Travel Tips

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Entry Requirements:
A valid passport is required to enter Namibia. Visas are needed for all countries except for nationals from Europe, SADC countries, USA and Canada. Visas are obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Private Bag 13200, Windhoek, at the Namibian Embassies and at Namibian Tourist Offices in Johannesburg or Cape Town in South Africa, but we suggest you make ABSOLUTELY sure regarding VISAS for you specific country.

Currency:
The unit of currency is the Namibian Dollar (N$) which is linked to the SA Rand. The South African Rand is also accepted as legal tender in Namibia. Travelers cheques are accepted almost everywhere. We suggest you cash these at banks and convert it to local currency. In general credit cards are accepted by most hotels as well as rest camps of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.

Health:
All water from taps is purified and visitors need have no hesitation in drinking it. Travelers to the northern parts are advised to take anti-malaria precautions, especially in summer.

What to pack:
Winter days are mild to warm, so you should bring light summer clothes. Nights can be quite chilly - even in summer at the coast. Warm clothes are thus also necessary. A good pair of sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, a sun hat , swimming costume, camera and flash or video camera are all standard equipment and can be bought in all large centres. All international-standard videotapes are available in Windhoek, as well as one hour film processing services.

Personal Safety:
Remember that any tourist can become a target. In order to make your visit a happy and memorable one, the following precautions should be taken:

Always keep your vehicle locked.
Do not leave visible articles in the car and try to keep your car in a secure area.
Any valuables should be locked away in a safe place.
Be on alert for handbag snatchers and pickpockets.
Make sure your travel insurance covers your valuables.
Make sure that the numbers of your travelers cheques are on your receipt and that it is kept in a safe place.
It is always advisable to take out travelers' and medical insurance.

Traffic Rules & Regulations:
Remember to drive on the left hand side of the road in Namibia. There is a general speed limit of 120 km/h on open roads (although it is recommended you reduce speed on gravel roads). Safety belts must be worn at all times.
Overseas visitors (not residents of neighbouring countries) must be in possession of a valid international drivers license if they plan to hire or drive a vehicle in Namibia.
Road signs are international recognised symbols and roads and turnoffs are clearly signposted. Road signs warning against animal crossings, particularly kudu and warthog, should be taken seriously. Special care should be taken at night, as they are often blinded by headlights of oncoming cars.

Car Hire:
Cars and four wheel drive vehicles can be hired in most major towns throughout Namibia.

Hunting and Hunting Safaris:
While Namibia is a popular country for overseas hunters, hunting laws are very strict, in order to enforce the sustainable utilisation of this valuable resource. No one may hunt or kill an animal without permission.
The trophy hunting season is generally from February to November, and a permit must be obtained from the Directorate of Nature Conservation. Residents of Namibia and South Africa are restricted to normal hunting seasons. Trophy hunters must be accompanied by a professional hunter or a registered guide, and no handgun or bow hunting is allowed. Custom regulations allow hunters to bring their own rifles, but no handguns, subject to certain limitations, into the country. These of course must be declared at the airport. Rifles can also be hired in Windhoek.