The phrase “Africa for beginners” is often used to describe Namibia – and what a wonderful place to begin. Namibia has a stunning natural beauty that is unmatched in Africa. There are few more dramatic desert landscapes globally, such as Sossusvlei with its magnificent sand sea and dead-tree valleys and Sandwich Harbour and Skeleton Coast with their incredible dunes. Wildlife enthusiasts flock to Etosha National Park for its abundance of flora and fauna – from big cats to elephants and black rhinos to antelope, this park provides game in abundance. Namibia is a place where, at some point, you may feel as if you’ve fallen off the edge of the earth.
Languages & Local Lingo
Languages
While Namibia was under apartheid, a combination of English, German and Afrikaans have declared its official languages. Upon Namibia’s independence from South Africa in 1990, the new government announced English the country’s only official language. In addition to being used by the country’s government, it is also the medium for schools and universities.
If you book with ZULA, all of our tours are presented in English. However, if you are travelling in a private group, we will be happy to arrange for a guide who speaks your preferred language. For example, most of our ZULA guides in Namibia speak German and we can always arrange for a person fluent in French or Spanish or any other language. We might only struggle if you are looking for a hiking guide, that also is a certified scuba diver and speaks 5 languages fluently. Everything else we certainly make happen.
Local Lingo
| Aweh | Often said in excitement. The word has many meanings and uses, including hello, goodbye and yes. |
| Bakkie | Pickup truck. Also used to refer to plastic containers like Tupperware. |
| Biltong | dried and seasoned meat [like jerky], a popular snack |
| Braai | a barbecue |
| Bra/ bru/ boet | a male friend |
| Brötchen | a bread roll, offered with different topping, to be eaten as breakfast, lunch or a snack |
| Dorp | small town |
| Droëwors | dried sausage, snack often eaten with biltong |
| Efundja | periodic flood in the Owambo regions in northern Namibia |
| Eish! | general exclamation that can be used in positive and negative contexts |
| Jol | refers to a party, or to a general good time |
| Just now | sometime soon, roughly within the next 1-3 hours |
| Kapana | traditionally barbecued meat, usually sold in the townships and at the side of the road |
| Koppie | a small hill, not yet a mountain |
| Lekker | nice, good, great, tasty, awesome |
| Lapa | the thatched outdoor shelter used for shade from the African sun |
| Mémé | respectful form of address for an adult female |
| Now now | Second meaning for now. It also means sometime soon, although sooner than just now, like within the next 30 to 60 minutes |
| Oshana(s) | shallow pools and watercourses in the Owamba regions |
| Pap | traditional maize porridge |
| Plaas | farm |
| Potjie | a three-legged cast-iron pot used for cooking stews over the fire |
| Robot | a traffic light |
| Shebeen | an informal bar that’s open 24 hours |
| Sies | expression of disgust, disappointment, annoyance |
| Smiley | a goat’s or sheep’s head, cooked and ready for consumption |
| Sosatie | meat (traditionally lamb) and vegetables skewered on a stick |
| Taté | respectful form of address for a male |
| Vetkoek | deep-fried bread dough, often sold with kapana |
| Wors | spicy sausage for accompanying meat on a braai |
| Yoh | an expression of surprise |
Food & Beverages
It is no secret that food plays a significant role in cultures around the globe. When it comes to Namibia, things are a little more complicated as it is home to eleven different ethnicities. Therefore, one particular dish cannot stand out. Instead, the most popular dishes are influenced by countries like South Africa. Below dishes are traditional in Namibia and you should give them a try while you travel:
- Potjiekos or Potjie: Originated from South Africa, a dish with meat, vegetables and starch (usually potatoes) are prepared in a large, black potjie (pot).
- Braaivleis: Barbecue meet, consisting of either beef, pork, lamb, ostrich or game meat
- Boerewors: South African sausages
- Biltong: Dried marinated meat
Namibian culture is known for its love of beer. In many parts of the country, you will find various drink options, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
Namibian Beverages:
- Windhoek Lager (beer)
- Camelthorn (beer)
- Vigo (Soft Drink)
- Oasis Soft Drinks
Money
Currency
The Namibian Dollar (NAD) is fixed to and equals the South African Rand (ZAR), which is also legal tender in Namibia. You can’t use the NAD in South Africa though. Generally, international Credit Cards are accepted, and ATMs and Speedpoints are readily available.
