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english | deutsch
With around 300 days of sunshine per year, Namibia can be visited at any time of the year. However, during the Namibian summer from the end of November to January, it can be very hot!
The summer holidays are in December. The land is green and, provided that sufficient rain has fallen in the “short rainy season” in November, many plants are in blossom. From January to May, the farmers hope for as much rain as possible for farmland and pastures and, with luck, the dried river beds may fill with water. It is a good time to visit Namibia.
Winter, between June and August, is also a good time to visit Namibia. The sky is deep blue and clear and the sun always shines! However, the nights can be very cool. In Spring, from September onwards, the succulents blossom. Overall, the high season for visiting Namibia is between May and end of November.
As with any journey abroad, it is a good idea to take a traveller’s first-aid kit with you. In addition to any personal medication, this should contain medicine against diarrhoea, coughs and colds as well as plasters for scratches and wounds. Please make sure you bring sufficient personal medication for the entire journey with you.
A malaria prophylaxis is necessary for tours in northern Namibia. Malaria regions include the Etosha National Park, the Kaokoveld, Ovamboland and the entire Caprivi Strip. Please consult your doctor or your local institute for tropical diseases well in advance of your trip to ensure appropriate medication. Mosquito sprays are recommended, especially in the evenings during the rainy season. These are locally available. Otherwise most overnight accommodations have mosquito-proofed windows and provide mosquito nets over the beds.
There are no mandatory vaccinations for Namibia. All our major cities have good medical facilities. It is nevertheless advisable to take out travel health insurance for the duration of your trip.
Namibia is a safe destination. Although on a slight increase, the crime rate in the cities is comparatively low and one needs only to take the usual precautions with money and possessions as one would do elsewhere. Jewellery and valuables are nevertheless better left at home and an insurance is recommended for expensive equipment such as cameras etc. Our vehicles are comprehensively insured.
During the rainy season and in the winter months, the temperature change between day and night can be considerable. It is therefore a good idea to bring at least some warm clothes with you. Much of the country lies more than 1700m above sea level. The air humidity, even on hot days, is less than on the coast or borders to Angola or South Africa. Along the coast, it can also be both cool and humid as a result of the Benguala current. A windbreaker or light anorak is therefore a good idea. Worn-in, sturdy and comfortable shoes are also recommended, since we shall also sometimes do some walking and climbing.
During the day, the sun can be very strong and very bright. Sunglasses are a must as is sun cream with a high protection factor (30+). Likewise a wide-brimmed hat. A good pair of lightweight binoculars is highly recommended, and also a small but powerful torch.
As described in “terms and conditions” our tours are offered on half-board basis. It is therefore necessary to bring sufficient money for lunches, alcoholic beverages, tips and personal shopping, etc. Travellers checks can not always be cashed at all bank branches. Cash is easier to change, when necessary. Mastercard and VISA are accepted in almost all shops and restaurants in the towns.
The kind of accommodation, whether lodges, guest farms or camping, is described with each of the individual tours. Namibian Lodges are more costly but offer a higher level of comfort. In recent years, competition has meant that the guest farms have also raised their standards considerably. Some farmers open their houses for guests to make them feel especially at home. Most of the camping grounds we use have excellent sanitary facilities and several even have swimming pools.
Eating and drinking is no problem in Namibia and the only warning there is is not to overdo it! Fish and meat are locally produced and therefore fresh. Fruit and vegetables come either from Namibia or are imported from neighbouring South Africa, which is also the source of fine wines and fruit juices. Water, whether from wells, springs, the tap or bottled is generally clean and drinkable. In fact its quality is highly valued and it is used in brewing Namibian beer, which incidentally can hold its own against any other in the world.
When out and about on a tour, we shall often barbecue. We take into account the special needs of our guests where we can and therefore kindly ask that any special requirements (dietary, vegetarian, etc.) be communicated sufficiently in advance (please!).
As in many other places, it is appreciated if you ask in advance before photographing people. That applies in our country both in towns as well as out in the wilds. Although many Namibians speak German, the official administrative language is English. It would be nice to know just a few words in this language. A good topic for conversation, particularly with farmers, is the rainfall, and when it has fallen, how much — precious as it is, it is measured in millimeters!