FAQs

Namibia is a safe and stable country boasting modern infrastructure and facilities and one of the cleanest and neatest African capitals. Still, be careful, remain alert and keep a close watch over your belongings.

Namibia is an excellent holiday destination due to the favourable currency, which means that most international travellers are able to get luxury accommodation and transportation at a fraction of the price in their own country.

Although most parts of Namibia are malaria-free, travellers heading north of Windhoek (and towards the Caprivi) need to consult their doctors about anti-malaria medication.

Changing money: At the airport in Windhoek you can exchange foreign cash at the teller or you can draw money at the ATM. This goes for all bigger towns in Namibia. Best ATM when using foreign cards are Nedbank (green) or Standard Bank (blue). Draw or exchange about N$ 5000 per person at the beginning of your tour and try to pay with credit card during the rest of your travel. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted.

As mentioned above, dinner and breakfast are usually included in the lodge tour. Lunch and any missing, additional meals in restaurants can usually be paid with credit card.

On the mixed lodge/camping tour the accommodations and campsites are pre-paid.

Costs for supplies in shops are comparable to Europe or the USA. Eating out in restaurants is normally less expensive than in Europe.

You can buy beautiful souvenirs relatively cheaply all over the country. Local producers of jewellery and artefacts benefit from this income.

A 10% gratuity for a good service in restaurants is common in Namibia. For services at fuel stations (re-fuelling, washing the windscreen…) a tip of N$ 5 is a guideline. Many accommodation facilities have a general “tip box”, the content of which gets equally distributed amongst all staff members. Tips are normally given once at the end of the stay and are usually about N$ 50 per person per night. Of course, the amount you want to give as gratuity is at your own discretion.

Most Europeans (as well as US citizens and many others) receive a visa free of charge when entering the country. This visa is valid for the duration of the intended stay (make sure!). The maximum given stay is 90 days.

• You definitely need a passport which is at least 6 months valid and which has two open pages when entering the country.
• It is your responsibility to inform yourself about the visa regulations that adhere to your nationality before travelling to Namibia.
• Double check the entry stamp at immigrations on the duration of validity of your visa.
• Should you be travelling with minor children, please let us know as special documents are needed for that.

Namibia does not prescribe any vaccination, but check with countries where you might be in transit! Malaria is restricted to certain areas of the country. Depending where you want to travel to, we will advise about malaria. As with the visa regulations please always inform yourself at your own Ministry of Foreign Affairs about regulations.

Banking hours at most commercial banks are Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 15h30 and on Saturday from 08h00 to 11h00

ATMs are found throughout Namibia's major city centres and shopping complexes.

The currency is the Namibian Dollar, where NAD1 is made up of 100 cents. Please check with your hotel for daily exchange rates. Foreign currencies such as the USD are widely accepted.

Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express are accepted by most restaurants, shops and hotels. Proof of identity may be requested, so be sure to carry a passport or some form of photo identification at all times. Credit cards are not accepted at petrol stations.

It is advised you check with your tour operator or hotel concierge – they will know if there are any potentially unsafe areas along your travel route.

For self-drive guests in Namibia, all vehicles on the road have to drive with their headlights on at all times of the day.

It is wise to avoid deserted areas, particularly at night, and if you are on a self-drive adventure then please ensure your car is locked at all times – park in well-lit, busy areas.

Dress-down (i.e. don't wear excessive jewellery) when exploring Africa's diverse cities. Concealed travel wallets are recommended.

Stopping for hitch hikers is not recommended.

It is advised you check with your tour operator or hotel concierge – they will know if there are any potentially unsafe areas along your travel route.

For self-drive guests in Namibia all vehicles on the road have to drive with their headlights on at all times of the day.

It is wise to avoid deserted areas, particularly at night, and if you are on a self-drive adventure then please ensure your car is locked at all times – park in well-lit, busy areas.

Dress-down (i.e. don't wear excessive jewellery) when exploring Africa's diverse cities. Concealed travel wallets are recommended.

Stopping for hitch hikers is not recommended.

Please be sensitive when photographing people. Namibians are renowned for being friendly; however it is courteous to ask permission before snapping away.

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) is not allowed in any of the conservation areas we manage until such time as their impact on wildlife and anti-poaching initiatives can be assessed. This rule will apply throughout Africa, as our partners in various countries and regions have adopted a similar stance.

Guests visiting Namibia must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of travel and should have two blank pages available in their passport. Visitors who intend travelling to Namibia's neighbouring countries and back are advised to apply for multiple entry visas.

• Bear in mind that Namibia is a country of high temperatures. In summer the mercury may reach 40°C/104°F and even winter temperatures are as high as 25°C/77°F.
• It is always a good idea to have a record of your passport number, airline tickets and travellers cheques.
• Don't leave your baggage or luggage unattended.