Namibia Tourism Board

1. Do you require a passport and / or visa to enter Namibia?

Yes you require a passport and a visa to enter Namibia. All foreign nationals must in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months after the date of entry. All visitors require a visa except nationals of the countries with which Namibia has the necessary visa agreement. No visas are required from countries that have the necessary visa agreement with Namibia. Tourist visas can be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Namibian embassies abroad. Please see visas under traveling on the website…

2. What is required at the border when driving to Namibia from South Africa as well as border post times?

A passport that is valid for six months after date of entry is required. There is also cross border charges (CBC) or entry fees to pay when entering Namibia from neighboring countries. All foreign registered vehicles entering the country must pay an amount of N$120.00 per vehicle and N$80.00 per trailer. You need a sticker that identifies the country you coming from. South African citizens do not need a visa. The times for the border posts vary.

Namibia / South Africa
Ariasmsvlei: open 24hrs
Noordoewer: open 24hrs
Oranjemund / Alexander Bay: 06H00-22H00
Rietfontein: 08H00 – 16H30
Hohlweg: 08H00 – 16H30
Velloordrift / Onseepskans: 08H00 – 17H00

Namibia / Botswana
Impalila Island: 07H00 – 18H00
Ngoma Bridge: 07H00 – 18H00
Muhembo/ Shakawe: 06H00 – 18H00
Buitepos / Mamuno: 07H00 – 24H00

Namibia / Angola
Ruacana: 08H00 – 18H00
Omahenene: 08H00 – 18H00
Oshikango: 08H00 – 18H00
Rundu: 08H00 – 18H00

Namibia / Zambia
Wanele / Sesheke: 06H00 – 18H00

3. How do I get from the airport?

There are car rental companies operating from the airport. They are registered private transfer operators that transport passengers in and around Windhoek city and to the Hosea Kutako International Airport and Eros Airport.

4. What is the public transport like?

There are regular transport services in the city. Shuttle operators are recommended as a means of transport for tourists because they are registered with Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) and are insured for the safety of the passengers. Car rental is the most popular form of transport for visitors to Namibia; car rental operators are available in all major centers.

5. What train services operate into and around Namibia?

There are several trains that regularly visit Namibia from South Africa. These are luxurious trains such as the Shongololo Express, Bushveld Train Safaris and the Rovos Rail these operators visit the country on scheduled itineraries. Namibia also has its own luxurious train known as the Desert Express. The train is owned by Trans Namib Holdings Ltd. It offers overnight scenic drives between Windhoek and Swakopmund, stopping along the way for excursions. The train also goes to northern and southern Namibia. There is also Omugulu Gwombashe Star is also a luxury train that goes from Windhoek to Oshivelo in Northern Namibia.

6. Are there regular bus services?

The Intercape Mainliner bus service runs between major towns in Namibia. It connects with Johannesburg, Cape Town and other towns and cities in South Africa. The bus service also travels between Windhoek and Victoria Falls, Livingstone and Chobe National Park.

7. Road and safety conditions; are places easy to get to / clearly signposted, distances and time of travel?

In Namibia we drive on the left hand side of the road. A driver’s license is needed to drive on Namibian roads. All passengers in the car must wear seatbelts. The road network in Namibia is made up of tarred road, gravel road and sand road. The speed limit in urban areas is 60km/h, on tarred roads outside urban areas is 120km/h and on gravel roads outside urban areas is 100km/h. Gravel roads can be unpredictable. Do not drive too fast; it is easy to lose control of your vehicle.

Places are easy to get to because the roads are clearly marked. Places are far from each other because Namibia is a vast country. Along most of the roads sign boards are displayed with information.

The distances between towns are clearly marked along the road. Please avoid traveling during the night. Wildlife is mostly active during the night, and the possibility of an accident is increased.

8. Do we need an international driver’s license for Namibia / can I use my EU driver’s license in Namibia?

Tourist traveling to Namibia can use their driver’s license as long as they comply with the rules of the national roads of the country. The car rental companies may require international driving license, because the language use on the license is not English. It also depends from company to company.

