30 Essential Tips On Namibia Guided Tours & Safaris

Here is Namibia guided tour ideas information, together with all the things from what to see and do, the place to stay, find out how to get around safely, and find out how to put together on your journey. 

The mountainous pink/orange dunes of Sossusvlei, the stark and threatening Skeleton Coast, the moonscapes of Spitzkoppe, the unbelievable wildlife viewing in Etosha, the deep valleys of Fish River Canyon, the countless starry skies, the blazing African sunsets, the pleasant locals, and severely scrumptious meals.

Yes, Namibia completely blew our minds, which is an essential part of Namibia guided tours.

But when we’re trustworthy, we didn’t plan our journey to Namibia very nicely in any respect. I

t was solely by probability we met an exquisite native named Hennie, who offered us the information to navigate Namibia effectively, safely, and enjoyably. His phrases of knowledge saved us and little doubt led to the unbelievable time we had in Namibia.

Now it’s our flip to cross on the information we realized. So you may have the absolute best journey to Namibia, listed here are our 30 important Namibia journey tricks to study earlier than go to this remarkably lovely nation.

1. WHERE IS NAMIBIA?

For a lot, the mere point out of Namibia is met with a “the place?” response. And we kinda get it – Africa’s an enormous continent which, unlucky as it might be, remains to be considerably ignored by the worldwide neighborhood.

For individuals who aren’t certain, Namibia is positioned on the southwest coast of Africa. It’s bordered by South Africa in the south, Angola to the north, Botswana to the east, and Zambia in the northeast.

Largely arid, the spectacular panorama resembles Mars, with huge expanses of rocky mountains and canyons, huge orange and white sand dunes, and empty savannas, whereas the rugged Atlantic shoreline is, without doubt, one of the most treacherous on this planet.

2. IS NAMIBIA WORTH VISITING?

The reply to this query is an unequivocal YES.

Namibia is, in contrast, to anyplace else on Earth; a spot the place you’ll really feel extremely small by the magnitude of your environment and in full awe of Mom Nature’s most interesting achievements.

Driving in the midst of the Namib desert, lifeless mountains and sand dunes surrounding us, having not seen any type of life for hours, we’d by no means felt extra insignificant. To be trustworthy, it was essentially the most exhilarating feeling we’ve had on our travels. And that’s Namibia’s attraction.

With the violent Atlantic Ocean to 1 aspect and the world’s oldest desert on the opposite, Namibia is a severely rugged vacation spot. It’s residence to pure wonders similar to deep Fish River Canyon, the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei and Swakopmund, the wildlife mecca of Etosha National Park, the fantastic mountains of Spitzkoppe, a wealthy indigenous and colonial historical past, and thriving journey exercise scene.

And it’s residence to some fairly rattling good beer.

Namibia can be the proper nation to expertise the trials and tribulations of Africa for the primary time. It’s protected (principally), the official language is English, the price of the journey is inexpensive, it has a massive 5, and its distinctive landscapes are a few of the most spectacular we’ve ever seen.

So, if you’re after one of many nice street journey adventures, eager to see the Massive 5, or to have an adrenalin kick of epic proportions, Namibia is totally value visiting!

We completely advocate visiting Namibia throughout the driest months of the yr – around June, July, and August.

Throughout this era anticipate clear sunny days with cooler temperatures (typically freezing), particularly in the evening.

We have been really stunned at how chilly it was, so take an additional jumper simply in case.

The dry season can be the most effective time for sports viewing, particularly within the Etosha National Park, as animals focus on scarce water sources.

There may be additionally much less probability of malaria throughout this era, particularly within the northern areas such because the Caprivi strip, which needs to be averted throughout the moist season in January – February.

For those who’re after very completely different Namibian expertise, the summertime rains from November – April can flip elements of the nation’s inexperienced and sometimes deliver floods to the desert.

Namibia journey tip |Go to Namibia throughout June, July, or August for the most effective climate and wildlife experiences

A journey in Namibia is really, in contrast, to a journey anyplace else on earth. Often called the land of countless horizons, the huge distances and epic landscapes of this nation will depart you feeling insanely small and insignificant, carefree and in absolute awe at each flip.

