Namibia: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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Namibia: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

About Namibia

Overview

Where vast, silent and ever-shifting landscapes of the desert sands meet the crashing waves of the Atlantic’s Skeleton coast and unique flora and fauna live in harmony with an ancient tribe who have called this area home for 500 hundred years.  Historic architecture from a bygone colonial era, breathtaking vistas and welcoming local culture are all waiting for you. Welcome to Namibia! 

 

For Camping Itineraries, please note, this is a participatory camping trip, where all travelers will assist in setting up camp and cooking meals. Guides will teach you the best methods for quick set up and take down of tents and will lead the cooking, providing clear instructions and oversight. If you’ve never set up camp or cooked outdoors before, this is the perfect opportunity to learn under expert supervision!

 

Capital City: Windhoek

Population: 2.5 million

Currency: South African rand, Namibian dollar

Time Zone: Central Africa Time (GMT+2)

Emergency Number: 10111

Outlet: Types D/M

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Night-Sky-Namibia

Packing List

Speak the Language

Language: There are over 30 languages in Namibia but the official language is English. Afrikaans had equal status with German as an official language. Since independence in 1990, Afrikaans has had constitutional recognition as a national, but not official, language.

 

  • Hello - Hallo
  • Goodbye - Totsiens
  • Good night - Lekker Slaap
  • How are you? - Hoe gaan dit?
  • I’m fine, thank you - Dit gaan goed dankie
  • Thank you - Dankie
  • What’s your name? - Wat is jou naam?
  • My name is… - My naam is..
  • I’m Sorry - Ek is jammer

 

Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click here 

Desert-Namibia

Fun Facts

  • Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa is the first and only female leader in Africa.
  • Namibia is truly a wildlife lover's paradise as it boasts the largest population of cheetahs, the world's largest population of free-roaming rhinos and is one of only two countries in the world that have desert elephants.
  • Home to some of the highest sand dunes in the world, the highest sand dune in Namibia, located in Sossusvlei rises up to 1257 feet.
  • Namibia's dramatic landscapes have been used as the backdrop for major Hollywood films like Mad Max and 2001: A Space Odyssey.
  • The untamed Skeleton Coast, extending more than 300 miles between the old German colonial town of Swakopmund and the Angolan Border, is inhabited by the Himba tribe.
  • The Namibia coastline has thousands of shipwrecked vessels scattered across its vast coastline. The rough seas, continual strong winds and powerful ocean currents have contributed to their destruction.

Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

Guides USD $10-15 per person/per day
Drivers USD $2-5 per person/per day
Restaurants(full service)  10% of total bill

 

FAQ

Where can I find information on travel safety? Check out the US Department of State's website for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use the safe on the overland truck to store the bulk of your money, passport, and airline tickets. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.

 

Is the water safe to drink? Tap water is purified in hotels, lodges, and other public places so it is safe to drink.

 

Do I need a Visa? For Visa information, click here. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

What about vaccines? For vaccination information, click here.

 

Do you recommend travel insurance? While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, worldnomads.com or from a provider of your choice.

 

How much should I pack? As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

 

What does public transportation look like? Public transportation like city buses are not available but getting around towns and cities is easy with taxis and shared taxis. It is best to take a coach when traveling long distances to and from major destinations.

 

Is Uber or Lyft available? There is neither Uber nor Lyft but Namibia has its own ride-sharing app, LEFA.

Luggage Restrictions

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