teeming with local subspecies, such as desert lions, desert elephants and the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra; the hauntingly beautiful Kalahari Desert; and of course the Namib Desert stretching for nearly 1000 km along the magnificent Atlantic coastline. Namibia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African experience in a uniquely beautiful untamed wilderness.

We recommend using the following portal for the latest entry requirements: https://www.traveldoc.aero/

• Visa is not required for Namibia. Maximum stay of 90 days.
• Passengers not holding onward/return tickets or other acceptable evidence of onward/return travel may be refused entry.
• All guests arriving and departing to/from Namibia need to register and create an account under the TT (Trusted Travel ) Platform ( https://login.panabios.org/cas/login )

Currency

Namibia uses the Namibian Dollar (N$) this is linked on a one to one exchange with the South African Rand. The Rand is legal tender in Namibia, but the N$ cannot be used in South Africa.

If you are wishing to purchase currency before arriving in Namibia, it is easiest to buy Rand as the Namibian Dollar is seldom available in banks outside of Namibia.

Banking

Banks are found in most towns, and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays and public holidays. Most of them offer foreign exchange services - with cash, bank and credit cards as well as travellers cheques.

You can also obtain cash from many of the ATMs. Several international banks have branches in main city centres. Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they have not been informed.

Public transport in Namibia is geared towards the needs of the local populace, and is confined to main roads between major population centres. Although cheap and reliable, it is of little use to the traveller as most of Namibia’s tourist attractions lie off the beaten track.

It is easy to travel around Namibia by car, and a 2WD vehicle is perfectly adaquate for most journeys. However, long distances, poor mobile phone coverage outside of main towns and infrequent petrol stations that only accept cash mean that planning ahead is vital.

There are major airlines that fly into Windhoek and Swakopmund. Other destinations are reachable by car or charter flight.

Namibians drive on the left and all signposts are in English. Seat belts must be worn at all times and talking in a mobile phone while driving is prohibited. The general speed limit is 120km/h on tarred roads outside of towns and 100km/h on gravel roads. In built up areas, the speed limit is 60km/h.

COVID-19 - Please consult the following portal for the latest  Covid requirements:  https://infopages.traveldoc.aero/information/coronavirus

Required Vaccinations

• There is no risk of yellow fever in Namibia. The government of Namibia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination from travellers 1 year of age or older who are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. For further information on this recommendation, please visit the CDC Yellow Fever in Namibia:  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever-malaria-information-by-country/namibia#seldyfm707

Routine and Recommended Vaccinations and Medications

• It is recommended that travellers are up to date on routine vaccinations including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT), varicella (chickenpox), polio, and yearly flu shots.
• A hepatitis A vaccination is recommended as travellers may contract hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Namibia, regardless of where they are eating or staying.
• A hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for those who may have sexual contact with a new partner, who may get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
• A typhoid vaccination is recommended for most travellers, especially those staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or for those that are adventurous eaters.
• A rabies vaccination is recommended for those planning an outdoor holiday, for wildlife professionals such as veterinarians and researchers, for those who are taking a long trip or moving to Namibia, and children as they are more likely to receive animal bites.
• Malaria is a risk in Namibia. Travellers to certain areas may need to take anti-malarial medication. Consultation with a doctor regarding this medication should be sought prior to travel. For further information on this recommendation, please visit the CDC Malaria in Namibia: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever-malaria-information-by-country/namibia#seldyfm707

Traditional Namibian cuisine is rarely served and so the food at restaurants tends to be European in style and is, generally, of a very high standard. 

Namibia is very meat-orientated, and many menu options will feature steaks from various animals. However, there is usually a vegetarian and seafood section offered by most camps and restaurants.

In the supermarkets you'll find pre-wrapped fresh fruit and vegetables (though the more remote the areas you visit, the smaller your choice), and plenty of canned foods, pasta, rice, bread, etc. Most of this is imported from South Africa.

The water in Namibia's main towns is generally safe to drink, though it may taste a little metallic if it has been piped for miles. Natural sources should usually be purified, though water from underground springs and dry riverbeds seldom causes any problems. However, filtered and bottled water are readily available in most towns and all camps, lodges and hotels.

Partially covered by the Namib Desert, one of the world's driest deserts, Namibia's climate is generally very dry and pleasant – it's fine to visit all year round. Namibia only receives a fraction of the rain experienced by countries further east. Between aboutDecember to March some days will be humid and rain may follow, often in localised, afternoon thunderstorms. These are more common in the centre and east of the country, and more unusual in the desert.

April and especially May are often lovely months in Namibia. Increasingly dry, with a real freshness in the air, and much greenery in the landscape; at this time the air is clear and largely free from dust.

From June to August Namibia cools down and dries out more; nights can become cold, dropping below freezing in some desert areas. As the landscape dries so the game in the north of the country gravitates more to waterholes, and is more easily seen by visitors. By September and October it warms up again; game-viewing in most areas is at its best, although there's often a lot of dust around and the vegetation has lost its vibrancy.