It is epic in every single approach, and a go-to right here is nicely valued it.

Just a little recognized reality is that Namibia has the second-lowest inhabitants density on this planet after Mongolia, with solely 2.2 million inhabitants.

It’s immensely huge but so utterly empty. In actual fact, in the future, we spent a number of hours driving by the Namib desert without seeing one other dwelling soul – not even an animal.

The isolation has its perks although; we discovered Namibia to be the proper place to flee the hustle and bustle of metropolis life and embrace a quieter way of life.

Take advantage of the vastness, and spend at the very least two weeks exploring the nation. If in case you have the time, a month.

In that approach, you do not have to hurry from place to put and spend days at a time in the automobile simply to tick locations off.

You won’t have remorse, and if we’re trustworthy, the longer you spend exploring Namibia, the much less probably you’ll wish to depart.

5. NAMIBIA IS SAFE(ISH)

Undoubtedly, “is Namibia protected to journey” is the query we’re requested most frequently about our time within the nation, which is an essential part of Namibia guided tours.

Our trustworthy reply is that Namibia felt like one of many most secure international locations we have ever visited – till we arrived in Windhoek.

On a Saturday evening within the coronary heart of Namibia’s capital, we have been nearly mugged.

We won’t go into the element as all are nicely that ends nicely, however it was our personal silly fault and a lesson for you all – by no means let your guard down.

Why are we telling you this? As a result, it’s important, we’re clear with you, however, it’s equally necessary you don’t let our small damaging expertise dissuade you from visiting.

As an entire, Namibians are extremely pleasant, the nation‘s infrastructure is nice, and the extent of corruption discovered right here is way lower than in neighboring international locations. It’s, overwhelmingly, a peaceable and welcoming nation.

Nevertheless, there are nonetheless points with each poverty and gang violence, which have resulted in elevated private and petty crime.

Relating to journey and security in Namibia, take the traditional precautions you’d anyplace, similar to by no means leaving valuables or baggage unattended in your automobile, and being cautious of these around you at ATMs.

In some areas, we advocate that you simply don’t wander alone or catch taxis late in the evening (significantly after 9 pm) as there have been reviews of armed muggings and theft of vacationers’ backpacks.

At all times, take these warnings with a grain of salt, and slightly then allow them to sway you from visiting, simply preserve these Namibia security ideas in your thoughts.

It is also essential to purchase journey insurance coverage earlier than you go to Namibia

A LITTLE ON NAMIBIA’S HISTORY

6. NAMIBIA WAS INHABITED BY BUSHMEN FOR MILLENIA, THEN COLONISED IN 1884

Previous to the 19th century, Namibia had been inhabited by the wealthy and peaceable cultures of the unique San, Damara, Herero, and Nama bushmen for millennia.

Probably the most well-known of those teams, the San bushmen, are additionally believed to be the oldest original folks within the area (of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa), dwelling a nomadic hunter-gatherer life.

Then, as in lots of different African nations (and to the shock of native indigenous populations), within the 19th century, Europeans arrived.

Although Namibia was technically a British territory, it was to be German colonists that landed on the shoreline at Walvis Bay within the 1880s and shortly claimed the world referred to as ‘South West Africa’ for Germany (really Prussia, at the time).

This occupation has made Namibia a completely distinctive nation within the space; a lot of its structure is German, there is a German newspaper, and a lot of the inhabitants speak German as one in all their fundamental tongues.

Nevertheless, like most colonial empires in Africa, brutality was enforced on the indigenous inhabitants. 

From 1904 to 1907, in what’s grown to be referred to as the Herero revolt, the native Herero and the Namaqua tribes took up arms in opposition to the colonizers, and this resulted in what has been termed ‘the primary genocide of the Twentieth Century’.

German authorities officers ordered the extinction of natives, and devastatingly, half of the Nama inhabitants and 80% of the Herero inhabitants have been worn out.

In some ways, this was the precursor to the apartheid years that dominated this area within the 20th century.

