We hope that this example holiday will give you give some inspiration to help you begin to plan your own dream holiday to Africa.
The next couple of pages show a summary of the itinerary, followed by a detailed page on each destination.
Important travel information for visitors to Namibia is included at the back of this document.
All the holidays we offer to our clients are tailor-made so we can adjust this trip to fit in with your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation...and of course your budget.
All our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of travel throughout Southern and East Africa, and our strong relationships with suppliers mean that our rates to you will always be competitive.
Let us take the hard work out of planning your trip: you can get in touch either by giving us a call on +44 (0) 1483 266725, completing the Enquiry Form on our website or emailing us at info@travelbutlers.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Travel Butlers Team
Holiday Title: Classic Self-Drive around Namibia
Holiday Destination: Holiday to Namibia for 14 nights
Passengers: 2 Adults
*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.
ABTOT provides protection for your booking as set out in Section 6 of our booking conditions.
Upon arrival in Windhoek you will collect your rental vehicle and make your way to Olive Grove.
15 Day Car Rental: Group U (Toyota Fortuner 4x4 Automatic or Similar)
Olive Grove is a small upmarket accommodation establishment situated close to the city centre in a quiet, peaceful area. The guesthouse takes homely atmosphere to a different level. Each room has been decorated and painted with new colour schemes allowing a different feel, but with the same elegant and simplistic emphasis on decor.
Once you have checked in, our representative will call to see you and go through your itinerary in detail, answering any last minute questions you may have. She will also hand over a full holiday pack, including full directions and a map, a cell phone with a pre-paid SIM, a first aid kit, a cool box and Emergency Evacuation Cover.
Depart for the 5 hour / 345 km drive to Wilderness Safari's Kulala Desert Lodge, situated at the foot of the majestic Sossusvlei Dunes and the closest location to Sossusvlei (via a private gate exclusive to Wilderness Safaris vehicles only). An endless sea of shifting sand dunes, Sossusvlei is a worldwide sensation and easily Namibia's most iconic feature. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013, this far-reaching wave of giant orange dunes stands in startling contrast to the deep blues skies overhead and is punctuated only by stretches of cracked white vlei scattered with petrified trees.
Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert
Depart for the 5 hour drive (approximately 345 km) to Swakopmund. After the desert heat, heading towards the coast will offer some respite from the heat. The journey will take you through the northern edges of the Namib Naukluft Park where you will be able to view the incredible Welwitschia Mirabilis, a plant said to grow 2,000 years old and only produces 2 leaves in its entire lifespan. You will also pass the Moon Landscape, often also referred to as the Lunar Landscape. This stark, bare and inhospitable looking Moon Landscape has become a favourite with the film industry. Swakopmund is a quaint desert town nestled between desert and sea, which is enhanced by lush green lawns, palm trees and carefully maintained gardens. Established by the German colonists in 1892, the town's colonial landmarks include the Swakopmund Lighthouse and the Mole, an old sea wall. Next to the lighthouse, the Swakopmund Museum documents Namibian history. The newly built Strand Hotel is situated right on the Promenade within reach of the many restaurants within a short walk or drive.
Swakopmund
Head north along the coast for the 5 hour drive to Damaraland (approx 350 km). You may choose to take a small detour to call at Cape Cross with its seal colony before moving inland towards Damaraland, a seemingly lifeless part of the country, but home to the desert adapted rhino and elephant. Prehistoric water courses with open plains and grassland, massive granite hills and deep gorges make up what is without doubt one of Namibia's most scenic areas and one that have geologists falling over themselves to explore. Your stay at Mowani allows for a variety of excursions to make the most of this visit and may include a visit to Twyfelfontein, one of the largest collections of rock paintings and engravings in Africa. The formation and colour of the nearby Burnt Mountain is a phenomenon that has caused much speculation and the Organ Pipes, a mass of basalt slabs in a ravine gouged out by a river, is another geological curiosity in the area. You will also be able to visit some of the rock art sites, which can be seen around the lodge. Other excursions include an Elephant and Dune Drives as well as nature walks.
Damaraland
This morning you will depart Damaraland for the 300 km / 4.5 hour drive to the Great White Place, otherwise known as the Etosha National Park. The journey will take you via Khorixas, previously the capital of Damalarand. Dolomite is located in the previously restricted area of the Etosha National Park. Arrival should be in the mid-afternoon and you may wish to explore some of the Park in your rental vehicle before heading back to the camp.