9. Do we need a 4x4 vehicle to travel on dust and gravel roads?

It is highly recommended to use a 4x4 vehicle when you are driving on gravel road. 4x4 are recommended because of their height and durability. The vehicle will not be damaged by lose stones on the road. Sedan cars get stuck easily in sand roads; it is better and safe to use 4x4 vehicles, however major national gravel roads can be navigated by sedan but it is slow paced and hard driving. Please insist on an instruction from the car rental company on the off-road mechanics of the vehicle and driving and recovery techniques.

10. Petrol stations and cards and where they can be used?

Shell Service Stations uses D-Card. Most of the other petrol stations use fuel cards. It is always better to ask the petrol station attendant whether they accept cards or cash before your vehicle is refueled.

11. What are the entry permit requirements for the various parks across Namibia?

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All National Park’s in Namibia issue the relevant permits upon arrival at the park gates, fees and requirements only differ at a few parks.

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The following are strictly prohibited in all parks: pets, motorcycles, persons traveling on open vehicles or open loading bays, hitch hikers, leaving indicated roads, leaving the vehicle, pellets guns, catapults or unsealed firearms, disturbance of game.

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The Kuadom National Park requires visitors to be in a convoy of two or more vehicles and only one vehicle of the convoy may tow a trailer.

12. When do I need a permit to enter National Parks and should it be booked in advance?

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Booking in advance will secure peace of mind knowing that all formalities is taken care of, normal entry permits is available at park gates, any other special permits for hiking est., must be pre-arranged at the Namibia Wildlife Resorts ( NWR) All
National parks require some form of permit.

Please visit:
www.nwr.com.na or www.met.gov.na

13. I have not received feedback from NWR on my booking - what must I do now? Is it normal that it takes so long?

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NWR do have large amounts of bookings weekly, if response are perceived as delayed please contact the NWR offices directly or request confirmation via their website’s online booking office.

14. Where do I get the permits for the Fish River Canyon hiking trail?

Namibia Wildlife Resorts Central Reservations

Namibia Wildlife Resorts Ltd
Private Bag 13378
Windhoek
Namibia
Tel: (061) 285 7200 or (061) 285 7000
Website: www.nwr.com.na

Namibia Wildlife Resorts Ltd
P.O. Box 739
Cape Town 8000
South Africa
Tel: +272 1422 3761
Fax: +272 1422 5148
E-mail: ct.bookings@nwr.com.na

15. Can you advise the Fishing and hunting regulations and seasons?

15.1. Hunting Regulations:
Namibian Professional Hunters Association: www.natron.net/napha/

Hunting season
The trophy hunting season stretches from 1st February to 30th November. During December and January the hunting season is closed to trophy hunting. February may still fall within the rainy season and November may still be too hot.

Hunting Guides

Hunting shall be conducted exclusively in company of a registered hunting guide, master hunting guide or professional hunter.
Hunting guides (HG) may only conduct hunts on their own farm(s), duly registered as a hunting farm(s).
Master hunting guides (MHG) may only conduct hunts on their own farm(s) duly registered, plus two additional duly registered hunting farms.
Professional hunters (PH) may conduct hunts on all farms, provided they have written permission from the owner of the property independent of whether the farm is registered or not.
P H with big-game license. Only these PH's may conduct hunts with guests for elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo and lion.
Bow hunting. Only hunting guides/ master hunting guides/ professional hunters in possession of a valid bow hunting license may conduct bow hunting and guide bow hunters.

Hunting permits

A hunt shall only commence if the HG / MHG / PH has obtained a valid hunting permit (trophy hunting permit) from Nature Conservation prior to the start of the hunt. For cheetah and leopard an additional hunting permit has to be obtained prior to the start of the hunt.

Wing shooting

A hunter may take no more than two members of the permitted bird species during the hunt, which will be listed in the trophy permit. During the official "wing shooting season" more of each species is allowed.

Hunting clients

A hunting guide, master hunting guide or professional hunter shall accompany only two hunters to hunt simultaneously.

Firearms

Smallest caliber 7 mm.
Minimum energy (EO - muzzle velocity): 1350 Joule for springbuck, duiker etc.
2700 Joule for hartebeest, wildebeest, kudu, gemsbok, eland etc.
5400 Joule for buffalo, elephant, rhino etc.

