INFORMATION FOR THE VISITOR TO NAMIBIA

This information is provided by Cheetah Conservation Fund as a guideline for your upcoming visit to the country.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Since the 1st of April 2025 a VISA must be applied to enter Namibia.
We recommend applying online before arrival (max. 30 days) – ONLINE VISA ON ARRIVAL – This link will take you immediately to the website of the “Ministry of the Interior and Entry”
E-Services: Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/visaonarrival

  1. Log onto the website
  2. Register your email address
  3. Once you receive a response email from MHAISS to confirm your email address
  4. Ensure you have a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport photo
  5. Select VISA online on Arrival application
  6. Complete form and submit passport and photo
  7. Once submitted you will be notified via email if your VOA is approved
  8. On approval log back into the system and make your payment
    • Per adults N$ 1600.00
    • Per child 6-11y N$ 800.00
    • Younger <6y free of charge

Once payment is made you will be able to download your approved VOA. Please print out your approved VOA and provide it at the entry to Namibia with the following documents:

  • proof of onward travel (if required)
  • Health / Travel Insurance – Coverage for medical expenses
  • Details of 1st Accommodation / Itinerary / Invitation – Hotel booking, host invitation and copy of the itinerary (if applicable)
  • Funds – Proof of financial means for your stay

You can also apply for the VISA upon entry directly at the border or airport, for this you need the following documents:

  • completed visa application form (Provided on flight by airline before landing or at counters on arrival)
  • proof of onward travel (if required)
  • Health / Travel Insurance – Coverage for medical expenses
  • Details of 1st Accommodation / Itinerary / Invitation – Hotel booking, host invitation and copy of the itinerary (if applicable)
  • Funds – Proof of financial means for your stay
  • Payment for Visa on Arrival must be made via credit card or cash Nam Dollar. The cost is N$1,600 per person, with an additional N$400 fee for applications submitted manually

The Namibian Government mandates that all visitors to Namibia must have at least six fully blank pages in their passports upon arrival in the country. Additionally, passports should be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date from Namibia.
Cheetah Conservation Fund and Namibia Tracks & Trails cannot be held responsible for the refusal of entry into a country for any reason whatsoever.

MINORS TRAVELLING TO NAMIBIA

Minors under the age of 18 traveling to Namibia must possess an unabridged birth certificate. Additionally, when traveling:

  • With an adult who is not their biological parent: An affidavit from both parents, providing consent for the minor to travel with the adult, is required.
  • With an adult other than a parent/legal guardian: Copies of the legal guardian’s/parent’s passports or identity documents are required, along with contact details of the parents/legal guardians.
  • With a parent: An affidavit from the other parent, granting consent for the minor to travel, is necessary. If one parent is deceased, a death certificate should be provided.
  • Unaccompanied: An affidavit from the parents/legal guardians, consenting to the minor’s travel, is required. Additionally, a letter containing the contact details and residential information of the person receiving the minor passenger, a copy of the identity document, valid passport, or permanent residence permit of the receiving person, and the contact details of the minor’s parents/legal guardians are necessary.

IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS

WINDHOEK

Ambulance Emergency: +264 (61) 21-1111
AEMS: +264 61 300 118 (international) 963 (National free)
EMed24: +264 83 924 (international) 924 (National free)
Police: +264 (61) 10111

SWAKOPMUND

Ambulance Emergency: +264 (64) 40-5731
EMed24: +264 83 924 (international) 924 (National free)
Police: +264 (64) 10111

NAMIBIA TRACKS & TRAILS

AH +264 (0) 81 269 7271

CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND

+264 (0) 81 149 0709 / +264 (0) 81 624 3021

BANKING AND CURRENCY

CURRENCY

The currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar (N$), which is pegged to and therefore equivalent to the South African Rand (ZAR). The Namibian Dollar and South African Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia and can be used freely to purchase goods and services. The Namibian Dollar, is not considered a legal tender in South Africa. Traveller’s cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at any of the commercial banks, which are well represented throughout the country. Visitors may bring any amount of foreign currency into the country. Further information and assistance can be obtained from any commercial bank in Namibia.

CREDIT CARDS

International Visa and MasterCard credit cards are generally accepted throughout Namibia. Holders of other cards are advised to clarify with a commercial bank whether their card is acceptable in Namibia. Please note most camps are unable to accept American Express cards. Credit cards are not accepted at some fuel filling stations.

BANKS

Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 09h00-15h30 and on Saturdays from 09h00-11h00.

ATM Safety Tips:

ATM fraud escalated amongst tourists in the big cities – herewith some safety tips as recommended by First National Bank:

  • Be vigilant whenever approaching an ATM. If you feel unsafe, rather come back at another time, or use an alternative machine.
  • Never let a stranger assists you at an ATM and shield the keypad and screen with your body, especially when entering your PIN.
  • If you suspect that the machine has been tampered with, walk away from it, and report your suspicion to the security guard.
  • Once again, please note that neither FNB nor any other Bank will ever ask for confidential details like PIN codes.

