FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NAMIBIA

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NAMIBIA
This information is intended as a guideline only. It is accurate to the best of our knowledge.
Please note that we are providing links to external websites as guidelines for more information
only. Karell Africa is not responsible for the content thereof.
If you are traveling to South Africa and would like to print this information please follow
NAMIBIA PRE-TOUR INFORMATION (PDF) link
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR NAMIBIA SAFARI
Passports are required by all foreign visitors to NAMIBIA and must be valid for at
least 6 months after the intended length of your trip. Visitors to NAMIBIA who also
intend visiting South Africa should be advised that It is essential to have at least
two blank, consecutive visa pages for each time entry to South Africa is sought.
This excludes Amendment and Endorsement pages.Otherwise, the traveler, even
when in possession of a valid South African visa, may be refused entry into South
Africa, fined, and returned to their point of origin at the traveler’s expense.
Visas may be required for NAMIBIA depending on the nationality of your passport.
It is is your responsibility to check the entry visa requirements with the individual
embassy of each country you intend visiting prior to departure.
If you are a parent / guardian traveling with a minor (aged 18 or younger), you
must be in possession of a certified letter of consent from the non-accompanying
parent or guardian.
VISA STAMPS IN PASSPORTS UPON ARRIVAL IN EACH COUNTRY:
PLEASE CHECK THE DATES THAT THE OFFICIALS STAMP IN TO YOUR PASSPORTS TO
MAKE SURE THE ALLOTTED TIME FOR YOUR STAY IS CORRECT BEFORE YOU WALK
AWAY FROM THE COUNTER.
ON OCCASION PEOPLE HAVE BEEN GIVEN INCORRECT INCREMENTS OF TIME TO
STAY IN THE COUNTRY CONCERNED CREATING A LOT OF UNNECESSARY
AGGRAVATION AND INCONVENIENCE.
We also suggest that before you depart on any international trip that you take a
photo of the information page of your passport as well as any visas.
TRAVISA.COM Please note we have provided this website as a guideline for
further information, Karell Travel is not responsible for the content thereof.
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CLIMATE IN NAMIBIA
The seasons in southern Africa are reversed from those in the US.
NAMIBIA’s climate is typically semi-desert with hot days and cool nights. The cold
Benguela Current keeps the coast cool and free of rain most of the year. In fact,
NAMIBIA averages about 300 days of sunshine annually. The rainy season lasts
from October to April, while the rest of the year is dry and cloudless.
JANUARY – MARCH
Peak of Summer & Rainy Months – Hot days with afternoon cloud build up and
possible showers (generally short-lived) Wildlife can disperse during this time in
search of new grazing. Northern NAMIBIA and the Caprivi usually receive most of
NAMIBIA’s annual rainfall.
APRIL – MAY
Morning temperatures start to drop and the evenings become cooler. Rainfall is
limited and wildlife start to congregate more at perennial water sources.
JUNE – AUGUST
The early part of June sees very cold mornings and evenings, occasionally even
dropping below zero, continuing through the end of winter in August. Days are
typically sunny and pleasant. Warm clothing is recommended for the evenings
and early mornings. Game viewing can be excellent in the dry winter months in
some areas.
SEPTEMBER- DECEMBER
Spring starts in September. Days are much warmer with occasional cool evenings
and mornings. From October we experience very warm sunny days with warm
evenings. Sporadic rain does occur, though larger showers are usually limited to
around December. Wildlife sightings vary depending how early the rains have
started.
December is the hottest months of the year, averaging 95°F to 105°F in the
shade. Cooler temperatures occur along the coastline thanks to the ocean
breeze, with low rainfall and fog prevailing from late until mid-morning.
Make no mistake, in the winter months the evenings and early mornings can be
bitterly cold. If you are on safari during this time, you will need to take very warm
clothing especially for early morning game drives.
Refer to “WHAT TO PACK (OR NOT)”.
Please visit WEATHER.COM
CURRENCY & CREDIT CARDS IN NAMIBIA
The currency in NAMIBIA is the Namibian Dol
lar (NAD), which is the equivalent value of the South African Rand (ZAR).
