Is it your first time in Namibia?

Namibia is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The sights are nothing short of mesmerizing and the people are so inviting, it is easy to feel so at home that you will never want to leave when your Namibia tour has ended.

To make the most of this holiday destination, you will want to make sure that your trip is well planned and to help you do just that, we have a list of top tips that will ensure that you have everything covered before you go on your adventure of a lifetime.

Steps to make sure you are ready for your trip:

1. Find the country on the map

Okay, this sounds like a silly thing to be doing when planning a Namibia tour, but there is a reason for doing this. Often, when Namibia is brought up in a conversation, such as when you are planning a trip and excitedly telling your friends about it, the mere mention of the country’s name can be met with rather blank stares and some confusion.

Namibia is not a well-known country, which is why travelling here is truly magnificent. It being off the beaten track means you just about have the country all to yourself.

Namibia is found in the south-eastern corner of Africa, just above South Africa and just to the left of Botswana. The country is best known for its ancient desert landscape and magnificent mountain ranges.

2. Decide if it is worth the effort

Getting to Namibia can take some determination, given that the country is quite a distance away. And if you are on the fence about travelling here, we’re here to tell you that a trip to Namibia is one that you won’t ever regret.

Travelling around Namibia can leave you in awe of the work of nature. You are never going to find another place like it, and standing in the middle of the desert, with nothing around you, no signs of life and no trees, can make you feel insignificant, it is a spiritual experience.

3. Go Slowly

There is no way that you could possibly rush your trip through Namibia. Not only does the landscape and the people encourage a laidback vibe, but you literally can’t travel fast between destinations, because the distances are just too vast.

Namibia is known for having the second lowest population density on the planet and so the surrounds, once you leave the towns and cities, are completely empty.

Away from the hustle and bustle, it is easy to fall into the habit of a slower lifestyle, even if it is just for the week or two that you are visiting.

4. Money

The official currency is the Namibian Dollar, but given Namibia’s close relationship to South Africa, many businesses in Namibia will accept Rands as payment. This is helpful if you have some change left over from your South African holiday.

Most businesses also accept cards of all kinds, but it helps to be on the safe side and always have some cash on you, especially if your Namibian tour takes you deep into the desert.

Getting to grips with the Namibian Weather

Did you know that Namibia is one of the sunniest countries on the planet? And did you know that travelling through the desert each day can be quite taxing on your body?

Adjusting to the climate is not necessarily something you have to do if you want to spend only one or two weeks in the desert, but to brave the heat and sometimes the humidity as well, it helps to have some tips at your disposal.

Namibia’s climate can vary greatly from place to place. There are some areas where the heat is simply hot and dry, while there are other parts where the temperatures are high and the air is filled with humidity.

For the most part, Namibia is considered to be a subtropical desert. There is a huge difference between the day time and night time temperatures and the rainfall is also quite low overall. The country has summer and winter at opposite times of the year as North America and Europe, which is important to remember when planning your trip.

Travelling in the Dry Season

Although Namibia doesn’t get all that much rain throughout the year, it gets enough to have a wet season and a dry season. The dry season is from about May to October, which are the winter months. There will be just about no rainfall during this time and humidity is also likely to be very low. During this time of the year, the wildlife flock to the various water sources, like rivers and waterholes, and sightings of wildlife grow towards the end of the season, as water sources dwindle.

May heralds the end of summer and although the rain is gone, the green bush remains. The nights aren’t frigid yet and the day time temperatures are still quite pleasant. From June, the temperatures drop drastically and by July or August, the country is in the middle of winter.

By the end of August and into September, the days start heating up again and the skies clear, bringing along with it the heat and eventually the rain.

Most guests will plan their Namibia holiday during the dry season, given the fact the weather is more comfortable and the wildlife sightings increase. When travelling during this time of the year, it is best to pack some winter clothing, although a huge winter jacket, the type you’d wear to keep warm during a snow fall, is not necessary.