7. APARTHEID ALSO EXISTED IN NAMIBIA

Whereas apartheid is mostly related to South Africa right now, it is necessary to remember that apartheid additionally existed in Namibia – which is why, like South Africa, a social divide remains to be evident right now, which is an essential part of Namibia guided tours.

Within the 1940s, South-West Africa grows to be a de-facto ‘fifth province’ of South Africa, and due to this fact fell below their terrible apartheid regime.

Very like South Africa, black and colored neighborhoods have been torn down, populations have been segregated from one another, and it wasn’t till 1990 that independence was gained and the united nation of Namibia was fashioned.

MONEY MATTERS IN NAMIBIA

8. THE NAMIBIAN DOLLAR = THE SOUTH AFRICAN RAND

Namibia, together with South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland, are all a part of the Frequent Financial Space. Due to this fact, the Namibian Greenback is at 1:1 parity with the South African Rand.

The South African Rand is broadly accepted inside Namibia, which is unquestionably useful when you’ve got leftover change out of your travels in South Africa.

Whereas we’re speaking cash, bank card services can be found nearly all over the place (we paid for a room by way of a bank card in the midst of the desert). Nevertheless, do nonetheless carry an amount of money with you, simply in case.

9. NAMIBIA IS ACTUALLY NOT THAT CHEAP

For those who‘re backpacking Namibia on a price range, it is value noting that traveling to Namibia is not as low-cost as what you may initially suppose it could be, which is an essential part of Namibia guided tours.

In some cases, we discovered Namibia to be an inexpensive vacation spot. Necessities, similar to food and drinks have been cheap, and we discovered lodging in cities and cities as additionally fairly low-cost. Entry into the numerous National Parks can be very manageable.

Nevertheless, as you make your approach out into the desert, the costs completely skyrocket.

We advocate being thrifty within the cities by benefiting from backpacker lodging (verify Hostelworld for the most effective price range lodging choices) or Airbnb.

We discovered that when visiting Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon, or Etosha, Reserving.com had the most effective offers, so we advocate reserving your lodging with them. Alternatively, keep within the many campsites when you’ve got tenting tools.

From our perspective, we principally stayed in lodge lodging throughout our Namibia street journey as we did not have a tent or tenting tools.

This completely hiked up our everyday price range for lodge lodging, and as tenting in Africa is tremendously simple, it is protected to say that if we had our time over we would positively select the cheaper campsites as a substitute!

For those who’re planning to self-drive, be warned that gasoline costs are costly.

10. WINDHOEK IS WORTH YOUR TIME

Most travelers will arrive at Windhoek and scurry straight out nearly immediately, and in all honesty, we get why, which is an essential part of Namibia guided tours.

However, regardless of there not being an entire lot to do in Windhoek, we simply cannot hate the town – significantly as a result of Mark’s mum being born there!

For those who’ve been on the street for some time, Windhoek is an effective place to cease, chill out, and top off on all of your provides earlier than hitting the Namibian highways to your subsequent vacation spot.

If you’re spending time in Windhoek, we advocate trying out the next locations:

• Christuskirche (Christ Church)
• The Parliament Gardens
• The Outdated Breweries Craft Market
• Go to one of many beer homes (it’s little Germany in spite of everything)

11. SWAKOPMUND IS EXTREME SPORTS HEAVEN

The violent Atlantic ocean to 1 aspect, the towering dunes of the Namib to the opposite, the colonial city of Swakopmund looks like an outpost time forgotten. It’s shocking then, that ‘Swakop’ is definitely Africa’s journey capital.

These in search of a shot of adrenalin can take their choice from a smorgasbord of actions, together with skydiving (Swakop is, without doubt, one of the least expensive locations on this planet skydive!), sand-boarding, quad-biking, and power-kiting.

And in the evening, make your approach to one of many many superior pubs, notable for her scrumptious German beer and delicacies.

12. NAMIBIA HAS GHOST TOWNS

Kolmanskop, within the far southwest nook of Namibia, was as soon as a thriving diamond-mining city. Established in 1908, Kolmanskop was full of stately houses, a faculty, a hospital, a bowling alley, and a ballroom, which is an essential part of Namibia-guided tours.