No solid point cartridge is allowed to be used on antelope or any other species. Handguns and automatic weapons are prohibited. !!

Bow hunting

A Hunting Guide, Master Hunting Guide or Professional Hunter with additional qualifications for bow hunting must guide trophy hunters. Bow-hunting for trophies may only take place on game farms and areas which are registered for this purpose with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Hunting permits for various game species must be organized by the outfitter.

Bow energy is specified as follows:
Small Game -25 ft/lb
Medium Game -40 ft/lb
Large Game -65 ft/lb.

Trophies

A hunting guest may only take two animals of a kind each year, irrespective if the trophies are exported or not.
All Trophies must attain the minimum points of trophy quality.

15.2. Fishing Regulations:

Temporary fishing permits can be obtained at any local MET or MFMR offices in the coastal Towns, for further information please visit: www.mfmr.gov.na

This section will contain information with regard to recreational fishing, such as allowable catches, sizes and locations.

Coastal Angling:

A New set of regulations, made in terms of the new Fisheries Act (Act 29 of 1992), came into force on 4 January 1993. Sustainable conservation measures include as follows:

Prohibited species:

No person shall pursue, willfully disturb, catch, shoot, kill or be in possession of any great white shark, whale, dolphin, marine turtle or polychaete (bristle) worm. This means that angling with worms as bait, is now prohibited.

Trading, exportation and importation:

No person without a license or permit to catch fish on a commercial basis or with the written authority of the Minister shall sell any fish or marine organisms, including plants, provided that any such organisms imported into Namibia, may be sold. No written authority shall be granted in respect of red bait, coelenterates, limpets, periwinkles, chisons, bivalves, slugs, hermit crabs, echinoderms and galjoen.

The written authority of the Minister is needed to import or export any live marine organisms.

Prohibited areas for catching of fish

Subject to sub regulation (2), no person shall catch or disturb any fish or damage the seabed in such a way that it may be detrimental to the marine life ecosystem in general, within two nautical miles from the high water-line in any of the following areas

from the middle of the Kunene River to the southern bank of the Ugab River excluding the areas described for fishing;

from concrete beacons marked SV1 (southern border of Sandwich Harbour) to RL3 (just north of Luderitz);

from concrete beacons marked P1 (just south of Luderitz) to P2 (just north of Pamona Island);

from the southern limits of the quay in the harbour of Walvis Bay, along the coastline to Pelican Point;

The shore of any of the islands along the Namibian coast.

Angling areas for catching of fish notwithstanding the provisions of sub regulation (1) Any person may catch or collect red bait in the following mark areas;

Terrace Bay between concrete beacons marked TB1 situated approximately 5 km north of Terrace Bay and TB2 situated approximately 25 south of Terrace Bay;

Torra Bay between concrete beacons marked TB3 situated approximately 10km north of Torra Bay and TB4 situated approximately 10km south of Torra Bay;

From the Ugab River to Walvis Bay;

From Pelican Point to Sandwich Harbour ( Sandwich Harbour marked with concrete beacons, in the south SV1 and in the north SV2);

From the Agate beach to Grosse Bucht in the Luderitz area;

From Pamona Island to the Orange River on the southern border of Namibia.

From any fishing vessel in respect of which a license or permit has been issued and which authorizes the catching of small pelagic fish with purse-seiner nets or rock lobster with traps or ring-nets or the use of hand lines from such a vessel, catch fish within two nautical miles at any place within any area described in sub regulation (1) but excluding the catching of rock lobster which areas are described in regulation 19(1) (a)

With written permission of the Minister

harvest or collect aquatic plants washed up on the shore at any place within area south of Hottentots Bay.

Remove aquatic plants washed up on the seashore within the areas jurisdiction of local authorities of Henties Bay, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Luderitz and Oranjemund.

General

Subject to the provisions of sub regulations (2) and (3), no person shall, except on the authority of the Minister in the form set out in Annexure K, on any one day catch or convey or be in possession of any of the following species of fish in excess of the number or mass stipulated;

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Barnacles 5
Black mussels 50
Coelenterates 5
Echinoderms 5
Hermit crab 5
Limpets 15
Mollusks (other black mussel, limpet, periwinkles or white mussel) 5
Prawns 5
Periwinkles 25
Red bait 2kg without shell
White mussel 25

Sub regulation (1) shall not

be construed as prohibiting then conveyance or possession of any species of fish referred to in that sub regulation in excess of prescribed maximum quantity, if such fish
emanated from any catch by any person whoever under a license or permit or any other authorization issued or granted under the Act or these regulations;

Apply where prawns, octopus, squid or whelks are caught from a fishing vessel in respect of which a license or permit has been issued.

