Namibia is a country of startling contrasts that straddles two great deserts: the Namib (after which it is named) is the oldest desert on the planet, and its sea of red sand lies along the Atlantic coastline, and in the eastern interior lies the Kalahari, a vast and sparsely vegetated savannah that sprawls across the border into neighbouring countries. Namibia is celebrated for its vast open landscapes - an abundance of space in which to inhale deeply and bask in an infinite supply of blue skies, sun-drenched weather and tranquil starry nights.
Over the years, there have been a number of cultural influences that have all contributed to the unique atmosphere of Namibia. At various times Germany, Great Britain and South Africa have all governed the territory, but it was with the eventual independence of Namibia in 1990 that the country was able to develop its multi-cultural character and reinvent itself. There is a rich and colourful uniquely African vigour that now freely blends in with the colonial influences on architecture, food, customs and art, all merging to create a distinctive Namibian character.
All this is in interesting juxtaposition with the expansive landscapes that surround the cities. The many national parks and game reserves boast a huge variety of wildlife in a kaleidoscope of diverse environments: giraffes amble across the blinding white saltpans of Etosha National Park, oryx plunge headlong up impossibly steep red dunes at Sossusvlei, and seals in their multitudes colonise lonely beachheads along the Skeleton Coast. Astonishing contrasts are everywhere for the visitor to savour, enjoy and photograph.
 Namibia has rapidly become a well-known safari destination with a difference, known for its remote and intimate lodges, interaction with the indigenous people as well as the wildlife, and offering unique opportunities to become involved with the cultural heritage of all its peoples. The enormous distances between destinations in this huge and breathtaking land means we encourage our guests to fly from camp to camp. This allows a greater appreciation of the country in all its vast splendour from the air, as well as providing more time for exploring on the ground in the company of our highly trained, passionate guides who are eager to share their enthusiasm for and knowledge of this wonderful, surprising land. Longer combination fly-and-drive safaris, of course, also offer a fascinating and popular experience, but these are only recommended if guests have at least 10 days to enjoy the country. With the Okavango and Victoria Falls being nearby, many guests combine a Namibian safari with one in Botswana or Zimbabwe. Cape Town is only two hours flight away from Windhoek, and this also makes a great combination.
INFORMATION FOR THE VISITOR TO NAMIBIA
BANKS
Banks are open Mondays to Fridays 09h00-15h30 and Saturdays 09h00-11h00
CLIMATE
Temperature (ºC) - These are the average lows and highs |
| |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
June |
WDH |
19/32 |
17/29 |
15/27 |
13/25 |
9/22 |
7/20 |
SWP |
12/25 |
12/23 |
12/23 |
15/25 |
15/25 |
18/28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
WDH |
7/20 |
8/23 |
12/26 |
14/29 |
16/29 |
17/31 |
SWP |
15/28 |
15/28 |
15/25 |
15/25 |
15/25 |
15/25 |
Rainfall (mm). This varies according to the year and where you are. |
| |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
June |
WDH |
43 |
53 |
26 |
28 |
5 |
3 |
SWP |
12 |
15 |
12 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
WDH |
3 |
3 |
3 |
10 |
23 |
95 |
SWP |
7 |
9 |
11 |
15 |
16 |
11 |
CREDIT CARDS
International Visa and MasterCard credit cards are generally accepted throughout Namibia. Holders of other cards are advised to clarify with a commercial bank whether their card is acceptable in Namibia. Please note camps are unable to accept American Express cards.
CURRENCY
The currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar, which is fixed to and equals the South African Rand on a one-to-one basis. The Namibian Dollar and South African Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia and can be used freely to purchase goods and services in the country. The Namibian Dollar, however, is not legal tender in South Africa. Traveller's cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at any of the commercial banks, which are well represented throughout the country. Visitors may bring any amount of foreign currency into the country. Further information and assistance can be obtained from any commercial bank in Namibia. Camps also accept US dollars, Euro and British pounds as payment for curios, drinks etc.
