What is Namibia like?
Namibia is stunning! Very little can prepare you for the grandeur of the desert scenery in the Namib, the sheer numbers of game animals in the Etosha National Park or the amazing rock formations that you will encounter in Damaraland.
What is Namibia’s Climate like?
Namibia is a country mostly characterised by clear blue skies and pleasant climate. August, September and October are the end of winter/spring and are generally very dry with maximum temperatures of 24-30 C to be expected. March, April and May are the end of summer/autumn and maximum daytime temperatures are usually about 30 C. It can be slightly cooler at the coast and in the evenings with minimum temperatures of 10-12 C. It is advisable to have a jacket handy for the visit to especially the coastal region.
What Language do they speak?
English is the official language in Namibia but Afrikaans, German and a variety of other local languages is spoken just as widely. There are at least 16 languages and dialects spoken by the 1.8 million inhabitants.
What is the local currency?
Both the Namibian Dollar (N$) and the South African Rand (R) are legal tender in Namibia as these are fixed to each other and equal. All major credit cards are accepted at the hotels but cash would be needed to buy souvenirs in more remote areas. Traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at the airport when entering Namibia.
Do I need a visa?
British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Namibia. You also do not need vaccinations or malaria tablets to visit drier areas of Namibia which we will visit.
Who is the tour guide?
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Roy Earle was born in Namibia and has over the past few years taken several small groups of people on safari tours to that country.
As a veterinarian and a former professional ornithologist he has done many years of research on various species of birds and other animals and has more than 80 scientific publications to his name. He has a wide general knowledge of the biology and ecology of the animals and plants which is encountered on the safari and is the ideal tour guide to communicate this information with his usual enthusiasm to those on safari. An experience not to be missed! |
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What animals can you expect to encounter?
The larger mammals such as Giraffes, Oryx and Plain Zebras are plentiful but we will also search for the more elusive species such as the diminutive Damara Dik-dik, Eland, Spotted Hyena and Mountain Zebras. We will also see smaller mammal species and at several locations we will observe the antics of the widespread Ground Squirrels and Banded Mongoose going about their daily business. In all, about 240 mammal species occur in Namibia.
The very tame and colourful head-bobbing Namibian Agama Lizards will afford you wonderful photographic opportunities of these uniquely Namibian reptiles while the endemic Etosha Agama, Namaqua Chameleon and the Flap-necked Chameleon are often seen crossing roads. On the red sand dunes at Sossusvlei we will observe the well camouflaged Spotted Sandveld Lizard hunting beetles and doing their “hot sand” dance. There are about 250 reptile species in Namibia.
How do we travel?
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We travel to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, with Air Namibia via Frankfurt (or Johannesburg) from London Heathrow. The Frankfurt-Windhoek leg of the flight is nearly ten hours duration. In Namibia we will travel in a Toyota Quantum (for 6 people = 10 seats). The vehicles all have very efficient air conditioning and comfort is primary. The vehicle will be driven by the tour guide personally and we will expect to travel 3500-4000 km during the two weeks. |
What should I take?
There is adequate luggage space in the cars but it is advisible to take a case that is not larger than 60X50X30 cm.
In addition to this one bag of hand luggage in the form of a shoulder bag or rucksack can be taken together with any camera or video camera bags. A rucksack is ideal as this could be used to carry your water bottle or other drinks when on the short walking trails at Sossusvlei, Solitaire and Otjibamba.
Clothes (etc to pack):
The items listed below are not a check-list but only a guideline. However, after many visits to the area I believe this is a very practical guideline.
Do not take too much!! Clothes are easily washed if needed and would dry within a few hours due to the very dry air. Most hotels also offer a same day laundry service at a nominal fee (take travel wash if you like).
1-2 Trousers or skirt for evening meals
2-3 Knee-length shorts (preferably cotton)
2-4 T-shirts (preferably cotton)
1-2 Short/long sleeved shirt/blouse
3-4 Pairs of socks (at least 1 thick pair for walking)
1 Jacket/cardigan/windbreaker
1 Swimming trunks/costume
1 Pair of comfortable walking boots/trainers
1 Pair trainers/sandals (for use when travelling and in the car)
Underwear and sleep wear
Toiletries, Insect repellent
Sunglasses, sun block, after sun lotion, lip ice, moisturizer
Binoculars, camera, video camera (as well as chargers and adaptors).
(A rounded 3-point electric socket is used in Namibia, an adaptor can be obtained at an airport shop).
(all hotels supply bath towels and some even beach towels)
Personal check-list:
Passport (valid for at least six months after entering Namibia and need a few clean pages)
Health insurance
Travel insurance
Traveller’s Cheques/Credit cards/Cash
Mobile Phone
The tour leader in a separate bag will take the following:
Medicine bag – this will include all basic first-aid material and medicines (anything special you would like to include?)
Books with information on mammals, birds, plants etc.
Travelling iron, Travel kettle
Where do we stay?
All overnight accommodation is in hotels or lodges of 3 or 4 star standard in double rooms with en suite facilities. The accommodation includes breakfast and evening meals.
How much does it cost?
As from August, 2009 Air Namibia has cancelled all direct flights from the UK to Windhoek. We thus have to fly via Frankfurt or Johannesburg to Windhoek. Safaris will usually start flying out on a Friday (Day 1) and returning on a Friday morning two weeks later (Day 15).
The cost of the safari is £2585 per person sharing (excluding the flights). This includes all accommodation, breakfasts and evening meals every day and light lunches and refreshments when travelling (snacks, water and soft drinks), the entrance fees to the Etosha National Park, the Seal Colony, the Big Cat Experience, all activities at Africat, the guided tours at Twyfelfontein and the 4x4 trip to Sossusvlei.
The flights will be booked as soon as bookings for the safaris are confirmed and the price will then be made known.
Where do we go?
Click on Tour Itineraries. OR see Tour map.
How long before I want to go should I book?
Bookings for any of the safaris should be made and confirmed at least ten months before the start of the safari to maximise the chances of securing flights and accommodation outlined in the itinerary.
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