Travelling in the Wet Season

The limited rain completely transforms the country, bringing out the new shoots as well as some unique desert flowers.

In November, the heat starts rising fast and the days get intense. But although the heat is there, the uncomfortable humidity does not accompany it. As the summer progresses, the clouds start rolling in, and with it comes the first rains, generally in December.

January and February are considered midsummer and it is during this time that the temperatures are unbearably high and accompanied by high humidity. Many summer afternoons end with downpours.

By March and April, the heat slowly dissipates and the rain leaves behind it cool weather. The nights will also start getting colder.

Most people will not enjoy travelling in Namibia during the height of the summer months, but for those who do, there are a few perks such as the beautiful vegetation and spectacular thunderstorms. If you wish to travel in the summer, make sure that you pack light clothing and plenty of water.

5 Reasons why Namibia should be your next Holiday Destination

For years seasoned travellers have kept an eye on Namibia. As a travel destination, you possibly could not find one as rewarding or as adventurous as Namibia. With its wide open spaces and its unforgettable landscapes, this desert country is most certainly the place for anyone wanting to experience ancient Africa and time away from the busy vibes of towns and cities.

If Namibia is not on your travel bucket list, what are you waiting for? Here are our 5 reasons why you should come to Namibia on your next holiday:

There is no crowd

Since it is a destination quite off the beaten track, you don’t have to compete with the tourist crowds. Namibia also has one of the smallest population densities on the planet, so even if you are in the towns or cities, there are never too many people around.

One of the most wonderful things about travelling through Namibia is that when you get to a far flung destination, you can really feel as though you are the last person left in the world. All of the open spaces and the lack of people can make a Namibia holiday a real, spiritual experience.

There is a lot to keep you busy

Although the country is a more of a Nomadic type of destination, there is quite a lot on offer to keep you busy. And what’s more is that there is something for everyone. Hiking, exploring canyons, going on a hot air balloon ride, enjoying a safari, and venturing into ghost towns are all options. No matter what you want to do, there is most certainly something for everyone.

There is an abundance of wildlife

Namibia might be a desert nation but it isn’t without its wildlife. In the north eastern part of the country, where the land is a little lusher and gets a little more rainfall, animals roam freely. When in this part of the country, going on a safari is possible.

Places like Etosha National Park have a rich natural diversity and high density wildlife populations. In the more remote Kaokoveld, spotting elephant, giraffe hyena and lion is not uncommon.

It is safe to travel here

To some travellers, Africa is an unsafe place to explore. Namibia is the exception though. Travelling here is actually very much safer than travelling in other places on the continent and while it is always good to have your street smarts about you, something you should be doing no matter where you go, you can really relax even when exploring towns and cities.

The landscapes

Namibia is one of the world’s most beautiful countries and it is largely due to it is absolutely exquisite landscapes. The mountains as well as the deserts offer truly unforgettable sights, especially in the morning when the sun rises and in the evening when the sun sets.

The landscapes are also quite diverse and dramatic in every way.

Tourism in Namibia is certainly nothing new.

For years, the country’s alluring destinations have been attracting tourists from all over the world, and in recent years, the popularity of country within the tourist community has grown steadily in leaps and bounds.

Namibia is known for its magnificent landscapes and its wildlife that can be found dotted throughout the country. And while many travellers will like to drive themselves, a Namibia tour is often the better option. Guided Namibia tours are not only more convenient because they allow you to sit back and relax while a tour operator does the driving, but it is also far more interesting. Namibia tour operators know the best attractions and the fascinating history of each which means you are in for a story telling adventure of a lifetime.

Why Namibia is so popular

For the first time visitor to Africa, Namibia is a fantastic, laidback starting point. Time stands still in this ancient land and travellers can really take their time while exploring this beautiful land.

Namibia’s natural beauty is truly enticing. There are very few places in Namibia that can compare to it in terms of its stunningly beautiful scenery, which includes a mixture of modern and historical places, and untouched nature.