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1.00 USD = 13.9276 NAD (As of Aug 1st 2016)
The Namibian Dollar and South African Rand are the only legal tender in NAMIBIA
and can be used freely to purchase goods and services.
Credit Cards :
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout NAMIBIA
American Express and Diners Club – not so much!
Credit cards are not accepted at fuel filling stations.
Most safari camps in NAMIBIA also accept US dollars, Euros and British Pounds as
payment for curios, drinks, etc.
PLEASE NOTE: The Namibian Dollar is not legal tender in South Africa.
For up to dates rates of exchange click on the following link. WWW.XE.COM
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR TRIP TO NAMIBIA – MORE
IMPORTANT THAN YOU MAY REALIZE – SO LET US KNOW IN ADVANCE
Most dietary requirements (kosher, vegetarian hindu etc) can be organized
provided we request them well in advance.
This is particularly important if you will be visiting game lodges.
You must remember that many of the game lodges you may be visiting are in
isolated areas so if you are not very specific in advance you may just go hungry!
You cannot just pop out to the nearest restaurant or 7-11 – you are in the African
bush.
We need to know about allergies too – gluten -lactose – peanuts etc.
Please also let us know if anyone in your party will be celebrating a birthday or
anniversary!
FLASHLIGHT! DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT ONE!
Remember this when you are stumbling around in your tent/room when there is
a power outage!
Do not be the one who is saying ” I should have listened to KARELL and brought
a flashlight and extra batteries”.
Take a small powerful flashlight (and extra batteries) with you – it will come in
handy. In fact it is the one essential item we tell every passenger to take with no
matter where you are traveling to.
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LANGUAGE IN NAMIBIA
The official language of NAMIBIA is English however Afrikaans and German are
widely spoken.
LAUNDRY IN NAMIBIA
Limited laundry service is available at most camps in NAMIBIA due to limited
water supplies.
If washing is done, it is done by hand, therefore underwear (bras, panties and
men’s underwear) are not included in this service.
This is due to prevailing local traditions in the country.
LUGGAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR NAMIBIA SAFARI
RULE OF THUMB – IF YOU WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN DO NOT PACK IT IN YOUR
CHECKED BAGS!
Medications, eye glasses, sunglasses, wallets, passports, computers, iPads, cell
phones, cameras, binoculars, jewelry etc should be carried with you at all times.
And why are you taking that expensive jewelry with you anyway? NOT A GOOD
IDEA! Do not take anything with you that is not replaceable or anything that you
would be devastated to lose!
Most airports today do offer plastic wrapping of bags for a small fee.
Luggage restrictions vary between airlines / countries and aircraft. Please check
with your travel consultant with regard to weight restrictions and quantity / size of
bags permitted.
If you will be traveling in vehicles and small aircraft with limited luggage capacity,
it is a requirement that you have a SOFT BAG without WHEELS, however, our
brand new “wheeled” Karell safari bags which are made exclusively for us are
unique as they have wheels but no solid frame which make them ideal for light
aircraft transfers to and from camps/lodges.
NO HARD SUITCASES WILL BE ALLOWED!
Ideal travel bag example:
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The Karell Duffel bag pictured above has been selected specifically for use on
safaris utilizing light aircraft. It measures 26” x 14” x 12”, a perfect size and
dimension for this type of travel
Wilderness Air Weight & Luggage Restrictions for chartered aircraft in Botswana,
NAMIBIA, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
•
Luggage, including camera equipment and hand luggage, is restricted to 20
kg (44 lb) per person
•
Only soft bags will be accepted – no wheels, frames or rigid structures can be
transported as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft!
•
Maximum dimensions of the soft bags are as follows: 25 cm (10 inches) wide x
30 cm (12 inches) high and 62 cm (24 inches) long.
•
If guests weigh more than 100 kg (220 lb), an additional weight allowance on
the aircraft must be purchased for safety and comfort. The cost for this is
calculated on request according to specific region and routing, and provides
for a maximum of 70 kg (154 lb) excess weight and will be at the passenger’s
expense.