November is a highly variable month. Sometimes the hot, dry weather will continue, at other times the sky will fill with clouds and threaten to rain – but if you're lucky enough to witness the first rains of the season, you'll never forget the drama.

Namibia is a country with a diverse climate. It is recommended to pack lightweight clothing made of breathable materials, such as cotton or linen, to combat the heat during the day. In the evenings, temperatures can drop significantly, so it is best to pack warmer layers. Visitors can bring hiking shoes or sneakers for outdoor activities. Long pants and a shirt with buttons are often quite adequate for a formal occasion or work wear.

Telecom Namibia offers a service called wi-space. You purchase a wi-space voucher that allows you to connect to WiFi wherever you see the wi-space logo (about 40 locations in Namibia). 

Alternatively good WiFi access is available at most holiday accommodation venues across the country (free / paid). 

TIPPING GUIDELINES

Tipping is according to the discretion of the guest. Remember that tipping is always your choice, it is never mandatory.  Should you decide to tip, do so with a happy heart and the knowledge that you are making a huge difference in the life of someone to whom your tip means an enormous amount in terms of self-pride, job satisfaction and ease of living.   Here is our tipping guideline for reference:

Safari Guide = $20 per couple per day
Safari Tracker = $12 per couple per day
Safari or Hotel Butler = $12 per couple per day
Safari or Hotel General Staff = $12 per couple per day
City Tours: Half-Day Guide = $12 per couple
City Tours: Full-Day Guide = $20 per couple
Road Transfer Drivers = $2-8 per couple per trip
Restaurants & Bars: 10-15% of the total bill

Situated in the southern reaches of Africa, Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness areas characterised by deep lagoons, wetlands, lush palms, rugged hills and desert plains scattered with scrubland. In the north-east of the country, the Chobe National Park in Botswana is famed for having Africa’s largest single concentration of elephant, while Moremi Game Reserve is renowned for its brilliant birdlife. Also, not-to-be-missed is an exploration of the stark and dramatic landscapes of the Kalahari Desert and the iconic Makgadikgadi Salt Pans with its Baobab Islands. These natural wonders provide a tranquil haven for an abundance of African wildlife to thrive. Other highlights include the impressive Savuti plains, which host large prides of lions; and the Tsodilo Hills, where 4500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over many millennia.

We recommend using the following portal for the latest entry requirements: https://www.traveldoc.aero/

International travellers must carry a valid passport of at least six months from the date of travel and should have two blank pages available in their passport. We advise that if you intend travelling to Botswana’s neighbouring countries and back to then apply for multiple entry visas.

Most countries including United Kingdom, United States, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries do not require a visa to enter Botswana. Check the Botswana Embassy site for list of countries needing visas here:  http://www.botswanaembassy.org/page/guidelines-for-completing-a-visa-application

Please note, all information supplied is valid at the time of print and subject to change. It is the traveller's responsibility to check and comply with all visa and entry requirements.

Currency

Botswana's currency is Pula (which means 'rain' in Setswana). It is divided into 100 thebe (which means 'shield' in Setswana). Travellers' cheques and foreign currency may be changed at banks, bureaux de change and authorised hotels.  US Dollars (cash) are widely accepted at most camps and lodges however.

The US dollar, Euros, British Pound and the South African Rand are the most easily convertible currencies.

Banking

Seven main commercial banks, as well as a number of foregin exchange bureaux, operate in Botswana. Operating hours are Monday to Friday 08h30 to 15h30 and Saturday 08h30 to 10h45.

Full banking services are available in major towns, although ATMs are sprouting up all over the country. Most credit cards are accepted at hotels and restaurants. Cultural sites and community art and craft outlets usually only accept cash.

Fly-in Safaris :

Since most safari travel is done in small aircraft, each passenger is limited to 20Kg’s (44lbs) of luggage in soft duffel bags including hand luggage and photographic equipment. Bear in mind the door to the luggage pod is only 65 x 25 cm. Soft type duffel bags are ideal and are required. Excess baggage be may subject to additional baggage/charter charges and please note that you have the option to store your excess baggage in the airline's Maun office (on request and subject to costs) - if your itinerary starts and ends in Maun. 

Self-driving:

Driving off the main roads in Botswana is only recommended to expects in 4x4 vehicles, that are equipped correctly. Most lodges offer transfers or they can be arranged. If, however, you will be driving in Botswana: your home driving licence will be accepted (with an official English translation if necessary; driving is on the left side of the road; and the national speed limit is on tarred roads is 120km/h and 60km/h in towns and villages. 

Be sure to watch out for wild animals on the roads!

