Useful Information for Namibia

PASSPORTS

British citizens must have a valid passport (must be valid at least six months beyond period of intended stay). A visa is not required for tourism or business purposes for a stay of up to 3 months. Please ensure that your passport is valid for six months after your return date.

Namibia Tourist Office Tel

0870 330 9333

INNOCULATIONS & HEALTH

Clients are advised to seek current information from NHS Direct: Tel No: 0845 4647 or contact your local GP. Information is also provided online at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk No vaccinations are compulsory however polio, typhoid and hepatitis are recommended. Anti-malaria tablets are strongly recommended for Namibia, Botswana & Zambia – medical advice should be sought at least two weeks before travelling. Remember not to under-estimate the strength of the African sun – lots of sun cream, a good hat and sunglasses are recommended too.

MALARIA

Malaria is widespread and its control has become increasingly complex. Both chloroquine resistant and normal strains of malaria are in the northern region of Namibia. The rest of the country is generally malaria free and most people living in Namibia don’t see a mosquito! The only time that malaria comes to the fore in the north is after the rains - and as Namibia has very little rainfall, this is not often a problem. The peak malarial period is usually January to March. Please remember that the best insurance against contracting malaria is to try to prevent oneself from being bitten. 95% of malarial infections take place between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. so use mosquito repellents liberally. Wear long sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings and avoid wearing perfume and use plenty of mosquito repellent.

CLIMATE

Rainfall occurs exclusively in the summer months, between November and February, when heavy thunderstorms can be expected. Summer is very hot and the Namibia Desert should be avoided at this time as temperatures are often above 104ºF (40ºC). The coast is cooler and often foggy. The best time to visit is during the winter months from March to October (April and June are preferable) as days are warm and dry, and wildlife easier to spot as they tend to congregate at waterholes. Nights can be very cold with frost.

LANGUAGE

English is the official language, but many people also speak Afrikaans and German. There are also several indigenous languages spoken, mainly in the rural areas.

TIME

Summer: From the first Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April: 2 hours ahead of GMT.Winter: From the first Sunday in April to the first Sunday in September: 1 hour ahead of GMT.

CURRENCY

The currency in Namibia is the Namibia Dollar, which is fixed to and equals the South African Rand on a one-to-one basis. Notes are issued in the following denominations: N$100, N$50, and N$10. Coins are issued as N$5, N$1, 50 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents. The Namibia dollar and SA Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia and can be used freely to purchase goods and services in the country. The Namibia Dollar is, however, not legal tender in South Africa.

Travellers’ cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at any of the commercial banks, which are well represented throughout the country. Please note banks are closed on a Sunday. And Eros domestic Airport does not have Money Exchange desk or cash points so make sure already have all the money you need for tipping when travelling by air to lodges.

International Visa and MasterCard credit cards are generally accepted throughout Namibia, whilst a Speedpoint facility assures a quick and efficient service. Holders of other cards are advised to clarify with a commercial bank whether their card is acceptable in Namibia. Visitors may bring any amount of foreign currency into the country. Further information and assistance can be obtained from any commercial bank in Namibia.

ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR

Please do not collect or buy shells, skins, horns, feathers or teeth. The protection of our environment is everyone's concern.

SAFETY

For the latest information, visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Travel Advice Unit at www.fco.gov.uk/ or by calling the ABTA Department on 0901 201 5050 (calls charged at 50p per minute).

As in any foreign country, hazards exist. Sensible precautions should be taken. Never leave your luggage unattended, use the hotel’s safety deposit boxes and be vigilant at all times.

DRESS

During the day dress is generally casual. Early mornings and evenings can be cold during the winter months (May to September), so pack warm clothing such as trousers, long-sleeved shirts, a jersey or anorak. During the hot summer months (October to April) loose-fitting clothes, a wide-rimmed hat and a raincoat are essential. Warm clothing is necessary throughout the year along the coast where fog and chilly breezes can create unpleasant conditions.

DRIVING

You need an International Drivers Licence or permit to drive in Namibia (available from the AA).

Driving is on the left and speed limits are in kilometres. Cash is required to pay for fuel as no credit cards are acceptable as payment for petrol. It is usual to tip N$1 or N$2 to the service attendants.

In all countries, driving at night can be dangerous. In Namibia distances are great but the road system is very good. The main roads are tarmac and the gravel roads in more remote areas, well maintained. Take great care and slow down when driving on the gravel roads, as this is where most accidents happen.

LUGGAGE FOR LIGHT AIRCRAFTS

As there are no places where formal clothes are needed, we recommend that you keep your luggage down to the basics. White colours are not recommended and army camouflage uniforms and hats are forbidden. However, khaki and neutral colours are fine.

Passengers taking more than their baggage allowance will incur excess baggage charges. All charter/private flights insist on soft bags weighing no more than 20kg.

CUSTOMS ALLOWANCES

400 Cigarettes, 250 grams of tobacco and 50 cigars, one litre of spirit, two litres of wine, 50 ml of perfume and 250ml of toilet water. Duty is levied at 20% thereafter.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

220 volts (50Hz)
The following plug is required for Namibia:
Round pins with ground.

WATER

It is very important that you drink plenty of water. In Namibia, all water from taps is generally safe to drink anywhere (unless otherwise specified – and there are very few places where this will happen). It is generally recommended that you drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water (depending on temperatures) per day to limit the effects of dehydration. This excludes tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages (which all help to dehydrate the body).

HEALTH INSURANCE

Before you travel anywhere it is advisable to have fully comprehensive medical and accident insurance, which covers you while you are away for everything, including emergency evacuation and repatriation.

CANCELLATION INSURANCE

You might have to cancel your safari due to unforeseen circumstances. If you cancel a trip close to the departure date for any reason, you will lose all that the safari was going to cost you. Dependent on the reason, cancellation insurance should cover you for this eventuality.

BAGGAGE INSURANCE

Airline liabilities with respect to your baggage are limited. It is advisable to take out insurance if you are carrying expensive and valuable camera equipment. You should always carry such equipment as ‘carry-on’ luggage. Do not put anything of value in your checked baggage!

CLAIMS

If you anticipate an insurance claim upon your return, be sure to document as accurately as possible any accident, injury or loss. Doctors’ notes and police reports will aid any claim.

TIPPING

10% is customary in a restaurant, but only if you are satisfied with the service. We often get asked what to tip the guides and camp staff, so this is mentioned as a recommendation only. For your guides, we would recommend about US$10 per day, and for the camp staff, a communal tip of US$5 per day would be perfect – on condition that the staff have performed!