The value-added tax is charged at a rate of 15% at the point of sale. Vacationers from outside Namibia can claim VAT on holiday purchases over NAD 250 if they depart the country via Hosea Kutako International Airport and the border posts Ariamsvlei and Noordoewer. VAT on goods and services that have been consumed cannot be refunded.
Average Expenses
All of this depends on where you go, but these are the average expenses:
- 3-course meal for two people – NAD 970 (EUR/USD/GBP 50) (depending on the local restaurant, excluding drinks)
- Domestic beer (0.5 litre) – NAD 40 (EUR/USD/GBP 2)
- Cappuccino – NAD 30 (EUR/USD/GBP 1.5)
- Soft Drinks (eg. Coke/ Pepsi) (0.33 bottle) – NAD 30 (EUR/USD/GBP 1.5)
- Still water (0.33 bottle) – NAD 20 (EUR/USD/GBP 1)
Gratuity / Tips
The majority of Namibian employees are paid a low base salary and are therefore reliant on tips. You are welcome to leave a tip for the good service received during your ZULA visit. But how much is appropriate? This is what we would recommend our ZULA clients:
- Overland Guides and Safari Guides based in Lodges: NAD 100 p/p and per day (EUR/USD/GBP 6)
- Lodge staff: NAD 250 for 2 persons for 2 nights (EUR/USD/GBP 15)
- Restaurant: 10% of the total invoice
- Luggage Porter: NAD 10 per luggage (EUR/USD/GBP 0,60)
- Assistance at Petrol Station (only for self-drives): NAD 5 (EUR/USD/GPB 0,30)
We include as many fees and expenses as possible in your ZULA program, so you do not have to worry about them while travelling. It’s important to note, though, that some fees and levies are not pre-bookable and must be covered at the time of entry to a park, etc.
We generally exclude:
- Additional meals not specified in the itinerary
- Additional Entrance fees and Conservation Levies
- Fuel & toll fees (for self-drive tours)
- Personal extras such as tips, laundry services, Roaming etc.
- Private Expenses
- International and/or domestic flights
- Visa and Visa Fees (if applicable)
- Travel Insurance
- Any new government taxes, levies or industry increases that are beyond ZULA’s control.
Safety & Health
Safety
The country of Namibia is one of the safest in Africa. In addition, it has a stable political system. As far as personal safety is concerned, we believe visitors have little to worry about. Particularly when travelling on an organized trip and staying at a lodge, camp or hotel.
Safari guides ensure your safety at all times on Game Drives and Walks – pay close attention to instructions and follow the park’s rules. When on a self-drive safari, do not get too close to wildlife and only drive in designated areas. Cities in Namibia are relatively safe; petty theft and pickpocketing are the most common crimes. Generally, your guide will make mention of any concerns during a guided tour.
Taking a few simple precautions will reduce your risk of being harmed when venturing out unguided in the city:
- Get advice at your hotel before taking a walk in the city.
- Don’t carry any valuables and only take limited money with you.
- Don’t walk after dark, instead take a taxi.
Health
When visiting Namibia, you can expect to find top-quality healthcare facilities and highly trained medical staff. Private hospitals are second to none and will be happy to assist you, providing you take out travel insurance. If not, you will have to pay a lump sum upfront.
When thinking about Africa, malaria often comes to our minds.
- The disease of malaria should always be properly diagnosed and treated.
- It is transmitted to people through the bite of a mosquito, usually after sunset.
- Personal protection measures and prophylactics can reduce the risk of malaria.
There are many malaria-free options in Namibia, depending on your chosen destination. However, if you find yourself wanting to travel somewhere where contracting malaria is a possibility, then further information is available through your nearest travel clinic.