No permit as contemplated in sub regulation (1) shall be issued to catch within a distance of two nautical miles from the high water-line more than the quantity prescribed by that sub regulation in respect of limpets, octopods, periwinkles, prawns or white mussel.

Quantity limitations: Angling of specific species

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No Person shall on any one day catch from the shore or an angling boat or if for own use, and retain more than 30 fish in total of one of the following species: Kabeljou, Steenbras, Dassie, or Galjoen. Only eight of these may be Galjoen.

In respect of the transporting of the fish, restrictions as above are the same. If all or any fish are not whole up to a maximum of 30kg may be carried of which only 8kg may be Galjoen.

An angler may transport fish on behalf of another angler as long as that person accompanies him in the vehicle. In such a case 60 whole fish or 60kg if not whole may be carried. If all or any of the fish are on whole the weight may not exceed 60kg. Of the 60 fish carried there may not be more than 16 whole Galjoen or 16kg if not whole.

Sub regulation (2) and (3) shall not be construed as prohibiting the transport of a quantity of any of the species of fish referred to in sub regulations (1), but excluding gallon, in excess of any quantity prescribed by those sub regulation, is such fish emanated from any catch made by any person whoever under any license or permit or other authorization issued or granted under the Act or these regulation.

For the purposes of this regulation any fish of which any one or more of the following parts have been cut off or removed shall be deemed still to be in a whole state, namely, the head,
tail, scales or intestines.

16. What are the opening times of Etosha / Sossusvlei?

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Etosha and Sossusvlei National Park’s open at sunrise everyday and close at sunset everyday, Namibia has a day-light-savings time during winter season, and it is advisable that visitors confirm the set sunrise and sunset times during their season of visit.

Sossusvlei:
Overnight and day visitors may only enter between sunrise and sunset only. The Sesriem Canyon and Sossusvlei may be visited between sunrise and sunset only. The distance to Sossusvlei from the Sesriem camping site is approximately 63km, of which the last 4km is negotiable by four-wheel-drive vehicles only.

Etosha:
The park is open throughout the year.
Gates at entry points and the resorts are open from sunrise to sunset. As the resorts must be reached before sunset, the necessary traveling times between resorts and/or gates (speed limit in the park: 60km/h) must be considered. The distance between Halali and Namutoni or Okaukuejo is in both cases about 70km. Day visitors have to leave the Park before sunset. Once having entered the Park, Fees (not included in the paid-up reservations) must be paid at Namutoni or Okaukuejo before proceeding through the Park.

17. How dangerous are some wildlife?

Wildlife should be treated with respect at all times even the smallest wild animal can cause harm when forced into an defensive situation, below are some of the more serious species.

Hippopotamus – hippos are credited with killing more people than any other African mammal. This is usually by accident, as they tend to clumsily overturn riverboats, leaving those thrown overboard to their mercy. Once thought to be common throughout Africa, only 170,000 hippos are left and they are now a protected species.

Crocodile – although attacks on humans are rare when a croc gets its teeth into you, you’ll be lucky to live to tell the tale. They rip your limbs off by clamping them in their jaws and then twisting and thrashing their bodies under water. The largest Nile crocodile on record was shot in 1952 on the Semliki River in Uganda. It was 6m long and weighed over a tonne.

Snake – snakes are more frightened of you than you are of them, and will flee at the mere sound of a footstep. However there are poisonous snakes in Africa, such as the vine snake, and there are constricting snakes such as pythons, although they are more interested in killing squirrels and monkeys. If you are worried about snakes the best thing to do is to wear long trousers tucked into your socks.

Shark – you may not think so, but Africa has plenty of sharks, especially the most deadly of them all – the Great White. Great Whites weigh up to a tonne and mostly eat seals, although they do sometimes attack people on the beaches of South Africa. But don’t worry too much – statistically speaking you is more likely to be killed by a coconut falling on your head!