COVID-19 - Please consult the following portal for the latest  Covid requirements:  https://infopages.traveldoc.aero/information/coronavirus

Required Vaccinations

• There is no risk of yellow fever in Botswana. The government of Botswana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers 1 year of age or older who are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever, including transit in an airport located in a country with risk of yellow fever. For further information on this recommendation, please visit the CDC Yellow Fever Advice: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever#4728

Routine and Recommended Vaccinations and Medications

• It is recommended that travellers are up to date on routine vaccinations including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT), varicella (chickenpox), polio, and yearly flu shots.
• A hepatitis A vaccination is recommended as travellers may contract hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Botswana, regardless of where they are eating or staying.
• A hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for those who may have sexual contact with a new partner, who may get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
• A typhoid vaccination is recommended for most travellers, especially those staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or for those that are adventurous eaters.
• A rabies vaccination is recommended for those planning an outdoor holiday, for wildlife professionals such as veterinarians and researchers, for those who are taking a long trip or moving to Botswana, and children as they are more likely to receive animal bites.
• Malaria is a risk in Botswana. Travellers to certain areas may need to take anti-malarial medication. Consultation with a doctor regarding this medication should be sought prior to travel. For further information on this recommendation, please visit the CDC Malaria in Botswana.    https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever-malaria-information-by-country/botswana#seldyfm707

Botswana is a very safe country to travel to and crime targeted at tourists is minimal. But, just as in most places around the world, care should be taken when walking around the towns and cities and advice should be sought before deciding to visit specific areas.

As a visitor you should take all the reasonable precautions for your personal safety,that you would in your home city.

Safety precautions in the bush will be explained to you by your guide and it must be remembered that Botswana has some of the wildest parks and reserves in Africa and with no fences to prevent wild animals moving freely, there is always the chance of an incident. However if you obey the basic rules and guidelines set down for you, safety will not be an issue.

Safari lodges and camps serve international-style cuisine, generally of an extremely high standard, along with local beer and imported wine and spirits. Good restaurants and bars can be found in main towns, often within hotels. Beef and goat are very popular meats. Elsewhere, food is more basic: millet and sorghum porridge are the local staples.

Tap water is considered safe to drink, although outside main cities and towns, visitors are advised to check first and sterilise water if in any doubt. Bottled water is available in most tourist centres. Filtered water is available at most camps and shops offer bottled water - it is advised to be well stocked of bottled water if you are travelling off the beaten track. Milk is pasteurised, and dairy products, local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally safe.

A discretionary five-to-ten-percent tip is typical for restaurant bills. In many places, a service charge is automatically added. It is customary to tip the game guide and lodge staff while on safari.

Botswana's climatic pattern is typical of southern Africa, although its rainfall is less than countries further east. The rains in Botswana come mostly between December and March, when average minimum temperatures are in the low 20°s. Some days will be bright and sunny, some will have afternoon thunderstorms, and some will just be grey.

As with Namibia, April and May in Botswana are generally lovely, with the sky clear and the landscape green. Night temperatures start to drop during these months, especially in the Kalahari. Note that places in and around the Okavango tend to have less extreme, more moderate temperatures than the drier areas of the Kalahari.

From June to August the night-time temperatures in drier areas can be close to freezing, but it warms up rapidly during the day, when the sky is usually clear and blue. It's now very much 'peak season' for most safari areas: the land is dry in most areas so the animals congregate around the few available water sources.

This continues into September and October, when temperatures climb again, drying the landscapes and concentrating the game even more. This is the best time for big game safaris – although October can feel very hot, with maximum temperatures sometimes approaching 40°C.

November is difficult to predict, as it can sometimes be a continuation of October's heat, whilst sometimes it's cooled by the first rains; it's always an interesting month.

In summer, lightweight, lightcoloured cottons are preferable. Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing, as they increase perspiration and discomfort. In winter, wear trousers, longsleeved shirts / blouses and jerseys. From May – August, night temperatures can fall below zero degrees celsius, so warm jerseys and jackets are vital, especially on morning and evening game drives. Garments of neutral colours that blend with the bush and forest are advisable for safaris and game viewing. Bring a lightweight jacket and/or jersey for unexpected temperature changes or rain. Closed, comfortable walking shoesor gym shoes are a must in all seasons. Special attention should be given to protection from the sun. Bring a sunhat, good quality sunscreen, sun lotion and polarised sunglasses. Wide brimmed sun hats are essential.

Some hotels, lodges and guest houses offer internet access or WiFi (free or paid), and there are internet cafe's in Gaborone and Maun. Internet access in more remote rural areas is often hard to come by.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Botswana are the 'Type M' South African SABS1661 ('Large' 15 amp BS-546) sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The 'Type M' South African plug and socket is not to be confused with the 'Type D' Indian plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Botswana usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. 

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. If you need to use appliances that are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical input, you will need a voltage converter.

TIPPING GUIDELINES

Tipping is according to the discretion of the guest. Remember that tipping is always your choice, it is never mandatory.  Should you decide to tip, do so with a happy heart and the knowledge that you are making a huge difference in the life of someone to whom your tip means an enormous amount in terms of self-pride, job satisfaction and ease of living.   Here is our tipping guideline for reference:

Safari Guide = $20 per couple per day
Safari Tracker = $12 per couple per day
Safari or Hotel Butler = $12 per couple per day
Safari or Hotel General Staff = $12 per couple per day
City Tours: Half-Day Guide = $12 per couple
City Tours: Full-Day Guide = $20 per couple
Road Transfer Drivers = $2-8 per couple per trip
Restaurants & Bars: 10-15% of the total bill