Day 1. Windhoek

After your arrival at the Windhoek International Airport, your guide will be waiting for you in the arrival hall. From here we will travel via mountainous terrain to Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. With roughly 350’000 inhabitants Windhoek constitutes the largest city in the country and is situated in a lush and scenically appealing valley of the Auas Mountains, Namibia’s second highest mountain range. Due to its central location, the city serves as the perfect vantage point to Namibia’s vast array of tourist destinations. The city is a kaleidoscope of modern and traditional cultures, fashions and architectural styles. Overnight: River crossing Lodge.

Day 2 – Kalahari Desert

We travel into the largest sand mass on earth, the Kalahari Desert. The bushman refer to it as the “Soul of the World”, an emotive description for this area! With its deep red sand dunes and endless grass plains interspersed with Acacia’s and shrubs, it is the only form of survival for a vast amount of specially adapted wildlife. Enjoy the opportunity to experience the fauna and flora that has survived this desert environment for thousands of years. Overnight: Kalahari Anib Lodge.

Day 3 – Fish River Canyon

After breakfast, we visit the quiver tree forest and the Giants Playground, which belongs to the most conspicuous plants of the countries indigenous. The name derives from its traditional practical application: the hollowed out pithy braches served as perfect quivers to the ancient Bushman! Our lodge is situated just 20 km from the famous Fish River Canyon amidst huge granite boulders. In the evening we have the opportunity to walk onto a nearby hill with an experienced guide, from where we have a beautiful view to witness the sunset.

We enjoy this natural phenomenon, the second largest of its kind on earth, with its awesome splendour and adapted fauna and flora on a scenic walk along the ridge of the canyon. After the visit we travel back to our lodge and have the remainder of the day at our disposal. Overnight: Canon Lodge.

Day 04 & 05 – Klein Aus Vista

After breakfast, we travel to the Succulent Karoo Desert in search of the wild horses of the Namib Desert. Originating from the Second World War these have managed to adapt to the harsh conditions of the desert and represent one of the only very few wild horse population. After winter rains, this desert unfolds in a carpet of flowers and an explosion of bright colours. It is one of the 20 most important biomes in the world and counts as the most specie diverse desert on earth. As an optional activity, we will explore the sweeping desert plains with its miscellany of organisms on a nature drive in the late afternoon. Overnight: Klein Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn.

Day 06 & 07 – Sossusvlei

After breakfast depart our lodge and stop over at Duwisib castle, standing incongruously in an arid setting south west of Maltahohe. The castle is stocked with arrays of priceless antiques of eighteen and nineteen century European and Russian, periods including furniture, firearms paintings, crystals and porcelain.

Enjoy the Wildcat experience tour at Hammerstein Lodge en route to Sossusvlei. We proceed via the rolling hills of the Naukluft Mountains to the desolate Namib Desert. Having arrived at our lodge the rest of the afternoon is spent at leisure or take part in the optional afternoon activities offered by the lodge. This morning we travel to the highest dunes on earth, experiencing this soulful, awe-inspiring place at sunrise. At Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei we clamber the magnificent dunes to admire the ageless desert from above. We will also visit Sesriem Canyon.

Day 08 & 09 – Swakopmund

Travelling via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Moon Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean. We arrive in Swakopmund in the afternoon; our hotel is situated in the centre of town, allowing us to reach most restaurants, shops and the sandy beach on foot. In the evening we can visit one of the excellent restaurants that Swakopmund has to offer.

You get a chance to see flying pelicans, seals, the Walvis Bay Harbour, old boat wrecks, dolphins and during season – even whales and turtles! Over 80% of the African flamingos feed in this lagoon and present a breathtaking picture when they appear in groups counting a few hundred thousand. Stopping at Bird Island, we relive the story of a man who saw an opportunity in mining guano in the early 1900’s.

The day starts with a Marine Cruise with Catamaran charters Safaris in the Morning at 9h00. Entertainment is provided by two types of dolphins, a large seal colony at pelican point, some seals who climb onto the boat for a fishy snack, and wonderful photographic opportunities of low-flying pelicans.

To round off the trip get spoilt with fresh Walvis Bay oysters, snacks, and cold sparkling wine served on board. Beer and soft drinks are also included.Overnight: Swakopmund Guest House.

Day 10 – Departure

After breakfast travel to the Windhoek International Airport via Uskaos, Karibib, Okahandja and Windhoek. After strolling through one of the large craft markets in Okahandja, your route takes you between high mountain ranges back to the capital city, Windhoek, and from here travel to the Windhoek International Airport for your outbound flight.

Tourists should book accommodation well in advance, especially for school holidays, when demand peaks. Please note, that not all accommodation establishments accept children under the age of 12 years or 16 years. Please check if you intend taking children.

Select one, preferred type of accommodation or we can design tailor-made, mixed-accommodation tour:

• two/three-star lodges
• luxury lodges and hotels
• camping/tented

Double rooms with an option of a single supplement. Air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. Camping tour: tented accommodation in 2-persons tents.

Included in the tour’s price:

Transportation/fuel, accommodation (or tents/camping equipment), meals as per itinerary, national park entrance fee, tour guide for the entire tour, transfer ‚to and from’ the airport, pick-up in Windhoek and guests’ transfer to the lodge/hotel after the tour.

Not included in the tour’s price:

Scheduled flights (bus tickets) ‚to and from’ Namibia, individually extended accommodation or additional transfers, sleeping bags on camping tours, compulsory insurance, water and drinks, alcoholic beverages, optional activities/attractions, snacks, gratuities and tips, trip extensions, personal shopping, visa to Namibia.

