Namibia Info

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 40 km 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.

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.

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 travelers 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 traveling 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.

Citizens of most European countries do not require a visa to enter Namibia for a holiday. US citizens can obtain the visa on arrival. Every traveler is however responsible to check with the travel agency or the nearest Namibian embassy if any changes to this ruling were made at short notice. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Children traveling alone or with only one parent, should have a certified copy of the consent of the other parent authorizing the travel. It is not mandatory, but may be introduced at short notice.

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 traveler 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 adequateadaquate 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.

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 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.