We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Winters can be very cold and so it is worth expecting it to be colder than you think. Night time temperatures can reach 10 degrees C and lower. Please bring plenty of warm clothing during the winter months (June to Nov). Because daylight is less during the winter months, we may have to omit some parts of the itinerary in order to reach the next nightstop before it gets dark. However, the tour leader will confirm the final itinerary upon your arrival.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Accordingly you should allow approx. £25 for gratuities for local staff.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Namibia |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£1.00 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£1.00 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£0.80 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£1.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£15.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£20.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£7.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
Visas are not required by UK, NZ, USA and CAN citizens.
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we do recommend protection against Malaria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid and Polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against Malaria. Travellers may wish to immunise themselves against Meningitis.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
In the western part of Namibia (the Windhoek area), winters are dry and mild but with frequent cold nights. Summers are warm and rainfall is low. The low humidity and large number of sunshine hours make for a pleasant and healthy climate for most of the year. In the Namib Desert the weather and climate are unusual and quite distinctive. The region receives very little rain and is a complete desert, but temperatures are kept low most of the time by the cold Benguela current.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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A soft bag or holdall/kitbag (or rucksack with detachable frame). Total allowance: 33lbs/15kg Maximum (due to weight restrictions on our vehicle).
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Clothing
Pack essentially for'All Tours' and 'Hot Conditions'. Clothing should be lightweight. However, a warm sweater or fleece and a wind/waterproof jacket are also advisable for early morning game drives and cold evenings (especially from May to September). Bring a swimming costume. Avoid brightly coloured clothing for game viewing.
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Footwear
Lightweight trail boots or robust trainers with a good grip, and sandals.
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Equipment
Bring a torch, water bottle, sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Binoculars are essential for game viewing and a 300mm lens is recommended for photography. Biodegradable soap and swimming costume.
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Trip Summary
Namibia presents us with some of the most diverse cultural and scenic landscapes in Africa; a land of vast desert and dramatic coasts that encompasses some of the most exceptional natural and human heritage on the planet. This exceptional journey takes us from the towering dunes of the Namib Desert, across a land littered with reminders of its ancient and colonial past, to the expansive pans of Etosha National park, one of the finest game reserves in Africa. From the nation’s capital we journey southwest, into the golden landscapes of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, where we find some of the highest sand dunes and most inspiring scenery on earth. Exploring these remarkable vistas by vehicle, on foot and even from the lofty heights of a balloon if you desire (optional), we then head for the dramatic Atlantic coast, travelling via Walvis Bay to the German settlement of Swakopmund. An oasis of Bavarian culture in the heart of Namibia, this is truly one of the most exceptional reminders of the European grab for Africa left in the region, affording us a unique insight into 19th century colonial expansion. From here we follow part of the infamous Skeleton Coast north, visiting the expansive Cape Cross seal colony en route to the San rock paintings at Twfelfontein, site of some of the richest cultural remnants of the indigenous San Bushmen who once inhabited these desert regions. Then it is on to the salt pans of Etosha, one of Africa’s truly great wildlife areas, where we hope to encounter elephants and Oryx, wildebeest and lion, not to mention a diversity of birdlife to match anywhere on the continent. With ample opportunity to search for some of the abundant game that thrives amongst these beguiling landscapes, we then head back to Windhoek and the end of this journey through one of Africa’s most spectacular and engaging destinations.
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Country info
Area: 824,300 sq km.
Population: 1.8 million.
Language: English, Afrikaans, German and Indigenous languages.
Religion: Mainly Christian (Lutheran, Roman, Catholic, Anglican, Dutch Reform).
Local Time: GMT +2
Electric Supply and Plugs: 220V, 50Hz, three pin plugs. Bring an adaptor to recharge cameras etc.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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You will need a South African 3 round pin plug adaptor.
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Maps & Books
Recommended Books: Footprint guide to Namibia, Richard Estes: The Safari Companion, Gerald Hoberman: Namibia, Mary Rice & Craig Gibson: Heat, Dust and Dreams, Magaret Jacobsohn: Himba: Nomads of Namibia.
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