Epupa and Ovahimba Experience

INFORMATION FOR THE VISITOR TO NAMIBIA

This information is provided by Namibia Tracks & Trails as a guideline for your upcoming visit to the country.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Since the 1st of April 2025 a VISA must be applied to enter Namibia.

We recommend applying online before arrival (max. 30 days) - ONLINE VISA ON ARRIVAL -

This link will take you immediately to the website of the "Ministry of the Interior and Entry"

E-Services: Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security | E-Services Portal

https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/visaonarrival

1. Log onto the website
2. Register your email address
3. Once you receive a response email from MHAISS to confirm your email address
4. Ensure you have a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport photo
5. Select VISA online on Arrival application
6. Complete form and submit passport and photo
7. Once submitted you will be notified via email if your VOA is approved
8. On approval log back into the system and make your payment (

Per adults N$ 1600.00

Per child 6-11y N$ 800.00

Younger <6y free of charge

1. Once payment is made you will be able to download your approved VOA

Please print out your approved VOA and provide it at the entry to Namibia with the following documents:

• proof of onward travel (if required)
• Health / Travel Insurance – Coverage for medical expenses.
• Details of 1st Accommodation / Itinerary / Invitation - Hotel booking, host invitation and copy of the itinerary (if applicable)
• Funds – Proof of financial means for your stay

You can also apply for the VISA upon entry directly at the border or airport, for this you need the following documents:

  -      completed visa application form (Provided on flight by airline before landing or at counters on arrival)

• proof of onward travel (if required)
• Health / Travel Insurance – Coverage for medical expenses.
• Details of 1st Accommodation / Itinerary / Invitation - Hotel booking, host invitation and copy of the itinerary (if applicable)
• Funds – Proof of financial means for your stay.
• Payment for Visa on Arrival must be made via credit card or cash Nam Dollar. The cost is N$1,600 per person, with an additional N$400 fee for applications submitted manually.

The Namibian Government mandates that all visitors to Namibia must have at least six fully blank pages in their passports upon arrival in the country. Additionally, passports should be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date from Namibia.

Namibia Tracks & Trails cannot be held responsible for the refusal of entry into a country for any reason whatsoever.

MINORS TRAVELLING TO NAMIBIA

Minors under the age of 18 traveling to Namibia must possess an unabridged birth certificate. Additionally, when traveling:

With an adult who is not their biological parent: An affidavit from both parents, providing consent for the minor to travel with the adult, is required.

With an adult other than a parent/legal guardian: Copies of the legal guardian's/parent's passports or identity documents are required, along with contact details of the parents/legal guardians.

With a parent: An affidavit from the other parent, granting consent for the minor to travel, is necessary. If one parent is deceased, a death certificate should be provided.

Unaccompanied: An affidavit from the parents/legal guardians, consenting to the minor's travel, is required. Additionally, a letter containing the contact details and residential information of the person receiving the minor passenger, a copy of the identity document, valid passport, or permanent residence permit of the receiving person, and the contact details of the minor's parents/legal guardians are necessary.

CURRENCY

The currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar (N$), which is pegged to and therefore equivalent to the South African Rand (ZAR).  The Namibian Dollar and South African Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia and can be used freely to purchase goods and services.  The Namibian Dollar, is not considered a legal tender in South Africa.

Traveller’s cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at any of the commercial banks, which are well represented throughout the country.   Visitors may bring any amount of foreign currency into the country.    Further information and assistance can be obtained from any commercial bank in Namibia.

CREDIT CARDS

International Visa and MasterCard credit cards are generally accepted throughout Namibia.   Holders of other cards are advised to clarify with a commercial bank whether their card is acceptable in Namibia.

Please note Wilderness Safaris’ camps are unable to accept American Express cards. Credit cards are not accepted at some fuel filling stations.

BANKS

Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 09h00-15h30 and on Saturdays from 09h00-11h00.