It is essential to stay up to date on your vaccinations when you travel, such as Polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Hepatitis A/B, COVID-19, etc. You should consult your doctor, pharmacist, or travel clinic to determine what precautions and/or vaccinations you need when travelling. Contact them before departing as preventative measures may take a while.
In urban areas, drinking tap water is perfectly safe. But, make sure that you check with campsites or in rural areas before consuming their water.
Travel Insurance
Generally, travel insurance is not mandatory. However, it’s a good idea to look into insurance – in the event that you must cancel or interrupt your trip due to illness, or medical expenses occur whilst travelling and/or your luggage gets damaged, etc. Travel insurance for a year may be the best option if you are a frequent traveller. We are sure you will find the best option for you to ensure a memorable ZULA trip. You might also want to check with your bank. Travel insurance is included in most credit cards nowadays.
Entry Requirements
The validity of your passport must remain valid for at least six months after the return date.
Visa
By providing us with your nationality (which is why we ask for it), we can correctly inform you about the documentation specifications you need for your ZULA experience. Upon your arrival, Namibia is likely to grant a tourist visa, but please check with your Embassy or Department of Home Affairs to ensure what you need to obtain the visa in advance. It is generally necessary to have a minimum of two consecutive free pages for entry into each country you are travelling to, including the visa and stamp. If your itinerary includes more than one country, your passport must always have enough blank visa pages (not endorsement pages) for all required visas, excluding the country of departure and return. A passport with insufficient blank pages could prevent entry into a country. If a visa payment is needed at arrival, a cash payment will usually be requested. It is sometimes necessary to know the exact amount payable as change may not be readily available. Travellers’ Cheques and Credit Cards are not usually accepted for this purpose. Be sure you check with the Department of Home Affairs before travelling to avoid any disappointments.
Accommodations
Accommodation Types
Various terms for accommodation are used in different countries. In many countries, Guest Houses signify a somewhat rustic accommodation. In contrast, a Guest House in Southern Africa is comparable to a high-end four or five-star hotel – but a little more private and familiar.
We have prepared an overview of the various ZULA accommodations for your convenience:
Frequently used accommodations:
- Boutique Hotel
- Guest House
- Bed & Breakfast
- (Game/Safari) Lodge
- Tented Camp / Safari Camp
- Hotel
- Resort (mainly Mozambique and Tanzania)
- Self-Catering
- Villa
- Farm Stay (particularly Namibia)
- Campground (especially Namibia)
- Houseboat (mainly South Africa and Namibia)
- Train
- Tree House
Boutique Hotel
Most boutique hotels are four to five-star establishments that offer all the amenities and features of a standard hotel with a unique and exclusive design. They are generally small, feature top class service and are marketed to affluent travellers.
Guest House
Guesthouses are typically private homes that have been converted exclusively for the use of visitors. Guests have exclusive access to the establishment’s public areas. Unlike Bed and Breakfast’s, a guest house typically caters to all meals. Owners or managers usually live off-site or in a separate area of the property.
Bed & Breakfast
Typically, a Bed and Breakfast (B&B) is a private home where guests can be accommodated in private bedrooms. Not all Bed & Breakfast accommodations come with private bathrooms. However, we only deal with suppliers who provide private facilities, and there is usually a resident owner or manager living on the property. Several of the house’s public areas are either restricted to guests or shared with the host family in some way, such as the kitchen and living room. Breakfast is included in the Price (usually continental or Full-English). However, additional meals can be arranged upon request.
Lodge
A lodge is an accommodation facility designed and situated to enhance the sense of being close to nature. Various natural materials such as wood, stone and thatch are often used as building materials. Lodges usually provide outdoor experiences, such as guided hikes and game drives.
Hotel
In general, a hotel is the largest type of accommodation. Typically, there is a common reception area, and rooms often open straight into a passageway. There is usually a restaurant and other facilities on-site that are easily accessible to the public. In addition to the standard amenities, there may be room service and spa’s available. Some hotels belong to larger hotel groups, and the experience may be similar across all the locations. The hotels we work with usually range from 3 to 5 stars.