As the value of diamonds started to drop after World Warfare One, and after richer diamonds have been discovered additional south, the residents started to depart. By 1954 the city was deserted.

Now, an eerie ghost city stays, partially reclaimed by the continuously transferring sands of the Namib. It’s a severely cool place to go to and one which is well worth the effort of getting there (typically from Luderitz).

You will want a allow to enter the world, which may be organized by one of many tour firms in Lüderitz earlier than you go, or at the gate once you arrive.

There are some things to remember concerning the Kolmanskop permits:

Normal Kolmanskop permits | are about N$75 per grownup (although this will likely have elevated since we have been there in 2016), and likewise features a free tour.

Whereas it’s potential to wander across the city yourself, however, we would advocate becoming a member of the tour to make sure you do not miss out on discovering any of the city‘s secrets and techniques. Excursions depart at 9:30 am and 11:00 am.

Children permits |if you happen to travel with youngsters, entrance charges are N$50 for kids between 6 and 14.

Images permit | N$230 per particular person. That is really a barely complicated allow as you may nonetheless {photograph} the location utilizing your customary entry allow.

Nevertheless, the pictures allow grants entry to Kolmanskop from dawn till sundown and likewise consist of the free tour at 9:30 am.

Sadly, our schedule did not permit us to remain that lengthy – however, if you happen to be an eager photographer we would completely advocate that you simply buy the prolonged allow because the shadows and lightweight can be unbelievable on the buildings throughout this time.

THE DETAILS

Opening hours | 9:00 am – 13:00pm every day

Location | Map of the Kolmanskop area – Kolmanskop is 10kms east of Luderitz on the B4 freeway.

Price | Kolmanskop permits N$85.00 per grownup (see particulars above)

Foods and drinks | Regardless of being a deserted city, you should purchase (good!) meals on the Kolmanskop restaurant/museum on web site.

13. NAMIBIA IS HOME TO A HUGE DIVERSITY OF WILDLIFE

All this speaks of deserts and isolation might need having you pondering that there isn’t any attention-grabbing wildlife in Namibia – which is totally not the case, which is an essential part of Namibia guided tours!

The salt clay pans of the Etosha National Park is residence to a few of the best wildlife variety in Africa, and the Caprivi Strip is thought to be a few of its most untouched safari plains.

All the standard suspects are right here in Namibia; the massive 5 and the little 5, together with a variety of desert sports we would by no means have seen earlier than, just like the Kudu, Oryx, Gemsbok, and the Damara Dik-Dik.

Then, there’s the Cape Cross Seal Colony simply outdoors of HentiesBaai (maintain your nostrils as you method!) and the large Flamingo inhabitants around Walvis Bay.

If it is various and plentiful wildlife you are after, Namibia has precisely what you are after.

NAMIBIA TRAVEL TIPS | DRIVING IN NAMIBIA

14. NAMIBIA IS THE PERFECT ROAD TRIP DESTINATION

Namibia is huge, which we’re certain you’re now conscious of. Due to this, it’s the proper vacation spot for an epic road trip, which is an essential part of Namibia-guided tours.

The fantastic thing about street tripping in Namibia is having the liberty to journey at your personal tempo and go wherever you wish to go.

There have been so many instances we simply needed to pull over, the surroundings too unbelievable to cross.

The street community is in-depth and customarily nicely signposted (other than the depths of the Skeleton Coast).

For those who do resolve to street journey, pay attention to the massive distances between locations, and plan accordingly.

15. YOU ALWAYS NEED TO BE PREPARED

In Namibia, it’s necessary to organize for the worst and anticipate the most effective. In spite of everything, you are about to take off a multi-day journey in an especially dry and wild desert – being prepared for no matter what adventures throw at you is a should.

For those who’re heading on a Namibian street journey by themselves, we can not emphasize sufficiently how necessary it’s to at all times pack additional provides together with meals, water, and heated clothes.