DRINKS POLICY
All properties have their own drinks policy. Namibia lodges include drinks on game drives and wine at dinner (please note that Little Ongava Camp, Serra Cafema Camp and our Skeleton Coast safaris include all local drinks). Drinks in other operators' camps and cities maybe included or excluded - please refer to your itinerary for specific details.
DUTY FREE
There is no duty free shopping available at Johannesburg International Airport on a flight to Namibia. Please make sure any duty free purchases of film, alcohol, etc. are made before arriving in southern Africa.
 EXCESS BAGGAGE
If your itinerary includes light aircraft sectors and you have to bring more baggage than the stipulated allowance, please consult us for details on the options available to you. These will be at an extra cost.
However if you do not require the excess luggage to accompany you on your safari and you arrive and depart via Windhoek, then we can make arrangements to store this for you in our Windhoek ground office. The luggage can be returned to you again either at your hotel in Windhoek (if you are staying overnight at the end) or by luggage transfer back to the airport if required. This is by far, the most economical method and should be pre-booked through your agent prior to travel.
Wilderness Safaris and its staff will not accept responsibility for luggage kept in any of the offices on behalf of our guests. We do not anticipate any problems with stored luggage being damaged or stolen, but guests must please ensure that they are in possession of full travel insurance including the luggage cover.
JOINING THE SAFARIS
Please ensure that you have all the details for your flights as far as departure times, check-in times etc are concerned, and from which airport you will be departing. Please check if you are flying from Windhoek International Airport or Eros International Airport, as the transfer times differ greatly. Windhoek has two different airports. Windhoek International is about 40kms (25 miles) out of town, whereas Eros International Airport is in the centre of town.
LAUNDRY
Laundry can be done at most camps, with the exception of Damaraland Camp and Skeleton Coast Camp in Namibia, where there is a severe water shortage. This service is complimentary at managed camps but there may be a nominal charge at other establishments. The camp staff will not wash underwear, due to prevailing local traditions in the country.
POWER AT CAMPS
All our camps are situated in remote areas and we have to generate our own electricity. We do so in a number of ways. Each camp has a generator that runs for about 6 hours per day (3 hours in the morning and 3 in the afternoon when guests are out on activities). These generators then charge batteries located at each tent / room, which provide good 12v lights all night (if used sensibly).
There are no 220v or 110v power points in our camps. If you need to have your video battery re-charged we can do so while you are out on an activity. Therefore, please bring a spare battery for use while the other is being charged. These systems are simple but perfectly functional.
Electrical plug outlets are not available in the Wilderness Safaris camp tented rooms and therefore it is not possible to use such appliances such as hairdryers or electric shavers during your stay there. In major cities all electrical appliances run on 220/240 volts. Outlets are round 3-pin, 15 amp plugs.
RECOMMENDED READING (in no particular order)
a) This is Namibia - Gerald Cubitt & Peter Joyce
b) Skeleton Coast - Ami Schoeman
c) Namibia: The Beautiful Land - David Bristow
d) Namibia: African Adventurers Guide - Olivier and Olivier
e) Globetrotter Travel Map and Travel Guide to Namibia
f) Namibia - the Bradt Travel Guide - Chris McIntyre
Everyone must bring their own pair of BINOCULARS in order to get the most out of the safari.
SHOPPING
In the major centres, such as Windhoek and Swakopmund, many shops specialize in attractive local products such as diamonds, semi-precious stones, curios of all types including dolls dressed in the traditional Herero style (these are made by Herero woman), hand-carved wooden objects, beautifully fashioned jewellery, shoes made of Kudu leather, karosses (rugs made from the pelts of wild animals), and popular SWAKARA garments.
TAX AND CUSTOMS
Value Added Tax (VAT) in Namibia is 15% all round. Bona fide tourists to Namibia are exempt from paying sales duty or excise duty on luxury items such as jewellery or Swakara (fur) garments.
TIME
Namibia operates on daylight savings time as follows:
Summer: From the first Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April - two hours ahead of GMT
Winter: From the first Sunday in April to the first Sunday in September - one hour ahead GMT. |
