Namibia

Wedged between the Kalahari and the South Atlantic, Namibia boasts deserts, seascapes, bushwalking and boundlessness. Blessed with rich natural resources, a solid modern infrastructure, diverse cultures and an annual quota of 300 days of sunshine, it is a beautiful country of vast potential.

However, Africa's youngest nation also has some very modern problems. The majority of its sparse population lives in dire poverty, its energy requirements far exceed current supply, corruption is a feature of the political landscape, and HIV/AIDS is cutting a swathe through its population.

When To Go

The dry winter season (May to October) is the most pleasant time to visit Namibia. During this period you can expect warm, sunny days and cold nights, often with temperatures falling below freezing. It's best to avoid Namib-Naukluft Park and Etosha National Park in the extreme heat (December to March), and Fish River Canyon is closed to the public between December and April. The northeastern rivers may flood during this time too, making some roads either impassable or hard to negotiate. Resort areas are busiest during both Namibian and South African school holidays - usually from mid-December to mid-January, late-April to early June, and late-August to mid September.

Climate

South/Central Midsummer temperatures can rise to over 35°C, while in the winter, day temperatures vary between 18-25°C and at night and in the early mornings can drop to well below freezing.

Coastal Temperatures range from 15-25°C in the west, but can vary, and blue skies can turn into thick fog within minutes. In winter, the early morning temperatures can be well below zero.

North The climate is sub-tropical, with temperatures ranging between 26°C in winter to 45°C in the summer.

The rainy season is from October/November through to March/April.

Hint: Always wear sunscreen, carry a hat and have sunglasses with you.  Always pack for both hot and cold conditions, year round, no matter which region you are visiting.

Currency

The Namibian Dollar (NAD) is divided into one hundred cents and is equivalent to the South African Rand. The Namibian Dollar and the South African Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia and can be exchanged freely for services or goods.  Foreign currency, traveller’s cheques and personal cheques are not widely accepted, but can be changed at almost any bank or hotel. International credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, lodges, rest camps and shops. Although smaller, remote camps may not accept credit cards. Vendors and fuel stations may only accept cash.  It is best to have a combination of both.

Health

No vaccinations are currently required for entry into Namibia when arrival is directly from North America or Europe. We recommend that boosters of tetanus for children and adults are up to date; other courses or boosters that are usually advised are diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A and typhoid.  Consult your doctor or specialist travel clinic for advice as there may be additional recommendations depending on individual circumstances.

Yellow fever certificate is required if the visitor is over one year old and entering from or been in transit through an infected area or a country where yellow fever is endemic. Yellow fever vaccinations must be administered at least ten days before arrival (or re-entry) into Namibia.  Travellers on scheduled flights originating from, but in transit through, the infected areas are NOT required to possess a certificate provided such travellers remained at the airport, or adjacent town, in transit.

Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended – there are several safe and effective options for adults and children alike. Malaria precautions are essential in the northern third of the country from November to June and along the Kavango and Kunene rivers throughout the year. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset. You are advised to use insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleep under a mosquito net. Prompt investigation of fever or flu like symptoms anytime within six weeks of travel is essential.

As with all travel to remote places in developing countries, it is worth spending a little time to make sure you are well-prepared, and have a small supply of any medicines you might need to treat minor ailments and to carry a course of emergency ‘standby’ treatment for malaria.

Languages

The official language in Namibia is English and all documents, signs and notices are in this language.  German and Afrikaans are also widely used and there are numerous African languages and dialects used by the locals.

Charter Aircraft

Please note that all charter transfers are in light aircraft that carry between five and seven passengers. These planes are limited with regards to the weight that they can safely carry. It is therefore vital that all passengers adhere to the luggage restriction of twelve (12) kilogram's per person in a soft bag. This excludes a reasonable amount of camera equipment and carry on luggage (15 kilogram's in total). In addition, please let us know if you are over 1.82 meters (6’2”) tall or weigh over 100kg (220lbs).

Tickets are generally not issued tickets for charter flights; you will however, receive a voucher.

Visas/Passports

South African, British and American passport holders do not require a visa. Many nationalities are exempt from visa requirements and these will be advised on request.  Further visa information can be obtained from your nearest Namibian High Commission.

Minimum requirements for visitors exempt from visas:

• Current passport valid for at least 6 months after date of departure from Namibia with at least two blank pages
• Valid return ticket or proof of transport enabling the visitor to leave the country
• Entry permitted for a maximum of 90 days.

FOR SECURITY PURPOSES, WE SUGGEST THAT YOU CARRY A PHOTOCOPY OF THE RELEVANT PAGES OF YOUR PASSPORT AND ANY OTHER IMPORTANT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WITH YOU. WE ALSO RECOMMEND THAT IN ADDITION, YOU LEAVE COPIES WITH SOMEONE AT HOME.

Water

All water from taps is purified and, although it does have a strong mineral taste, is safe for drinking.  If visitors are worried, bottled water is readily available at local shops, hotels, lodges and restaurants.