To present you a concept, we at all times had a minimum of 10L of water at the back of our automobile, and sufficient meals to final us 2-Three days if the necessity arose.

Some days, you will be fortunate to cross one other automobile on the street.

On one stretch of the street within the Namib Desert, we handed three vehicles/vans with punctured tires. For those who’re self-driving, at all times carry further gasoline and tires.

16. IS DRIVING IN NAMIBIA DANGEROUS?

For a first-timer, driving in Namibia may be robust; there’s rather a lot to know and pay attention to, which is an essential part of Namibia guided tours. 

We’ve written entire information to drive in Namibia, which can reply to all of your questions and supply useful tricks to safely navigate your approach by the nation.

In total, driving in Namibia isn’t a harmful to particular person, nevertheless, like anyplace on this planet, issues can and do occur on long, empty roads.

Focus and lack of expertise driving in sure circumstances are the largest points for these driving in Namibia for the primary time.

Lots of Namibia’s sights are positioned deep into the desert, which may trigger points for these unprepared.

Punctures, changing into bogged, or dropping management are the most typical points when driving in Namibia, and all may be helped by following the principles and rules listed in our driving in Namibia information.

We consider it crucial you get journey insurance coverage to cowl any potential points driving in Namibia.

GENERAL NAMIBIA TRAVEL TIPS

17. ENGLISH AND GERMAN ARE WIDELY SPOKEN

Namibians commonly speak two or three (or more!) languages; English, a local tongue like Oshiwambo (spoken by 49% of the inhabitants), and both German or Afrikaans.

In actual fact, as a result of the nation’s colonial historical past, you’ll hear German fairly frequently around areas like Swakopmund (which appears to be eerily like a quaint German city), whereas Afrikaans usually capabilities because of the lingua franca between locals.

18. PLAN YOUR TRIP AHEAD OF TIME (AS MUCH AS YOU CAN)

Okay, we’re going to allow you to in on a bit of a secret.

We didn’t plan our Namibian trip forward time, nor book any lodging, and sadly we paid handsomely for it.

There was really one second in Sossusvlei we thought we’d need to sleep in our automobile in a single day, without something bar the down jackets on our backs. Fortunately, we didn’t!

Work out the place you wish to go to, find out how to get around, and the place to remain; after which book all the things you may do earlier than you allow, which is an essential part of Namibia guided tours.

It is an understatement that cell service is patchy in desert areas, and there is nothing worse than turning up at your vacation spot after an extended drive solely to find that the place is completely booked up.

Observe: Namibia is extraordinarily busy throughout South African college vacation durations, so preserve that in your thoughts when planning your journey.

19. THE FOOD IS SURPRISINGLY GOOD (IF YOU LIKE MEAT)

The fusion of German, South African, and conventional African delicacies means the quality of food in Namibia is actually very good.

We had many distinctive meals in remote outposts similar to Aus, Fish River Canyon, and Sesriem.

And if you’re a meat-eater you’ll be in heaven, with the huge number of sports meat accessible nearly anyplace. And the trusty road-trip snacks of biltong and boerewors.

Vegetarians, your meals sport is perhaps a bit more durable, however positively not unattainable.

20. YOU CAN DRINK THE TAP WATER

It is necessary to know which you can drink the faucet water in Namibia. Certain, it would style a bit completely different, and so does London’s water.

For those who’re nonetheless anxious, purchase a water filtration system similar to this earlier than you allow (and keep away from purchasing bottled water!).

We should always level out that Namibia is a desert nation and as such has very restricted water assets. Attempt to be water acutely aware and preserve wherever you may.

21. IT GETS COLD IN NAMIBIA SOMETIMES

For those who’re visiting Namibia throughout winter (June – September), anticipate very nice days and freezing chilly nights, which is an essential part of Namibia guided tours.

There have been many mornings we’d get up and refuse to get away from the bed, the temperature outdoors was so chilly. Like, between 0c – 10c in a single day sort of chilly.

That mentioned, throughout the day the temperature will nonetheless climb to around 24c every day, so peaks and troughs, eh?

