Thank you for choosing to travel with us
Art Safari is a unique way of travelling, a world leader in creative adventures. We pride ourselves in being professional artists as well as being a professional tour operator.
Combining travel, art, adventure and huge amounts of inspiration and fun since 1999, Art Safari leads plein air painting holidays to destinations worldwide. Founded by artist Mary-Anne Bartlett, Art Safari has leads tours in Africa, Asia, Europe as well as Antarctica and the Arctic. Each year we have of wide selection of tours, often including India, Japan, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, Morocco, Galapagos, France and Italy.
Colour, shape and action in magical wildlife, wilderness and city destinations
Your travel sketchbooks will become visual diaries, full of the wonders of the world. Art Safari is for all those inspired to paint by travel and wildlife.
Whether you are a beginner, or you are already an experienced artist, Art Safari’s professional team of tutors and guides will encourage you to sit, look, sketch, observe, soak up the atmosphere and produce many sketches and paintings of your new environment. Our tutors include Mary-Anne Bartlett, John Threlfall, James Willis, Jackie Garner, Karen Pearson, Shelly Perkins, Mark Boyd, Julia Cassels, Darren Rees, Roger Dellar, Maxine Relton, Vicki Norman, Tom Shepherd and Claudia Myatt.
Your safari guide will show you the wonders of Malawi, and you will enjoy learning all about Malawian culture, and all about the natural world that will surround you on this wonderful tour.
Take in detail, observe, learn and collect memories in sketches and paintings
Art Safari’s holidays are for creative explorers: artists, writers, photographers and non-painters. Whether travelling on your own or not, you are welcomed into a like-minded group and you can be assured of inspiration, good food, comfort and style.
Photographers and non-painters will experience new ways of seeing from the art tutor as well as enjoying all the benefits of relaxed wildlife viewing and personal safari guiding – brilliant for photography, bird watching and learning more about nature.
Art Safari also operates a separate tour company Close Encounters for private tailor-made holidays: our team of specialists will introduce you to experts in nature worldwide as well as organise dreamy tours, honeymoons and specialist travel.
The painting holiday of a lifetime
We know that you have moved mountains to make this trip possible and our team here in the UK and out in Malawi will do everything to make it as special as possible. Please tell your tour leader if we can improve on anything.
With all the memories, paintings, sketches and photos, your safari in Malawi will stay with you forever. We hope that you enjoy it to the full, making the most of every moment. When you come back, keep in mind that we’re planning new destinations all the time, so feel free to ask about what’s coming up – or even to suggest new routes!
‘Habari Safari!’ Have a good trip!
ART SAFARI TRAVELLER’S CODE
Art Safari believes that this code of travel will not only benefit travellers’ themselves, but also the people and environments of the country they are visiting. Through preparation and understanding, all those who travel with Art Safari can expect to have a wonderful and meaningful trip, secure in the knowledge that they are showing a high regard for the people and culture of their chosen destination.
BEFORE YOU GO
- To really get the most out of your trip, do some research on the places you will be visiting. Forewarned is forearmed, and it is really useful to be aware of the different cultural practices and taboos of the country you are visiting. Local music and literature can help you to get a feel for the place before you go, as well as the ever-useful guidebook.
- Language can often be a barrier to understanding and tolerance, and even learning just a few phrases of the local lingo can be of tremendous benefit for you. Often, people find the doors are opened to an even more ‘real’ holiday experience.
MONEY & COSTS
Different places have different cultures with regards to costs, tipping and service charges, bartering, begging, guides, and tourist services. Guidebooks normally have sections explaining these things, and they are worth paying attention to, so you do not offend anyone or encourage a practice that authorities are trying to wipe out.
Local and community run guided tours are great to go on for educational value, and for the precious input they create for the benefit of local communities.
- Be aware, in particular, of giving to children begging. Very often they are not the beneficiaries of your donation, and it also means they are less likely to go to school if they earn more for their family whilst begging.
- Try to ensure that as much of your money as possible stays in the local community by buying local produce and souvenirs wherever possible, and not international brands. Sometimes, as much as 90 pence spent in every pound by tourists can end up outside the host country.
- When bargaining, remember that small amounts can mean a lot more to the vendor than to you, so try to keep it lighthearted! Remember how wealthy you will often be in comparison with the local people.
- Try to have a good supply of notes in small denominations of US dollars and local currency.
LOCAL ENVIRONMENT & RESOURCES
- Respect the environment by taking your litter back to your lodge, by recycling as much as possible and by taking waste such as batteries back to your home country where disposal services are more available.
- Please resist collecting animal and vegetable mementos: do not pick wildflowers and plants, do not collect items which may spread disease such as feathers and bones, seeds etc.
- If you smoke, take an old film canister for storing your butt-ends until you can find a bin. Be careful with cigarette butts and used matches. They can easily start a fire in tinder dry grasslands.
- If you go on a safari, or visit national parks, remember to stick to the routes the guides set, or the paths set out on the guide map. This will help preserve wildlife and natural habitats. Please avoid buying products that are made from endangered animals and plants.
- Most hotels and guesthouses have a policy of washing bed sheets and towels every three days to minimise the impact that washing can have. Washing has a big impact on water consumption and detergents damage the environment.
- Conserve water. Conserve energy. Try to use as little water and electricity as possible, not just in the hotels, but also during every part of your trip. Water is precious. A simple thing like not running the tap whilst cleaning teeth and turning the shower off whilst soaping yourself, can save a great deal of water.
CULTURE & PHOTOGRAPHY
- Photographs can be the most memorable souvenirs of a holiday, and many people want to take lots. However, please do remember it can be offensive to take someone’s picture without their permission. Sometimes a souvenir postcard has a better picture, and also supports the local economy.
- Cultural differences should be appreciated, and cultural practices adopted wherever possible, without seeming patronising.
- It is wise to know the local laws on drinking and drugs, and to obey them at all times. Quite often, alcohol and drugs are seen to be culturally offensive, as well as being dangerous to you.
RESPECTING WILDLIFE
There are certain rules and regulations that one should be aware of while on safari. Your safari guide also adheres to the park rules and is bound by them for your safety and in order to keep his/her guiding licence. One of the highlights of most safaris is going on game drives and bush walks, where you get the opportunity to see amazing wildlife in their natural habitat. However, it is vitally important that you remember to respect the natural surroundings and wildlife. The following are some guidelines you should follow:
Wildlife can be dangerous. Remember that your guide is an expert, so always follow his/her advice and ask questions if you are unsure of anything.
Please respect your driver / guide's judgment about your proximity to certain wild animals. Don't insist that they take the vehicle closer, so you can get a better photograph or sketch. A vehicle driven too close can hinder a hunt, or cause animals to abandon a hard-earned meal.
Observe the animals quietly and with a minimum of disturbance to their natural activities (even if other vehicles around you don’t!).
Never interfere with the natural behaviour of the animals. Never attempt to attract an animal's attention. Don't imitate animal sounds, clap your hands, pound the vehicle or throw objects.
Never attempt to feed or approach any wild animal on foot. This is especially important near lodges or in campsites where animals may have become accustomed to human visitors.
Litter tossed on the ground can choke or poison animals and birds and is unsightly.
Please refrain from smoking on game drives. The dry bush ignites very easily, and a flash fire can kill many animals.
Do not remove any natural material from wildlife reserves. This disrupts the ecology of the area and promotes the spreading of diseases amongst domestic animals and crops.
Located in southwestern Africa, Namibia boasts a well-developed infrastructure, some of the best tourist facilities in Africa, and an impressive list of breathtaking natural wonders. Visitors can explore the capital of Windhoek and discover the lovely coastal town of Swakopmund boasting 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; the vast Etosha National Park teeming with abundant wildlife, such as lions, desert-adapted elephants and the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra; the hauntingly beautiful Kalahari Desert; and of course the Namib Desert stretching for over 2000 km along the magnificent Atlantic Coast. Namibia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African experience in a uniquely beautiful untamed wilderness.
Banking and Currency
Currency
The currency of Namibia is The Namibian Dollar (NAD; symbol N$) is in note denominations of N$200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of N$5, N$1, 50 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents. It is linked to the South African Rand (R) on a 1:1 basis (South African Rand = 100 cents). The South African Rand is also acceptable as currency in Namibia.
The import and export of local currency is limited to N$50,000. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided sums equal to or exceeding NAD5,000 are declared on arrival. Export of foreign currency is unlimited up to the amount imported and declared.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday - Friday 09h00 to 15h30 and Satuday 08h30 to 11h00
Banks are found in most towns, with most being closed on Sundays and public holidays. Most of them offer foreign exchange services - with cash, bank and credit cards as well as travellers cheques.
American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa are accepted. Credit cards are not usually accepted at petrol stations, so bear this in mind when you visit the ATM. Setting aside an emergency petrol cash fund is a good idea if you’re planning to drive.
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.
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or South African Rand. In general, you can expect a better exchange rate for traveller’s cheques than for cash.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
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.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
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.
Climate and Weather
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 about December 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.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
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.
Internet Availability
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).
Electricity and Plug Standards
Electrical sockets in Namibia are Type M (SABS-1661). 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. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.
Electrical sockets in Namibia usually supply electricity at 230 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 230 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 230 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.
