Zambezi Dreams

The Republic of Namibia is located in south-west Africa. Namibia has a population of about 2.1 million inhabitants and an area of ​​824 292 km² ; about 4 inhabitants per square kilometer. After Mongolia Namibia is considered the most sparsely populated independent country in the world. The population is concentrated in a few cities and the fertile north of the country. Around 44 percent of the population lives in the central north of the country. One third lives in central Namibia, with more than 400,000 people residing in Windhoek alone. The southern part of the country houses 7% of the population, while the west and the Namib Desert, with the exception of port cities, is almost deserted. Approximately 57 %of the population live in rural areas. Namibia has one of the best medical systems of the African continent with the best doctor-inhabitant ratio. In 2004 Namibia featured 30 doctors per 100,000 residents.

Namibia is one of the most fascinating and diverse countries to travel to with, amongst others, some of the world's highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei and the Etosha National Park, one of the largest protected areas worldwide. The country has a stable parliamentary democracy. The Namibian economy is heavily influenced by the sectors of agriculture, tourism and mining in particular of marble, granite, diamonds, uranium, copper, gold, silver and other metals. The largest employer in Namibia's agriculture and mining. The fastest growing sector is tourism.

The average climate in Namibia can be described as hot and dry. The, to a large extend, arid climate, is subtropical-continental with relatively large differences between the various parts of the country.

We are grateful that we may introduce our beautiful country to you.

Citizens of most European countries do not need a visa to enter Namibia.  US citizens get the visa on entry.  Each traveler is responsible for contacting the travel agent or the nearest Namibian embassy if changes have been made at short notice. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon entry and have 2 free pages.

Children traveling alone or with only one parent must have a certified permit to travel with the other parent.

Minors (under 18 years) traveling across national borders must provide certified copies of unabridged birth certificates. In the event that a parent does not travel with the child, the affidavit of the other parent must be used. Temporary guardianship must be granted if both parents do not travel with the minor, as well as the above conditions.  An affidavit is not required if the name of the father does not appear on the child's birth certificate.

Currency

Namibia uses the Namibian Dollar (N$) which is linked on a one to one exchange with the South African Rand. The Rand is legal tender in Namibia, but the N$ cannot be used in South Africa.

If you wish to purchase currency before arriving in Namibia, it is best to buy South African Rand, as the Namibian Dollar is seldom available at 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. As at all countries world-wide, ensure that nobody looks over your shoulder or offers to assist you. Also hold your hand over the hand that enters the PIN so that no one can copy your details.

Credit Cards & Debit Cards

Most Shops and accommodations accept Master & Visa Credit Cards and Debit Cards. Before paying please enquire if the banking fees are to your account or included. These fees are usually around 2-3% of the amount.

Most fuel stations do not accept credit or debit cards, only cash Namibia Dollar or South African Rand in equal amount.

Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they have not been informed.

Please have your PIN handy because this is needed for all card transactions.

Public transport in Namibia is geared towards the needs of the local population 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 adequate 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.

No vaccinations are required when travelling to Namibia as the country is generally disease free. Malaria occurs in the summer and rainy months, but is largely confined to the northern part of Namibia. In local pharmacies and supermarkets stock very effective sprays against mosquitoes. People with allergies (e.g. bee stings, gluten intolerance etc) or other health problems (e.g. heart problems, asthma, diabetes, etc.) must have the relevant prescription medicines in their hand luggage and inform fellow passengers or guide accordingly. The next doctor or clinic is usually far away.

Persons having traveled to or through other countries where yellow fever or other epidemics occur must, at entry to Namibia, present the vaccination certificate. Hepatitis and tetanus vaccinations are recommended; detailed information from your doctor or the Tropical Institute in your area.

The climate in this country is very dry and therefore 2-3 liters of water should be consumed per day. Insufficient fluid quickly leads to dehydration which in turn can result in having to lodge an unscheduled hospital visit. The first signs are usually headache and abdominal pain, and are therefore often confused with 'indigestion'.

In the event of an accident, the policy number of your travel insurance must be specified and also the contact details of the insurance company. Without this you will in all likelihood not be taken up at a private hospital and not be transported by Emergency Evacuation flight or private ambulance companies. A copy of your travel insurance details should be secured in the car or carried on the person so that can go fast in an emergency.

Namibia is one of the safest countries in Africa, without war, civil war or other unrest. However, just like in other countries of the world, there are pickpockets. One should always be on guard and protect themselves, because as they say 'opportunity makes thieves'!

Always keep the doors of the car locked. Never leave items lying in the car, like coins, sunglasses, jackets and of course no bags. Valuables left unattended in a car tempt a car break-in.

It is not recommended to stop along the roadside in a radius of about 40km before or after a town since thugs may linger around.