Self-Catering
This establishment provides all self-catering facilities. For maximum comfort, the units have a fully equipped kitchen (including a refrigerator, stove, cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils, and cleaning supplies).
Check-in / Check-out
Check-in at your ZULA accommodation typically takes place between 14h00 and 15h00. On the day of departure, check-out is generally between 10h00 and 11h00. In case of a late check-in, please notify the property. Lodges sometimes schedule shuttle services from the park entry into the Reserve. To avoid delays, please arrive at the meeting point at the time indicated on your travel documents.
Transportation
TransNamib’s Starline Passenger Service offers affordable train travel between Windhoek and all the major towns. A bus service (Intercape) runs between Namibia’s major cities with connections to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, Upington, and other towns and cities in South Africa. Informal minibuses travel all over the country.
Luggage Restrictions
The amount of luggage you can carry on an international flight depends on the airline. Typically, a flight’s maximum allowance is listed in the booking confirmation. The standard amount is 20-23kg, excluding your hand luggage. National / domestic flights might have a slightly more restrictive luggage allowance, only permitting 20kg per person. This is important to keep in mind before your ZULA trip. Occasionally, charter flights allow only 15kg per person in soft bags and luggage has to be added to the booking. Don’t worry about this too much because we, at ZULA, always guarantee ticket fares that include at least one checked luggage bag per person. For all flights booked through ZULA, we will provide you with information regarding baggage allowance and other air travel-related matters. (799)
Stay Connected
Electricity
You will always be able to charge your phone, camera and/or laptop. If you plan to travel to Namibia, we recommend bringing a World Travel Adapter. In Namibia, the power plugs and sockets are of type D and M. The standard voltage is 220V and the standard frequency is 50Hz.
Internet Availability
The country of Namibia was one of the first sub-Saharan African countries with full Internet access. Thus Namibia has more internet users than similar-sized countries in Africa. A 2018 estimate put Namibia’s population at around 2,590,000 inhabitants, and this figure is estimated to grow by roughly 150,000 by 2022. With an ever-growing population, better connectivity is imperative, particularly in Windhoek and other densely populated areas. Internet speed and connection type choices are often limited in remote areas. The majority of towns and popular tourist destinations have high-speed Internet access. Those without mobile internet access will generally find at least one internet café in every town, along with free WIFI at the majority of hotels, many coffee shops, restaurants, and some malls and shopping centres.
Important Telephone Numbers
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Police Emergency: +264(64)10111
General Emergency number: +264(81)7840710
Ambulance (road): + 264(64)510022
ZULA Contact
We have your back! Our Emergency / Service Phone is available 24/7, Monday through Sunday. Depending on who is on shift, we can also help you in Afrikaans, German, and/or Spanish. You can find all ZULA contact details in your Travel Documents. You, however, might want to call the rental car company first if you need to exchange a flat tyre or contact the hotel first if you are running late. However, our team is happy to assist you with this, and we will also provide all of the contact details for the services you have booked by us with your Travel Documents.
Rental Car
Driving in Namibia
Almost every popular tourist destination in Namibia is accessible by the excellent road system. However, the roads are mostly gravel, and they become tracks in the more remote areas, which requires caution when driving. These areas are not suitable for inexperienced drivers, so organized Safaris or guided tours are recommended.
Namibia has just 5,000km of tarred roads, but over 40,000km of them are gravel. When you take a Namibian self-drive tour with us, your rental car will be at least a 2×4-wheel SUV, and we will only provide vehicles that meet the requirements.
- Namibians drive on the left side of the road.
- Everyone must wear a seatbelt, including the driver.
- A valid driver’s license is mandatory to drive and must be carried in your possession at all times.
- Be sure that you have full insurance coverage.
- Inspect and maintain the brakes of your vehicle.
- You must have the proper air pressure in your tyres.
- It is always a good idea to carry a spare tyre. If you can, take two.
- Always carry a well-equipped first-aid kit.
- Even if you aren’t in immediate need, fill your tank at every opportunity.
- Always make sure you have enough water.
- Pay attention to the safety briefing provided by your car hire company.
