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Tips for your Namibian Safari

Getting There

By Air
Daily international and regional flights service the two airports in Windhoek, namely Windhoek International Airport and Eros Airport. Domestic and international flights also service Walvis Bay, the international gateway to the Skeleton Coast in Namibia. Air Namibia is the national carrier.
 

Fly-in safaris are an excellent way to explore the remote areas of Namibia, introducing the visitor to a desert wonderland, nomadic African cultures, and unique African animals such as the desert elephant. This safari option is a favourite amongst visitors who have a limited number of days to explore Namibia, or those returning to Namibia for a repeat visit.
 

By Road
Self-drive safaris are very popular in Namibia. Namibia has an excellent network of roads; tarmac roads link the main towns whereas the remainder are compact gravel roads, which are well maintained. Namibia can be accessed from South Africa, Botswana and Angola. The driving distances are lengthy, with fuel stops few and far between the little towns and villages in the remote areas of Namibia.
 

Contact a Journeys2Africa specialist for recommended self-drive safaris, routes and planning.
 

Public transport is almost non-existent and Journeys2Africa that first time visitors book a packaged escorted Namibia safari, which includes tours with a qualified guide, quality safari hotels, airport transfers and charter flights where necessary.
 

Weather
Namibia is a great escape from the cold winters in the Northern Hemisphere, averaging 300 days of sunshine a year! The climate in Namibia is typical of a semi-desert country, where droughts are a regular occurrence. Summer months extend from September to April, with the rainy season from October to April. Winter occurs from May to August. At the coast dry, hot weather is typical.
 

The average temperatures in degrees Celsius are:
 

Language
The official language is English, while German and Afrikaans are also widely spoken.
Namibia has 15 ethnic groups with some 27 African languages and dialects being spoken.
 

Currency
The Namibia Dollar (N$) is based on the South African Rand (ZAR), with no fluctuation in exchange rate between the two. Notes (Namibian Dollar) and coins (cents) are available in denominations of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, NZAR 1.00 (US 0.13) NZAR 5.00 (US 0.65) NZAR 10.00 (US 1.31) NZAR 20.00 (US 2.61) NZAR 50.00 (US 6.53) NZAR 100.00 (US 13.05) NZAR 200.00 (US 26.10).
 

Payment in South African Rand is accepted throughout Namibia.
 

Download the American Express Foreign Exchange outlets in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana PDF

Credit Cards

International Visa, Diners Club, American Express and MasterCard credit cards are generally accepted, while the Speedpoint and ATM facilities ensure quick and efficient service.

Many of the hotels change foreign currency.

Note: No credit cards are accepted at petrol service stations.
 

Local Time
During the summer, from the first Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April, Namibia is two hours ahead of GMT. From the first Sunday in April to the first Sunday in September (wintertime), Namibia is one hour ahead of GMT.
 

Electricity
Appliances in Namibia operate on 220/240 Volts AC. Power supply outlets are designed for round three-pin 15 amp plugs.
 

Photographic Equipment
Camera Film and batteries can be difficult to purchase in remote areas of Namibia.
Recommended film for the bright desert lighting conditions is 100 ASA.
 

Dust-proof packing of your equipment is strongly recommended.
 

It is important to always ask permission to take photos of the local people as they are easily offended by obtrusive tourists snapping impromptu photos of them.
 

Avoid taking photos of any government or military buildings, as well as at cross-border crossings.