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Frequently Asked Questions about Namibia Namibia

When is the best time to travel?

Humidity is generally very low in most parts of Namibia, but can get as high as 80% in the extreme north during the summer. The rainy season is from October to April. The average annual rainfall varies from less than 50mm along the coast to 350mm in the central interior and 700mm in the Caprivi. During Winter (May-September), temperatures in the interior range from 18ºC-25ºC during the day. Temperatures below freezing and ground frost are common at night. Average interior temperatures during summer (October to April) range from 20ºC-34ºC during the day. Temperatures above 40ºC are often recorded in the extreme north and south of the country. The coast, influenced by the cold Benguela current, boasts a relatively stable range of 15ºC-25ºC. Heavy fog is fairly common at night. It is good to travel to Namibia all year round but May to September are perhaps the best as they are cooler.

What is the best time to see wildlife?

Between May and September is the best time to see Namibia's wildlife.

Can I pre-book transfers and extra nights?

Yes, you have the option to pre-book airport transfers (arrival only) and secondly the option to pre-book pre and post tour nights.These extra services should be added to your booking.


What about my passport?

You need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your departure. You are responsible for having a valid passport and visa when you travel.

Do I need a visa?

UK/EU citizens do not need a visa for Namibia, but these things can change so please click here and check out the current situation. You can also check on that website if a visa is required for any other nationalities. Make sure you find out whether or not you need a visa at least a month before departure so you do not run out of time.
If you do need a visa, please contact your nearest embassy (unless you use a visa service). Shoestring does not organise your visa. You are responsible for having a valid passport and visa when you travel. You can also obtain visas through a specialised visa agency like http://www.travcour.com/.


Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets?

Please click here for questions regarding vaccinations or malaria tablets for this country and then contact your GP or a specialised health clinic to make an appointment to get your injections and pills. Please make sure that you arrange this at least six weeks before your trip to give time for a full program. Two weeks might be enough for people who have already had a few injections. You are responsible for having the right protection when going on tour.

What is the recommended currency for Namibia?

Namibian dollars are the currency used but the South African rand is also accepted. It is best to take some currency and some travellers cheques. The travellers cheques should be in either US dollars or South African rand to avoid extra charges.

What kind of clothing and other stuff is practical to take?

A big part of this tour will take you through desert where there is a harsh climate. Nights here can be very cold and days can be extremely hot during our winter months. Bring thin clothes and a high-necked long-sleeved T-shirt or a thin cotton roll-neck jersey for the nights to protect you against mosquitoes. In addition, bring a jumper and waterproof jacket. An umbrella is of good use against the rain as well as against the fierce sun. A pair of worn-in walking shoes with a good tread and strong soles is important. Acacia thorns can easily perforate soft soles. Sandals are suitable footwear on days when we are not walking. Other important items to pack are: sunglasses, suntan lotion, toiletries, basic medical travelling kit, sun hat or scarf, a camera and an adequate amount of film, spare batteries, torch, maybe a pocket knife (not in your hand luggage), alarm clock, stationery, books, passport, sufficient cheques and cash, copies of passport and travel insurance, a list of trav

What kind of luggage should I take?

All this should be packed in an overnight bag or a backpack. Hard suitcases cannot be taken into the safari truck.
Additionally, a small rucksack or shoulder bag is handy for carrying everyday hand luggage. To keep valuable documents safe, you are best off purchasing a slim cotton money belt that you can wear under your clothes. Be sure to have a change of clothes in your hand luggage plus anything else you need to survive up to 48 hours without your luggage in case it is delayed. Keep essentials like the pill, malaria tablets, essential medicine, cheques, camera and your toothbrush in your hand luggage. Make sure your luggage is not too heavy. You will definitely not need the maximum weight of 20 kg allowed on the aeroplane. During your trip, you will probably buy lots of souvenirs and will soon have more than enough to carry. Shoestring advises you to bring a maximum of 12 kg of luggage.

How is the situation regarding electricity?

Please click here to check what voltage and plugs are in use in Namibia. You could also consider taking a universal electric plug.


Which travel guides and maps?

If you want to take a travel guide or map, we suggest you click on Lonely Planet.


What is the accommodation like?

You sleep in two-man tents and sometimes in a 6-person bungalow with shared facilities.

How is accommodation arranged if I book alone?

If you book alone you will share your room with a fellow traveller (same sex) unless you have booked a single room.  When we are camping, you may wish to take a small tent if you would prefer to sleep alone. If this involves extra camping fees (never very much), your tour leader will tell you and collect the extra fees.


Do I need a sleeping mat or sleeping bag?

Yes, you need to take a sleeping bag with you. For the 'South Africa and Namibia, Botswana and Beyond!' tour you will not need a sleeping bag. However, we do recommend that you bring a towel as these are not provided by the lodges and hotels.

What can I expect from camping facilities?

The camping facilities will be basic but clean and washing facilities will be shared. There will always be a restaurant on-site.

Do I need to take a mosquito net?

You do not need to take a mosquito net, they will be provided where necessary.

Do they cater for vegetarians in Namibia?

In Namibia, you can get a lot of European dishes, especially British and German. These will include baked pastries, bread and rice, fried potatoes and soups, amongst others. Vegetarians will be more than adequately catered for.

What kind of transportation is used?

Transportation is in overland trucks (or by car or minivan for small groups).

Is Namibia dangerous?

Most visits to Namibia are trouble-free, but travellers should always stay alert and keep valuable items close to them or locked away safely.
If you are interested in what the Foreign Office has to say, please click here.

Are there opportunities to snorkel or dive?

There are no opportunities to snorkel or dive here.

Are there opportunities to swim?

There are no opportunities to swim here.

What other activities and sports could I do?

In Swakopmund you can go ‘sand boarding’ or ‘quad biking’ on the dunes. For the real daredevils there is also the opportunity to go parachuting, with an awe-inspiring view over the desert and ocean. Of course there is also the chance to view game in the magnificent Etosha National Park.

How are communications in Namibia?

Mobile phone and internet usage are limited to urban areas. The postal service is generally reliable and letters or postcards should arrive in Europe within a few weeks of postage.


What is the time difference?

Please check the world clock in order to find out the exact time difference between Namibia and your own country.
Please note that the time difference can change depending on whether daylight saving time is used or not.