ATM Safety Tips:

ATM fraud escalated amongst tourists in the big cities - herewith some safety tips as recommended by First National Bank:

•      Be vigilant whenever approaching an ATM.  If you feel unsafe, rather come back at another time, or use an alternative machine.

•      Never let a stranger assists you at an ATM and shield the keypad and screen with your body, especially when entering your PIN.

•      If you suspect that the machine has been tampered with, walk away from it, and report your suspicion to the security guard.

•      Once again, please note that neither FNB nor any other Bank will ever ask for confidential details like PIN codes.

Further recommendations from First National Bank

1.       Keeping large amounts of foreign currency notes pose several risks.  The Bank of Namibia rules also clearly state that within 24 hours of receiving foreign currency bank notes it should be converted to N$.   This is not possible in all circumstances due to rural location of many tourism operations.   However, FNB can apply for dispensation from the Bank of Namibia on behalf of our clients.   But this may however not reduce the risk of theft and robberies.   FNB therefore extended the opening hours of the FNB Bureau de Change in Independence Avenue.

2.       Avoid trading directly with foreign currency notes, rather settle your bills via credit or debit card where possible.

3.       Traveller cheques are regarded as very risky means of payment, and it has come to light that people use fraudulent travel cheques to pay for accommodation more often.   Be wary of this and please avoid situations where you become exposed to such risk.

For more information on the Foreign Exchange rates and commissions, contact your nearest FNB branch.

RECOMMENDED TIPPING

Tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated if you are satisfied with the services provided. We suggest tipping your specialist guide at the end of your stay in camp or at the end of your safari. As a general guideline tipping around N$100 per guest per day is recommended. It is also a thoughtful gesture to tip general camp / lodge staff, with a suggested amount of about N$50 per guest per day. This can be placed in the communal tipping box. For porters, a recommend tip is around N$20 per suitcase.  For petrol attendants and car guards a suggested tip is around N$ 5-10. Of course, these are rough guidelines, and you are free to give whatever amount you feel is appropriate.

HEALTH

There are a few basic health matters that require care and attention. The following points are recommended guidelines only. Please consult your doctor and also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

1. Malaria

Malaria within Namibia is encountered mainly in northern Namibia: Please consult your doctor.

Malaria prophylactic recommendations for travellers:

Expert opinion differs regarding the best approach to malaria prophylaxis.  It is important to bear in mind that malaria may be contracted despite chemoprophylaxis, especially in areas where chloroquine resistance has been reported.  Both chloroquine-resistant and normal strains of malaria are prevalent in Africa.

Please remember that the best precaution is the preventative kind:

• Avoid being bitten by using mosquito repellents liberally. Wilderness Safaris provides a locally made repellent but please bring your own as there may be skin sensitivity.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings.
• Please use the mosquito net over your bed where supplied/available.
• If staying in a bungalow or tent, spray with a suitable insecticide to kill any mosquitoes that may have flown into your room.
• Mosquito coils are also effective.

Malaria is transmitted by a very small percentage of female Anopheles mosquitoes. They are mainly active in the early evening and throughout the night.  Malaria transmission is at its highest during the warmer and wetter months of November through to April.   From May through to October the risks of acquiring malaria are reduced.   There is also less prevalence in remote areas where our camps are situated; nonetheless, you need to consider taking preventative measures.

There is a six-to-seven-day minimum incubation period before symptoms present themselves. If you become ill on your return, while still on prophylaxis or even once you have stopped taking them, ensure that your doctor does everything to establish that your illness is not malaria.   Malaria can be prevented if you are sensible and take basic precautions.   There have been very few cases of our guest’s contracting malaria in our more than 20 years of operation.   It is inadvisable for pregnant woman to visit malarial areas as malaria infection during pregnancy can be detrimental.

1. Water

It is very important that you drink plenty of water especially during the warmer months.   It is generally recommended that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration. This excludes tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages, which act as diuretics and therefore can actually contribute to dehydration.

Generally, water throughout Namibia is safe to drink directly from the tap. However, bottled water is readily available, so please do not allow yourself to become dehydrated.

