Travel Guide Namibia
Travel Guide
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)
May – Rains have ceased and therefore scenery is lovely and green. During the day temperatures are moderate (24 – 28ºC / 75-82ºF). Evenings and nights are not that cold yet and are at most times pleasant but cool.
June – Falling just before the winter months, it starts getting colder in the evenings and at night, where temperature can start dropping to 10ºC / 50ºF. In the southern desert areas it can get very cold. During the day temperatures are still pleasant between 20 – 24ºC / 68 – 75ºF.
July & August – Usually the coldest of the winter months. Average temperatures during the day are around 21 – 25ºC / 70 – 77ºF. At night it drops to around 7ºC / 45ºF and can fall below freezing in the southern desert areas and more northern regions of the country.
September & October – From September, daytime temperatures warm up slightly but it still isn’t too hot. The morning and evening chill factor is less and skies are clear as it is still dry. During October it gets even drier throughout the country, due to the longer period without rain, and it slowly starts to get warmer during the days and evenings. Daytime temperatures can during this time get quite hot.
Wet Season – November to April (Summer)
November – It starts to really warm up as we head towards our peak summer months. It can get very hot throughout Namibia during November, but humidity is still low. Daytime temperatures can rise to 30ºC / 86ºF but can be a lot higher in the southern desert areas and far north of Namibia. Clouds can often be seen in the afternoons but it is not common for rain to fall yet.
December – A hot month overall with the first rains starting to fall throughout the country. When it rains it cools off a bit making for pleasant temperatures. Rains are usually in short bursts and don’t last too long.
January & February – The hottest of the summer months. It can get extremely hot and humid with temperatures averaging around 30 – 35ºC / 86 – 95ºF but often reaching peaks of 40ºC / 104ºF in the southern and more northern areas of the country. Downpours are common in the afternoons but also not falling every day.
March & April – Rainfall is less throughout March and has usually stopped completely by the end of April. Daytime temperatures are cooler than in the peak of summer and the nights start to get colder. Most days will see temperatures of around 25 – 30ºC / 77 – 86ºF.
Vaccinations:
• You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination.
• Namibia does not require any specific vaccinations, however you may need to show that you have been vaccinated against Yellow Fever if you will be travelling from or via a Yellow Fever Risk country.
• 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 rain season.
• We recommend that you consult your local physician with regards to vaccinations and precautions to be taken against malaria. Your doctor will be able to advise you regarding suitable malaria prophylaxis.
Some tips against malaria:
* 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 this when sleeping
Water:
Generally throughout Namibia, water is safe to drink, however bottled water is also readily available and can be purchased at all shops and lodges. Makes sure you drink enough water, especially during the summer months when it can get very hot. It is a good idea to keep a water bottle filled with fresh water at all times and have this with you, especially when on activities or out and about during the heat of the day.
Water is a scarce commodity throughout Namiba, so please use water sparingly and save water where you can.
Dietary Requirements:
If you have any specific dietary requirements, please advise this on booking your tour. This is also requested from you on the booking information form. This information will be given to all the lodges prior to your arrival so that this can be accommodated accordingly.
Medical Conditions:
Any medical conditions you may have, needs to be noted. Please ensure that we receive this information prior to your arrival and on booking your tour. This is also requested from you on the booking information form. This includes advising us of health issues and any allergies. If you will be travelling with medication, it is best to have this properly labelled and if necessary, keep this on you at all times.
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 the vehicle 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 inability to see animals on the road and this can be dangerous.
The general speed limits in Namibia are as follows:
60 km per hour on a public road within an urban area
100 km per hour on gravel roads (non-tarred roads) – although on most gravel roads we recommend not exceeding 80 km per hour for your own safety due to road conditions.
120 km per hour on tarred roads/ freeways
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 (to include stops en-route) 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.
Fuel costs fluctuate but as an indication, you can budget on the fuel prices (petrol and diesel) costing between ZAR 12 and ZAR 15 per litre.
FUEL CALCULATION:
Double Cab – 75 litre fuel tank Fortuner SUV – 80 litre fuel tank
On average you can work on about 8kms per litre. This should give you an approximate indication of the expected fuel consumption and for you to be able to work out your fuel budget based on the route you will be travelling.
VEHICLE DETAILS:
In Namibia we drive on the left-hand side of the road.
NB: Vehicles in Namibia are manual transmission or automatic.
NB: Make sure that you know which type of vehicle is booked for you and specify if you request an automatic vehicle as both vehicle types are available.
In Namibia 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 head lamps 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
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 dialling code in Namibia is +264
WIFI:
Throughout Namibia almost all of the lodges offer WIFI connection 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 is not guaranteed.
The currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar (N$). This has a fixed exchange rate to the South African Rand (ZAR) of 1:1.
South African Rand (ZAR) are accepted throughout Namibia, but it is important to keep in mind that the Namibian Dollar (N$) is not accepted in South Africa.
Foreign currency and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at any bank throughout Namibia. There is no limit with regards to the amount of foreign currency allowed into Namibia.
Namibia Tours & Safaris does not arrange VISAS and therefore this will be your own responsibility and arrangement.
You can have a look at the following link for more information regarding visa requirements: https://www.visahq.com/
Please check on the internet or with the Embassy whether you require a VISA to be arranged in advance or whether you can obtain it at point of entry. In some cases, it can take up to 3 months for Visas to be issued so please do not leave this to the last minute. Please note that we cannot arrange Visas from our side as the application requires your signature as well as the actual passport to be endorsed.
NB: Passports need to be valid for at least 6 months from date of departure/ the date you end your holiday.
TRAVELING WITH MINORS:
For parents travelling with children under the age of 18 into or out of South Africa, Namibia or Botswana, you need to have the child’s full un-abridged birth certificate with you.
Some tips on what to pack:
* A good quality pair of sunglasses
* Comfortable walking shoes (closed shoes)
* Swimming costume
* Wind breaker / anorak / parka for cold evenings
* Camera with extra battery and extra card
* Binoculars
* A good flashlight
* Basic medical kit