Etosha National Park
Your journey today takes you through the Park, enjoying a full day of game viewing in your rental vehicle. You entered the park on the western side with the aim of exiting today at the southern exit. During the day you will visit various waterholes where game can be observed in their natural habitat. An optional lunch stop can be made at one of the rest camps. Late afternoon you will arrive at the Ongava concession where you will overnight for the next 2 nights. Your stay is based on a fully inclusive basis which will allow for the option of undertaking your game drives in open vehicles without the need to self-drive.
Etosha National Park
Enter the Park via the Andersson Gate and spend the day driving across to exit via the Eastern Von Lindequist Gate. The Park was proclaimed a game reserve on March 22 1907 and spans an area of 22,270 square kilometres (8,600 sq mi). It gets its name from the large Etosha pan which is almost entirely within the park. The Park is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds and reptiles, including several threatened and endangered species such as the black rhinoceros. For the next 2 nights you will stay at Onguma The Fort, just outside the Park boundaries, but offering easy access for self-drive exploration.
Etosha National Park
Depart after breakfast and head for the Erongo Mountains (approx 435 km). This is a perfect location to begin to wind down after your journey through Namibia and to simply relax in the splendid surroundings.
The Erongo Mountains
The capital of Namibia, Windhoek is set amongst green hills in the centre of the country. It is a relatively small city, and has a very relaxed feel to it, with little of the angst associated with the other major cities in Southern Africa. It is also one of the cleanest cities in Southern Africa.
The city has a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and also in the widespread use of the German language.
Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.
Just outside of Windhoek (25 km away) you will find the Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve, which is a pleasent place to spend a few hours if you want to get away from the city and into the bush. One of the great attractions here is that you can walk around the reserve, following the guided trails, as the reserve is only home to non-dangerous wildlife, including blue wildebeest, zebra, kudu, baboons, gemsbok, eland and springbok, plus over 200 species of birdlife.
Olive Grove is an upmarket establishment situated close to the city centre in a quiet, peaceful area. The guest house takes homely atmosphere to a different level. Each room is decorated with the same elegant and simplistic emphasis on decor. For those looking for the very best, the spacious Executive Suite has its own private lounge and dining area, a separate bedroom and luxurious bathroom, which begs for pampering and self-indulgence.
The indoor lounge is tastefully decorated, with comfortable chairs and a fireplace in front of which to relax and read a magazine. One of Olive Grove's main features is the large veranda in front of every room, with tables and chairs for 'al fresco' dining. Home-style food is rounded off with great presentation, pushing up the level of the dining experience. The plunge pool and peaceful garden both invite the visitor to make the most of Namibia's open skies.
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Luxury Room | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
Kulala Desert Lodge is located within the arid Namib Desert on the 37,000 hectare private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, and is the closest lodge to the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei.
The main lodge area has a lounge, bar, dining area, plunge pool, and wrap-around veranda overlooking the waterhole - a perfect location to view and photograph the desert vista. The overall setting is a true delight to the senses, bringing together the rhythm of Namibia, wholesome meals and intimacy. A waterhole in front of camp attracts a number of local wildlife (such as gemsbok, springbok, ostrich and jackal).
Activities at Kulala Desert Lodge revolve around early morning guided nature drives to the spectacular dunes of Sossusvlei through the private gate on the Tsauchab River. Scenic nature drives, walks and guided electric powered 'fat bike' excursions are also offered through the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve to take in the incredible views and to catch a glimpse of the desert wildlife which includes gemsbok (oryx), bat-eared fox, brown hyena and many bird species.
Visits to Sesreim Canyon can also be arranged. This fascinating geographical formation is well worth a visit, and is the result of millions of years where water carved its way into the earth. It is 3 km long and the views from the top are breathtaking while walks through the canyon reveal distinct geographical layers.
Another option, at an extra cost, is early morning ballooning, beginning at first light. The balloon safari offers a truly unique experience to soar silently above the magnificent sand dunes and desert, with a champagne breakfast being served at your landing site.
Accommodation at Kulala Desert Lodge comprises 23 thatched and canvas 'kulalas' (meaning 'to sleep' in Oshiwambo) with en-suite bathrooms and verandas. Each tent is built on a wooden platform to catch the cooling breezes and has a deck on the flat rooftop where bedrolls can be placed for guests to sleep out under the myriad of stars that Namibia's clear skies portray.