22. NOT ALL TRAVELLERS REQUIRE A NAMIBIAN TOURIST VISA

Travelers, rejoice – there’s a place the visa course appears to be like upon you favorably! For a lot of travelers in Namibia, there’s really no have to organize a vacationer visa in any respect in case your keep is lower than 90 days.

The fortunate travelers who can go ‘visa-free’ listed here are:

• South Africans
• Australians
• British
• Germans
• Individuals
• Canadians
• Japanese

For the above, do just be sure you verify with the immigration desk that you’ve got been granted the total 90 days period and that the right date of entry was stamped in your passport to verify there aren’t any points down the monitor once you‘re making an attempt to depart.

Those that do require the 90-day vacationer visa for Namibia (which may typically be processed within Three days at your native Namibian Embassy) are:

• Greece
• China
• South Korea
• Travelers from Japanese European

At all times, make sure you double verify your particular person nation‘s journey recommendation previous to arriving within the nation for the freshest visa info.

23. CROSSING BORDERS IN AND OUT OF NAMIBIA

In comparison with different southern African international locations, we discovered the method of crossing borders into and out of Namibia seamlessly, which is an essential part of Namibia guided tours.

Be ready to attend, and have the right documentation similar to your passport, nevertheless, you won’t be ‘required’ to pay a bribe or some other underhanded techniques in Namibia.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, which is often wanted for a lot of African international locations, is just required for travelers 9 months of age and older coming from – or who’re in airport transit for greater than 12 hours inside – a rustic with the threat of Yellow Fever transmission.

Crossing into Namibia from neighboring international locations will price N$295 (as of 05/12/20109), payable when getting into Namibia.

So far as we’re conscious, this must be paid in money, so be ready. Additionally, you will want the relevant documentation together with:

• Legitimate passport of the motive force
• A licensed copy of the car registration papers
• Letter of authority from the registered proprietor/rent firm
• Motor insurance certificates – obtainable on the border and freed from cost
• If coming from South Africa, a ZA sticker

24. PHOTOGRAPHY IN NAMIBIA

Simply somebody who loves an epic ‘gram snap? You’re going to like Namibia, which is an essential part of Namibia guided tours.

A spot the place it’s seemingly unattainable to snap a foul photograph, Namibia is residence to a few of the most unusual and gorgeous surroundings you will ever see, from the Mars-like landscapes of Sossusvlei to the barren plains of Etosha National Park, from the rugged and dramatic shoreline to the frozen-in-time cities.

For the fans amongst you, you’ll positively have to deliver a zoom lens to {photograph} the epic wildlife, whereas a large-angle lens will deliver the distinctive landscapes to life.

If potential, bringing a lens with a low aperture, which permits extra gentle cross by the lens, will yield unbelievable astrophotography outcomes.

Past the necessities, take into account bringing ND or polarizing filters to chop out the acute glare, or decide to capture early morning and late afternoon for softer, extra engaging gentle.

Beneath are the pictures gear we used to get all of our pictures in Namibia.

• The Sony A7RII produces sensible images and video
• The unique pictures beast which retains going robust, the Canon 5D MKIII produces the most effective colors
• The Canon 24-70mm is named the most effective zoom lens in the marketplace; it is exceptionally sharp, small, and light-weight, which makes it excellent for journey pictures
• The Canon 70-200mm f4 is our favorite lens, arms down. The picture stabilization works a deal with, even on transferring trains!

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL TIPS FOR NAMIBIA

25. RESPECT THE LOCAL CULTURES IN NAMIBIA

Namibia is the residence of many tribes (bushmen), together with the well-known San and Himba peoples, of which the San are believed to be southern Africa’s unique inhabitants, whereas the distinctive colored ochre face paint and braided hair of the lovely Himba tribe, which signifies age and marital standing, has led to worldwide notoriety.

Because of this, many guests of Namibia want to go to these tribes and perceive firsthand the semi-nomadic tradition, customs, and way of life.

This has led to fancy energy dynamics and has raised questions concerning the sustainability and accountability of such visits.

