Namibia Travel Tips

Namibia offers breathtaking scenery,  wildlife and photographic opportunities which is unique in Africa. Situated along Africa's most inhospitable coast. Namibia is mostly desert - The Kalahari in the east and the Namib in the west. It's wild open spaces are full of contrasts. Towering sand dunes, mountains, great canyons and shimmering  sun soaked plains. Most types of big game can be found including rare species like roan antelope and Damara Dik-Dik. Bird life is prolific.

The People

The cultural heritage is rich and varied. Influenced by many settlers, the German flavor of the towns is dominant. Hunter gatherers, bushmen and European settlers combine with tribal groups to make up a varied population. English is the official language of Namibia.

Safety

In the cities, adhere to the following:

Don't walk alone in apparently deserted areas, especially in and around the cities. It is preferable and usually more enjoyable to walk with company or in groups. Don't carry large sums of cash in your purse or pocket.
or display expensive jewelry. Be aware of the possibility of pick-pockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas. Make photocopies of the first few pages of your passport, air ticket and other important travel documents. Keep this separate from the originals. Don't leave money or valuables in a hotel room. Most hotels offer safety deposit box service, and ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage before leaving home.

In the wildlife areas:

Always remember that while some animals have become accustomed to the presence of people they are still wild animals. Keep your distance. It is illegal to feed any animal, make excessive noise to attract their attention, or deviate from designated roads for that closer photograph. Never get out of your vehicle except at designated points. Close all windows and zippers when you leave your room or tent and spray it with insect repellant.

The best way to get the most out of your safari is to take an active interest in everything going on around you, not just the number of species you can see in the shortest possible time. Ask all the questions you can think of and take reference books on not only wildlife but birds, insects and trees and read up about everything you see.

Health

It is advisable to take out emergency medical insurance prior to entering Namibia

Vaccinations for cholera, tetanus and yellow fever are advised. Malaria is virulent in northern parts of Namibia. Take prophylactics two weeks before arrival and continue two weeks after leaving. Your chemist or doctor can advise you of the most suitable drug available as certain drugs lose their effectiveness.
Tap water in the major towns is purified and perfectly safe to drink. In the more remote areas always boil it first, except if you’re staying at a lodge or hotel where drinking water is perfectly safe.

It is advisable to buy travel insurance covering accidents, illness or hospitalization for the period of your stay.  People who may require emergency medical attention on safari are flown to South Africa for the best medical attention available in the country.

Water

Tap water in the major towns is purified and perfectly safe to drink. In the more remote areas always boil it first, except if you’re staying at a lodge or hotel where drinking water is perfectly safe.

Chemists / pharmacies

Travellers should carry an adequate supply of medicines and first aid accessories with them as supplies are limited in the more remote areas of Namibia. Most chemists in the major towns are open from 08h30 to 12h30 and 14h00 to 17h00. Monday to Friday and 08h00 to 13h00 on Saturdays.

Accommodation

Standards and services range from up-market to tourist. Deluxe and first class hotels are found in the main cities and the resorts on the coastline of the country. Luxurious lodges are set in exotic locations, while comfortable tented camps are found in the main game parks.

Electricity

Power supply is 220/240 volt 50 cycle. Plugs are usually 13-amp 3 pin square (British type)

Banks

Banking hours are from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekdays (in country towns banks close between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.) and from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 on Saturdays.

Currency

Currency is the Namibia dollar (N$). It is divided into 100 cents. Coins are issued in denominations of 5c, 10c, 50c, $1 and $5, bank notes in denominations of $10, $50 and $100. Foreign currency may be converted into Namibia dollars at banks and Bureau de Change in Windhoek. No foreign currencies are accepted at state-owned rest camps, nor can you exchange money there.

Sales Tax

A Goods and Service Tax (GST - currently 8%) is levied on all goods, while an additional sales duty of 5 - 15% is levied on most goods. Prices displayed on all goods are inclusive of GST and additional sales duty.

Credit Cards, Cash and Traveler's Checks

International credit cards are accepted by most restaurants, stores, hotels, lodges, camps, car rental firms, etc. However, many small shops in rural areas will not  accept them. American Express, Thomas Cook, Visa and MasterCard Traveler's Checks are widely accepted.

Tipping

A tip of 10% for good service is adequate. Service charges are frequently added and it is usual to tip a tour driver or guide at least US $5 a day.

Communications

Postal services are well organized in Namibia and you should have no problem sending or receiving letters. All major hotels have fax machines at the disposal of their guests as well as telex services. Telephone directories will list all the international dialing codes. Both local and long-distance calls are metered on a time basis.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Namibia is during the Winter/Spring months between May and September. This is the best time to view wildlife. While days are warm during this time of the year, nights can be quite cool.

Climate

The climate is dry and hot throughout the year, with sporadic rainfall occurring mainly in the summer.

Clothing

Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or sweater for early winter mornings and evenings. On safari keep clothes to a minimum and mostly of neutral coloring - khakis, browns and greens. A sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellant are a must. Bring a hat, good walking shoes and sun screen. Don't forget swim wear and binoculars. Some city restaurants  and clubs have dress codes - casual jacket and tie for men, informal dresses for women.

Laundry

Most hotels and lodges will offer a laundry service. In most places one could hire someone to do your washing.

Photography

Namibia offers breathtaking scenery,  wildlife and photographic opportunities which is unique in Africa. Be sure to bring your own photo supplies including plenty of film (video cassettes if you're bringing a camcorder) and batteries - they will not be readily available everywhere. A telephoto lens of at least 200 mm is useful for wildlife photography, and an ultra violet filter and lens cap are strongly recommended. Note that taking pictures of government and military personnel and installations is not advised. It is customary to ask before you photograph people.

Driving

Driving is done on the left side of the road. Drivers require a valid license that must include a picture of the holder.

If you’re doing a vehicle trip through Namibia it is a good idea to carry a range of tools and essential spares with you. Two spare wheels and a couple of spare tubes are a must due to the condition of the roads. Spare jerry cans of fuel and water, a tow rope, compressor, winch and a spotlight are useful items to have.

Be very careful in towns and villages not to leave your vehicle open and unattended. People with little are easily tempted. You should have no problem sleeping outdoors in designated camping areas or remote places along the way, but get into the habit of locking things away before you go to sleep.

Car Rental

Car rental companies are represented at the major airports and in the cities, as are taxis.

Transportation by Air

Windhoek International Airport, 28 miles west of the capital, is the main point of entry into the country. Eros Airport, 3 miles from the city center is served by regional flights. There are landing strips throughout the country and air charter services are available in Windhoek and Swakopmund.

Departure Tax

There is no departure tax in Namibia.

Customs Requirements

Visitors to both countries are subject to clearance through customs. All visitors must have a valid passport. Temporary residence permits for visitors are issued on arrival and allow tourists a period of 90 days in the country.

Time Differences

Throughout the year, Standard Time in Namibia is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time in the U.S.