The 2 family tents can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children. Both family tents consist of 2 bedrooms, with their own bathroom and entrance, but connected by a wooden deck.
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Kulala | ||
Includes: | All Inclusive Package: All meals; twice daily scheduled shared camp activities; Park fees; all local drinks; and a laundry service are included. PLEASE NOTE: The rate excludes premium imported brands and champagne. Children under the age of 13 years are not permitted on walking activities. |
Surrounded on 3 sides by the Namib desert, and on the 4th by the Atlantic Ocean, Swakopmund is an interesting blend of African and German heritage, and one of the most friendly towns in Southern Africa. Many of the locals are of German descent, and together with its beautifully preserved German colonial architecture, the availability of German style beer, and the precise orderly manner which is evident everywhere, you would be forgiven for thinking you were in a small town in Germany, and not on the edge of the Namib Desert.
Probably the most popular single activity is quad-biking over the large red sand dunes that start from the edge of the town, or try sandboarding down the dunes as an alternative. The Cape Cross Seal Reserve is a 125 km drive north of Swakopmund, and home to breeding colonies of thousands of Cape fur seals.
Several operators also offer scenic flights. The 2 most popular options are to take a flight north up the coastline, over the Skeleton Coast and back round, or to fly across the desert to the Sossusvlei Dunes and back to Swakopmund along the coastline, taking-in a number of shipwrecks.
With it's extensive restaurants, bars, lounges, deli and sea-facing terraces, the Strand Hotel is the social epicentre of Swakopmund.
Uniquely located on the iconic and historic Swakopmund Mole and surrounded on 3 sides by the Southern Atlantic Ocean. On the fourth side, it backs up to the town's central park, through which it is a short 5 minute walk to the historic centre of this charming German/Victorian era colonial seaside town.
Arriving at the Strand is a dramatic experience as you pass through its 13m high and 9m wide Ocean View Atrium which travels right through the hotel, offering sea views at either end. Off this Atrium Lobby is the main Reception, consisting of an inviting open fireplace which rounds off the warm welcome.
All the 125 rooms and suites offer uninterrupted sea, beach or garden views. The Standard Rooms have panoramic sliding windows from which to admire the views. The Luxury Rooms have a 'step out' balcony, whilst the Suites have a 'sit on' balcony. The Presidential Suite has its own private terrace.
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Luxury Room | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
Between the Ugab and Huab Rivers in Southern Damaraland lies a vast and unspoilt wilderness. This area boasts magnificent desert scenery, fascinating geological formations, archaeological sites and a unique variety of desert fauna and flora. It is also the southern-most roaming ground for the rare black rhino and desert elephant.
This is where you will find the Mowani Mountain Camp, nestled amongst the boulders of this beautiful area on a high spot commanding distant views over the landscape.
Adventures and activities available at Mowani include trips in a hot air balloon, hiking through the magnificent scenery, and early morning game drives to track the rare desert-adapted elephant and deset black rhino with an experienced guide in an open Land Rover. Or you can choose to just relax around the pool and enjoy the spectacular surroundings.
Guests can also visit the prolific site of Twyfelfontein. This wonderful archaeological site offers more than 2,500 engravings as well as various paintings, and is probably the finest example of rock engraving in southern Africa.
After a day full of activities, head to the viewpoint sundowner spot and enjoy a cold drink, while gazing around the 180 degrees of spectacular desert scenery as the sun sets in the distance.
The luxury tented en-suite accommodation, each with an open air en-suite bathroom and private deck overlooking the desert landscape, is built unobtrusively so as to ensure minimum impact on the natural environment. The stilt-like supports of the tents meant that very little excavation was needed in order to create this special oasis.
The Luxury Room is west-facing and is closest to the main lodge, making this ideal for guests who are not too mobile. The 5 Standard View Rooms have views into the boulder-strewn valley, and the 3 View Rooms face east with views across the valley. The 4 Superior View Rooms face west with panoramic distant views.
The Mini Suite is completely private, and is cocooned in the rocks with granite close-up boulder views. The Mountain Suite has spectacular wrap-around views, with a lounge and private dining area, and an outdoor bush bath and shower with gorgeous views as well.
Much care has been taken with the design of the main areas, creating the impression of an African Village, with dome-like thatched structures that blend in with the imposing boulders which are scattered around the outcrops.