1. Dietary Requirements

For those guests with specific dietary requirements please ensure Namibia Tracks & Trails is notified prior to arrival.  We can accommodate most reasonable requests.

1. Medical Conditions

You need to notify Namibia Tracks & Trails of any medical condition you may have prior to your arrival.   This includes any allergies e.g. bee stings, nuts, shellfish etc.

AIR TRANSFERS

Should your journey with us include any non-scheduled airline flights, please be advised that we offer two types of air transfer - either a sole use air transfer (where your party has exclusive use of the aircraft for that flight sector) or a shared air transfer (where your party share the aircraft with others).  A brief description follows:

1. Shared Air Transfers

Unless specifically requested to do otherwise, we will automatically book you onto the shared air transfer which may entail stopping at other airstrips enroute for other guests to board/alight.  It is possible that one party may be split up and must travel on different aircraft to their destination, although all efforts will be made to avoid this.

When we package an itinerary using shared air transfers, we book the aircraft and pilot through licensed charter companies.  This portion of your trip might therefore be sub-chartered.  All the flight times between lodges are arranged a few days before the flights take place to avoid endless schedule changes.  The lodge or camp where you are staying will be advised of your departure time the day before travel and will ensure that you are at the airstrip on time.

We cannot be more specific about the timings of these air transfers as the charter companies are compelled by safety regulations to service their aircraft every 100 hours which could result in arrangements having to be rescheduled at the last moment.

At certain times of the year, it may be necessary (for safety reasons) to transfer you during the cooler times of the day, in early morning or late afternoon only.   Any changes requested or made by the travellers will be at a considerable extra cost.

1. Sole Use Air Transfers

If specifically requested, sole use air transfers will be booked for your trip at an additional cost.  This service means that you and your party are the only passengers on that specific flight transfer leg.  This could allow more flexibility on luggage restrictions depending on the number of guests and the size of the aircraft – please clarify this with your agent.

Sole Use air transfers also allow for more flexibility of flight timings which are to be arranged at the time of booking.  Please note that late changes to the timings at the request of the party cannot always be accommodated.  The original arranged flight times cannot be guaranteed.  This is because of unforeseeable delays such as scheduled flight delays etc.   Aircraft used for Sole Use transfers are also used to carry guests before and after your flight.

Please note that if combining shared and sole use air transfers, then the specified luggage restriction for shared transfers will apply.

LUGGAGE ON SCHEDULED FLIGHTS

Scheduled airlines in southern Africa generally carry a weight restriction of 20kg per economy class traveller, and 30kg for business class.  Please ensure that you comply with the applicable restrictions (further details regarding number of luggage pieces and exact dimensions, for the carrier can be obtained from your ticketing agent).

Please note when combining scheduled airline flights and air transfers (as specified below), then the smaller restriction of the two will apply unless alternative arrangements have been made for the storage or separate transfer of excess luggage.

It is very important that you do not put anything of high value (personal or financial value) in your checked-in baggage as luggage can be tampered with and valuables removed. This includes, but is not limited to, jewellery, cameras, video equipment, reading/sunglasses, laptops or other computer/electronic equipment, medication (especially chronic medication) etc.   Please also lock your luggage with a suitable lock to deter opportunistic theft.  

In the event of your luggage being delayed or going missing, we would like to recommend that you pack a change of underwear, a clean T-shirt or similar, plus essential toiletries and medication into your carry-on/hand luggage to minimise the inconvenience experienced by this loss or delay.

LUGGAGE ON AIR TRANSFERS

There are strict weight restrictions in place on any itinerary which includes light aircraft transfers for the following reasons:

• The aircraft are designed with a maximum bodyweight and luggage weight allowance.
• Most of the airfields are over 1000 metres above sea level and are in the tropics, and therefore the permissible aircraft carrying capacity is reduced.
• The aircraft have physical space restrictions.

Some important issues must please be noted for air transfers.

