Studies, recently undertaken, have shown that the biggest stumbling block to international travel, especially in the USA, is the "fear of the unknown" that prospective travelers experience. This is also the reason why "word of mouth" reference plays such a big role in getting people to decide to visit foreign shores.
Namibia offers hunters and fishermen a destination where they need have no worries. The country has an excellent infrastructure and offers all the modern conveniences that any traveler might want. The following highlight a few of the questions prospective visitors often ask.
"How safe is the country?"
Namibia has one of Africa's most stable, and democratically minded, governments. The people are friendly and, everywhere you go, you will be met with a smile. Of course, we have our problems with crime, just like anywhere you go on this planet, but it is "normal" crime and not the politically inspired incidences that are so frequent elsewhere in Africa. The very fact that so few people even know where Namibia is situated, should tell the prospective traveler something. So much of the publicity Africa gets is negative, dealing with political upheaval, crime, etc. that Namibia actually shines by comparison. We do not get publicity, simply because we do not experience that kind of problem!
"What is a typical fishing day like?"
The time we rise each morning will be discussed the evening before and will greatly depend on what we will be after that day. Whatever the time decided on, we will wake you with a cup of steaming hot coffee! Breakfast is per your preference: Breakfast cereals and/or bacon, sausage and eggs. Fruit juice, coffee or tea, just as you prefer. The evening meal is our main meal for the day. We will sit around the bar and fire (engaging in the day's bragging session) until the cook gives us a dirty look. Evening meals are accompanied by a range of great South African wines. Pieter Stofberg grew up in the wine producing Western Cape in South Africa and still has many friends down there.
Access our wine supplier's websites at:
Opstal Estate - www.opstal.co.za
Goudini Wines - www.goudiniwines.co.za
Badsberg Cellars - www.badsberg.co.za
After dinner, a few cocktails around the fire tends to end the day on a high note.
"Can I take home some of the fish as trophy?"
Our fishing taxidermist has molds for most of the species we will be fishing for, in various weights and sizes. It becomes pretty easy to order a trophy mountfrom him for whatever it is you want to display. Costs for this (taxidermy work and shipping) will be for your account.
"What about arrival and departure procedures and general travel in the country?"
Namibia has an excellent infrastructure. The airport is modern and efficiently run, and the staff there are all very "visitor friendly". You will be met at the airport by your outfitter and will be delivered back there, safe and sound. Most visitors will require no other travel document than their passport. There are no visa requirements for visitors from the USA. The roads are in excellent repair and travel around the country is no problem. Most travel is by road. Just keep in mind that Namibia is a vast country (the country will cover the entire Eastern Seaboard of the USA) so travel takes up a lot of time. The countryside is spectacular, though, so you are not likely to get bored.
"What inoculations are required?"
None. If you are visiting the North of the country, say anywhere above Etosha Game Reserve, it is advisable to see your doctor about malaria prophylactics and to start a course about two weeks before your arrival date.
"What happens to me if I get hurt in an accident?"
We have excellent private hospitals in the country. We carry emergency insurance, which will ensure that you can be airlifted to hospital, should it become necessary. What you could do is to take out some insurance yourself, should it happen that you need a medical flight back home.
"What about snakes, etc?"
Yes, paradise has its serpents! The incidence of snakebite is so low, though, that to worry about it is to worry too much. Always remember, snakes are more scared of humans than humans are scared of snakes. In any unforced encounter, the snake will get out of your way so fast, you will probably never even know it was there! Insects also don't present much of a problem. We have some trophy sized scorpions, but a general awareness will be enough to ensure you have no nasty surprizes.
"Do I need to bring any fishing gear with me?"
No - come as you are! We will supply all gear, bait, etc. that might be needed.
"What fish will we be catching?"
We have several species of edible fish, as well as several species of shark. Access our Specie Info page for more detailed information on each specie. Mainly, come prepared for some SERIOUS fun!
"Is there anything for the observers to do other than watch us fish all day?"
