There is something mesmerizingly thrilling about exploring Namibia. Wind-swept desert dunes, polished white plains and abundant wildlife create an alluring atmosphere throughout the land. Namibia boasts remarkable natural attractions such as the Namib Desert, the Skeleton Coast and the Fish River Canyon. The wildlife offerings are second to none, and the country holds an average of 300 sunny days per year, making it an ideal destination all year round. Its diverse landscapes offer reliable game viewings regardless of the season and is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences. The country inhabits more than 20 species of antelope, along with the famous Big 5 and many other magnificent creatures - some found nowhere else in the world. The country is often referred to as "one big desert" and described as a place where nature governs the land. With Namibia being one of the least populated nation on earth, it really is one of the best spots to spend a social distancing holiday.
Entry Requirements
International visitors require a valid passport together with onward travel documents. Your passport should have a minimum of 3 (but we recommend 4 if you are travelling through more than one country on your journey) blank VISA pages (not endorsement pages) in it because if there is insufficient space in the passport then entry into a country could be denied.
All passport holders should verify with their travel agent or relevant consulate concerning visa entry requirements. If you are extending your journey to other countries, please establish entry requirements for those countries as well. Please ensure that you have all the necessary visas prior to departure (unless available on entry). TERRA NOVA, THEIR STAFF, THEIR AGENTS AND THEIR OPERATORS CANNOT BE HELD LIABLE
Banking and Currency
Currency
Namibia uses the Namibian Dollar (N$) this is linked on a one to one exchange with the South African Rand. The Rand is legal tender in Namibia, but the N$ cannot be used in South Africa.
If you are wishing to purchase currency before arriving in Namibia, it is easiest to buy Rand as the Namibian Dollar is seldom available in banks outside of Namibia.
Banking
Banks are found in most towns, and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays and public holidays. Most of them offer foreign exchange services - with cash, bank and credit cards as well as travellers cheques.
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.
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
Namibia’s climatic variations correspond roughly to its geographical subdivisions. In the arid central Namib Desert, summer daytime temperatures may climb to over 40°C, but can fall to below freezing during the night. Rainfall is heaviest in the northeast, which enjoys a subtropical climate, and reaches over 600mm annually along the Okavango River. The northern and interior regions experience ‘little rains’ between October and December, while the main stormy period occurs from January to April.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Namibians have a somewhat relaxes attitude to dress codes. A jacket and tie is very unusual. In fact, long trousers and a shirt with buttons are often quite adequate for a formal occasion or work wear. A pair of sensible shoes, jeans and a t-shirt is recommended.
During the day it is generally hot, so pack light weight loose fitting clothes in natural fabrics, such linen or cotton, that will keep you cool and are easy to wash and dry.
Avoid blue clothing - the tsetse flies are drawn to the colour blue, and their bite can give you African Sleeping Sickness.
Long sleeved shirts and long trousers will protect your against mosquitoes at night.
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
Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. A three-point round-pin adapter plug should be brought for your electrical appliances. Such adapters are also available at major airports.
General Guidance
Recommended Insurance:
Cancellation or curtailment of trip, plus
Damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods.
Terra Nova, including their representatives, employees and agents will take no responsibility for any costs, losses incurred or suffered by the guest, or guest’s dependents or travelling companions, with regards to, but not limited to, any of the above mentioned eventualities. Guests will be charged directly by the relevant service providers for any emergency services they may require, and may find themselves in a position of being unable to access such services should they not be carrying the relevant insurance cover.
TIPPING
Tipping in Namibia is widely practised. Here is some information on tipping in Namibia.
In restaurants and bars, 10% to 15% is the accepted tipping standard.
Parking attendants and security guards are common in parking lots and at roadside bays. They generally ask if they can watch your car while you are going about your business - if you agree, a tip of NAD2 and up should be offered, depending on the length of your stay.
In Namibia we still have the luxury of petrol attendants at gas stations to fill up our vehicle tanks, check oil, water and tyre pressure, and clean the windscreens. How much to tip for this special service? From NAD2 up.
The going rate for porters at airports is between NAD5 and NAD10 per piece of luggage.
Hotel porters usually expect a tip of R10 to R20 per porter service.
Tour guides, drivers and safari guides also hugely reply on their tips a part of their income. You will find a guideline on tipping them in out terms and conditions
Zimbabwe is the ideal destination for travellers who are looking for a safari experience beyond merely observing wildlife from a game viewing vehicle. This country is one where interactive experiences stretch far and wide. Various wilderness experiences can be enjoyed in the numerous parks - from day and night-time Game Drives in open vehicles to boat cruises, walking safaris, canoeing and houseboats - not to mention the world-famous Victoria Falls. Those who visit Zimbabwe can expect breath-taking nature, exotic wildlife, and ancient sites that offer a fascinating insight into the history of the African continent. The vistas seen from the range of viewpoints throughout the region provide panoramic landscapes filled with unworldly beauty. In addition, Zimbabwe's world-class Game Reserves and UNESCO World Heritage Sites have remained relatively untouched and are surprisingly uncrowded. Thus, giving you the surreal feeling that you have stepped off the world map.