Further recommendations from First National Bank

  1. Keeping large amounts of foreign currency notes pose several risks. The Bank of Namibia rules also clearly state that within 24 hours of receiving foreign currency bank notes it should be converted to N$. This is not possible in all circumstances due to rural location of many tourism operations. However, FNB can apply for dispensation from the Bank of Namibia on behalf of our clients. But this may however not reduce the risk of theft and robberies. FNB therefore extended the opening hours of the FNB Bureau de Change in Independence Avenue.
  2. Avoid trading directly with foreign currency notes, rather settle your bills via credit or debit card where possible.
  3. Traveller cheques are regarded as very risky means of payment, and it has come to light that people use fraudulent travel cheques to pay for accommodation more often. Be wary of this and please avoid situations where you become exposed to such risk.

For more information on the Foreign Exchange rates and commissions, contact your nearest FNB branch.

RECOMMENDED TIPPING

Tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated if you are satisfied with the services provided. We suggest tipping your specialist guide at the end of your stay in camp or at the end of your safari. As a general guideline tipping around N$100 per guest per day is recommended. It is also a thoughtful gesture to tip general camp / lodge staff, with a suggested amount of about N$50 per guest per day. This can be placed in the communal tipping box. For porters, a recommend tip is around N$20 per suitcase. For petrol attendants and car guards a suggested tip is around N$ 5-10. Of course, these are rough guidelines, and you are free to give whatever amount you feel is appropriate.

HEALTH AND MEDICAL INFORMATION

HEALTH

There are a few basic health matters that require care and attention. The following points are recommended guidelines only. Please consult your doctor and also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Malaria – Malaria within Namibia is encountered mainly in northern Namibia: Please consult your doctor.
Malaria prophylactic recommendations for travellers:
Expert opinion differs regarding the best approach to malaria prophylaxis. It is important to bear in mind that malaria may be contracted despite chemoprophylaxis, especially in areas where chloroquine resistance has been reported. Both chloroquine-resistant and normal strains of malaria are prevalent in Africa.
Please remember that the best precaution is the preventative kind:

  • Avoid being bitten by using mosquito repellents liberally. Wilderness Safaris provides a locally made repellent but please bring your own as there may be skin sensitivity.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings.
  • Please use the mosquito net over your bed where supplied/available.
  • If staying in a bungalow or tent, spray with a suitable insecticide to kill any mosquitoes that may have flown into your room.
  • Mosquito coils are also effective.

Malaria is transmitted by a very small percentage of female Anopheles mosquitoes. They are mainly active in the early evening and throughout the night. Malaria transmission is at its highest during the warmer and wetter months of November through to April. From May through to October the risks of acquiring malaria are reduced. There is also less prevalence in remote areas where our camps are situated; nonetheless, you need to consider taking preventative measures.

There is a six-to-seven-day minimum incubation period before symptoms present themselves. If you become ill on your return, while still on prophylaxis or even once you have stopped taking them, ensure that your doctor does everything to establish that your illness is not malaria. Malaria can be prevented if you are sensible and take basic precautions. There have been very few cases of our guest’s contracting malaria in our more than 20 years of operation. It is inadvisable for pregnant woman to visit malarial areas as malaria infection during pregnancy can be detrimental.

Water – It is very important that you drink plenty of water especially during the warmer months. It is generally recommended that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration. This excludes tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages, which act as diuretics and therefore can actually contribute to dehydration. Generally, water throughout Namibia is safe to drink directly from the tap. However, bottled water is readily available, so please do not allow yourself to become dehydrated.

Dietary Requirements – For those guests with specific dietary requirements please ensure Namibia Tracks & Trails is notified prior to arrival. We can accommodate most reasonable requests.

Medical Conditions – You need to notify Namibia Tracks & Trails of any medical condition you may have prior to your arrival. This includes any allergies e.g. bee stings, nuts, shellfish etc.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

CLIMATE

The below is a rough guideline to an understanding of Namibia weather patterns. This is by no means the last word. Patterns can change and rains may be later or earlier from year to year. Data on Windhoek and Swakopmund minimum and maximum temperatures and monthly rainfall follow. These towns are a good general indication of the weather patterns in the regions discussed below.

The climate is typically semi-desert with hot days and cool nights. The cold Benguela Current keeps the coast cool and free of rain most of the year; Namibia averages about 300 days of sunshine a year. The rainy season lasts from October to April. The rest of the year is dry and cloudless.