We make very sure that everybody enjoy themselves. Shopping trips are available. Short, local sight seeing trips can be arranged. We also have a full menu of sight seeing excursions around Namibia available through our touring company. Details can be found by accessing our Sight Seeing pages.
"How do I ensure that I book with a reputable outfitter?"
Two ways. One is obviously word of mouth. Talk to people who have toured or hunted with us and get their feel on the quality of the trip on offer.
Second - Meet with us and decide for yourself. There is no substitute for your own judgment.
"Do you charge for arrival and departure days?"
No, we don't. We dedicated a whole page on this site that will help you cost out the trip you are planning. Basically, your arrival/departure days will cost you USD 250 per person, which is what we charge for fetching you at the airport and delivering you back there again. Windhoek Airport is about 6 hours drive away from Henties Bay, where you will be fishing, so we need this charge to cover costs. A lot cheaper than a rental, believe me!!
"Which method of payment do you prefer?"
When you book we will require a deposit. (The amount will be agreed between us, but is normally around forty percent of the day rates) This payment is best made by electronic transfer of funds. Monies can be transferred to our deposit account at the following electronic address:
Bank name: Nedbank of Namibia
Branch name: Hidas Branch
Branch code: 461696
Branch address: Nedbank, Hidas Branch, Nelson Mandela Ave., Windhoek, Namibia.
SWIFT code: NEDS NA NX
Account name: African Days Deposit Account
Account number: 461696 - 1100010 - 8113
Account holder: African Days, 8 Spitskop Street, Windhoek, Namibia.
We can unfortunately no longer accept checks or credit cards. We will only accept travellers checks, cashiers checks (made out to cash only), and/or cash.
If you choose to pay by travellers checks, it is a good idea to contact your bank well in advance and to ask them to order some larger checks ($500 denomination, $1,000 denomination), else you will spend an hour signing all those smaller $20 checks!
"What about travel arrangements?"
Most of our clients use Elaine Porteous at African Odyssey. Elaine operates from Florida and, being a former South African, knows what is needed to make the trip as easy as possible. We recommend African Odyssey and Elaine to all our clients. Contact her at aodyssey@gate.net or use her toll free number at (1)-866-486 9351.
GENERAL INFORMATION to help you Prepare for your Trip
For more information on Namibia access www.namibiatourism.com.na
1. Visa Requirements/Inoculations
- No visa is required by USA citizens for entry into Namibia. You will need only your passport.
- No inoculations are required.
- We advise clients to see to it that their tetanus shots are up to date.
- Our concessions fall outside high risk malaria areas, but the decision is yours.
- We carry first aid equipment, so you do not need to bring any. Obviously, should you require special medication, bring that with you.
- Make sure you have ample sun lotion with you.
2. Clearing Immigration in Namibia
At the Immigration desk in Namibia you will be required to hand in a completed Arrival form. Most of the questions are straight forward, but they will want to know where you will be staying while in the country. Use the following address:
African Days
83 Kolstert Street
Henties Bay
Namibia
3. Clothing Requirements
- Bring a broad rimmed hat to protect neck and ears against the sun.
- Bring something warm for the evenings and early mornings, especially during our winter (June, July, August). It gets cold at night!
- Keep in mind that we are at the coast - most days will need warmer clothing.
- Above all, travel light! We have daily laundry service in all our camps, which means yesterday's clothes will be available tomorrow.
- Three changes of clothes will do it. Pack older stuff - fishing is sometimes a dirty business!!
- Make sure you have a pair of good sunglasses - the reflection off the water is hard on the eyes.
- A pair of scuba diver's booties (Neoprene) is a good idea - it keeps the feet warm and protects from sunburn. Don't hassle too much if you can't find this, you can purchase a pair once you get here.
4. Cameras, etc.
- Our power supply is 220volt. If you will require recharging, make sure you bring an inverter.
- The same is true for any electrical device (hair dryers, etc.).
- Make sure your camera bag is dust proof.
5. Costs
When you calculate costs according to our pricelist, you can rest assured
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