Banking and Currency
Currency
US dollars are universally accepted as well as South African rands, euros and pounds sterling.
The official currency of Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwe dollar (ZWL). This currency is in the form of *Bond Notes and **RTGS (real time gross settlement). The currency consists of bond coins and banknotes, with denominations including 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 bond coins, as well as 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollar banknotes. The currency was reintroduced in 2019 and even though the Zimbabwean dollar is still accepted and in circulation, the US dollar is the dominant currency.
It's important to note that exchange rates and the use and value of the Zimbabwean dollar can fluctuate, so it's advisable to check with official exchange bureaus, banks, or financial institutions for the most up-to-date information and rates for travel to Zimbabwe.
Banking
Banks in Zimbabwe are open for business Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 08h00 to 15h00, on Wednesdays from 08h00 to 13h00 and Saturdays from 08h00 to 11h30. They are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Only VISA and MasterCard are accepted in Zimbabwe, however it should be noted that very limited facilities will have credit card machines, and the connection is not always reliable so it is advisable to carry cash as back up.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Taxis are safe and reliable, and can be booked through your hotel front desk. Taxis in cities travel within a 40km radius of the city. Always take a taxi at night.
Major airlines fly into Victoria Falls, Harare and Bulawayo. Charter flights are available to most attractions and camps.
Zimbabwe has a good road infrastructure, by African standards, although potholed. Between major towns, there are frequent road blocks. Traffic drives on the left side of the road.
If you are driving yourself around Zimbabwe, be sure to check on fuel availability in advance. If you are covering long distances within the country, ensure you carry extra fuel in 5 or 10lt metal containers in case of emergency. Fuel is generally available, but supply can fluctuate. Fuel is only available for cash.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Zimbabwe's native cuisine is based on sadza, a cooked porridge made from ground maize which is normally accompanied by some tasty relish, perhaps made of meat and tomatoes, or dried fish. Safari camps will often prepare sadza if requested, and it is almost always available in small restaurants in the towns.
Camps, hotels and lodges that cater to overseas typically serve a variety international fare, and the quality of food prepared in the most remote bush camps is usually excellent.
If you are driving yourself around and plan to cook, then get most of your supplies in main towns. There are a number of South African shopping chains operating in Zimbabwe which will generally have all that you will need.
Water in the main towns is usually purified.. The locals drink it, and are used to the relatively innocuous bugs that it may harbour. If you are in the country for a long time, then it may be worth acclimatising yourself to it. However, if you are in Zimbabwe for just a short period of time, then try to drink only bottled, boiled, or treated water available in towns and from all camps, lodges and hotels.
Climate and Weather
In Zimbabwe, the rains come principally in December, January,February and March; the further north you are, the earlier the precipitation arrives and the later it leaves. Zimbabwe's higher eastern areas usually receive more rainfall than the lower-lying western ones.
By April and May most of the rain is gone, leaving a verdant setting, which is starting to dry out. Especially in more southerly and higher locations, the night-time temperatures start to drop.
The nights in June, July and August become much cooler, so don't forget to bring some warmer clothes, in case you want to spend an evening outside; the days are still clear and warm. For Zimbabwe, this is the start of the 'peak season'– days are often cloudless and game sightings continually increase.
Into September and October the temperatures rise once again: Zimbabwe's lower-lying rift valley – Mana Pools – can get very hot in October. During this time, you'll see some fantastic game, as the Zimbabwe's wildlife concentrates around the limited water sources.
November is unpredictable; it can be hot and dry, it can also see the season's first rainfalls – and in this respect it's a very interesting month, as on successive days, you can see both weather patterns.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
When in Zimbabwe the cardinal rule is to wear casual, comfortable clothes during the day as temperatures can get very hot. It is advisable to wear light loose-fitting clothing, such as cotton or linen, as they are cool and easy to wash. Warmer clothes are advised for the evenings and rainwear for the wet season.
A brimmed hat and sunglasses are a good idea year-round. Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers will also guard against the scorching sun rays. It is recommended you wear light shoes, especially if your itinerary entails a lot of walking.
For safaris, please remember to wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Earth colour clothes, such as browns, greens and tans are advisable.
Internet Availability
Internet availability is very limited especially outside of the major cities.
Most holiday accommodation venues offer internet and/or WiFi (free or paid) to their guests but there are often disruptions in service.
Electricity and Plug Standards
Electrical sockets in the Republic of Zimbabwe are Type G (BS-1363) and Type C (CEE 7/16 Europlug) and Type D (BS-546). 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 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.