Mosquito – by far the biggest killer in Africa is one of its smallest animals. The mosquito can pass on yellow fever and Dengue fever, but it is best known for transmitting malaria, an extremely unpleasant disease that kills hundreds of thousands of people in Africa every year. You must take some form of protection against mosquitoes, in the form of a net to hang over your bed, chemical repellent or prescription drugs. Ask an expert.

Ten things you never knew about Namibia

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At 825,000 sq km Namibia is as big as the UK and France put together.

There are only 1.8million people in Namibia, making it one of the least densely populated countries on earth.

Namibia is famous for having the world’s biggest sand dunes – the monsters at Sossusflei take over an hour to climb.

Some of Namibia’s desert plants are over 1,000 years old. Experts think that the Welwitschia could even be over 2,000 years old.

Although Namibia is rich in gold, diamond and oil deposits more than half of its people live in poverty as subsistence farmers.

Namibia used to belong to Germany, which is why so many places – including the capital Windhoek – have German names.

Some of the most ancient tribal people on Earth live in Namibia. The San people, or ‘Bushmen’ are thought to go back 27,000 years.

The most popular game in Namibia is… football.

Namibia is home to the world’s largest population of wild cheetah – 12,000.

There is only one place on earth where four countries meet – a so-called ‘quadripoint’ – the four counties are Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and … Namibia.

18. Conserving the big cats

Although Namibia is home to the largest population of cheetahs, and the leopard is the most common of the ‘Big Cats’ in Africa, they are both endangered in Namibia. This is because the land that they like to hunt on has all been converted into cattle farms, and the farmers don’t want wild cats on their land – they mistakenly think they will kill their cattle.

Farms are different in Namibia from what we are used to in the UK. When we think of a farm we think of a small collection of fields where crops are grown or animals graze. But in Africa farms can be so big – some are as big as Kent – that the land is often shared with wildlife (or ‘game’). It is quite common to see giraffe or antelope on farms, and as they do not pose a threat to the cattle they are left alone. The problem is that there are 7,000 farms like this in Namibia, and they take up every inch of habitat that the cats need to live in. The only spare land out there is the desert and only a few big mammals such as the black rhino
and the elephant, and some ancient tribal people, have learned to adapt to the harsh and arid conditions.

Big cats are different and farmers don’t like them. In the 1980s they shot 6,000 cheetahs, and that is half the population, while in the 1990s they shot another 3,000, virtually wiping out the entire species. Many scientists think this was a big mistake because they are not convinced that cats pose any real threat to the cattle. Conservationists claim that the cats have as much right to live there as the farmers, and could actually bring the farmers much needed income from increased tourism. The debate has raged for years, leaving farmers on one side of the fence and supporters of the cats on the other. The Namibian government has tried to step in by protecting the country’s wildlife, but with farms that big, if you shoot a leopard, no one will ever know. It’s a sad story, but something is being done about it. In the 1990s Donna Hanssen and her brothers bought a huge cattle farm in the middle of Namibia and converted it into a sanctuary for local wild cats. Called the Africat Foundation they have so far saved nearly a thousand cheetah as well as leopards and lions. The idea is that the foundation will rescue cats, rehabilitate them and where possible, return them to the wild. The foundation also helps to educate local people and farmers, helping them to understand that these beautiful animals are worth more to them alive than dead.

A lot of the cats that come to Africat are admitted because they are orphans – usually a farmer has shot their mother and has no idea what to do with the ‘cute cubs’. Donna and her team of vets, trackers and other animal experts give these animals a new lease on life and help to preserve the wildlife heritage of Namibia for generations to come. Africat has a fantastic website and you can visit it at www.africat.org.