- Be aware of animals crossing the road or grazing near the roadside.
- You should not travel at night. At dusk, wildlife is most active, increasing the likelihood of a collision.
- Whenever you enter a game park or other area with wild animals, follow the safety guidelines.
- As destinations can be far apart, you should take frequent breaks.
- During the rainy season, avoid driving along a dry riverbed or camping near the river.
- The Namibian landscape is extremely fragile, so please stick to well-marked roads. A single set of tracks may last for many decades in some areas, such as the gravel plains. By straying from existing racks, you spoil not only the scenery and enjoyment but also the life of plants and small animals.
- Travellers should respect the cultures and traditions of the people in the area they are visiting. Disrespect contributes to resentment and bad feelings among other tourists.
Precautions for Gravel Roads
- Gravel roads are prone to punctures, so carry two spare tires.
- Drive within the speed limit.
- Pay careful attention to the traffic signs.
- Make sure your vehicle’s headlights are on during dusty conditions.
- Reduce your speed and maintain a safe distance from oncoming traffic.
- Be careful when driving on slippery roads, sections of the road may have washed away, and these could cause accidents.
- Keep an eye out for animals.
- When driving, always be vigilant, such as looking for loose and sandy patches of road, potholes, or sharp bends.
- The road also has dips and dry riverbed crossings. Often, they are eroded or rocky.
- Be constantly on the lookout since road signs are not uncommon to be removed or run over.
- It is dangerous to overtake on gravel roads. Overtaking can be announced by flicking your headlights, indicating your desire to overtake.
- When approaching the top of a blind rise, watch out for a bend coming into view that could catch you off-guard.
Driving in Sand
- The keys to success in sand driving are momentum and tyre pressure. The vehicle’s acceleration and speed prevent it from getting stuck, and dropping your tyre pressure expands the tyre footprint, spreading the weight over a bigger area and increasing traction.
- Taking fast corners on soft tyres is highly dangerous, and the tyres can roll off the rim.
- Remember to re-inflate the tyres once you return to hard ground.
- When driving on soft sand, do not brake hard. If your wheels dig into the sand, you’ll stop sooner than you anticipated, and if you lose momentum, the vehicle will halt.
- Whenever you are going downhill, stop on flat ground.
- Avoid wheel-spin – the vehicle will simply dig into the sand.
Ticketing & Speeding
Police officers should not request money from you since fines must be paid at the nearest police station. There are high fines in Namibia, and you should avoid speeding.
Gas Stations
Many gas stations can be found along the rural and main roads. However, in some rural areas, there might be lengthy distances between stations. Some stations keep shorter hours, and most are open 24 hours a day. Upon arriving at the gas station, the vehicle’s key is handed over to the attendant, who will fill up the tank for the requested amount. There is a distinction between leaded and unleaded gas and diesel. You cannot refuel by yourself. Furthermore, the attendant will offer to check the water and oil levels and clean the windscreens. Tipping is customary and usually involves a few NAD. Card or cash payments are accepted, but be sure to watch your card at all times. Taking cash is always advised since rural areas may not have card facilities.
Speed Limits (if not otherwise indicated)
- Tarmac: 120km/h
- Gravel: 80km/h
- Towns: 60km/h
Car Rental Terms & Conditions
- The renter must have a valid British or international driving license.
- A renter must be 23 years of age or older.
- The rented vehicle cannot be taken outside of Namibia without prior permission from the rental company. A “Letter of Authorization” will be provided to the renter.
- Any incident regarding the rental car (accident, flat tyre, etc.) must be reported immediately to the car rental company. Without any prior consultation, no further steps may be taken (for example calling a towing service).
Integrity and transparency are important to us at ZULA. When you book with us, we provide you with complete details of all included and/or excluded services without any hidden fees.
