Travel tips Namibia

Namibia was previously colonized by the Germans and was known as South West Africa. It is bordered by South Africa in the south, Angola and Zambia in the north and bordered in the east by Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Tipping

Tipping is only expected in up market tourist establishments where a service charge is not included. In this case, do not leave more than a 10% tip. Tipping is officially prohibited in national parks and reserves. Haggling for local handicrafts at roadside stalls is quite acceptable.

Malaria Prevention

Northern Namibia is a Malaria-endemic zone. You should have the necessary medication/prophylaxis, insect repellent lotions or sprays.

It is advisable to sleep under a mosquito net at night when visiting Northern Namibia

If windows and doors are not screened with mosquito netting, keep the windows and doors closed.

Safety

When traveling by road keep your vehicle locked at all times.

Visible articles in the car should be placed out of sight so as not to tempt thieves.

Lock valuables in a safe place

Be aware of handbag snatchers; pick pockets.

Extreme caution should be exercised when considering bathing in African rivers. Most rivers carry the Bilharzia patho-gene and harbour dangerous crocodiles and hippos.

Travel on Namibian Roads

Petrol stations are available throughout Namibia and are located approximately 250 km apart. However, they do not accept credit cards as a form of payment for petrol. Ensure that you have cash (N$/SAR) or a petrol card.

Traffic in Namibia is left-hand drive.

Use of seat belts in Namibia is compulsory.

It is advisable not to drive at night because wild animals become more active at sunset and sunrise.

Switch on the headlights of your vehicle to be more visible in dusty conditions on the road.

Permits must be obtained when traveling to National Parks or Game Reserves.

Water

Water is Namibia's scarcest commodity. You can contribute positively to water-saving efforts.

Where possible take a shower rather than a bath.

It is illegal to wash a car using a hosepipe. Use a bucket of water and cloth instead.

Minimize on leaving water running while shaving, brushing teeth or washing hands.

Tap water is drinkable in Namibia unless you are advised otherwise concerning a particular location.

When traveling by road ensure you have adequate drinking water.

Best times to visit Namibia

The best time to go to Namibia depends on where you're headed.

Windhoek

The best time to visit Windhoek is between May and September, when it is cool and dry.

Southern Namibia

The best time to visit southern Namibia is between May and September when it is not so hot. The climate of the southern coast is hospitable from February to May, but quite cool and misty year-round, and particularly windy in August.

The Namib

The Namib coast is best visited from October to March when the weather is cooler. For the inland areas of the Namib, the cooler months from May to September are best.

Skeleton Coast and Kaokoveld

The northern Skeleton Coast experiences much the same weather year-round: moderate temperatures with mist, wind, and hardly any rain. For angling, November to March is the best period.

For the inland Kaokoveld, the period from May to August is best.

Etosha and the North

The most popular time to visit Etosha is from April to September. From May to September is the best period for game viewing. Summer is best for bird watching, as migrant birds visit the pans after the summer rains.

Kavango and Caprivi

Summer is the best period for bird watching in the Kavango area and the Caprivi Strip, but visitors should be forewarned that the heat and humidity can be unbearable unless they are at least partially alleviated by rain.

Winter, being cooler and drier, is best for game viewing.

Other tips

Wear sun block at all times.

Bring a hat and sunglasses - Namibia has sunshine through out the year.

As Namibia has a typical semi-dessert climate with hot days and cool nights, warm clothing is necessary no matter what part of Namibia you are visiting.

When visiting during the summer it is advisable to pack cotton clothing.

Points for electric shavers (electric current 250VAC) are available at most hotels, rest-camps and resorts