The country is named after its most icon places, the Namib Desert. It is one of the oldest places in the world and it is an otherworldly landscape. Here there are the biggest dunes, ancient, dry salt pans, dead trees, and a desolate coastline that is truly quite haunting.

The country also has plenty of exquisite mountain ranges, some of which cut through the country while others create the northern border. Damaraland, Spitzkoppe, the Fish River Canyon, the Naukluft Mountains, and the Brandberg, are all attractions in the mountains.

Then there is the Caprivi Strip, a place where rivers and wetlands are home to lush vegetation and all sorts of wildlife. Travelling here is like a breath of fresh air and offers a reprive from the intense heat of the desert.

Guests who travel to Namibia can also look forward to taking a trip into the Kalahari. The golden sands of the desert make the sunsets here look simply out of this world. The Kalahari, although predominantly in South Africa, stretches well in Namibia and often forms a part of many of the Namibia tours.

The remoteness of the country is also something that makes the trip here well worth it. Namibia is one of the least populated places on the planet and when travelling through the wilderness, one can truly detach from the world. There is no internet and no cellphone reception deep in the desert and that lack of contact can help you to completely come back to yourself.

The lack of urban areas also means that stargazing is a real possibility. The heavens have never been as clear as they are when you are away from the light pollution. Travellers can look forward to laying back in the desert sands on a cold clear evening and just feel one with the world.

As Namibia is growing in popularity as one of the top destinations to travel to, it is important that you plan your trip sooner rather than later. You don’t want to be a late comer to this spectacular place.

What you should pack for a Namibia safari

If you are one of the lucky people to soon be taking a trip to Namibia, packing the right things is part of the planning that you have to make sure that you do right. Namibia, while an African destination, is very much unlike any of the other countries on the continent. While the word safari is surely going to conjour up images of a grassland savannah or a lush green oasis filled with all sorts of wildlife, Namibia is best known for is arid desert landscape.

Going on a Namibia tour is something that many people look into, only to realise that such a trip is really going to require a lot of planning which will include car hiring and then be put off the excursion, suddenly thinking they either can’t handle it or that it won’t be relaxing. For those, the tour operator Namibia safari is the ideal option. These tours are all well planned and include being driven from destination to destination. The Namibia landscape can require a specific skill set to safely navigate and most places are out of reach if you don’t have a 4 x 4 vehicle. With a comprehensive tour, you will just need to pack and get on that airplane!

But what should you pack?

Packing for a safari, especially one that will take you into the desert, requires you to pack some vitally important things. Keeping in mind that once you are out in the middle of the desert, there are no shops in sight, sometimes, shops could be a days drive away. If you are going on a Namibia safari, the type planned by a tour operator, you won’t have to pack things like food, water or petrol, your tour company will do that as part of the package. In this blog, we are going to discuss the comfort and personal items that you should take with you.

1. Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses

The Namibian sun is unrelenting, all year round. Even in the dead of winter, you could easily get badly sunburned if you are out in the sun and not properly protected. Make sure you pack an SPF of at least 50, and if you are sweating a lot, be sure to reapply it regularly. You should also bring along a hat and sunglasses. In the desert the sun reflects light and it can blind you to the spectacular scenery.

2. Light coloured clothing

To stay cool, wearing light coloured clothing is a great idea because it is going to reflect the sunlight away from your body. For evenings, make sure you have a warm jersery and/or a jacket. While on the topic of clothing, you should also pack comfortable shoes.

3. Camera

Even if you are not a photographer, you will want to make sure that you pack a decent camera for the trip. You might only come here once, and you will underestimate just how beautiful the country really is. Having a camera on you, even if it is just a decent quality point and shoot, will mean you will never miss a scenic moment!

Are you ready for the Namibia holiday of a lifetime?

South Africa’s desert neighbour has further relaxed its travel restrictions, as the country opens up for the busy December tourist season. The Namibian President recently announced that those who are planning an exciting Namibia tour now need only present a negative COVID test no more than 72 hours old when entering the country.