For your rental car, we usually include – (unless otherwise stated):
- Vehicle of booked category
- All taxes and fees
- Contract fee
- Airport charges
- Unlimited kilometres
- Accident and theft insurance
- Tyre and windshield insurance
- Third-party liability insurance
- Additional driver
- Baby/child seat (if required)
- One-way fees
- Cross-border papers (if needed)
- Google Maps links to all destinations
- 24-hour emergency hotline
Excluded services are usually (unless otherwise stated):
- GPS
- Petrol
- Security payment/deposit
- Surcharge for drivers under 23 years of age
- Luggage insurance
- Costs for overdue rental fees
- Delivery/collection of the rental car
- Cancellation/no-show fee
- Breakdown assistance (except for mechanical failure)
- Additional fees such as fines etc.
Why do we exclude a GPS?
Our decision is based on the fact that we do not want to add unnecessary costs to your booking; many travellers use other directions services or devices. In every travel document, you will find Google Maps links that we provide for all bookings free of charge.
Travelling with children
African destinations are great for children, such is Namibia. Considering we are mothers, fathers, and sisters as well, we would not recommend taking children anywhere if we had even the slightest doubt. The country of Namibia is one of the safest in Africa. As far as personal safety is concerned, we believe visitors have little to worry about.
The Hotels and Safari Lodges in our family itineraries offer a range of facilities for kids and teens of all ages. ZULA itineraries offered range from self-drive, fly-in, guided tours, as well as group travel, so you and your family can pick the ideal type of travel for you. Also, many accommodations offer attractive rates for family rooms. Many of our ZULA itineraries, and most of our family itineraries in South Africa and Namibia, are malaria-free, so parents can rest easy as malaria prevention is unnecessary.
Some advice while travelling with kids:
- Aim to arrive at your destination before noon to allow your children to burn off their excess energy.
- Even in the middle of winter, it is warm enough to go swimming during the day.
- The northern part of Namibia should not be visited by children too young to receive malaria prophylactics.
- Our recommendations are to include fewer destinations, providing you with more time to enjoy the activities.
- If you are interested in conservation, consider places that have educational facilities, rehabilitation programs, or other conservation efforts.
Travel Responsible
How can I travel responsibly?
Be conscious of your carbon footprint:
This is where it all starts. Travel provides an estimated 8% of global carbon emissions each year, making it one of the worst contributors. Flying is the only way to get to Africa. So, understanding your carbon footprint and how to offset it is important when planning your travel. If you want to be more precise, you can use a free online carbon emissions calculator, such as Carbon Footprint. The easiest way to offset your flight is by contacting the airline directly when booking. Several airlines have carbon offset programs where travellers can pay an additional fee on top of the flight cost to support carbon offsets. These airlines include Qantas, KLM, Air Canada, and Austrian Airlines. Put yourself on the road to responsible travel by doing this.
Be Waterwise:
- You probably already know that plastic water bottles are a no-no. Instead, fill up your stainless steel or glass bottle whenever you can.
- Rather than throwing out hot water after a day of travelling, decant it somewhere valuable (like in a garden) or re-purpose it for something else (like washing your hands, clothes, etc.).
- Make sure you take a shower rather than a bath to save the environment. Be sure to turn it off while you lather up with soap, shampoo, or shave.
- Reduce the amount of toilet flushing. Depending on the type of toilet, a flush can use between 6 and 14 litres.
- As opposed to running the tap while brushing your teeth, use a cup instead.
Say no to plastic bags and straws:
We live in a culture where plastic is everywhere. It’s convenient, fast, and inexpensive. Nonetheless, it also ranks among the most pressing environmental problems. Plastics kill millions of animals every year, so reducing how much we use is imperative. Use reusable bags while shopping, carry your water bottle rather than buying water, and avoid plastic straws.