•
If guests need to bring luggage in excess of the stipulated allowance, they
have the option of purchasing additional weight allowance allowing for a
maximum of 70kg (154lb) with the proviso that the excess bags conform to
the maximum dimensions listed above. The additional cost of this varies
depending on the flight schedule and routing and will be at the passenger’s
expense.
These strict weight restrictions apply to any itinerary which includes light aircraft
transfers for the following reasons:
•
The aircraft are designed with a maximum bodyweight and luggage weight
allowance.
•
The aircraft have physical space restrictions. Please refer to the images below
for an indication on the cargo hold compartment limitations.
Cessna 206 Luggage Pod
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PHOTOGRAPHY AND BINOCULARS IN NAMIBIA
You are going to a photographer’s paradise wherever you go in Africa so do
take plenty of memory cards to record your trip. They will not always be readily
available everywhere you go. So to avoid disappointment take a lot with you as
well as spare batteries for flashes etc.
Yes, A good pair of strong binoculars is a must on safari, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A
KEEN BIRDER OR “TWITCHER”. Trust us, we know.
For everything you need to know about buying cameras and binoculars we invite
you to visit : http://www.bhphotovideo.com
Or if you prefer to rent before you go: http://optics4rent.com/index.html
Camera equipment and lenses are so heavy and are included in hand baggage
allowances so for your convenience, there are certain game lodges that rent
equipment for the period of your stay.
Please contact one of our safari specialists for further information.
We have provided these websites as guidelines for further information, Karell’s
African Dream Vacations is not responsible for the content thereof.
POWER & ELECTRICITY IN NAMIBIA
Namibian electrical appliances run on 220/240v with round 3-pin outlets taking 15
amp plugs. Although adaptors are available at most camps, we highly
recommend taking your own.
If you are taking electric hair styling tools in any shape or form flatirons, curling
irons, hairdryers etc. or any other electrical appliances, you should make sure
they are dual voltage and remember to change the voltage if necessary when
you get to NAMIBIA or you can undoubtedly kiss them goodbye!
DUE TO THEIR REMOTE LOCATIONS, MANY CAMPS/GAME LODGES IN NAMIBIA
GENERATE THEIR OWN ELECTRICITY BY MEANS OF GENERATORS.
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GENERATORS RUN FOR ABOUT 6-7 HOURS PER DAY PROVIDING POWER IN THE
ROOMS/TENTS FOR LIGHTING AND POSSIBLY CEILING FANS.
NOT ALL CAMPS PROVIDE PLUG POINTS IN THE ROOMS/TENTS SO IF YOU HAVE
EQUIPMENT THAT REQUIRES CHARGING SUCH AS CAMERA BATTERIES THE CAMPS
WILL OFTEN HAVE CHARGING FACILITIES IN THE MAIN AREAS.
SOOOOOOOOOOO…………….YOU MAY AS WELL FACE IT LADIES, YOU WILL BE
HAVING SOME BAD HAIR DAYS AS AT MOST CAMPS NO HAIR DRYERS, FLAT IRONS
OR THE LIKES ALLOWED!!!!! JUST GO WITH THE FLOW AND ENJOY.q
The following link may help: ELECTRIC PLUG EXAMPLE
TIME ZONE IN NAMIBIA
Local time in NAMIBIA is GMT +2
Which means it is always 6 or 7 hours ahead of us in the eastern United States
depending on the time of the year and daylight savings time.
So, if it is 8PM in WINDHOEK OR SWAKOPMUND then it is 1PM the same day in
NEW YORK !
Hope this helps. Probably won’t – you will be more confused than ever and will
more than likely call home and get it all mixed up.
The following link may help: WORLDCLOCK.COM
TIPPING/GRATUITY GUIDELINES FOR NAMIBIA SAFARI – TO GIVE OR
NOT TO GIVE, THAT IS THE QUESTION! AND IF SO HOW MUCH.
This is one of the questions we are asked most often prior to departure: How
much should we tip?
THE FOLLOWING IS A GUIDELINE :
Safari Guide / Game Ranger at Camps & Game Lodges : US$ 10 per guest per
day.
Trackers at Camps & Game Lodges : US$ 5 per guest per day.
General Staff at Camps & Game LodgeS : US$ 5 per guest per day.
Porterage : US$ 1 per person per movement.