The dusty nation has been without tourists for most of the year, as countries around the world including Namibia, limited international travel in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. This lockdown has been nothing less than devastating for local tourism establishments the world over, as the usual bustle of excited travellers were barred from their 2020 adventures.

But now the country is opening up for travellers, and with the relaxed requirements for entering the nation, now is a really good time to start planning your Namibia tour.

How to stay safe while travelling?

While the relaxed measures have been quite loudly welcomed by the tourism industry and the many tour companies that offer Namibia tours, if you are ready to go on a tour in the country, it can still be a good idea to have a few travel tips to keep you safe and healthy throughout your time here.

1. Work through an agent/tour company

Planning a trip to a new country can be daunting at the best of times, so it can help to work with a travel agent or a tour company who can answer all of your questions and address your concerns. They will be able to tell you everything you need to know in terms of what kind of health documentation you will need, whether or not you will have to quarantine once you arrive, and which visas are needed.

These agencies will also be able to inform you about COVID testing, and the period during which the testing will be relevant.

2. Make peace with travel insurance

Perhaps in the past you could have given insurance a skip, in the post-COVID era (or at least while it is still around), you should take out insurance just in case you fall ill while on holiday.

3. Pack right

Packing for a Namibia holiday is already quite something as it requires things like loads of sunblock and light clothing, but now you also need to pack your disposable masks and hand sanitizer.

4. Keep test results on hand

Look, it’s a bother and not something you’d normally do, but to minimise your downtime and help you move swiftly through airports and other such establishments, if you have a printed copy of your test results on hand, you can simply show it to whoever wants it and then get back on with having fun and enjoying your holiday.

5. Go along with the protocol

No matter where you go, you will likely come across some sort of COVID related protocol that you will need to follow if you wish to travel. By now, you are already more than familiar with the procedures, so stick to the current rules, and you should be fine!

The best time of the year to visit Namibia

One of the biggest considerations to make when you are travelling to Namibia is planning your visit to coincide with the best time of the year.

Namibia is a hot desert nation, and with the extreme temperatures, planning your trip can be quite a mission. Plan it for the wrong time and you could be suffering under the intense heat, something that is immensely unpleasant when you are spending your days driving.

The best time of the year to travel to Namibia is between July and October. These are the coolest months of the year, so when you are on the road a lot, you won’t die in the heat. From July to October, you will experience the most pleasant temperatures, and you also won’t be caught up in an intense storm or rain shower that floods the road and stops your tour in its tracks.

Namibia winters are not your normal winter, especially if you come from a Northern Hemisphere country. During a winter in this beautiful country, you can expect hot days, with the occasional thundershower, but in the evenings, the country can take on a very real chill. When you are packing, make sure that you bring some wintry clothing, but do bring along some clothing that can keep the worst of the winter weather away. You most certainly don’t need any clothing that you’d normally wear during a snowy period.

You also don’t necessarily need big winter shoes! Flip flops and maybe just one pair of closed shoes should be enough to keep you comfortable during your stay.

Visiting during other times of the year

While the period between July and October are considered to be the best time of the year to travel, you can really travel here at any time and enjoy a wonderful experience.

When you travel between October and February you can expect to have those intensely hot days with tremendous afternoon thundershowers. These are also good times to go spotting wildlife. When the rains come and the dams and pans fill up with water, the wildlife come out in great numbers to quench their thirst. You could spend a day sitting near a water source and see loads of desert animals.

In March, April and May, the rains slowly disappear and the dry heat settles in for winter. The evenings start to get really cool and because of the limited water sources, animals again travel to watering spots to get the last of the water available to them. Tourism around this time of the year begins to pick up, as people take advantage of moderate weather.

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If you are planning on taking a trip to Namibia, you can book your tour with us. We offer a number of both guided and self-guided Namibia tours for you to choose from, and we will do all of the planning for you.