Climate

Winter (May to September) Temperatures in the interior range from 18˚C to 25˚C during the day. Below freezing temperatures and ground frosts are common at night.

Summer (October to April) Average interior temperatures range from 20˚C to 34˚C during the day .Temperatures above 40˚C is 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 15˚C to 25˚C. Heavy fog is fairly common at night.

Humidity is generally very low in most parts of Namibia, but it can reach as high as 80% in the extreme north during summer.

The rainy season is from October to April. Average annual rainfall varies from less than 50mm along the coast to 350 mm in the central interior and 700 mm in the Caprivi. The sporadic rains do not affect road travel significantly, however, tourists should exercise caution when crossing or camping in riverbeds during the rainy season, as flash floods are common.

Visitors should pack both warm and cold weather clothing for any visit to Namibia. Windhoek boasts a number of excellent safari outfitters and tourists are advised to shop for clothing upon arrival. Hats, sunglasses, lip balm, moisturizer and sunblock are essential when visiting Namibia.

 

Drinking Water

Tap water is safe and palatable in Namibia, unless specifically stated at particular location. Tourists travelling by road are advised to carry sufficient water at all times. Mineral water and ice are readily available at most service stations and shops.

 

Credit cards

We accept major credit cards such as Credit/Debit Card: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services, which may be available. Please note, service stations do not accept credit for petrol. Plan accordingly.

 

Currency

The Namibia Dollar (N$) and the South African Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia. The two currencies are on par. Foreign currency, travellers and personal cheques can be converted to the Namibian Dollar at any bank or Bureau de Change.

 

Duty Free Import

Visitors may import duty free 400 Cigarettes or 50 Cigars or 250g Pipe Tobacco, 2 litres Wine, 1 litre Spirit or other alcoholic beverages, 50 ml Perfume, 250 ml Toiletry Water.

 

Electrical Appliances

All run on 220/240 volts. Outlets are of the round 3 pin, 15 amp type.

 

Firearms

Handguns are not permitted in Namibia. Only properly licensed hunting rifles with valid permits for Namibia are permitted. Licenses and permits should be applied for well in advance, as attempting to do so at the border is a lengthy process. Hunting rifles are not permitted in Botswana, and have to be carried sealed if in transit to Namibia. All arms and ammunition should be declared even if in possession of a valid South African permit.

 

Health

Medical services in Namibia are of a very high standard. However, the availability of most services is restricted to the main towns. Emergencies and accidents occurring in remote areas do attract a high cost when transport to the main towns is required. Host establishments should be able to organize these services when requested.

The north of Namibia, including Etosha National Park, is a malaria-endemic area. Travellers are advised to have the necessary medication/prophylaxis and also carry insect repellents and sprays. Please consult a local doctor or pharmacist on the correct prophylactics for the specific area of entry. Blood in Namibia is donated by selected, unpaid volunteer. The Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia screens all blood products for transmissible diseases including hepatitis and AIDS. An insurance service for tourists is available from rescue companies providing one to three months coverage for emergency transport.

 

Language

The official language is English. All documents, notices and signs are in this language. Afrikaans and German are both widely used.

 

Personal Safety

Tourists in any country are a preferred target. Be on the alert for handbag snatchers and pickpockets. Exercise caution by keeping your vehicle locked, never leaving valuable/bags visible in the vehicle, using registered “car guards” when parking in towns. Leave cameras, electronic equipment, tickets passports and excess cash in the safe at your hotel when out sightseeing.

It is fairly safe, especially in a group, to walk in the city centre at night. Avoid unlit areas. Ensure that valuables and personal effects are adequately insured.

 

Public Transport

For transfers between Hosea Kutako (Windhoek) International Airport and the city, you can book with a shuttle operator; alternatively use one of the airport registered taxis. A number of companies operate bus services between main towns in Namibia and destinations in South Africa and Victoria Falls. They include Intercape Mainliner, Ekonolux, Town Hoppers and Baileys Transport.

Travel by train is possible up to Walvisbay in the west. Ondangwa in the north, Karasburg in the south and Gobabis in the east.

 

Time

Standard from the first Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April, Namibia reverts to GMT/UTC +2. The Caprivi Region stays on the same time as Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Namibian border posts with Botswana and South Africa adjust their operating hours to their neighbours’ time i.e. GMT/UTC +2. Daylight Saving: GMT/UTC +1 during winter starts from the first Sunday in April, and ends on the first Sunday in September.

 

VAT

All goods and services are priced to include VAT. Visitors may claim back VAT for goods purchased in Namibia at the Customs and Excise offices. Department of inland Revenue, in Windhoek. Further details can be obtained from the Ministry of Finance Information Centre by calling (02641) 2092642 or (026461) 2092644.

 

VISA Requirements

All visitors require a passport for entry into Namibia, which must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in the county, and have sufficient pages for entry and exit stamps. All visitors must also have a valid return ticket.

Validity:
Visas are valid up to three months from the date of issue for stays of up to three months from date of entry. Extensions for a further three months are available from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek.

Applications
Consulate (or Consular section at High Commission); see Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Application Requirements:
(a) Valid passport
(b) Completed application form
(c) Two passport-size photos
(d) Return or onward ticket or proof of accommodation
(e) Fee
Private: (a)-(e) and, (f) Letter of invitation from Namibian resident.
Business: (a)-(e) and, (f) Company letter (g) Letter from sponsoring company in Namibia

Temporary Residence Permit:
Apply to the High Commission or Embassy; see Namibian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

* Please note that a minimum of three working days are required for processing applications

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