PG Namibia - 12 days part accommodated / camping

Namibia, located in the southwest of Africa between the Orange River in the south and the Kunene River in the north, is a unique and captivating country. Despite its barren and rugged landscape, it holds an irresistible charm that makes it easy to explore and fall in love with. For photographers, Namibia is a dreamland, offering a stunning array of contrasts and vibrant colors. It is a country that has already captured the hearts of many. If you seek tranquility and a connection with nature, if you appreciate breathtaking landscapes, deserts, and vastness, then Namibia, one of the least densely populated countries on Earth, will captivate you. The Namib Desert, with its stormy coastline and numerous shipwrecks, stretches out in a hostile yet mesmerizing manner. Its orange-red dunes can reach up to 150 kilometers wide, with the mightiest dunes towering up to 300 meters high. This ancient desert, the oldest in the world, boasts a unique flora and fauna. Millions of years ago, orange diamonds were washed into the sea, only to be carried by currents, waves, and wind into the sand dunes of the Namib, becoming one of Namibia's treasures. Namibia is Africa at its finest, with warm and humble people, endless thorn savannas, mopane bushland, majestic makalani palm trees, and iconic baobabs. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes, making it a haven for biodiversity. The vast Etosha National Park, along with numerous other wildlife sanctuaries, ensures the protection of this remarkable animal kingdom. Namibia is an adventure waiting to be embraced, yet you don't need to be an adrenaline junkie to experience its wonders. A well-maintained road network makes traveling a pleasure, and upon arriving in the charming capital city of Windhoek, you'll realize that Namibia is not just Africa. European influences can be seen in the magnificent buildings of the Wilhelminian architectural style, remnants of the German colonial era. Many shops are owned by Germans, and it's not uncommon to encounter German-speaking Namibians. Namibia truly offers a blend of cultures and a wealth of experiences that will leave a lasting impression.

ENTRY TO NAMIBIA:  Do I need a visa to enter Namibia:  Nationals from the countries listed below are not required to obtain Visas to travel to Namibia on holiday for visits shorter than three months:

Angola, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Congo Brazzaville (only Diplomatic/ Official and service Passports), Cuba, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Iceland, India (Diplomatic and Official Passports up to 3 months), Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Luxemburg, Lichtenstein, Macau (SAR), Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Moldova, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria (Only Diplomatic and Official Passports), Norway, Portugal, Poland (diplomatic and official passports up to 3 months), Russian Federation, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkey (only diplomatic and official passports), Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, , United States of America, Ghana (only diplomatic/ official and service passports), Uzbekistan, Venezuela (Only Diplomatic/Official passports, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Just to let you know: It is the responsibility of clients to make sure

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Namibia and have at least 1 completely blank page for Namibian immigration to use. If you are also going to travel to South Africa, you should be aware that although South African authorities state they require 1 blank passport page for entry, some officials insist on 2 blank pages. If you plan to take this route, make sure you have a total of 3 blank pages.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

In the event that a client does not possess the necessary documentation to enter an area or country on the tour, the company reserves the right to request the client to disembark from the tour at the point of entry to such areas or countries. Should such a case ensue, the company will not be liable for providing further travel arrangements. If you are travelling on our trip, which includes Botswana and Zimbabwe, please check the visa cost for entering both. This is to be paid at the border crossing, and they will require US$. If you have a passport that requires obtaining a visa to enter Botswana, please ensure this is a multiple-entry visa.

Do I need travel insurance for my safari:  It’s strictly compulsory for people travelling on our safaris, and we place the onus on our clients to make sure that they are adequately insured. It is also important to realise that should you need to make a claim on your policy (for medical expenses, for example), it is most likely that you will personally have to pay any bills upfront at the time the service is provided. You will then have to make a claim against your insurance company when you get home. With this fact in mind, we recommend to all our clients that they have enough funds to cover any unexpected costs. Usually, the best way to do this is to carry a credit card with a sufficient credit limit.

Please note that if you are travelling with children, Namibia requires you to show the full unabridged birth certificate for each child accompanying you. 

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.

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.

Is it necessary to take malaria tablets in Namibia? Namibia is generally considered a low-risk destination for malaria, but it is still advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on malaria protection.

It is worth noting that the northern parts of Namibia are considered to have a higher risk of malaria compared to the southern regions. Additionally, the risk of malaria is higher during the rainy months from December to May.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes, it is recommended to use an effective insect repellent on your clothing and exposed skin. DEET (Diethyltoluamide) is a safe and highly effective insect repellent that can be sprayed onto clothes. In Namibia, some locally available brands include Peaceful Sleep and Bug Off.

If you are sleeping outdoors or in a room without screens, it is advisable to use mosquito nets that have been treated with an insecticide, such as pyrethroid. The net should be long enough to reach the floor all around your bed and should be tucked under the mattress.

If possible, it is recommended to wear long-sleeved, loose-fitting clothing, long trousers, and socks to cover exposed areas of skin, especially if you are outside after sunset. This can help reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

Please note that yellow fever vaccination is only required if your journey to Namibia involves passing through a yellow fever area in Africa, excluding scheduled air service.

