Essential Travel Information for Namibia

Namibia is an all-year-round destination, but climate and temperatures vary throughout the year according to the different seasons.

Here is an indication of the different times of the year and what to expect:

Dry Season: May to October (Winter): Day temperatures are mild ranging from 24 -28^oC / 75 – 82^oF through to 21 – 25ºC / 70 – 77ºF in July and August. The evening can be chilly.

Wet Season: November to April (Summer): It starts to really warm up as we head towards peak summer months. It can get very hot throughout Namibia from November to February. Daytime temperatures range from 30ºC / 86ºF in November to 40ºC / 104ºF in January and February.

Rain during this period is in short bursts and a welcome relief from the heat.

• Passports are required by all foreign visitors for travel to Southern & East Africa.
• Passports MUST be valid for at least six months from your return home date.
• BLANK PAGES IN YOUR PASSPORT:
  When visiting or transiting through Namibia, you will require at least six blank pages in your passport on entry.
  Each African country you visit will require at least 3 blank pages in your passport on entry; and could use some blank pages for the relevant immigration stamps and or visa. Therefore we recommend that you have 2 blank pages, per country you visit, plus an additional 3 blank pages spare, to be safe.
  You may be denied entry if you do not have sufficient pages in your passport.
• If you are travelling to multiple countries, please discuss the amount of blank pages you will require with your Travel Manager.

There are three categories of visas for Namibia:

1. Those countries whose citizens do not need a visa.
2. Those countries whose citizens can get a visa on arrival.
3. Those countries whose citizens need to apply for a visa prior to arrival. Click here to apply online »

Follow this link to see if you require a visa for travel to Namibia: click here »

Visas are valid up to three months from the date of issue, for stays of up to three months from entry.

Minors younger than 18 years traveling to Namibia must have an unabridged birth certificate.

• With both parents: Minors younger than 18 years traveling to Namibia must have an unabridged birth certificate.
• With an adult who is not their biological parent: an affidavit from their parents giving consent for the minor to travel with the adult is required.
• With an adult other than a parent/legal guardian: copies of their legal guardians/parents’ passports or documents of identity are required. Contact details of the parents/legal guardians should also be provided.
• With one parent: an affidavit from the other parent giving consent for the minor to travel is required. A death certificate should be provided if one parent is deceased.
• Unaccompanied: an affidavit from their parents/legal guardians consenting to their travel, a letter containing the contact details and residential information of the person who will receive the minor passenger, a copy of the identity document, valid passport or permanent residence permit of the person who will receive the minor passenger and the contact details of the minor’s parents/legal guardians are required.

The information supplied is the most current and up-to-date information as of today. Please note that this could change at any time and while we will do our best to keep you informed, we cannot take responsibility should this information change.

• Some countries have yellow fever vaccination requirements, and some safari regions have malaria risk. If you have any concerns, please let your travel manager know so they can recommend appropriate countries to visit.
• Please advise your Travel Manager as early as possible if you require special medical attention (such as a gluten-free menu for someone with coeliac disease), need special facilities (such as a wheelchair-friendly environment) or if you are travelling with a CPAP machine.
• Please advise us of any specific dietary requirements and we can ensure the properties we recommend are able to assist.
• Should you require kosher meals (available in certain countries only) these will incur additional costs as these meals are specially flown in. Two weeks prior notice is required for kosher meals.
• Most lodges provide complimentary bottled water.

Light aircrafts connect the remote wildernesses of Namibia. This can be a highlight of the experience as it is a beautiful aerial safari. Small aircraft also allow you to land closer to your destination and save hours of road travel.
The type of small plane used will be determined by the location of your safari, the companies that operate there, and the specific camps that you will visit.
It is vital for air operators to manage weight and balance calculations ahead of time. Prior to travel, your travel manager will require the individual weights of all passengers as this is required for planning purposes and ensuring aircraft calculations are within the legal limitations.
Luggage is also strictly limited on small aircrafts and a weight limit plan will be recommended for you prior to travelling.

If you have any concerns about travelling on small planes, please discuss this with your Travel Manager prior to booking your trip, so that they can recommend appropriate destinations.

NB: If a strong Wifi signal is an essential requirement during your travels, please discuss this with your travel manager, as this will direct specific properties or routings they will recommend.

• Due to the remote locations of many of Africa’s safari lodges, Internet access and/or Wi-Fi or mobile phone coverage can be intermittent and/or unreliable and/or unavailable.
• Should there be a need to communicate or an emergency, the camps/lodges will assist you with relaying messages – a process that we have handled successfully for years.
• Mobile network coverage throughout the large cities in Southern & East Africa is good. Internet access are available in most hotels.