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Luxury Room (2 Night Package) | ||
Includes: | 2 Night Package: All meals; the conservancy levy; and 2 activities are included. |
Dolomite Camp is located in a previously restricted scenic area in the western region of Etosha National Park. The dolomite formations in the area give the resort its name and provide a lush vista. The wildlife here has developed without human disturbance for half a century, and rare species such as the black rhino and the black-faced impala have established themselves in the area.
The area is rich in waterholes that also attract elephant, leopard, lion, springbok, giraffe, gemsbok and red hartebeest. Specially arranged optional game drives operated by knowledgeable tour guides can take you to parts of the Park previously only known to conservationists.
The birdlife is prolific and the seasonal flowers of Dolomite Hill are a highlight for botanists.
When not out exploring the Park, a rim flow swimming pool and a viewing deck overlooking a prolific waterhole provide entertainment, while the bar area is ideal to relax and socialise with other guests. The restaurant serves tasty and satisfying meals and the staff will always greet you with a smile. After dinner, the fireside seating areas are the perfect place to retire with a drink and savour the sounds of Etosha's nightlife.
The accommodation options consist of 3 Deluxe Chalets with a private plunge pool, and 17 Bush Chalets. All chalets are built on elevated wooden decks and have large wooden retractable doors that allow for spectacular panoramic views.
The camp is unfenced, so after dark you are escorted to your room by a guide or you can use the camp's golf buggy if you would prefer.
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Bush Chalet | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. PLEASE NOTE: Park fees are not included - payable upon entry into the Etosha National Park. |
Ongava Lodge is situated within the privately owned Ongava Game Reserve, a 30,000 hectare private reserve which is located adjacent to the southern boundary of the Etosha National Park.
The lodge offers the full Etosha experience, whilst providing superb accommodation and service. The main lounge and bar area both overlook the floodlit waterhole with wonderful views across the plains below, as does the dining area, where meals are served around a large 'family' style table. There is also a swimming pool for guest's enjoyment in-between game drives.
Activities include morning guided game drives in an open Land Rover into the Okaukuejo area of Etosha, where it is possible to see elephant, lion and many plains game including springbok, gemsbok, giraffe and hartebeest.
Guests can also enjoy day and night drives on the private reserve, which is home to resident white and black rhino. Tracking white rhino on foot is a highlight. Walks with a guide are also available, as are visits to a hide overlooking a waterhole - a fantastic place to relax and while the hours away up close and personal with wildlife coming to drink. The arid environment where little water occurs makes this a popular drinking spot for game.
Guests are accommodated in 14 luxury brick and thatch chalets, each with air-conditioning and an en-suite bathroom with a bath and a shower. Each chalet is built on an elevated deck, which are linked by walkways. Glass fronted doors lead out onto a private veranda, where guests can relax and look out over the bushveld and the waterhole.
The Family Chalet consists of 2 en-suite bedrooms, joined by a boardwalk. A private vehicle can be booked at an extra cost (subject to availability).
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Luxury Room | ||
Includes: | All Inclusive Package: All meals; twice daily scheduled shared camp activities; Park fees; all local branded drinks; and a laundry service are included. PLEASE NOTE: The rate excludes premium imported brands and champagne. The minimum age for walking activities is 13 years; and 16 years old for rhino approaching on foot. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Situated on the eastern side of Etosha, bordering Fishers Pan, Onguma is one of Namibia's best kept secrets. Onguma Nature Reserve consists of 34,000 hectares of Namibian wilderness and boasts over 30 different animal species.
Plains game roam freely and predators, although not always easy to spot, are nevertheless common residents of the area. Lion and cheetah are frequently seen and often heard. There is a healthy black rhino and leopard population and hyenas are also often seen and heard. More than 300 bird species have also been recorded here.
Onguma The Fort is the only one of its kind in Namibia. It is built in exactly the right spot to give guests probably one of the best sunset views in the whole of Namibia - overlooking the beautiful scarceness of the Etosha Pans. Upon arriving at Onguma The Fort, you will be welcomed by not only the friendly staff, but also massive raw walls, stunning stone cladded features and a huge tower with views toward Etosha and Fisher's Pan. The Fort has a classical African feel combined with a touch of Moroccan and Indian flavours, characterised by a selection of the most beautiful antique windows and doors.
Accommodation consists of 11 Bush Suites and one Honeymoon Suite, all situated adjacent to the Main Fort. Every Bush Suite is completely private and about 50 meters apart from one another. The spacious bathroom has both an inside shower as well as an outside shower area. Wooden decks lead you towards the outside seating area with sun loungers for relaxing and enjoying the extraordinary view.