Never leave your bags, photographic equipment and the like out of sight, let alone placing it behind you. Backpacks and bags should always be carried in front; never at the back. Avoid areas with no people around or large crowds, because there a tourist is an easy target. Do not engage in unwanted conversation as this may serve to distract. Do not open your filled wallet in sight of others. All this leads to temptation!

Wildlife, like the name indicates, is wild and normally shy too, so also the reptiles. They are not known to attack people if they do not feel threatened in any way. One should avoid any contact without having thorough information on animal behavior of the species with which one wishes to make contact.

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 at most restaurants in town. Vegetarians, vegans and travelers with other preferences or allergies must inform us at booking, since it is not a given that otherwise alternatives might not be available, especially in remote areas.

Supermarkets in towns usually carry a variety of fresh fruit, vegetable and other foods (though the more remote the areas you visit, the smaller the choice) Most of this is imported from South Africa, but also from Europe.

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. Filtered and bottled water is readily available in most towns and all camps, lodges and hotels.

The Namib is one of the driest deserts in the world with very little rainfall. Therefore the climate in Namibia is generally very dry and bearable which makes it pleasant throughout the year to travel.

Between October to March it should usually rain, and if so it is often localized with thunderstorms in the afternoon. These are mostly of short duration and almost never an effect on the day's program. After the rains the air is clear and substantially free from dust, the landscapes transform to green and the first baby antelopes are born.

From June to August it cools down considerably and the temperatures at night may fall below freezing point in some desert areas . All buildings are neither heated nor well insulated. The landscape is dry and tone-in-tone with the surrounding nature. Wildlife are then seen almost exclusively at man-made water holes. From September it warms up again and the next rainy season is longed for by human and animals alike. - If you are lucky to experience the first rain of the season, you will never forget this natural spectacle.

Sunscreen and hat are also needed in winter. It is advisable to also have a good lip balm and moisturizing nasal spray.

Namibians have a somewhat relaxes attitude to dress codes. A jacket and tie are raher 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 are 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 wearing blue clothing in the Bwabwata- & Zambezi regions  - 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 you against mosquitoes at night.

220/240 volt electricity is available throughout the country. At some lodges and guest farms located in very remote areas, electricity may be generated by solar energy and is available sporadically only. A three-prong adapter, as in South Africa, is required. Adapters are available at major airports and almost all shops. Electrical appliances required during the day should be charged at night since charging during the day may not be possible.

WATER RESTRICTIONS -- Important Notice !

Namibia and especially Windhoek, has severe water shortages. The much-needed rains to replenish the water resources have stayed away and by now most water reservoirs feeding Windhoek have run dry! The rest of Namibia too has little reserves left. Gardens may no longer be watered, or swimming pools be refilled. This leaves a bit of a 'dry' picture with not much greenery or flowers.

Please be mindful to this and save water. Do not take baths but rather a very short shower instead. Do not let the water run too long, also not when washing hands, brushing teeth etc. Do not have your bedding and towels changed daily at the accommodations in order to save on laundering and to save on water. Whenever you see a tap running or dripping please close it. Your kind consideration and assistance in this regard is highly appreciated by all Namibian inhabitants alike.

ENTRY

Namibia has the biometric immigration system at all airports and border posts. While it currently slows down the movement of both, the incoming and outgoing passengers, this system is welcomed in an effort to align immigration with global standards. Please allow for extra time.

Customs at Windhoek airport check or x-ray the baggage on arrival. Each passenger is requested to lift his / her luggage onto the appropriate conveyor belt. Please inform yourself in advance about customs regulations and what you can bring into the country and in what quantity.

For entry and exit an arrival form must be filled in. These are often already handed out in the aircraft. The form must bear an address of your stay in Namibia. If you do not know the address or name of your first accommodation, you are welcome to specify the address of Safari - An African Experience: Safari Experience, 400 Sam Nujoma Drive, Windhoek, telephone 061-301340

IDENTIFICATION

In Namibia you must always be able to identify yourself, as well as at roadblocks and at the entrance to the Etosha national park. Please keep your passport at hand for this purpose.

LANGUAGE

The official language in Namibia is English. Some 10 local languages ​​and countless dialects are spoken, as well as German and Afrikaans.

TIME

The local time in Namibia is UTC / GMT +1 hour; the same as in our neighbouring countries, South Africa and Botswana.

NATIONAL PARKS

The national parks such as Etosha, Sesriem / Sossusvlei, Ai Ais, Waterberg etc open at sunrise and close at sunset. No exceptions are made; the times are at each entrance gate in the form of a big clock. You have to reach your accommodation or camp in the parks before sunset. If you stay outside the parks, you have to leave the park before sunset. When you leave the park you have to show the receipt of the paid daily fee. In Etosha you can pay this fee at any one of the camp receptions upon showing the entrance permit which you receive at the entrance gate.