Humidity is generally very low in most parts but can reach as high as 80% in the extreme north during summer. The average rainfall is 50mm along the coast to 350 mm in the central interior and 700mm in the Caprivi. Guests should pack warm and cold clothing for any visit to Namibia. Those guests self-driving must exercise caution when crossing riverbeds and camping during the summer months as flash floods can occur from the sporadic rains. It is perfectly safe to travel by road currently, though a 4×4 or vehicle with high ground clearance is recommended. The rest of the year is dry and cloudless.

Midsummer temperatures may rise to over 40°C (104°F). Winter days are warm, but dawn temperatures may drop to freezing. Along the coast it is cool with low rainfall and fog prevails from late afternoon until mid-morning January to March is the peak of summer and the rainy months. Days are normally warm with afternoon cloud build up and possible showers although these are usually short-lived. Game viewing after good rains is generally not that good at the wildlife destinations. Northern Namibia and the Caprivi usually receive most of Namibia’s annual rainfall.

During April to May morning temperatures start to drop and the evenings are cooler soon after sunset. Rainfall is limited. As rainwater pans dry out game viewing can improve slowly.

The early part of June is very cold in the mornings and evenings, occasionally even dropping below zero, and winter lasts until August. Days are sunny and pleasant however, with windy spells towards the end of this period. Warm clothing is recommended for the evenings and early mornings. Game viewing is excellent in the dry winter months in certain destinations.

Spring starts in September and the days are much warmer with the occasional cool evening and morning. Game viewing is excellent during this time. Trees begin to come into leaf.

From October we experience very warm sunny days with warm evenings. Some rains are experienced sporadically, though larger showers can be expected usually only around December. Wildlife sightings is affected depending how early and serve the rains have started. December can be among the hottest months of the year, often averaging 35°C to 40°C in the shade.

Along the coast it is year-round cool with low rainfall and fog prevails from late afternoon until mid-morning. The cool breeze off the coast can cool the days down quite a bit, so warm clothes are recommended for the evenings and early mornings.

INTERNET AVAILABILITY

Internet in Namibia is dominated by fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), LTE, and satellite solutions, with major providers like Paratus, MTC, and Telecom Namibia offering uncapped, high-speed packages. Key providers offer competitive speeds from 10 Mbps up to 100 Mbps+, with fiber expanding rapidly in urban areas while specialized wireless/satellite solutions cover remote locations.

GENERAL GUIDANCE

LOSS OF ARTICLES

Please note that we cannot accept any responsibility for the misplacement of any articles whilst on your travels. Naturally, we will endeavour to reunite you with your misplaced items. However, logistics may not be favourable for the returning of articles unless you are prepared to pay for the cost to get your goods back to you. Any costs incurred in this process will be for your own account.

This issue is possibly the single biggest form of stress for guests who have left their goods behind somewhere enroute and who are not prepared to pay for the costs to be reunited with their possessions. So please make sure that you keep all your goods with you.

INSURANCE

CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND and Namibia Tracks & Trails, or its agents and associates cannot be held responsible or liable for loss, damage, or theft of personal luggage and belongings, nor can they be held liable for personal injury, accident, or illness. Please ensure that you have yourself and your belongings adequately insured before your departure. Insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We cannot be held liable for any losses or damages incurred.

Health Insurance – Before you travel anywhere it is advisable to have fully comprehensive medical and accident insurance, which covers you while you are away for everything, including emergency evacuation and repatriation.

Cancellation Insurance – You might have to cancel your safari due to unforeseen circumstances. If you cancel a trip close to the departure date for any reason, you will lose all that the safari was going to cost you. Dependent on the reason, cancellation insurance should cover you for this eventuality.

Baggage Insurance – Airline liabilities with respect to your baggage is limited. It is advisable to take out insurance if you are carrying expensive and valuable camera equipment. You should always carry such equipment as ‘carry-on’ luggage. Do not put anything of value in your checked baggage!

Claims – If you anticipate an insurance claim upon your return, be sure to document as accurately as possible any accident, injury, or loss. Doctors’ notes and police reports will aid any claim.

SHOPPING

In the major centres, such as Windhoek and Swakopmund, many shops specialize in attractive local products such as diamonds, semi-precious stones, curios of all types including dolls dressed in the traditional Herero style (made by the local Herero woman), hand-carved wooden objects, beautifully fashioned jewellery, leather shoes, karosses rugs and popular woven Swakara garments. Shops are closed on Saturday- and Sunday afternoons, as well as all public holidays, with only a select few open on a Sunday morning.

TAX

All goods and services in Namibia are priced to include value added tax (VAT) of 15%.

Visitors to Namibia may reclaim VAT on their purchases at the Hosea Kutako International Airport, Eros Airport and Walvis Bay Airport. Further enquiries can be made through the Ministry of Finance – Telephone: +264 61 209 2405, Fax: +264 61 209 2001

A 30% luxury items tax is subtracted from the cost of such luxury items as jewellery or Swakara garments when tourists present their passport and air ticket at the time of purchase.

