1. What are the accommodations like?
In Namibia, we offer a wide range of accommodations; from traditional African Dome dents with bucket showers and long drop toilets to Luxurious camps with all the fittings of a 5 star experience. Speak with you trip planner to choose the right option for your tour.
2. Are meals included?
While on Safari in Namibia, all meals will be included from lunch on day 1 until departure. There may be the occasional meal on your own if you are in an urban area with a variety of choices.
3. Do I need a converter/ adapter for the electricity?
Namibia uses 220 volts electricity and requires a South African style plug (three large round pin). Travelers will need a voltage converter for 110 volt devices. It is best to travel with your own adapters. It is not possible to use appliances such as hairdryers or electric shavers in the tented rooms as most of the camps in Namibia have low wattage fuses which will trip.
4. What are the tour leaders like?
All of our tour leaders are exceptional! They are fluent in English and local languages. They are from the local areas where they guide and are among the very best guides available in each region. Our tour leaders treat our travelers like friends, showing visitors both the major highlights and the local treasures.
5. What type of food is typical in Namibia?
While on Safari western style fare is available each day and fresh, local fruits and vegetable are incorporated into the meals. Please let your trip planner know about any food allergies or dietary concerns as we can accommodate all kinds of preferences with notice.
6. What type of transportation is used?
Vehicles used are normally comfortable specially modified 4x4 Landcruisers, equipped with air-conditioning, large windows, pop tops, fridges for drinks and snacks. A trailer for luggage is taken if required.
7. What is the climate like?
The weather in southern Africa is generally pleasant through the year- warm to hot days, and cool to warm nights.
8. What is the typical age range for these tours?
Our Africa tours tend to attract all ages. The minimum age to join a set departure trip is 12, if you have travelers younger than 12, speak to a travel consultant about booking a private departure. You must be able to climb into and out of a safari vehicle, so these trips are not suitable for travelers with
mobility issues.
9. Are these trips suitable for kids?
Safari options are definitely suitable for children as young as 6 (set departures 12). Please note that this depends on the child and is the responsibility of the parents to determine whether this type of program is suitable for their child. There are long drives on Safari (sometimes lasting 6-8 hours) and the roads can be very rough. Some accommodations will not accept young children, so speak to your consultant to find appropriate programs.
10. Are these trips a good choice for solo travelers?
Yes. A solo traveler is welcome to join any set departure date for the safaris. Please note that safaris are only confirmed with a minimum of 2 travelers. Should the minimum not be met, the scheduled trip will be converted into a private departure and may incur additional costs.
11. Do the rates include international flights?
Tour rates do not include international flights. We find that it is usually less expensive for travelers to book these separately and this also allows you the flexibility to choose the schedule and routing that is most convenient for you. You can purchase international flights on your own, or we can certainly help you arrange these flights with an airfare consolidator who specializes in international flights to Africa.
12. How do I get to the hotel from the airport when I arrive?
You will be met by a Safari representative once you clear customs and baggage claim. They will transfer you to your first lodge or hotel.
13. How much should I budget for tips?
Tips are not required on any of our tours. However, it is customary in Africa to offer a tip for exceptional service. Here are some guidelines for your trip to Namibia:
Camp or Game Lodge Guides, Specialist Guides, & Butlers - $10 per person per day.
Trackers - $5 per person per day.
General Safari Camp / Lodge Staff - $10 per person per day. This should be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally among all the staff.
Portages - $2-3 per guest per movement.
Please remember that tipping is at your discretion and should be based on the service you receive.
14. How far in advance should I book?
You can book your Namibia tour at any time and generally the earlier you book, the better. Booking early, 10-12 months or more is recommended, though 4-6 months prior to departure is certainly manageable.
Further, we usually recommend that you wait to book your international flights until after your tour is confirmed. The sooner that we arrange your tour, the sooner that you can take advantage of flight deals as they become available.
15. Are tour dates flexible?
YES. Please contact us if you are not able to travel on the set departure dates listed on-line. Most tours can be arranged on alternative departure dates for a minimum of two travelers as long as lodges/ hotels are available.