In addition, the Sultan Suite is situated inside the Main Tower. It has a large beautifully designed bedroom that leads into a lounge area and out onto a small private viewing deck. The large bathroom has a wonderful open shower area, as well as a bath in which to relax and reflect upon your day's experiences.
Activities include Etosha game drives, Onguma sunset drives, and interpretative bush walks. There is also a water-level hide overlooking an active waterhole.
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Bush Suite | ||
Includes: | Breakfast; dinner; and the Onguma Rhino Conservation Levy are included. Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on bush walks. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Ai Aiba Rock Painting Lodge is dramatically set against imposing granite boulders in the foothills of the magically beautiful Erongo Mountain range. Steeped in history these ancient rock formations are the eroded remains of a volcanic complex about 130 million years old. The lodge is set on the 200,000 hectare Erongo Mountain Nature Conservancy, a pristine wilderness area which is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the plant, reptile, mamal and bird life, as well as the wealth of cultural heritage, of the Erongo landscape.
Activities during your stay here include morning or afternoon nature drives to the Bushman rock art. Each drive takes about 3 hours as you travel through the scenic reserve with selected stops at sites to view and learn about Bushman rock art, which depict age‐old hunting rituals, human and animal life. The drives also include a stop for refreshments and snacks.
Walking the area surrounding the lodge is highly encouraged and is an excellent way to experience the beauty of the Erongo Mountains. The guides have been very well trained on the interesting fauna and flora of the area and are available to escort guests through the property. There are also self-guided walking trails which go past Rain Cloud Cave and Elephant Wall - both rock art sites.
San Living Museum Tours are a unique offering, which gives guests a further insight into the ways of the Bushmen. These tours include a walk with a Bushman, learning about hunting, snaring, tracking, lighting fire and collecting bush food; or learning more about life in their village as you see how they make rope and jewellry, and understand the meanings behind their local dances and songs.
The main lodge has a high thatched roof restaurant and lounge, which have amazing panoramic views. The swimming pool is an oasis surrounded by tall palms and scenic vistas of magnificent rocky outcrops and bush savannah. There is also a floodlit waterhole.
Towering boulders form the backdrop to the 20 mountain facing chalets. Each tastefully furnished room has twin beds and air conditioning. There are also Family Rooms with either an additional single bed or a double bunk bed.
In between activities, you can relax around the crystal clear swimming pool, or enjoy the amazing panoramic views from the restaurant and bar.
The lodge is 3.5 hours from Windhoek, making this an ideal start or end to any trip to Namibia.
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Standard Room | ||
Includes: | BB Package: Breakfast is included. |
Latest Travel Updates
For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:
UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/namibia
Normally, holders of the following passports do not require a visa to enter Namibia when travelling as a tourist for stays up to 90 days:
United Kingdom; United States of America; Canada; Australia; New Zealand; Ireland; Belgium; Netherlands; Italy; France; Germany; Spain; South Africa.
If you are a passport holder from another country, please contact your local Namibia High Commission or Embassy for up-to-date visa requirements, as citizens of certain countries are required to obtain visas before travelling. You can also check on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Namibia
Please note that if you are applying to the Embassy for your visa, some visas can take a long time to be processed so please do take this into consideration, as it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa in place before you travel.
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Namibia and have at least one completely blank page for Namibian immigration to use. If you’re travelling to South Africa, you will need an additional 2 blank pages.
TRAVELLING TO/FROM NAMIBIA WITH CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN 18 YEARS OF AGE AT DATE OF TRAVEL: The following requirements apply regardless of nationality.
Parents travelling with children must produce an unabridged birth certificate for the child, showing full details of the child's parents. If the birth certificate is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by a sworn translation issued by a competent authority in the country concerned.
If the child is adopted, the adoption certificate must be produced.
If only one parent is travelling, said parent must also show consent in the form of an affidavit from the other parent named on the birth certificate authorising the child to travel (the affidavit must be no more than 6 months old from the date of travel), or a court order granting full parental responsibilities to the travelling parent, or (where applicable) a death certificate for the deceased parent. Legally separated parents should also provide a court order when the other parent does not give consent.
Where a person is travelling with a child who is not their biological child, he/she must produce an unabridged birth certificate for the child supplemented by affidavits from the child's parents/legal guardian giving consent for the child to travel and copies of the identity documents or passport of the parents/legal guardian PLUS their contact details.
There are also additional rules for unaccompanied minors - available on request.