Visiting the Welwitschia plains, Moonvalley, Blutkuppe, Hotsas and Ganab or the Vogelfederberg in the Namib Naukluft Park you must first purchase an entry Permit at the Nature Conservation Offices. In the parks you could at any time be stopped by nature conservation to present the permit in order to avoid a penalty.

Motor Bikes are not allowed in the National Parks of Namibia.   In Etosha National Park it is strictly prohibited to leave the vehicle or to even partially lean outside the car.  This is subject to high fines and possibly even the dismissal from the park.

SHOPPING

Opening hours of most shops are from 8 to 5, some even from 7:30. Supermarkets are generally open until 7 p.m.

Alcohol may only be sold on weekdays from 08h00 - 18h00 and on Saturdays until 13h00.  Even if the alcohol may be displayed in supermarkets and gas stations, it may only be sold in the prescribed times.

In Hotels and Restaurants there is no time limit during meal times.  Before and after meals the sale depends on their respective alcohol licences.

MOBILE PHONE

It is advisable to bring a second mobile phone and to buy a SIM card from the local MTC office. These can be included in your travel package right away, or it can be bought at the airport. This process is without much effort. Airtime can be replenished at any fuel station, supermarket and at most accommodation receptions. The airtime is general referred to as "credit". Ensure that you request this credit for MTC (MTC has the widest coverage in Namibia)

EMERGENCY

Please ensure you have the 24-hour emergency numbers of your accommodations, car hire or travel agent (or their local agent in Namibia)

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.

Most countries require a visa to enter Zimbabwe. These are available at the border post of entry into Zimbabwe and must be paid in cash US Dollar.  Please ensure that you carry the exact amount in cash with you as usually there is no change available.

Please inquire at your travel agent or nearest Zimbabwean Embassy regarding the regulations for your citizenship.

Currency

Zimbabwe uses US$ as it's own unit of currency (the Zimbabwe Dollar) is suspended. South African Rands and Euros are also widely accepted. It is advised to carry small denominations of change with you, however it is best to pay for as much as possible outside of the country.

South African Rands work well in supermarkets, while US$ are preferred for curios, accommodation and activities.  At your accommodation it is advised to sign back to the room all your purchases like drinks, laundry, food and activities, to pay all by credit card at the end of your stay.

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.

ATM's are widely spread, however, usually only a voucher is issued instead of cash.  It is best to have cash US Dollars available before entering Zimbabwe.

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.

Most car hire companies do not allow their vehicles into Zimbabwe.  Please ensure that you have the correct information before entering.  Best is to pick-up or drop-off the car hire in Kasane when entering/exiting from Victoria Falls.  Reliable touring companies provide transfers between the countries/airports.

No vaccinations are required when travelling to Zimbabwe as the country is generally disease free. Malaria occurs in the summer and rainy months. Local pharmacies and supermarkets stock very effective sprays against mosquitoes. People with allergies (e.g. bee stings, gluten intolerance etc) or other health problems (e.g. heart problems, asthma, diabetes, etc.) must have the relevant prescription medicines in their hand luggage and inform fellow passengers or guide accordingly. The next good doctor or clininc is usually far away.

Persons having traveled to or through other countries where yellow fever or other epidemics occur must, at entry to Zimbabwe, present the vaccination certificate. Hepatitis and tetanus vaccinations are recommended; please obtain detailed information from your doctor or the Tropical Institute in your area.

The humidity and dry climate elsewhere in the country drain the body of fluids and therefore 2-3 liters of water should be consumed per day. Insufficient fluid quickly leads to dehydration which in turn can result in having to lodge an unscheduled hospital visit. The first signs are usually headache and abdominal pain, and are therefore often confused with 'indigestion'.

In the event of an accident, the policy number of your travel insurance must be specified and also the contact details of the insurance company. Without this you will in all likelihood not be taken up at a hospital and not be transported by Emergency Evacuation flight or ambulance companies. A copy of your travel insurance details should be carried on the person so that it can go fast in an emergency.

Zimbabwe is a safe country to travel to, however, before a visit you should check with your country's embassies aboad whether any travel warnings were issued. The situation can change according to political changes which flame unrest. This unrest is usually centralised in the big cities. Victoria Falls, Kariba and Hwange are almost never affected.

Self-driving in Zimbabwe is not recommended due to corrupt officials who may sense a source of money in foreign tourists. It is best to travel, tour or transfer with recommended companies. They too assist with border formalities.

Pickpockets, as in most countries of the world, are here as well. Please guard against this by never leaving your belongings out of sight.

Wild animals and reptiles do not naturally pose any danger, but, one should avoid any contact.

Zimbabwe's native cuisine is based on sadza, a cooked porridge made from ground maize which is normally be 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. Shoprite stores have revolutionised what's available, and really 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.

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.

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