16. Can I extend or change my stay?
Absolutely! Check out our
Africa Extensions for ideas. Let us know how you would like to customize your trip and we will do our best to accommodate you.
17. What should I pack?
You will receive a detailed packing list specific to your tour after you book.
On Safari, luggage should be limited to one item of baggage per person weighing less than 44 lbs. This weight limit includes camera equipment and hand luggage. The maximum dimensions of the soft bags which can be accommodated are as follows: 10 inches wide x 12 inches high x 24 inches high.
18. How safe is Namibia?
Namibia is a peaceful country, however, they do have petty crime. Travelers should take the same precautions that they would in a major city in the US. Don't wear expensive accessories or watches, and don't carry large sums of cash. Take particular care with your passport. Pay attention to the advice of your tour leader and hotel reception and take common-sense precautions such as not going into unfamiliar areas alone, especially at night.
Guides will monitor your safety in cities and in the game areas. From time to time generalized travel statements are issued concerning travel conditions in the area. For current Department of State announcements and Consular information see
travel.state.gov.
19. What time zone is Namibia?
Namibia is on West Africa Time Zone, GMT +01:00. Namibia does recognize Daylight Savings Time.
20. Is the water safe to drink?
Tap water is generally safe to drink throughout southern Africa. However, bottled and filtered water is readily available. Water will be provided in the safari vehicle and at camp.
21. Can I use US dollars, or do I need local currency? What is the local currency, exchange rate, etc.?
The local currency of Namibia is the Namibian Dollar. Namibia banks only accept US Dollars, Pound Sterling, Euro, and South African Rand in cash. Any cash payments made to camps for curios or gratuities need to be in one of these currencies. Check out a Currency Converter like,
www.oanda.com/currency/converter/ for the latest exchange rates.
22. Should I bring cash or Traveler's checks? Are ATMs available? Can I use credit cards?
ATMs are readily available in the larger towns and cities, but hard, if not impossible to find elsewhere. Traveler's checks are not recommend as they are hard to exchange, and fewer retailers are accepting them. Although it is helpful to bring a credit card along for emergencies, don't count on using it for most purchases.
23. Can I use my cell phone?
Check with your cell phone provider. Each company is different and they can give you the most up-to-date information.
24. What immunizations are recommended/ required?
No immunizations are currently required for visiting Namibia. You should be up to date on our routine vaccinations, including Tetanus. The CDC is currently recommending the following vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Malaria, & Typhoid. Travelers must bring along their International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) as proof of vaccination.
You may also want to consider the following vaccinations: Hepatitis B, Yellow Fever and Rabies.
Please note that some countries, such as Namibia, require a yellow fever vaccination if traveling directly from an affected country (such as Zambia). Please check with the Center for Disease Control for information for your onward travel from Namibia.
For the most current information, please consult your doctor and/or check out the
Center for Disease Control web-site.
25. Do I need a visa/passport?
Travelers will all need a passport valid for at least 6 months after they depart Namibia, and have at least 3 consecutive black pages (4 is recommended if visiting more than one country). Currently, Namibia does not require a tourist visa for travelers from the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Travelers from other nationalities should check with the Tanzanian Embassy for visa information. We recommend obtaining any visas prior to arrival.
Entry requirements change with surprising frequency. It is each traveler's responsibility to check with the consulate for the most up-to-date visa information.
26. Is travel insurance recommended?
It is a condition of booking that all clients must have, and must demonstrate to Adventure Life prior to their departure, adequate insurance for the duration of the tour. Such insurance should fully cover personal injury; medical expenses; repatriation in the event of accident, illness or death; cancellation or curtailment of the tour by the company or client; and loss of, damage to, or theft of the clients' personal property. Activities with a greater inherent risk, such as mountaineering, animal tracking on foot and white-water rafting should be covered. Theft, personal injury or any disruption to arrangements should be reported immediately to the company and to the nearest police station.
We work with a travel insurance company that provides reasonably priced insurance for trip cancellation, medical expenses, medical evacuation, lost bags, etc. Check out more details at
www.adventure-life.com/insurance