19. Where can I eat?

Namibia’s rich tapestry of peoples and diverse cultural expression is manifested in the food. It is a wonderful mélange of historic influences, cultural diversity and environment mixed together producing a delicious assortment of Namibian culinary treats. Namibian beef is, according to the EU, amongst the best quality beef in the world, rivaling Argentina. Thus it stands to reason that Namibian are loyal and dedicated meat eaters, and why not. When the cattle are feed the “old fashion way” resulting in healthy breeding and quality meat…. I say again why not! The regional Namibian cuisine is as fascinating as the diverse landscape, equally tantalizing and fulfilling. Every town boasts a selection of restaurants, diners, bakeries and delis. For more info on specific towns please visit:
www.diningoutnamibia.com

20. What can I do in the capital?

1. Camping
2. Bird Tours
3. Caving
4. Cycling Tours
5. Gaming & Casinos
6. Dance Classes
7. City Tours & Cultural Tours
8. Festivals & Carnivals
9. Shopping & Souvenirs
10. Day Trips
11. Exhibitions and Trade Shows
12. Flights
13. Visit Monuments & Historical Sites
14. Parliament Tours
15. Horse Riding
16. Industrial Tours
17. Hiking Trails
18. Visit the wild cats
19. Art Galleries
20. Sundowners
21. Star Gazing

For more info on the above activities please visit: www.windhoekcc.org.na

21. Is Namibia a politically safe country

Namibia gained independence on 21 March 1990, the country currently has its second president residing and celebrating 15 years of independence and political stability as a democracy. With stable economic growth in all sectors promoting Namibia as a developing country to the global economy.

22. Do I need malaria prophylaxes?

Sleeping under a mosquito net when mosquitoes are active at night. If possible avoid going out between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes commonly bite. Wear long sleeved clothing and trousers. Dark colours attract mosquitoes. Apply mosquito’s repellents to exposed skin and clothing. Sleep in rooms with windows and doors screened with mosquito netting. Visitors planning to travel to malaria endemic areas should consult local medical practitioners or pharmacists before departing for these areas. Always remember: Namibian medical practitioners and pharmacists are more familiar and up to date with the latest malaria treatment, than local doctors in the visitor’s country of origin.

23. What inoculations are needed?

Vaccinations for yellow fever for people coming from affected countries, and vaccinations for malaria for people going to affected places in Namibia. Inoculations regulations can change at short notice. Please take medical advice in case of doubt.

24. What is the best time to travel to Namibia?

Namibia is an all round destination. Not advice to travel during the rainy season for visitors determined to view wildlife.

Summer (October-April) Rainy Season, birding is recommended for this season.

Winter (May-September), Game viewing is recommended.

25. Can I travel independently or is it better to travel in a group?

We encourage self-drive tours in Namibia but necessary planning, phoning ahead to destinations, emergency numbers, safety tips need to be done accordingly.

26. Should one book accommodation in advance?

Strongly advised to secure availability, ad-hock arrivals at some places can be accommodated.

27. Are credit cards accepted in Namibia?

Credit/Debit cards like American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Check with your credit or debit Card Company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Credit cards are not usually accepted at petrol station and shops in remote areas.

28. Is the EC Card accepted in Namibia?

The European Community Credit Card will be accepted at banks in Namibia if it is a Master, Visa or a Maestro Card.

29. Should traveler’s cheque be issued in US dollars or in Euro?

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in US dollars or South African Rand. Visitors from EU countries could bring Euro and do not need to convert to USD.

30. Can we use our cell phone in Namibia or is it possible to rent a cell phone or to buy a sim card?

MTC has international roaming agreements with more than 218 networks in 102 countries. Visitors from these countries can use their phones in Namibia. There are various cell phone shops that rent out cell phones and also selling sim cards.

Please visit MTC website: www.mtc.com.na for roaming agreements.

31. Is it safe for a woman to travel alone through Namibia?

Yes it is save for woman to travel alone but it is strongly advice not to travel of main routes and to isolated areas without the necessary planning, emergency numbers and safety tips.

32. When are the school holidays in Namibia?

April/May, August/September, December/January

33. What are the plug or electricity requirements?

All electrical appliances run on 220/240 volts. Outlets are of the round 3 pin, 15 amps type the same as in South Africa. Adapters for international plugs are available in most general stores

34. What is the currency and what is best to take

The Namibia dollar and the South African Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia. The two currencies are on par. Currencies, travelers and personal cheques can be converted at any bank or Bureau de Change. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided declare on arrival. Exports of foreign currency are unlimited up to amount imported and declared as long as the departure is within 12 months.