On one hand, it gives cash to communities that in any other case could battle for types of revenue, which in flip raises dwelling requirements and permits for additional training and medical provisions.

Guests additionally present the tribes with the flexibility to remain inside their communities and protect their wealthy cultural heritage and traditions.

Then again, it may be seen as exploitative to view these people and {photograph} them as if their lives have been exhibited.

We’re on the fence a bit, as we will perceive the advantages to such tourism and what they will do for communities and cultures, but in addition, see the damaging outcomes which can happen.

For those who want to go to the tribes, we advocate doing in order part of moral, organized excursions, the place a portion of the earnings returns into the native communities.

For those who do go to one of many distant tribes of Namibia, at all times ask permission earlier than photographing, and avoid photographing younger kids.

26. A LITTLE ON WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION IN NAMIBIA

Provided that 42% of Namibia’s floor space is below conservation administration, it’s clear that Namibia takes conservation very severely.

Namibia is one of the few international locations on this planet that addresses the significance of the atmosphere in its structure, through which article 95 states 

“The State shall actively promote and keep the welfare of the folks by adopting worldwide insurance policies aimed at the upkeep of ecosystems, important ecological processes and organic variety of Namibia, and the utilization of dwelling pure assets on a sustainable foundation for the good thing about all Namibians, each current and future.”

We disagree with searching for any type, so please don’t partake in this exercise in Namibia, no matter your beliefs, which is an essential part of Namibia guided tours.

When visiting National parks and reserves in Namibia, be sure that you don’t depart any litter – all the things you carry in you need to perform. Other than plain environmental injury, litter may be dangerous to wildlife.

Though it is probably not apparent to the bare eye, life nonetheless exists across the desert. When visiting the dunes, simply watch out for the place you go, and attempt to comply with trails and pathways in order to not destroy crops or wildlife.

And at last, no matter what you do, don’t purchase any animal souvenirs – they stopped being cool within the 1800s and there’s nothing noble about coming to residence with an ivory tusk, or lion’s tooth.

27. WATER SCARCITY IN NAMIBIA

Unsurprisingly, in a rustic principally coated by desert, Namibia suffers from excessive water shortage, which is an essential part of Namibia’s guided tours.

To make issues worse, the nation is at the moment troubled with one of many worst droughts in history, with officers blaming local weather change and a five-year drought ripping by southern Africa for dam ranges dipping under 20% National.

For those who’re visiting Namibia, preserve this in your thoughts when showering or utilizing the bathroom.

After we visited, we showered for lower than 2 minutes, and as soon as a day, a lived by the motto “if it is yellow, let it mellow. If it is brown, flush it down”.

Though it’s an ache, you must do the same.

28. TRAVEL WITH A REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

For those who’ve adopted us for a whilst you know that is most likely the #1 factor that frustrates us after we journey, which is an essential part of Namibia guided tours.

Repeat after us: trendy travelers don’t want to purchase bottled water.

Significantly once you realize that we people binge on a million plastic bottles a minute, they usually take greater than 400 years to interrupt down.

It’s potential to drink the faucet water in Namibia, nevertheless, if you’re anxious, buy a water purification and filtration bottle earlier than your journey.

29. DON’T FORGET THESE NAMIBIA PACKING ESSENTIALS

Not solely is Namibia uncooked and rugged, but its climate is vastly varied, with climatic variations that many battles to understand (like freezing nights and blazing desert days).

For those who’re planning to go to Namibia, you’ll want an excellent variety of drugs that will help you journey safely and comfortably.

From suitable garments to street-tripping necessities, listed here are our suggestions for Namibia packing necessities.

TENT | When you’ve got your personal tent, you’ve got the liberty and adaptability to arrange camp in nearly any place in Namibia.

Our suggestions are: The price range tent: Eurohike Tamar 2 Man Tent, or the sturdy, splurge tent: The North Face Stormbreak Tent

SLEEPING BAG + SLEEPING BAG LINER | It will get freezing in the evening in Namibia, so we advocate bringing a sleeping bag with you similar to RAB’s variety of sleeping baggage.