Opening Times
(without warranty)
Border Posts (Namibian Summertime)
| Noordoewer | 24 hours |
| Ariamsvlei | 24 hours |
| Buitepos | 07:00 – 24:00 |
| Wenela | 06:00 – 18:00 |
| Ngoma | 07:00 – 18:00 |
| Mata Mata | 08:00 – 16:30 |
| Sendelingsdrift | 08:00 – 16:30 |
| Dobe | 07:00 – 16:30 |
| Impalila | 07:00 – 17:00 |
| Oshikango | 08:00 – 19:00 |
| Katitwe | 08:00 – 18:00 |
| Velloorsdrift | 08:00 – 16:30 |
| Kl. Manasse | 08:00 – 16:30 |
| Oranjemund | 06:00 – 22:00 |
| Ruacana | 08:00 – 19:00 |
| Omahenene | 08:00 – 19:00 |
| Muhembo | 06:00 – 18:00 |
| Hohlweg | 08:00 – 16:30 |
National Parks:
National Parks such as Ai-Ais Hot Springs, Bwabwata, Dorob, Khaudum, Mangetti, Mudumu, Namib-Naukluft, Nkasa Rupara, Skeleton Coast, Tsa II Khaeb and Waterberg Plateau all open at sunrise and close at sunset, depending on the season.
Etosha National Park:
| Date Range | Times |
| 8-14 Sep | 06:55 – 18:50 |
| 15-21 Sep | 06:50 – 18:50 |
| 22-30 Sep | 06:40 – 18:50 |
| 1-5 Oct | 06:35 – 18:55 |
| 6-12 Oct | 06:30 – 18:55 |
| 13-19 Oct | 06:25 – 19:00 |
| 20-26 Oct | 06:20 – 19:00 |
| 27-31 Oct | 06:15 – 19:00 |
| 1-2 Nov | 06:15 – 19:00 |
| 3-9 Nov | 06:15 – 19:10 |
| 10-16 Nov | 06:10 – 19:10 |
| 17-23 Nov | 06:10 – 19:15 |
| 24-30 Nov | 06:10 – 19:20 |
| 1-7 Dec | 06:10 – 19:25 |
| 8-14 Dec | 06:10 – 19:30 |
| 15-21 Dec | 06:10 – 19:30 |
| 22-28 Dec | 06:20 – 19:35 |
| 29-31 Dec | 06:20 – 19:35 |
Sunset/ -rise
Please keep in mind, that the sun sets relatively early in Namibia, even in midsummer. The low position of the sun in the late afternoon (from approx. 5pm) can impair your vision for oncoming traffic. Please try to avoid long journeys after dark.
Sunrise (approximate range)
| September to March | 06:00 – 07:00 |
| April to August | 07:00 – 07:35 |
Sunsets (approximate range)
Etosha/ Damaraland/ Waterberg
| October to March | 18:45 – 19:30 |
| April to September | 17:15 – 18:45 |
Swakopmund/ Sesriem
| October to March | 19:00 – 19:50 |
| April to September | 17:25 – 19:00 |
Time Zone/ Time Difference
Summer: From the first Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April – two hours in advance of GMT.
Winter: From the first Sunday in April to the first Sunday in September – one hour in advance of GMT.
Public Holidays
| New Year’s Day | 01 Jan |
| Independence Day | 21 Mar |
| Good Friday | 30 Mar |
| Easter Monday | 02 Apr |
| Worker’s Day | 01 May |
| Cassinga Day | 04 May |
| Ascension Day | 10 May |
| Africa Day | 25 May |
| Heroes Day | 26 Aug |
| Human Rights Day | 10 Dec |
| Christmas Day | 25 Dec |
| Family Day | 26 Dec |
Taking pictures of local people
May I take pictures of local people?
- To take pictures of people in their environment, it is always best to have a local guide accompany you in order to communicate with the locals and overcome the barriers between you and them.
- Before taking someone’s picture, be sure to ask. By doing so, you can avoid any conflict when taking photographs.
- It is common for people to expect payment for their pictures. Among these people are those still wearing traditional clothing, such as the Himba and Herero.
- Even though young children enjoy having their pictures taken, asking their guardians or parents first is always a good idea.
- It’s important to show someone your digital photo after you take it. Most people are not familiar with cameras but are amazed at what they can do.
- Photographing men and women in uniform is illegal, except for situations such as public parades.
- Most photo opportunities are arranged ahead of time on organized tours, allowing you to take photos at your leisure and allowing your guide to handle the formalities. Be sure to discuss this with your guide ahead of time.