Restaurants / Hotels : 10% is customary.
VACCINATIONS REQUIRED FOR NAMIBIA SAFARI – OUCH!
There is no formal requirement for any shots for entry into NAMIBIA however, we
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highly recommend that you do take precautions against malaria, particularly in
the NAMIBIAN summer months.Your physician will be able to assist you with a
prescription for prophylaxis for malaria prior to your arrival in the malaria infested
area.
Tips on avoiding Malaria :
Take a prescription antimalarial drug.
Use insect repellent liberally and wear long pants and sleeves to prevent
mosquito bites.
Sleep in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms or use bednets.
To maximize the benefit of inoculations/immunizations we suggest you see a
health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your
vaccines to take effect.
Please consult with your physician for recommendations regarding inoculations/
immunizations.
For further information please click on the following link CDC.gov and/or WHO.int/
en/
VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) YAY! – GET MONEY BACK AT THE END OF
YOUR STAY! WHOA – NOT SO FAST – BRACE YOURSELF….THIS CAN BE A
LONG LABORIOUS PROCESS!
A VAT rate of 15% is levied on most products and services.
To qualify for a refund, you must be in possession of a valid passport, valid tax
invoices, and goods purchased.
Visitors to NAMIBIA may reclaim VAT on their purchases at the Hosea Kutako
International Airport, Eros Airport and Walvis Bay Airport.
This can be a lengthy process so make sure you allow enough TIME and PATIENCE
to obtain your refund.
It can be so stressful that you may just land up throwing in the towel!
The following link may help: TAX REFUND
WATER IN NAMIBIA
Although tap water may be fine in most areas for bathing and brushing teeth, we
recommend that you drink bottled water at all times.
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WHAT TO PACK FOR NAMIBIA SAFARI (OR NOT) – RULE OF THUMB –
DON’T PACK TOO MUCH
The other most frequently asked question.
As a general guideline, comfortable casual wash and wear clothes are
recommended.
If you are going on safari, the less you take the better as most camps lodges and
hotels do offer laundry service if you are staying at least two days.
Muted colors such as stone, khaki, beige or brown are recommended when you
are on safari.
Game drives in the early morning and evenings can BE VERY COLD especially in
winter so you must pack accordingly.
“BUT WE ARE GOING TO AFRICA- WHY WOULD IT BE COLD?” Trust us, we know!
The key is to dress in layers in the early morning and strip down layer by layer as it
gets warmer as the sun rises. Vice versa for evening game drives.
CLOTHING FOR NAMIBIA SAFARI
Light weight shirts/blouses with long sleeves as protection from the sun and
mosquitos
T-shirts
Shorts
Jeans or safari trousers
Pajamas
Socks
Underwear
A light weight water-proof jacket
Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
Comfortable walking sandals or flip flops for warmer days
A wide brimmed hat with under-chin tie to prevent it from flying away
Swimsuit
A WARM WINDPROOF jacket (winter)
A fleece jacket that will go under the warm jacket (winter)
A warm polo neck shirt (winter)
A beanie (winter)
Gloves (winter)
A warm scarf (winter)
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EQUIPMENT / OTHER
Sunglasses
Spare prescription eye glasses/contact lenses
Binoculars
Cameras and related paraphernalia like lenses etc and plenty of memory
cards and spare batteries
A small powerful flashlight and extra batteries
Travel alarm clock
Small purse size umbrella can come in handy
Small lint roller
A light packable backpack or tote to carry equipment and stuff on game
vehicles
A supply of Ziploc bags in different sizes may come in handy for dust or water
proofing cameras , wet bathing suits etc.
PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT
Band aids
Antiseptic cream
Pain tablets
Heartburn relief
Eye drops
Insect repellant
Itch spray for bug bites
Sunscreen with high SPF factor
Hand sanitizer
Purse size kleenex packets
Eye drops
Chapstick
”make you go ” pills “make you not go” pills as well as any prescription
medications that you rely on on a daily basis.
ENJOY NAMIBIA !
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE LINK FOR NAMIBIA
YOU MAY LEAVE AFRICA FOREVER BUT YOUR MEMORIES OF AFRICA
WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU!
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