For those who‘re heading out on a deliberate group tour, you will typically have a sleeping bag offered to you.

At all times deliver a sleeping bag liner (we use these Sea to Summit silk liners) with you to make use of with employed sleeping baggage.

TRAVEL TOWEL | A microfiber towel is a proper savior when your hostel would not have towels otherwise you want one thing to dry off with after a fast dip.

REUSABLE WATER CANTEEN | Reusable water bottle – we use the Grayl water purification bottles, which permit us to refill from any water supply, anyplace on this planet (together with prepare faucets!).

Or, Water-To-Go is an all-in-one machine: a reusable water bottle meets an extremely highly effective filter machine (designed by NASA!), which removes 99.9% of all nasties from any water supply you fill it up at.

A HEADLAMP | In all probability one of the crucial underrated objects in any African backpacker’s arsenal; the trusty headlamp will assist you to navigate your campsite at midnight.

SUNSCREEN | It would not take long for that relentless Namibia solar to do some actual injury, so don’t overlook your sunscreen (minimal SPF 30, but ideally SPF 50).

YOu would really discover it fairly arduous to trace down a top-quality sunscreen that did not break the bank in these elements, so we would positively advocate bringing sufficient in your entire journey from the residence.

SUNGLASSES | Your peepers shall be staring throughout safari plains within the blazing noon solar for days on the finish – shield them from injury with an excellent pair of polarised sunnies, which is an essential part of Namibia guided tours.

FIRST AID KIT | In the wild, huge areas of Namibia, it actually does pay to have a well-stocked medical package in your possession, like this first-aid package

POCKET KNIFE | A superb pocket knife (we’ve got this one from Victorinox) is absolutely important in your Namibian travels.

PORTABLE SOLAR CHARGER | Dependable electrical energy is not at all times one thing you’ll find on the street in Namibia, so we use the Anker Powerport Photovoltaic costs, which additionally has twin USB ports to cost a number of units, like a telephone and a GoPro, on the similar time.

TRAVEL CUTLERY | Keep away from being caught in your hostel or on the street with no cutlery to eat with, and carry a bamboo cutlery set (or at the very least a spork!) in your daypack so that you‘re at all times ready for time for supper (that is really our favorite journey important!).

REUSABLE FOOD CONTAINER | These are tremendously helpful in chopping down your plastic consumption once you‘re taking meals away from stalls, in addition to storing and/or transporting meals you’ve got cooked in your travels. We journey with these collapsible meal containers.

A GOOD BOOK / KINDLE | Distances are huge and your journey instances between locations right here are sometimes fairly prolonged (particularly if you’re not driving!). You will wish to deliver a good e-book together with you – or a Kindle loaded with all of your faves, which is one of the essential Namibia guided tours.

NAMIBIA TRAVEL ESSENTIALS | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO NAMIBIA

30. HOW TO GET TO NAMIBIA

BY AIR

Most individuals select to fly into Hosea Kutako Worldwide Airport, about 45min east of the capital, Windhoek.

For those who‘re flying from Cape City, South African Airways operates Three flights per day, different areas are common (however clearly not as frequent).

BY BUS

For those who‘re already in Southern Africa and eager to maintain prices to a minimum, essentially the handiest and simple bus service to Namibia is the Intercape Mainliner.

Providers run from Cape City, Victoria Falls, and Johannesburg. It is trickier to journey from Botswana (a mixture of native buses and taxis), however, additionally, it is the potential to cross the border from Botswana too.

BY CAR

We crossed into Namibia on the Vioolsdrift/Nordoewer land crossing from the northwest of South Africa.

You too can cross from South Africa at a variety of different factors, together with: Mata Mata, Rietfontain, Nakop, Onseepkans, Sendelingsdrif, and Alexander Bay (full disclosure: clearly as we have not crossed these, we will not at the moment vouch for his or her ease of entry or suitability personally).

Final Thought

If self-driving Namibia isn’t fairly your model, otherwise you’re involved with private security, there are additionally a variety of small group journey excursions we’d advocate taking by the nation, together with: