Remote Namibia

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.

ENTERING NAMIBIA

You do NOT require a visa to enter Namibia if you are a citizen of -

· Australia

· Canada

· UK

· United Kingdom

· the majority of the EU countries (please check for exclusions)

If you are a citizen of another country, please check THIS LIST

(http://www.namibia.org.za/consular.htm), to determine if you need a visa before you enter.

In all cases, ALL visitors are required to have a passport which is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Namibia.

In all instances, ALL visitors must ensure there are TWO successive blank pages in their passport per country to be visited.

Visitors traveling through South Africa, to and from Namibia, should be advised that the passports of ALL travellers to South Africa must contain at least TWO blank consecutive (unstamped) visa pages EACH time entry to South Africa is requested; these pages are IN ADDITION to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport.

Foreign nationals who do require a visa are advised to enquire/apply manually at relevant Namibian embassies/consulates of home residence.

CURRENCY - CREDIT CARDS, ATM’s & FOREIGN EXCHANGE in NAMIBIA

The currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar (N$).The Namibian Dollar is fixed and equals the South African Rand (ZAR)

You can happily utilise South African Rands in Namibia, but you will receive your change in Namibian Dollars.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are accepted at major lodges and shops in Namibia and can be used to make payments, MasterCard and Visa are preferred.

American Express and Diners Club are sometimes not acknowledged.

Smaller vendors do not accept credit cards; please ensure you have adequate cash to cover purchases not able to be made on credit.

ATM’s

ATMs are relatively easily found in large cities and urban centres, but are far and few between in small towns, rural areas, and villages. When venturing out of the big cities and towns, be sure to have enough cash on hand, or have alternative payment methods available, as ATMs are not always an option.

Foreign Exchange

Travellers’ cheques may be exchanged at any of the commercial banks, or at bureau de change offices. Better exchange rates are obtained on travellers’ cheques than on cash.

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers’ cheques in US Dollars or South African Rand.

TIPPING

Although not compulsory, if you are happy with the level of service provided, it is customary to tip guides, drivers, and support staff, and it is appropriate to do so in Namibian Dollars (N$), South African Rand (ZAR), or US$.

General Guidelines for Tipping

· Ranger/Field Guide - US$20 (±R200) per couple per day

· Tracker - US$11 (±R110) per couple per day

· Butler -US$15 (±R150) per couple per day

· Hotel/Lodge/Camp Staff - US$15 – US$20 (±R150 – ±R200) per couple per day

· Private Tour Guides: US$20 – US$30 (±R200 - ±R300) per person per day

· Scheduled Tour Guide: US$10 (±R100) per person per day

· Transfer Drivers - US$5 (±R50) per transfer

· Porters - US$1 (±R10) per bag, more if the bag is heavy Restaurants - 10-15% of the bill

Whilst it is not encouraged to carry enormous quantities of cash, visitors should be aware that facilities for exchanging or drawing any type of currencies are restricted to cities, towns and villages, which are widely interspersed.

Many camps do allow tipping by credit card.

NOTE: US dollars dated 2006 or earlier are NOT accepted in Namibia.

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.

VACCINATIONS & GENERAL HEALTH INFORMATION for NAMIBIA

Malaria

Since Namibia does not have much stagnant water, the risk of contracting malaria is minimal in most parts of the country, or is limited to a specific time of the year.

Visitors remaining in the southern part of the country (Sossusvlei), the Namib Desert, and the coast (Walvis Bay), do not need anti-malarial drugs, as these areas are regarded as almost risk-free.

However, a high malaria risk does exist in the river meadows of the north, northwest and northeast of the country, along the Kunene river and in Kavango and Caprivi regions, and you are advised to take precautions year round.

Kaokoveld, Etosha National Park, the Otavi Mountains and the East, including Bushmanland, Oshana, Oshikoto, Omusati, Ohangwenga, Otjozondjupa and Omaheke, are areas of medium risk. Precautions are strongly recommended during the rainy season (November to April).

The risk is small in the area between Otjiwarongo and Windhoek, and mosquito repellent is advised.

To obtain a prescription for anti-malaria medication, visitors should consult their own medical doctor or health authority prior to departure.

Currently, the most commonly prescribed anti-malarial tablet is Malarone. Your primary-care physician will be able to offer the best advice.

Vaccinations

Due to the size of the country, services and facilities are spread out, and often immediate medical treatment is not available; as a precautionary measure, meningococcal meningitis, tuberculosis, tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis vaccinations, are recommended.

If you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever, upon your arrival the government of Namibia requires proof of a yellow fever inoculation.