Safety and Security

Crime

Muggers in Windhoek often target foreign tourists. Attacks can take place even in busy city centre locations in broad daylight. Please be aware of your surroundings if you are returning to your guest house or hotel, especially after dark.

Keep car doors locked and windows shut, especially in heavy traffic. Keep valuables off the seats and out of sight. Gangs sometimes try to gain entry to vehicles at busy intersections in Windhoek, including during the day. Theft from cars, particularly at service stations, is common. If possible, don’t leave your car unattended at fuel stops.  

Don’t hail taxis from the street, particularly in Windhoek, as these have been involved in thefts from foreign tourists. Ask your hotel, guest house or tour operator to recommend a reputable taxi company. Don’t enter townships at night unless accompanied by someone with local knowledge.

Safeguard your valuables and cash. Use a hotel safe if possible. Keep large amounts of money, expensive jewellery, cameras and cell phones out of sight. Don’t change large sums of money in busy public areas. Keep copies of important documents, including passports, in a separate place. Beware of pickpockets in town centres.

There have been cases of credit card skimming at some hotels and lodges around the country. When you pay by credit card, please keep the card in full view at all times and always check your statement carefully.

In case of a police emergency or to report a crime in Windhoek, you can contact the Windhoek City Police Service on 061-2902911 or toll-free 302302.

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.

Namibia is truly a country of “blue skies and sunshine”, and all-in-all provides travellers to the area with an agreeable climate. Namibia experiences, on average 300 days of sunshine in a year and is the aridest country in Southern Africa. Namibia has mostly a subtropical desert climate and is situated at the southern edge of the tropics; the Tropic of Capricorn more or less bisects the country in half.

However, extreme variances in temperature can be experienced depending on the season and your geographic location. For example, the Namib Desert encounters warm to hot days in the winter months (from June to September), but temperatures are known to drop considerably at night and can get freezing.

In Namibia, the summer months (Oct-Apr) can become hot with temperatures hitting 35°C or higher in the north and south. Winter days (May-Sept) are pleasant, but temperatures can become quite cold, dropping below zero in mid-winter. Average daytime temperatures in summer range between 20-35°C while in winter, they drop, with the average being between 18-22°C during the day.

The Coastal region is kept more cooler by the cold Benguela current and is free from rain for most of the year. For visitors along the coast, fog conditions are pretty common, although it does tend to lift in midmorning, settling in again during the late afternoons. Namibia’s generally clear skies, sparse population and unpolluted air ensure it’s ranked as one of the best places to embark on stargazing.

Summer months are long and occur from October to April. Average summer temperatures range from 20 degrees Celsius on the coast to 35 degrees Celsius in the central region. Temperatures can reach in excess of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in the southern part of Namibia, especially in the Namib Desert. Summertime is also the rainy season in Namibia. The rainy season is divided into a short and a primary rainy season. The short rainy season occurs between September and November – the primary rainy season occurs between December to April. The rains are generally of short duration and bring much relief to the heat.

Namibia is considered to be a year-round destination. So, please make sure that you pack accordingly for comfort and cool in the summer months and warm for the winter nights.

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). 

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.

ENTRY TO NAMIBIA:  Do I need a visa to enter Namibia:  Nationals from the countries listed below are not required to obtain Visas to travel to Namibia on holiday for visits shorter than three months:

Angola, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Congo Brazzaville (only Diplomatic/ Official and service Passports), Cuba, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Iceland, India (Diplomatic and Official Passports up to 3 months), Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Luxemburg, Lichtenstein, Macau (SAR), Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Moldova, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria (Only Diplomatic and Official Passports), Norway, Portugal, Poland (diplomatic and official passports up to 3 months), Russian Federation, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkey (only diplomatic and official passports), Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, , United States of America, Ghana (only diplomatic/ official and service passports), Uzbekistan, Venezuela (Only Diplomatic/Official passports, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Please note: It is the responsibility of clients to ensure that passports, visas or other travel documents are valid for the duration of their stay in Namibia and other areas included in tours, and the company will entertain no complaints related to invalid travel documentation. In the event that a client does not possess the necessary documentation to enter an area or country on the tour, the company reserves the right to request the client to disembark from the tour at the point of entry to such areas or countries. Should such a case ensue, the company will not be liable for providing further travel arrangements. If you are travelling on our 9-day Delta and Vic Falls trip, please check the visa cost for entering Zimbabwe. This is to be paid at the border crossing and they will require US$. If you have a passport that requires you to obtain a visa to enter Botswana, please make sure this is a multiple entry visa because this trip will enter Botswana more than once.

Do I need travel insurance for my safari:  It’s strictly compulsory for people travelling on our safaris and we place the onus on our clients to make sure that they are adequately insured. It is also important to realize that should you need to make a claim on your policy (for medical expenses for example), it is most likely that you will personally have to pay any bills up front, at the time the service is provided. You will then have to make a claim against your insurance company when you get home. With this fact in mind we recommend to all our clients that they have enough funds available to cover any unexpected costs. Usually the best way to do this is to carry a credit card with a sufficient credit limit.