DUTY FREE

Please note that there is no duty-free shopping available at Johannesburg International Airport on flights to Namibia. Please make sure any duty-free purchases of film, alcohol, etc. are made before arriving in southern Africa.

CHECK-IN/OUT TIMES

Hotels in the Namibia towns and cities generally have a check in time of 14h00 and a check out time of 10h00, though many lodges and hotels will try to be accommodating and flexible if they are not too fully booked the preceding night. Otherwise, we recommend you book a day room in advance to secure a longer stay in your room.

LOST LUGGAGE

Luggage that goes missing on scheduled flights is beyond the control of Cheetah Conservation Fund, Namibia Tracks & Trails, and/or the airline concerned. The airport controls what happens to passengers’ luggage from when it is checked in/out until it is put on/taken off the aircraft.

We suggest that you take the following precautionary action: pack a small bag with your essentials including any life sustaining medication, which can be carried with you as hand luggage. If your luggage goes missing, you will still have your essential items on hand to see you through the first couple of days while we try and recover your lost baggage.

LANGUAGE

The official language is English. German and Afrikaans are also widely used and there are numerous African languages and dialects which fall into two main groups, namely Bantu and Khoisan. German is spoken widely in Swakopmund.

PACKING SUGGESTIONS

We hereby provide a list of suggested items which should be used as a guideline whilst planning your trip. Check your airlines for weight requirements. Equipment/Other:

  • Good quality sunglasses – preferably polarised. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light.
  • Torch.
  • If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust.
  • Southern African bird guide if you are a keen birder, e.g., Newman’s or Sasol.
  • Personal toiletries (basic amenities supplied by most establishments).
  • Malaria tablets (if applicable).
  • Antihistamine tablets if you suffer from any allergies.
  • Anti-nausea tablets if you suffer from motion sickness.
  • Moisturising cream and suntan lotion – SPF 20 or higher recommended.
  • Insect repellent for body application e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, etc.
  • Basic medical kit (painkiller, antipyretic, plasters, Imodium, antiseptic cream and Anti-histamine cream etc.)
  • Tissues/”Wet Ones”.
  • Visas, tickets, passports, money, etc.
  • Namibia uses Type M or Type D both 3 pin outlets, bring along a universal Travel adapter
  • Camera equipment and plenty of film/memory sticks.
  • Waterproof/dustproof bag/cover for your camera.
  • BINOCULARS – ESSENTIAL – 8×40 / 8×42 is the recommended general purpose binocular specification for both birding and mammal viewing (night vision binoculars are not essential but highly recommended if your safari includes night activities).

Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) is Namibia’s main international airport and the only airport in Namibia which receives flights originating from countries outside of the African continent and is therefore the starting point for the majority of travelers. Located 40km/25mi east of Windhoek it takes approximately 35 minutes by car to reach the capital.

Flights to Namibia

Flights to Windhoek are numerous but when coming from outside Africa at least one transfer, most typically in Johannesburg, is required.

From The UK

British Airways, South African Airways and Virgin Atlantic all offer flights from London Heathrow via Johannesburg to Windhoek and Emirates and Etihad also have routes with 2 stops via the UAE and Johannesburg.

From Germany

Air Namibia operate the only direct flight between Europe and Namibia out of Frankfurt but indirect flights from Berlin with Qatar Air via Doha and Munich, South African Airways via Johannesburg, are also available.

From France

Qatar Air operate flights from Paris via Doha with combinations of airlines such as Air France and South African Airways are also available with transfers in cities such as Frankfurt and Cape Town.

From the USA

South African Airways operate flights from New York via Johannesburg and Lufthansa + Air Namibia provide options via Frankfurt.

Flights from Washington DC, Atlanta and other cities are available with British Airways via London and Johannesburg.

On the western seaboard British Airways also offer flights from Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles with connections in London and Johannesburg.

From Australia and New Zealand

South African Airways operate flights from Sydney and Auckland with connections in Perth and Johannesburg.

From Asia

South African Airways have flights from Beijing, Tokyo and Hong Kong with one or two connections enroute.

Travel Within Namibia

Onward travel is either by small aircraft or car. Because of excellent roads and safety in Namibia, many people choose the self-drive option and many international car hire companies such as Avis, Budget and Europcar can provide vehicles from Hosea Kutako International Airport. Please check your proposed travel route before hiring a vehicle as road condition can vary from region to region and are also dependent on the season or travel. 4X4 and 2X4 vehicles are generally good options in which to explore unhindered by gravel/dirt roads, of which there are many, and provide better wildlife viewing due to the raised position.

Should you decide to charter a flight CCF has it’s own airstrip which is suitable for light aircraft, however, we ask that you contact CCF directly before confirming the flight as condition during the wet season can make it unusable.

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