1. Luggage, including camera equipment and hand luggage, is restricted per person travelling on seat rates to 20kg in Namibia. 
2. Only soft bags will be accepted - no hard suitcases or bags with wheels can be transported as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft.
3. The maximum dimensions of the soft bags which can be accommodated are as follows: 25cm wide x 30cm high and 62cm long.   Please keep in mind that the baggage compartments on the light aircraft are only 25cm high, so the pilots must have the ability to manipulate the bag into the compartment.
4. Passengers weighing 100kg or more, must please advise us in advance as an extra seat must be purchased for safety and comfort.
5. These limits are applicable to guests travelling on a seat rate basis so may differ if guests have booked on a sole use or private charter option in which case the maximums depend on the type of aircraft and the number of passengers booked.

These luggage restrictions appear minimal however please bear in mind the following:

• Most safari camps / lodges and hotels provide basic toilet amenities.
• Laundry can be done on a daily basis (many camps provide this service free of charge, but hotels do charge a nominal fee).
• Mainly casual clothing is required.

As no formal clothes are needed throughout most of southern Africa, we recommend that you limit your luggage to the basics.  More formal attire is usually required only when staying in the more prestigious city hotel establishments or on any of the luxury trains.   On a wildlife safari, casual clothing is the order of the day. We have included a suggested packing list in our documentation for your reference.

EXCESS LUGGAGE

If your itinerary includes light aircraft sectors and you need to bring more luggage than the stipulated allowance, please consult us for details on the excess luggage options that are available at an additional cost.

If you do not require the excess luggage to accompany you on your trip and you arrive/depart via Windhoek, we can make storage arrangements.   The luggage can then be returned to you either at your hotel in Windhoek (if you are staying overnight) or by baggage transfer to the airport.   This service, which is normally the most economical method of handling excess luggage in Namibia, is charged for at a nominal rate and you are advised to pre-book it through your agent prior to travel.

Namibia Tracks & Trails and its’ staff will not accept responsibility for luggage kept in any of the offices on behalf of our guests.   We do not anticipate any problems with stored luggage being damaged or stolen, but guests must ensure that they are in possession of full travel insurance including luggage cover.

LOST LUGGAGE

Luggage that goes missing on scheduled flights is beyond the control of Namibia Tracks & Trails, and/or the airline concerned.   The airport controls what happens to passengers’ luggage from when it is checked in/out until it is put on/taken off the aircraft.

We suggest that you take the following precautionary action: pack a small bag with your essentials including any life sustaining medication, which can be carried with you as hand luggage. If your luggage goes missing, you will still have your essential items on hand to see you through the first couple of days while we try and recover your lost baggage.

LOSS OF ARTICLES

Please note that we cannot accept any responsibility for the misplacement of any articles whilst on your travels.  Naturally, we will endeavour to reunite you with your misplaced items. However, logistics may not be favourable for the returning of articles unless you are prepared to pay for the cost to get your goods back to you.  Any costs incurred in this process will be for your own account.

This issue is possibly the single biggest form of stress for guests who have left their goods behind somewhere enroute and who are not prepared to pay for the costs to be reunited with their possessions. So please make sure that you keep all your goods with you.

INSURANCE

Namibia Tracks & Trails, or its agents and associates cannot be held responsible or liable for loss, damage, or theft of personal luggage and belongings, nor can they be held liable for personal injury, accident, or illness. Please ensure that you have yourself and your belongings adequately insured before your departure.

Insurance is compulsory for all our trips. Please contact your broker or your travel agent or us for details. We cannot be held liable for any losses or damages incurred.

Health Insurance

Before you travel anywhere it is advisable to have fully comprehensive medical and accident insurance, which covers you while you are away for everything, including emergency evacuation and repatriation.

Cancellation Insurance

You might have to cancel your safari due to unforeseen circumstances.  If you cancel a trip close to the departure date for any reason, you will lose all that the safari was going to cost you. Dependent on the reason, cancellation insurance should cover you for this eventuality.