• It is imperative and strongly recommended that guests take out comprehensive travel insurance. Covering for personal effects, personal accidents, medical & emergency travel expenses, cancellation & curtailment.
• Dependent on your insurance company, “cancellation for any reason” insurance must be taken within a specific time frame of first payment as set by your insurer.
• Most insurance offered by credit cards does not provide sufficient coverage.
• Please check you are fully covered before traveling.
• Read our article: The Importance of Having Travel Insurance »

Precautions regarding Malaria: 

• Namibia is a malaria-risk country; however, this is mostly in the northern parts of the country, along the rivers and Caprivi strip. Etosha is also a risk area, but this is mostly during and shortly after the rainy season.
• We strongly advise that you speak with your doctor or travel clinic regarding your itinerary, individual risk assessment and options for mosquito bite prevention and antimalarial drugs. We recommend filling any prescriptions before you depart.
• Read our article: Considering Malaria when Travelling to Africa »

Some tips regarding mosquito bites:

• Wear long sleeves and long pants in the evenings and at night
• Use mosquito repellents at all times
• Where mosquito nets are provided, make use of them when sleeping

Precautions against Yellow Fever:
Please consult with your GP or local travel clinic for details.

• The information we offer for Yellow Fever requirements is based on advice from The World Health Organisation (WHO). They advise which countries have a risk of yellow fever transmission and which countries require yellow fever vaccination as well as the procedures implemented in each country.
• For entry into all Southern African countries, Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya:
  A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is only required for travellers 1 year of age and older if they are coming from, or who are in airport transit for more than 12 hours within, a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
  Read our article: Considering Yellow Fever when Travelling to Africa »
• Your country of origin and other African countries like South Africa will also deny re-entry without vaccination, after having visited a country with Yellow Fever.
• Existing and new yellow fever vaccination certificates are now valid for life.
• You must have the vaccination at least 10 days before you plan on entering a yellow fever area.
• Please consult your physician for exemption on medical grounds.

• Anyone who has any special medication should take enough supplies to last at least the length of their visit.
• Although most hotels and lodges are equipped with a First Aid kit, we suggest that you bring a small airtight container with your own basic first aid kit.
• We remind travellers who have any allergies i.e. insect stings, or an asthma condition, to pack the required medication.
• It is essential for the comfort and safety of your trip that you advise your Travel Manager as early as possible if:
  You require special attention. Such as food allergies, or food related illnesses or require a gluten-free menu.
  If you require any special facilities, such as a wheelchair-friendly environment.
  If you are travelling with a CPAP machine.
  Any other medical concern or personal requirement which may impact your travels.

Download our Timeless Africa Packing List here »

GENERAL NOTES:

• As a general guide, comfortable & casual wash-and-wear clothes are recommended.
• Muted colours are recommended for game viewing (brown, khaki, beige, and pastels).
• Daytime temperatures are generally warm, so pack lightweight clothing and sun protection.
• The mornings and evenings can be very cold in winter and warm layers are recommended.
• Avoid wearing dark blue and black in areas that are known for tsetse flies.
• Most lodges and hotels have a laundry service. Dry cleaning can be arranged at hotels but is not widely available at lodges.
• Take sensible precautions against mosquitos and other bites.
• In case of an issue with international airline luggage management, please pack your essential items and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag.
• Private-use drones are not allowed in National Parks throughout Southern and East Africa without prior permission from authorities. This is a precaution to protect against poachers. In some cases, heavy fines will be imposed for bringing drones into countries without the required paperwork.

• Airlines in Namibia may have different luggage allowances on different legs of your trip. Please discuss your specific requirements with your travel manager to create a personalised luggage plan ahead of time so you can plan accordingly.
  They will also be able to advise you on traveling with or storing/ couriering excess luggage.
• If you are travelling on small scheduled charter aircraft, luggage is required to be packed in a soft-sided bag, weighing a maximum of 15kg (33 lbs) – 20kg (44 lbs), depending on the destination. This weight allowance includes hand luggage as well as camera equipment. No hard suitcases will be allowed on small aircraft as the suitcases are packed into the hull of the plane.
  View our luggage reference guide for flying on small planes »

• The Namibian dollar (N$), often abbreviated to “Nam dollar” in common parlance, has been the official currency since 1993. Coins are produced for 5, 10 and 50 cents, and for 1, 5 and 10 Namibian dollars. Notes are available in denominations of N$10, 20, 50, 100 and 200.
• South African Rand was the official currency, and since the Namibian dollar is still pegged to the Rand (1:1), it is still accepted as legal tender in the country.