PLEASE NOTE: All documents must be original - PHOTOCOPIES ARE NOT ACCEPTED. In the case of foreign countries that do not issue unabridged birth certificates, a letter to this effect issued by the competent authority of the foreign country should be produced.
For more information, please contact your Namibia High Commission.
IMPORTANT: Plastic bags are banned in all Namibian National Parks. Arriving visitors are requested to avoid bring plastic bags into the Parks and any plastic bags in your possession will be removed by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism personnel when you enter any of the National Parks.
PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.
You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to Namibia.
To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.
Tap water is chemically treated and safe to drink in major cities and towns, but you can often taste the chemicals, so it is not particularly pleasant. Bottled water is readily available and is a much nicer-tasting alternative!
We also advise that you do not drink the water in more remote places such as Etosha and other National Parks, or on farms - the water may be safe to drink, but it simply is not worth the risk or being laid up with a dodgy stomach for the next few days. Do not drink water from any river lake without firstly purifying the water.
Always take water with you on a long car journey to avoid dehydration.
There is a risk of malaria in the Caprivi Strip. During the summer/wetter months (November-June), it is also advisable to take malaria precautions if you are visiting the Etosha National Park although the risk of malaria during this time is still deemed to be low. Check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Dengue fever can also be transmitted via mosquito bites. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Namibia, so a yellow fever vaccination is NOT required for travellers whose sole destination is Namibia. However, in accordance with International Health Regulations, Nambia requires all travellers over one year of age arriving from a yellow fever risk country, or having been in transit longer than 12 hours at the airport of such a country, to have a yellow fever certificate. These countries include Kenya and Uganda but it is up to the traveller to check the full list here https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps
English is the official language of Namibia, although it is only the first language of a small percentage of the population, about 7%. Afrikaans is the most widely spoken first language for most Namibians, and around 30% of the population also speak German. Different tribes throughout the country speak either a Bantu dialect (including Owambo, Caprivian and Herero) or a Khoisan dialect (including Nama, Damara and San). The Khoisan dialects are characterised by a 'clicking' sound.
We would ask that all travellers are respectful of the local culture as follows:
If the army or police are protecting a building or place, check before taking any photographs. If in doubt, put your camera away!
Homosexuality is not prohibited by law, but local attitudes can be less tolerant and public displays of affection may attract negative attention. Whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship.
Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world. In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.
Our team are specialists in travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean, and we are constantly monitoring the changing situation regarding travel to the region. If your trip cannot go ahead due to specific travel restrictions related to Covid-19 then we will get in touch to offer you the choice of the following:
The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:
We would not normally be able to confirm that your trip cannot proceed due to travel restrictions until a couple of weeks before the start of your trip, however should you want to look at postponing or altering your trip before then we would aim to be as flexible as possible.
If we confirm that your trip is unable to proceed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, then we will not charge you an amendment fee if you choose to postpone your trip or move it to another destination. We may need to adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the new dates, particularly if those coincide with a more expensive season of travel or higher grade of accommodation. Equally, if the cost of your postponed trip is less, we will reduce the cost accordingly.
You should still take out travel insurance that includes Covid-19 to cover you in the event that your trip can go ahead but you are unable to travel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances. If there are no travel restrictions in place that mean your trip could not go ahead but you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances then our normal terms and conditions would apply. You should ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate cover for cancelling due to illness, including Covid-19, and you may be able to make a claim against your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.
We offer 24/7 telephone assistance to all our clients whilst they are away, and also have partners in each country that are able to assist with any PCR tests or other issues that might arise during your trip.
If you fall ill whilst you are away, or if your trip is disrupted due to Covid-19 whilst you are travelling, then our experienced team will be on hand to assist you in whatever way you need. You would need to pay any additional costs incurred due to illness or travel disruption whilst you are away, however you may be able reclaim these expenses on your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy. Travel Butlers will be able to assist by providing supporting documentation for your claim.
All of the holidays we sell are 100% financially protected through our ATOL and ABTOT bonding so your money is in safe hands when you book a Travel Butlers holiday. Furthermore, our business is well positioned to navigate through the challenges which the travel industry is currently facing.
Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.
You can now get insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19, and these policies could include cover for:
Not all policies offer this kind of cover, not necessarily even all policies from the same provider, so you should ensure you check the policy details carefully before buying your insurance.
You can read more about choosing suitable travel insurance in the FCDO guide to travel insurance.