Baggage Insurance

Airline liabilities with respect to your baggage is limited.  It is advisable to take out insurance if you are carrying expensive and valuable camera equipment.  You should always carry such equipment as ‘carry-on’ luggage. Do not put anything of value in your checked baggage!

Claims

If you anticipate an insurance claim upon your return, be sure to document as accurately as possible any accident, injury, or loss. Doctors’ notes and police reports will aid any claim.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

The dates of certain public holidays change from year to year – refer below.  If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then the Monday is also declared a public holiday. During this time, most shops are closed or only some grocery shops are open for limited hours.  We recommend you avoid staying in the cities over long weekends or public holidays.

01 January             New Year’s Day

21 March               Independence Day

Varies                     Good Friday

Varies                     Easter Monday

01 May                   Worker’s Day

04 May                   Cassinga Day

Varies                     Ascension Day

25 May                   Africa Day

26 August              Heroes’ Day

10 December        International Human Rights Day

25 December        Christmas Day

26 December        Boxing Day

SHOPPING

In the major centres, such as Windhoek and Swakopmund, many shops specialize in attractive local products such as diamonds, semi-precious stones, curios of all types including dolls dressed in the traditional Herero style (made by the local Herero woman), hand-carved wooden objects, beautifully fashioned jewellery, leather shoes, karosses rugs and popular woven Swakara garments.   Shops are closed on Saturday- and Sunday afternoons, as well as all public holidays, with only a select few open on a Sunday morning.

TAX

All goods and services in Namibia are priced to include value added tax (VAT) of 15%.

Visitors to Namibia may reclaim VAT on their purchases at the Hosea Kutako International Airport, Eros Airport and Walvis Bay Airport. Further enquiries can be made through the Ministry of Finance - Telephone: +264 61 209 2405, Fax: +264 61 209 2001

A 30% luxury items tax is subtracted from the cost of such luxury items as jewellery or Swakara garments when tourists present their passport and air ticket at the time of purchase.

DUTY FREE

Please note that there is no duty-free shopping available at Johannesburg International Airport on flights to Namibia.   Please make sure any duty-free purchases of film, alcohol, etc. are made before arriving in southern Africa.

CHECK-IN/OUT TIMES

Hotels in the Namibia towns and cities generally have a check in time of 14h00 and a check out time of 10h00, though many lodges and hotels will try to be accommodating and flexible if they are not too fully booked the preceding night.  Otherwise, we recommend you book a day room in advance to secure a longer stay in your room.

DRIVING

Please always switch your headlights on when driving on our gravel roads, main roads, and district roads.

In Namibia one drives on the left-hand side of the road. The speed limit is usually 60 km p/h in built up areas, 70 km p/h on gravel roads and 120 km p/h on major tar roads. Safety belts must be always used. The driver or any authorized co-driver must produce a valid unendorsed driver’s license at time of rental.  The driver’s license needs to be in English with photo.  If not, an international driver’s license will be required. 

Self- Drive Itineraries: Whilst conducting your own self-drive itinerary, there are many factors beyond our control.   Namibia Tracks & Trails will therefore not accept any liability, responsibility or claim for compensation, for any incident or accident involving you (the client), your vehicle and/or any third party.

LANGUAGE

The official language is English. German and Afrikaans are also widely used and there are numerous African languages and dialects which fall into two main groups, namely Bantu and Khoisan.   German is spoken widely in Swakopmund.

CLIMATE

The below is a rough guideline to an understanding of Namibia weather patterns.   This is by no means the last word. Patterns can change and rains may be later or earlier from year to year.   Data on Windhoek and Swakopmund minimum and maximum temperatures and monthly rainfall follow.  These towns are a good general indication of the weather patterns in the regions discussed below.

The climate is typically semi-desert with hot days and cool nights.  The cold Benguela Current keeps the coast cool and free of rain most of the year; Namibia averages about 300 days of sunshine a year.  The rainy season lasts from October to April.  The rest of the year is dry and cloudless.