USA, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, and the EU, do NOT fall into this category, BUT, if you have travelled or transited through countries where yellow fever is apparent, you will be required to provide a Yellow Fever certificate.

Endemic countries include Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.

A full list of yellow fever risk countries may be viewed HERE.

The yellow fever inoculation is valid for ten years, and must be administered no later than ten days prior to departure.

NOTE: should you fall into the yellow fever risk category, you are required to travel with your Yellow Fever certificate/card.

Water

Although the taste of bottled water may be more to your liking, tap water in Windhoek, and the bigger towns, is perfectly safe to drink.

In more remote areas, all safari camps and lodges supply fresh, clean (bottled or filtered) water for their guests.

Do however always check with the camp/lodge staff if it safe to brush your teeth with the tap/faucet water.

Medication(s)

Pack your own basic medications for headaches and hay fever for instance, as well as for any other minor afflictions, and/or travel-related maladies, you think you may experience in the course of your stay.

Visitors are advised to carry sufficient supplies of specialised (prescription) medication they may require for the entire duration of their holiday.

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.

THE WEATHER in NAMIBIA

Partially covered by the Namib Desert, one of the world's driest deserts, and averaging 300 days sunshine each year, Namibia's climate is generally very dry and hot.

Summer runs from around November to March and brings a small amount of rain; winter, with no rain, stretches from around April to October.

From December to March some days will be humid and rain may follow, frequently in the form of localised, afternoon thunderstorms. These are more common in the centre and east of the country, and more unusual in the desert.

January and February are the hottest months, when daytime temperatures in the heart of the Namib can exceed 40°C /104°F.

April and especially May are habitually lovely months in Namibia, increasingly dry, with a real freshness in the air, which is largely clear and free from dust.

From June to August Namibia cools down and dries out more; nights can be cold, with temperatures dropping well below freezing in some desert areas.

By September and October the country warms up again.

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

WHAT to PACK for NAMIBIA

Whilst muted colours are recommended for a safari holiday, there is no need to purchase serious safari gear for your visit to Namibia.

It is quite acceptable to wear jeans with a neutral-coloured shirt and a baseball cap, with the emphasis on comfort and ease.

Must Haves

· A good wide-brimmed sun hat – for the intense African sun

· A bandana - for the dusty, dry regions

· Comfortable sneakers, tennis shoes, or boat shoes - you do not require specialised hiking shoes for bush walks

· Sandals – flip-flops for around the camp

· Golf shirts or T-shirts

· Long-sleeved cotton shirts – to provide protection from sun, as well as from mosquitos in the evenings

· Shorts - note that short skirts are not practical and not recommended

· A sport bra - for bumpy game drives

· A micro-fibre zippered jacket and light rain gear - for rainy summer months

· Swimming costume – whilst at all times respecting modesty of local custom

· Warm fleece, anorak, scarf, gloves and ski cap/beanie - for morning and evening game drives, for the winter months, and for higher altitudes, where it can be cool even in summer.

A Detailed List of the Most Practical Items to Pack

· Khaki, green, beige, neutral colours

· Shirts with long sleeves

· T-shirts

· Shorts or light skirt (not short)

· Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days

· Wind-proof warm jacket

· Light sweater/jumper

· Lightweight water-proof jacket

· Swimwear

· Comfortable walking shoes

· Socks & underwear

· Personal toiletries

· Sun block, after-sun gel, moisturiser, lip salve/balm

· Strong insect repellent

· Hat and sunglasses

· Binoculars and camera equipment (as well as a dustproof bag for cameras and accessories).

LAUNDRY

Laundry can be done at most camps. At many of the camps and lodges, this service is complimentary, but there may be a nominal charge at other establishments.

Owing to and depending on prevailing local traditions in the country, at certain camps, the staff may not or will not wash underwear or intimate apparel.

It is totally acceptable to wear the same outfit more than once while on safari, there is no need to be a fashionista in the bush!

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). 

POWER in NAMIBIA

A large number of the camps and lodges in Namibia are situated in remote areas and generate their own electricity - either by solar power or by diesel generator.

These power sources in turn charge banks of batteries known as an inverter system, which then provides 220Volt power in each tented room for lighting and ceiling fans.

Hairdryers & Electric Shavers

It is very often not possible to use appliances such as hairdryers or electric shavers in tented rooms at the camps/lodges, as they have low-wattage fuses which will trip the power.

You will however be able to charge your equipment in a designated area in the camp - either in your room, or in a central charging station in the common areas.

Most camps and lodges have adapters for your use, but if you would like to purchase one at home prior to departure, the most commonly found plug/socket type in Namibia is the ‘M’ (shown below).