Credit cards & cash on tour:

• Credit cards (Visa & MasterCard) are widely accepted throughout Namibia and most lodges will accept credit cards for payments of extras. Most fuel stations accept credit cards. We do however recommend that you have cash with you at all times to pay for extras and fuel should the credit card machines be offline or if credit cards are not accepted.
• We do not recommend that you carry large sums of cash with you, but rather that you only keep a limited amount on you and rather that you draw cash from ATMs or banks in the towns/ cities you will be passing through as you go along.

Tipping is entirely at your discretion. It is suggested, but not compulsory.
On request, your Travel Manager will create a bespoke tipping guide for your personal holiday.
Read our article: Timeless Gratuity Philosophy »

Gratuity guidelines for Namibia:

On Safari:

• Safari Guide: ZAR220.00 per guest, per day
• Trackers: ZAR150.00 per guest, per day

In the cities:

• Transfer Driver: ZAR 40 per guest, per transfer
• Local Private Guide: Half day: ZAR 130 per guest |Full day: ZAR 160 per guest
• Hotel/Lodge Staff: ZAR 200.00 per guest, per day
• Airport and Hotel Porterage: ZAR 20 per guest
• Restaurants: 10% is customary
• Airport meet and greet handlers: ZAR 20 per person

We suggest bringing more cash with you in case you are moved by the whole professionalism and warmth of the experience, that you would like to tip more than you planned.

** Remember this is only a guideline and it entirely depends on the level of service and your desires.

Roaming is expensive and therefore it is a good idea to make use of a local sim card when travelling in Namibia.

Sim cards can be purchased at most shops and fuel stations throughout the country, and you can simply recharge with credit as you go along. If your service provider activates your sim card on request, you can also have internet access on your phone whilst travelling.

MTC has the best coverage throughout Namibia, but it is important to keep in mind that there are areas with little to no reception. Should you wish to rent a satellite phone, this will be additional. We do not include this, due to the call tariffs involved over and above the daily rates, and therefore you can look to contact Sat4Rent for more information and to book a satellite phone if you prefer to have one with you just in case – https://www.sat4rent.com/

The dialing code in Namibia is +264

WIFI: Throughout Namibia, almost all of the lodges offer WIFI connections of some sort. This is generally at the main area/ reception area of the lodge and not necessarily in the rooms. Some connections are still very slow, and it is best to remember that WIFI connectivity and access to the internet are not guaranteed.

VEHICLE DETAILS:

• Namibians drive on the left-hand side of the road.
• NB: Vehicles in Namibia are manual transmissions or automatic.
• NB: Make sure that you request a specific type as both vehicle types are available.
• We always recommend a 4×4 vehicle. Many areas require a vehicle with high clearance and these vehicles handle the gravel roads, found throughout the country, better and with more stability making travel safer and easier.
• NB: At all times when driving a motor vehicle during the day on a trunk road, main road, and district road, you need to switch on your headlamps on dipped beam or daytime running lights. This is according to Namibian Law.

DRIVER’S LICENSES:

An international driver’s license will only be required if your license does not adhere to the following:

• Must state “Driver’s License” in English
• Must have a clear photo of the driver
• Must be valid for the duration of travel

HOW TO CALCULATE TRAVEL TIMES:

• Namibia is a vast country, with much to see and do along the way between destinations. It is less about the destination itself and more about the journey to get there.
• On tarred roads we calculate the distances (including stops enroute) by taking the distance and dividing it by 80 km per hour.
• On gravel roads we calculate the distances (to include stops en-route and take road conditions into account) by taking the distance and dividing it by 60 km per hour.
• The above will give you the most accurate approximate travelling times.

PETROL STATIONS & FUEL:

• When travelling in Namibia, you will not have to pump your own fuel. All fuel stations will have attendants who will do this for you. They will also assist with checking your oil, inflating your tires and checking your tire pressure, and washing your windscreen. It is good practice to give a small tip for these services.
• Almost all towns in Namibia have fuel stations and most also have a small convenience store with basic supplies. Those in major towns will accept credit cards, but some in the smaller towns do not have credit card facilities, so we always recommend having cash on hand to pay for fuel along the way.
• Refuel as often as possible, as it can happen that some fuel stations will not have fuel and therefore best to keep topping up along the route. Most maps of Namibia also show all fuel stops throughout the country.

A fly-in safari often represents the best value for any itinerary: less time travelling means more time at each destination.

