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 the traveler 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 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 documentation that is required, both to enter the country and to bring your rifles in, is handled in more detail under our General Information page. 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.
"Which method of payment do you prefer?"
When we finalize your booking and have set final dates for your trip, we will require payment as follows:
1. A deposit equal to 40% of the day rates to be paid immediately to confirm the booking.
2. The balance of the day rates to be paid not later than 30 days prior to your arrival in Africa.
These payments are 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.
Please inform our office at africandays@mweb.com.na as soon as you transfer any money to our account. This will allow us to check on whether your deposit has arrived and we will let you have a receipt via return e-mail. Include the name of the bank from which you are making the transfer as well as details on amount, who the deposit is for, etc.
We can unfortunately no longer accept personal checks or credit cards for payment of the balance of your account after your trip is completed. We will only accept travelers checks, cashiers checks (made out to cash only), and/or cash.
If you choose to pay by travelers 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.
"Do you charge for arrival and departure days?"
No, we don't. Basically your arrival/departure days will cost you (US)$350 per person/couple, which is what we charge for fetching you at the airport and delivering you back there again.
"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.
"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.
"What vehicles are used on tour?"
All vehices used on tour are very well maintained ensuring reliability and safety. Vehicles are equipt with air conditioning and are very comfrotable making for a relaxing and enjoyable experience. We don't use tour busses - all vehicles are small mini busses - which means you will not share your trip with a bunch of strangers. Should your group be too large for one vehicle, we will furnish a second vehicle, rather than go to a larger bus.
"What is the maximum amount of people taken per vehicle, will the vehicle be cramped?"
You have our ensurance, we put quality before quantity, our prime aim is to make this tour as relaxing and as enjoyable to you as possible.
"Are guides qualified and experienced?"
Yes, all our guides are quailified tour guides. Having completed the Namibian Acadamy for Tourism and Hospitality tour guide diploma they are all very knowledgable and professional. All of our guides are experienced tour guides and we have complete faith in them to make your tour as pleasant and as informative as is possible.
"Do guides have first aid experience and will basic first aid equipment and medication be available on tour or in camp."
All guides do a first aid course as part of their diploma, a full first aid kit will be available on tour. Obviously, should you require personal medication, you will need to bring that with you. It is also a good idea to get a back up prescription from your doctor - to be filled here should your luggage be lost.
"Will a mobile library be available on tour for bird, fauna and floro identification and information."
Yes, literature on Namibia's fauna and flora will be available on tour for your use.
"Will I be able to charge my camera batteries at camp or on tour."
All accomodation establishments will have power sockets in your room where you can recharge camera batteries. Keep in mind that our power supply is 220volt - you will need inverters to change the supply to 110volts.
"Will power socket converters be available at camp or on tour."
Power socket converters will be available to you on tour as part of our service to you.
"Is the country's water safe to drink and will mineral water be readily available."
The country's water sources are well managed and purified using modern technique, however sensitive stomachs have been known to disagree. Mineral water however will be readily available at most shops. The touring vehicle will also be equipt with a cooler containing mineral water and other drinks for you refreshment.
"Will I be able to contact my family or business via e-mail, phone and fax whilst on tour."
Most accomodation establishments have internet, telephone and fax facilities available to guests. Internet cafe's can be found in most towns and telephone and fax facilities will aslo be available here. The cellphone network in the country is world class with coverage on most routes and towns, your cellphone will be able to function normally when roaming is enabled. Your guide will also be equipt with a company cellphone to ensure communications in urgent surcumstaces.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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 that there will be NO hidden costs. This is an African Days guarantee. What you see is what you will pay.
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