PEACE OF MIND WHILE YOU TRAVEL IN AFRICA
We at Conservation Safari Company understand that travelling in Africa can be a daunting experience but rest assured that when we plan your trip, every step is organised and seamless, from the moment you enter the airport arrivals hall to when you depart. There will be someone to greet you with a signboard and your name on it at each airport/hotel/lodge and you will be transferred in comfort and safety - you basically don’t have to think at all from when you arrive. We provide you with a comprehensive Travel Document that details each day’s plan, what time you need to be where, who the provider is and their contact details – we make sure that everything happens on schedule. In addition our team is here 24hrs and contactable so that if there is a hiccup, we can fix it straight away.
In addition to us planning your safari, we are making a difference as a company. One percent [1%] of the value of every trip booked with us is spent on conservation, at no cost to you. We want to protect Africa’s wild places and wildlife, for future generations – please read more about our conservation efforts on our website!
Thank you for considering Conservation Safari Company
Luxury travel, making a difference!
Travel Documents
Very few additional documents or vouchers are required these days, but copies of electronic flight tickets and any provided vouchers will be sent to you or included in your printable Travel Document. Your Travel Document will contain detailed daily arrangements of each destination and transfer, flight details and contact numbers. It will also contain a list of emergency contact details - a copy of your itinerary should be left at home with friends or next of kin so that they have a means of knowing where you are and who to contact in case of an emergency.
Insurance
It is a condition of booking with all safari outfitters that you have the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependants/travelling companions for the duration of your trip to Africa. When it comes to making a critical decision in the case of an emergency it is essential that all the service providers have your Insurance Company, Policy Number and a 24hour contact number.
Visas
For travelers visiting South Africa with Children, please download and read the PDF document on our website 'South Africa Children & Visa' - specific documents are required.
Please be advised that visa requirements are subject to change and that visa procurement is the responsibility of the traveller and not Conservation Safari Company. Please also ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of departure from Africa and that you have enough blank pages in your passport for all of the visas you require.
The majority of visas in Africa can be obtained at the border however it is essential that you check the visa requirements of every country you will be visiting with the local embassy, consulate or a reputable visa handling company for the most up to date visa information before you travel. African countries are in a continual state of political flux and visa requirements can change overnight.
Health
There are a few basic health matters that require care and attention – please consult your medical practitioner and check with your health department/travel clinic prior to departure from your home country, in the event there have been changes in the health regulations of the country you are visiting.
The primary concern for travellers in Africa is Malaria, Yellow Fever, Tsetse Flies and Ticks. Malaria is prevalent in specific areas and usually during the summer months - most travel doctors will recommend malaria tablets. Please read our pre-travel document on this page [pdf] and also consult the World Health Organization website for detailed information or the Centre for Disease Control website.
Luggage Weight Limits
Please take note of the weight limits for travel in the region and take particular note if you are flying on a light aircraft to any of the private and more remote destinations. Typically luggage on light aircraft flights is limited to a total of 20kg (including hand luggage) but in some cases is 15kg or 12kg in soft bags only - no hard cases or soft bags with frames!
Most commercial airline, regional flights have a 23kg check-in baggage limit with a total of 7kg carry on.
What does it mean to be SATSA Bonded?
Conservation Safari Company (Thom Media & Travel Pty Ltd) is a bonded member of the South African Tourism Services Association. As a bonded SATSA member our clients receive a financial guarantee against any deposits they make to us. The SATSA logo signifies our integrity and commitment to the highest service levels as an African travel facilitator.
VIEW OUR SATSA CERTIFICATE AND NUMBER ON OUR WEBSITE
GENERAL INCLUSIONS
- Meet & greet, transfers to/from airports and hotels/lodges
- Regional flights & taxes
- Meals and drinks specified per accommodation
- Daily excursions & activities as specified
- Park fees and entrance fees as specified
- Safari activities and lodge/guide staff
GENERAL EXCLUSIONS
- Visas
- International flights
- Cancellation, baggage and medical insurance
- Any new Government Taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control
- Items of a personal nature & curio purchases
- Gratuities or tips
Thank you for looking at our itinerary and considering Conservation Safari Company as your travel provider, we put a lot of time and thought into creating itineraries and experiences for your specific needs and interests - so please check all the tabs above [if you are viewing a digital itinerary] or each page of a printed itinerary, to make sure you get through all the information. We know you have a choice of many providers, but we believe we offer excellent service, value for money pricing, and we are making a difference through our conservation projects. [https://www.conservationsafaricompany.com/conservation]
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
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
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Air 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
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
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.
Climate and Weather
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.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
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
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: No
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
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.