Humidity is generally very low in most parts but can reach as high as 80% in the extreme north during summer. The average rainfall is 50mm along the coast to 350 mm in the central interior and 700mm in the Caprivi.   Guests should pack warm and cold clothing for any visit to Namibia.   Those guests self-driving must exercise caution when crossing riverbeds and camping during the summer months as flash floods can occur from the sporadic rains.  It is perfectly safe to travel by road currently, though a 4x4 or vehicle with high ground clearance is recommended.  The rest of the year is dry and cloudless. 

Midsummer temperatures may rise to over 40°C (104°F). Winter days are warm, but dawn temperatures may drop to freezing.  Along the coast it is cool with low rainfall and fog prevails from late afternoon until mid-morning

January to March is the peak of summer and the rainy months.  Days are normally warm with afternoon cloud build up and possible showers although these are usually short-lived. Game viewing after good rains is generally not that good at the wildlife destinations.  Northern Namibia and the Caprivi usually receive most of Namibia's annual rainfall.

During April to May morning temperatures start to drop and the evenings are cooler soon after sunset.  Rainfall is limited.   As rainwater pans dry out game viewing can improve slowly.

The early part of June is very cold in the mornings and evenings, occasionally even dropping below zero, and winter lasts until August. Days are sunny and pleasant however, with windy spells towards the end of this period.  Warm clothing is recommended for the evenings and early mornings.  Game viewing is excellent in the dry winter months in certain destinations.

Spring starts in September and the days are much warmer with the occasional cool evening and morning.  Game viewing is excellent during this time. Trees begin to come into leaf.

From October we experience very warm sunny days with warm evenings.  Some rains are experienced sporadically, though larger showers can be expected usually only around December.   Wildlife sightings is affected depending how early and serve the rains have started.   December can be among the hottest months of the year, often averaging 35°C to 40°C in the shade.

Along the coast it is year-round cool with low rainfall and fog prevails from late afternoon until mid-morning.  The cool breeze off the coast can cool the days down quite a bit, so warm clothes are recommended for the evenings and early mornings.

Temperature (ºC) - These are the average lows and highs:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

June

July

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

WDH

17/30

17/29

15/27

13/25

9/22

7/20

7/20

8/23

12/26

14/29

16/29

17/31

SWP

12/25

12/23

12/23

15/25

15/25

18/28

15/28

15/28

12/25

12/25

12/25

12/25

Average Rainfall (mm). This varies according to the year and your location:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

June

July

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

WDH

43

53

56

28

5

3

3

3

3

10

23

26

SWP

12

15

12

10

10

10

7

9

11

15

16

11

WDH = Windhoek

SWP = Swakopmund

A FEW VALUABLE HINTS WHEN SELF DRIVING IN NAMIBIA IN THE RAINY SEASON

• Always keep to the main C (gravel) and B (tar) road wherever possible.
• It is advisable to keep on the road when stopping in rain as the road shoulders and edges have softened up to the extent that vehicles might get stuck and require assistance to be recovered.
• Before heading off to your next destination, information on road conditions should be obtained from lodge/camp management who should be well informed of conditions in the area.   In case of complications, plan and inquire for alternative routes, etc.
• Always keep to a reasonable speed.
• Slow down, avoid patches of mud and keep a sharp eye out for wash-aways.
• Slow down at signs for riverbeds.
• Flowing rivers should not be crossed unless absolutely sure about the flow and depth of the water.   In case of a running river, wait until the water has dropped.   Seek advice from persons who know the area.
• Plan your journey with departures to your next destination as early as possible to avoid the rains  -  usually starting in the early afternoons.   Plan your journey to reach the destination way before dark.
• If possible, always have an updated weather report for the present and following day.

FLIGHT CHECK-IN TIMES

Please check in early at all airports (at least one hour prior for domestic flights, two hours for all flights to the USA and two hours for regional and other international flights) due to additional security which now affects international travel around the world.