35. What are the seasons? And when is the best time of year to travel?

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

Summer (October to April) Average interior temperatures range from 20 degrees Celsius to 34 degrees Celsius during the day. Temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius are often recorded in the extreme north and south of the country.

The coast influenced by the cold Benquela current, boasts a relatively stable range of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. 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. The average annual rainfall varies from less than 50mm along the coast to 350mm in the central interior and 700mm in the Caprivi.

Late winter beginning summer (June till November) is the best time to come to Namibia.

36. Is leopard permitted to be hunted by bow?

Leopard is allowed to be hunted in Namibia with a rifle, however being hunted by a bow is currently still illegal.

37. What are the rifle requirements when flying with
Air Namibia?

When flying with Air Namibia a rifle case up to 10 kg will be transported at no additional cost. Kindly ensure that you are at the check in counter at least 3 hours before time of departure to arrange all formalities. Separate transportation of weapons and ammunition by the police and customs officials, will take place.

38. Can I consume alcoholic beverages when using malaria prophylaxes?

Malaria prophylaxes tends to protect the kidneys against malaria infection, hence consuming excess alcohol can cause the body to go into shock, Elderly persons on prophylaxes are advised not to consume alcohol especially when flying, as alcohol has a dehydrating effect on the body.

39. How do I know a transfer operators in Namibia is legally registered?

All registered transfer operators are required to carry a special license disc in their windshield stating their legitimacy to transfer visitors. All tourism operators in Namibia must be registered with the local tourism board (Namibia Tourism Board) please refer to the registry.

40. When on a self-drive tour in Namibia - what is the fuel situation?

Fuel is regularly available; however some fuel points indicated on maps no longer exist and can cause some confusion. It is generally recommended that you fill up at every town en-route to your destination as to insure that you always have ample fuel.

41. What is meant by Namibia being a multiracial destination?

Namibia is a multiracial country as the population accounts eleven ethnic groups of which the Oshiwambo people constitute for seventy percent of the nation. Caucasian Namibian people mainly from Afrikaans, English and German origin, although there are smaller groups from Italian, French and Portuguese origin. All people consider themselves Namibians and feel offended when termed Europeans.

42. What are the requirements to get married in Namibia for foreigners?

The below mentioned documents must be submitted to your Namibian wedding organiser and pastor. Also important to know by local planners is whether the wedding will be a religious wedding or only a civil wedding as to arrange appropriate pastors.

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Both passports and copy's of these.
In case you have been married before and divorced: Final court papers of divorce
In case you have been married before and your spouse died: Papers to proof death (Death certificate)
Two witnesses (Local operator’s staff is normally willing to witness).

All technicalities will be arranged in the legal requirements by your local pastor and wedding organiser.

43. Is it Necessary to book in advance?

By all means. Your preferred establishment might be fully booked by the time you wish to overnight there and this can be prevented by booking in advance.

44. What do we do if our vehicle breaks down?

Your Vehicle Rental Company has a 24hour emergency number which you can call at all times.

Should you have no cell phone coverage, many roads driven by tourists are often used by other road users who can always lend you a hand. In the worst case scenario, should you not arrive at the lodge were you were expected by sunset, the lodge management usually alarms your tour operator who checks with the establishment were you overnighted the previous evening. Some of the lodges send out vehicles which go and look for you on the road that you would be expected to drive on. Always ensure that you have some food and enough water especially set aside for such emergencies. It is advisable to phone ahead to your next destination informing them on your route and approximate time of arrival. At all times do not walk away from your vehicle as your vehicle will always provide you with resources for survival, and it is easier to spot a vehicle than people, if a search party needs to be send out.

45. What is the right procedure to handle traffic and general fines in Namibia?

Namibia has a government protocol that, like many western countries, does not allow people being on the spot when offending traffic rules. The police officer finding you guilty of an offence has to issue a written summons. You need to take this paper to the nearest magistrate’s office or (police station in some case) and pay your fine. Make sure you get a receipt for payment made. NEVER pay a fine on the spot unless, you are assured that a receipt will be issued, such as at a mobile magistrate at a routine roadblock.

For any possible corrupt situations you may have experienced from public officers please visit and report at: http://www.anticorruption.info/rep_main.php