2024 WEB SD Meet our Neighbours

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 
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: Yes 
Diner’s Club: Yes 

Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 08:30 – 15:30, Saturdays: 08:30 – 11:00
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air: 
Main airlines: Airlink, Fly Namibia
International Airports: Hosea Kutako 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: Yes 
Subway System: No 

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

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. The country’s primary tourist drawcard is undoubtedly the vast red expanse of the Kalahari Desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. These natural wonders provide a tranquil haven for an abundance of African wildlife to thrive. Other highlights include the impressive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where visitors are privy to massive zebra migrations during the flood season; the Savuti plains, which host a significant pride of lions; and the Tsodilo Hills, where 4500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over many millennia.

Currency: 
Local currency: Pula (BWP) 
Symbol: P 
ISO code: BWP 
Central bank: Bank of Botswana 
Subunit: Thebe 
Banknotes: P100, P50, P20, P10 
Coins: P5, P2, P1; T50, T25, T10, T5 

Banking: 
Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Generally, no 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Generally, no  
Diner’s club: Generally, no 
 
Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 08h00 or 09h00 – 16h15 or 17h15 

Weekends: 08h00 or 09h00 – 10h45 or 12h00  

Public Holidays: No 

Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air:
Airports in major cities  
Main airlines: Mack Air and Kalahari Air  
International Airports: In major cities

Road:
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Drivers License needed: Yes, if your national licence is not in English. If your national licence is in English, you may use it for up to 6 months.  
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
Uber available: No, but similar services

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: No 
Local city bus networks: No 
 
Rail: 
Railway system: Yes, overnight train from Francistown to Gaborone to Lobatse. 
Subway System: No 
 
Water: 
Ferries: No 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety:  
Can you drink the tap water: Yes within major cities 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes within major cities 
Ice: Yes within major cities 
Meat: Yes within major cities 
Street food: Yes within major cities 
 
Local cuisine: Food centres around meat such as goat, beef, chicken and fresh water fish, and a maize meal known locally as “pap”.  Adventurous culinary enthusiasts may want to try the traditional speciality of Mopane Worms, while those with a sweet tooth should make sure to sample the local Kalahari Truffles (made as a dessert) and unusual fruit called Marula. It is believed that watermelon originated here.  

Drinks:  Bojalwaja Setswana (the beer of Botswana) - created using fermented sorghum seeds.  

Tipping: 10%, usually added to the bill at restaurants. It is also customary to tip game drivers and guides.

Annual rainfall: 475 mm  
Average temperature: 27°C 
 
Summer: 
Average in highs: 31°C 
Average in lows: 20°C 
 
Winter: 
Average in highs: 23°C 
Average in lows: 22°C 
 
Best time to visit: It’s best to visit Botswana between April and September – the dry winter months. At this time, animals usually stay close to their water sources, increasing your chances of seeing them.  

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Yes in cities 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes in cities 
Cafes: Yes in cities 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Yes in cities 

A nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and rich culture, Zimbabwe’s status as one of Africa’s leading safari destinations was dampened for years by its political instability. But now that the country is transcending its strife and returning to a state of equilibrium, it is once again emerging as a vacation highlight of the continent. Victoria Falls – known to locals as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game-rich shores and islands, is an idyllic safari spot featuring mind-blowing sunsets; Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants; and a kayak trip down the Zambezi through the Mana Pools National Park will appeal to the intrepid traveller, providing close encounters with crocodiles, hippos and a host of other wildlife.

Currency 

Local currency: Zimbabwean Dollar 
Symbol: Z$ 
ISO code: ZWL 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 dollar 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 cent, 1, 2, 5 dollar 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Limited 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Limited acceptance 
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
Weekends: Limited hours in some locations 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Air Zimbabwe 
International Airports: Harare International Airport (HRE), Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ) 
Domestic Airports: Yes 

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: Limited 
Subway System: No 

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

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Zimbabwean cuisine is influenced by traditional African dishes and British colonial heritage. Sadza, a thick maize porridge, is a staple, often served with meat and vegetables. Other popular dishes include Nyama, a grilled meat dish, and Mopane worms. 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Chibuku (traditional beer) and maheu (fermented drink). 

Tipping: 10-15% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not included. 

Annual rainfall: Varies 
Average temperature: 22°C 

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

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 10°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Zimbabwe is during the dry season from May to October when wildlife viewing is at its best, especially in national parks like Hwange and Mana Pools. The weather is generally pleasant during this time, making it ideal for outdoor activities. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

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

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Limited 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Limited 
Public parks: Limited 
Libraries: Limited 

Plug Type: Type D, Type G 
Voltage (V): 230 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

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