Planning your trip is vital and can be fun to do. We recommend 6 weeks of planning before you depart for Namibia. To help with planning your adventure from the time that you have booked your holiday we have a checklist for you:

FLIGHTS Our UK and European based representative will gladly book your flights for you once you have decided on your dates. We will find the best deals for you. If you book your own flights remember to check on baggage allowances.

TRAVEL INSURANCE Travellers are advised to take out standard travel insurance privately before departure. All travellers must depart their home country with medical insurance, which is recognised in Southern Africa and recognises Southern Africa as a holiday destination. Our representative company in Namibia are covered by Tourmed offered by SOS International. See more info on Health and Safety

VACCINATIONS You might require vaccines and highly recommend that you contact your local doctor or health department prior to your departure for any changes in health regulations or which vaccines you will require. It is also advisable to contact The British Airways Travel clinic on 020 76062977 or visit www.britishairways.com or visit www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk and www.travelhealth.co.uk, they will provide you with updated comprehensive information and a comprehensive malaria avoidance programme and variety of products to assist you in avoiding malaria.
Click on Health and Safety for more information

VISAS As UK / USA / EUROPEAN citizens you will not need a visa to enter Namibia or South Africa. However, if you intend visiting Zimbabwe or Botswana you might require a visa. Please remember our representatives will be happy to help you obtain any visas you require. You may also purchase a visa for Zimbabwe at the Zimbabwean border – only payable in US dollars.

INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENCE If you are doing a self drive (through Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe or Botswana) a United Kingdom / US / European drivers license is acceptable, however we do recommend that you apply for an International driving licence thought the AA.

TRAVELLERS CHEQUES & FOREIGN CURRENCY You will need to book your travellers cheques and some foreign currency in advance. Remember to make allowance for personal expenditure, gratuities for driver/guides. Travellers cheques in any currency are acceptable, while Visa and MasterCard are generally accepted throughout Southern Africa, but American Express and Diners Club are not. Usually only the large hotels and retail outlets will accept credit cards. Most towns in Namibia now have Automatic Teller Machines / Cash dispensers.

NAMIBIAN INFORMATION We recommend you familiarise yourself with Namibia and read our web page about Namibia, which will give you some history and background on Namibia. We also have a few books we can recommend you read prior to your departure.

To make your planning easier we have prepared the following checklist for you:

Some frequently asked questions which might assist you:

Do I need to carry around large amounts of cash?
Credit cards are accepted in most places and there are also many ATM’s (Automatic Teller machines) available. ATM’s can be found in most shopping malls and banks. Generally, it would be wiser to carry some cash with you, especially in the more remote areas. The local communities will only accept cash for curios. We recommend you wear a money belt to carry your cash, credit cards and any other valuables.
Can I drink the water?
Water in Namibia is safe to drink. Camps, Lodges will advise if the water is not suitable for human consumption. However, bottled mineral water is available from most stores. click here to see more on Health and Safety
Will I be able to communicate with the local people?
Yes, English is the official language in Namibia and is spoken in most urban centres.
Will I be able to stay in touch with the outside world?
Towns, villages, hotels and lodges are served by terrestrial telecommunications systems. Cellular phones can also be rented for the duration of your stay. Telephone cards may also be purchased locally.
Is it possible to drive oneself around?
Most of Southern Africa boasts thousands of miles of good tarred roads, many of which qualify as some of the least congested roads on the planet. Some wilderness regions, however, cannot be accessed by road. It is also advisable to use a 4 wheel drive in rough terrain. However, we do recommend that you have some experience in 4 wheel driving.
Isn’t Namibia politically unstable and dangerous?
Namibia is probably the most stable country in Southern Africa.
What about crime in Namibia?
Like the rest of Southern Africa, Namibia also has an element of crime and the biggest preventative is to be aware of the fact. Never leave valuables in a car, or in view of any passers by. Ensure your bag or handbag is closed at all times and always with you. Expensive camera equipment should always be in a bag and kept out of view of prying eyes.
What time of the year is the best time to visit Namibia?
As Namibia has a fantastic all year climate, we recommend any time of the year, except December and January when temperatures can be extreme. However, for game viewing the winter months (May to October) are probably the best times, as the grass is dry, there is less water around and thus more animal movement.

For further facts and information have a look at this web site:
www.holidaytravel.com.na or contact us