Much of the air access in Namibia is via small aircraft where luggage restrictions apply. Please consult with your Travel Manager for a detailed luggage plan if you are making use of small aircraft in your itinerary.

• Luggage, including camera equipment and hand luggage on these light aircraft is restricted to between 15kg/33lbs and 20kg /44lbs per person dependent on aircraft.
• Only soft bags will be accepted – no hard suitcases or bags with wheels can be transported as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft.
• The maximum dimensions of the soft bags which can be accommodated are as follows: 25cm wide x 30cm high and 62cm long. Please keep in mind that the baggage compartments on the light aircraft are only 25cm high, so the pilots must have the ability to manipulate the bag into the compartment.

Passengers weighing 100kg or more, must please advise us in advance as an extra seat must be purchased for safety and comfort.

• Unless you specifically request a private charter, light aircraft flights are shared air transfers. This may entail stopping at other airstrips enroute for other guests to board/alight.
• All the flight times between lodges are arranged a few days before the flights take place. The lodge or camp where you are staying will be advised of your departure time the day before travel and will ensure that you are at the airstrip on time.

In tourism, it is most important to conserve our wildlife and its habitat. Without the income generated from tourists, conservation would not be possible.

Timeless Tips:

• Do not feed any wildlife of any description.
• Do not dispose of any litter, keep it in our vehicles until you find a suitable bin.
• Do not collect any natural objects as souvenirs. Collecting trophies is illegal.
• While watching and photographing game it is not permitted to approach too close.

Note: Harassment of wildlife in any form is strictly illegal. Please do not ask your driver to break the rules, he could be arrested and his vehicle impounded.

Namibia is a safe country for travel with a low crime rate, however, we always recommend that you take precautions where necessary and be aware of your surroundings.

Some tips:

• Keep self-drive vehicles locked at all times
• Do not leave valuables in the vehicle
• Use the safes supplied at the lodges
• Always be aware of your surroundings
• In the streets and when sightseeing, do not carry valuables visibly on your person
• Do not carry large sums of cash on you

We also do not recommend you travel before sunrise or after sunset, this is due to animal activity at dawn/dusk and when it is dark. Visibility in areas where there are no road lights means the inability to see animals on the road and this can be dangerous.

Eating and drinking in Namibia can be a real pleasure, especially for meat-lovers, as the country has a reputation for excellent meat, and game meat in particular. On the coast too, the Benguela Current ensures an ample selection of fresh fish. Though locally grown vegetables and fruit are harder to come by the large supermarkets in the main towns stock plenty of imported fruit and vegetables from South Africa.

Tap water is generally very safe in Namibia, even though the taste varies. It is especially pure when it comes from lodge or farm boreholes. That said, bottled water is widely available.

Greetings are key to ensuring good social relations in Namibia, as in many parts of Africa. Before you ask a question or a favour, you should always make sure you greet the person and enquire about their health. If you can manage that in the relevant local language, then so much the better. Handshakes are the most common form of greeting, especially among men, and always with the right hand. Men will often use the three-part African handshake when greeting other men. Women are more likely to greet each other and men with words, though they may shake hands. If in a more traditional rural setting, a small nod, bow or curtsy may be given by the junior to acknowledge seniority.

Shopping for most visitors to Namibia revolves around crafts and curios. The main area of production is in the north, so if you are travelling to the Kunene, Kavango and Zambezi regions you might want to wait until then to buy, especially since more of the money is likely to go to the artisan.

Electricity is 220 volts in Namibia, and large three-pin round plugs are used, as in South Africa. You’re advised to bring an adaptor with you.

• 1 January – New Year’s Day
• 21 March – Independence Day
• Date varies annually – Good Friday
• Date varies annually – Easter Monday
• 1 May – Workers’ Day
• 4 May – Cassinga Day
• Date varies annually – Ascension Day
• 25 May – Africa Day
• 26 August – Heroes’ Day
• 10 December – Human Rights Day
• 25 December – Christmas Day
• 26 December – St. Stephen’s Day

Other public holidays may be announced by the cabinet of ministers or the Ministry of Public Service and Labour

Please check in early at all airports (at least one hour prior for domestic flights, two hours for all regional and international flights) due to additional security which now affects international travel around the world.

Hotels in Namibia towns and cities generally have a check-in time of 14h00 and a check-out time of 10h00, though many lodges and hotels will try to be accommodating and flexible if they are not too fully booked the preceding night. Otherwise, we recommend you book a day room in advance to secure a longer stay in your room.