Please be aware that during peak season, delays are often encountered on scheduled flights. Remember that you are on holiday... relax and enjoy the ambience, which sometimes has no sense of urgency at all!

RECONFIRMING FLIGHTS

Please check in 2 hours prior to your departure for international flights.  For domestic flights check-in is required 1 hour prior to departure. It has been advised that re-confirming flights is no longer necessary.  We do, however, advise to check whether there have been any schedule changes prior to your departure.

PACKING SUGGESTIONS

We hereby provide a list of suggested items which should be used as a guideline whilst planning your trip. Please bear in mind the luggage restrictions of 12kg (in a soft bag) on some light aircraft transfers and 20kg on scheduled airline flights - please refer to the luggage restriction notes in the pre tour information sheets for more specifics.

Equipment/Other:

• Good quality sunglasses - preferably polarised. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light.
• Torch.
• If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust.
• Southern African bird guide if you are a keen birder, e.g., Newman’s or Sasol.
• Personal toiletries (basic amenities supplied by most establishments).
• Malaria tablets (if applicable).
• Antihistamine tablets if you suffer from any allergies.
• Anti-nausea tablets if you suffer from motion sickness.
• Moisturising cream and suntan lotion – SPF 20 or higher recommended.
• Insect repellent for body application e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, etc.
• Basic medical kit (painkiller, antipyretic, plasters, Imodium, antiseptic cream and Anti-histamine cream etc.)
• Tissues/"Wet Ones".
• Visas, tickets, passports, money, etc.
• Camera equipment and plenty of film/memory sticks.
• Waterproof/dustproof bag/cover for your camera.
• BINOCULARS - ESSENTIAL - 8x40 / 8x42 is the recommended general purpose binocular specification for both birding and mammal viewing (night vision binoculars are not essential but highly recommended if your safari includes night activities).

IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS

WINDHOEK

Ambulance Emergency:           +264 (61) 21-1111

AEMS                                                   +264 61 300 118 (international)

                                                                963     (National free)

EMed24                                              +264 83 924 (international)

                                                                924     (National free)

Police:                                                 +264 (61) 10111

SWAKOPMUND

Ambulance Emergency:           +264 (64) 40-5731

EMed24                                              +264 83 924 (international)

                                                                924     (National free)                   

Police:                                                 +264 (64) 10111

NAMIBIA TRACKS & TRAILS         +264 824 416 820 (8H00 – 17H00)   AH +264 (0) 81 269 7271

Currency
Local currency: Namibian Dollar
Symbol: N$
ISO code: NAD
Subunit: Cent (1/100 of a Dollar)
Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 NAD
Coins: 5, 10, 50 cents, 1, 5, 10 NAD

Banking
Card Transactions: Widely accepted
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: No
Diner’s Club: No

Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 08:30 – 15:30, Saturdays: 08:30 – 12:00
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air:
Main airlines: Airlink, Fly Namibia
International Airports: Hosea Kutako International Airport, Walvis Bay International Airport
Domestic Airports: Eros Airport

Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes

Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes

Rail:
Railway system: No
Subway System: No

Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: Yes

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 
Namibian cuisine features a rich blend of German and South African influences, with a focus on grilled meats and fish. Dishes like Biltong (dried, spiced meat), Kapana (grilled meat from street vendors), and Potjiekos (slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew) are popular. Seafood is also abundant along the coast. 

Drinks: 
Popular local drinks include Windhoek Lager and Tafel Lager, locally brewed beers. 

Tipping: customary, usually around 10-15% in restaurants. 

Annual rainfall: Varies from under 50 mm in the desert to over 700 mm in the Caprivi Strip 
Average temperature: 20°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 20°C 
Average lows: 5°C 

Best time to visit: 
The best time to visit Namibia is during the cooler dry months from May to October when wildlife viewing is at its best in parks like Etosha National Park. The weather is pleasant for exploring the desert landscapes and other outdoor activities. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type D, M, and G 
Voltage (V): 220 V 
Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.