Namibia has a well-deserved reputation as a safe and friendly holiday destination. It has a modern infrastructure network, well-stocked shops and professional travel services and operators.

Passport & Visas

All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months after the intended date of departure from Namibia. Please also ensure that you have sufficient blank pages in your passport for entry stamps - we recommend two pages per stamp.

Wild Times is unable to arrange visas for our travellers so we urge you to contact your nearest Namibian consulate or embassy well before your trip to obtain the most up to date information on visas. Using your local visa shop or service is also a convenient option. You'll need the following when applying for a visa:

• valid passport
• completed application form
• two passport-size photos
• return or onward ticket or proof of accommodation
• fee (usually around US$25)
• letter of invitation for private travellers, or letter from sponsoring company for business travellers

Health

If you are visiting the area north of Windhoek (Etosha, Ovambu and Caprivi), you must obtain malaria prophylactics before entering Namibia. The Ministry of Health and Social Services recommends that you take a combination of prophylactics, both chloroquin and non-chloroquin containing.

Start your course at least 24 hours before entering Namibia and continue taking the pills for 6 weeks after leaving the country. If you suffer from side effects, try taking your pills at night and after dinner as this usually minimises the effect of the symptoms. Take precautionary measures to prevent contact with mosquitoes: sleep under a bed-net or in a room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember to keep the flaps zipped at all times); spray your accommodation with insecticide; make use of a mosquito-repelling lotion or stick; and wear long-sleeve clothing, trousers and socks when outside at night.

Travellers should be aware that there is a polio presence in areas south of Windhoek. Tetanus immunisation is recommended. Bilharzia is present in the Kunene, Okavango and Kwando Rivers.

Medical Services
Namibia does not have a national health welfare scheme. It is therefore advisable to obtain medical insurance prior to arrival. Private health care standards in Namibia are high, with the best hospital being in Windhoek. All main towns have well-stocked pharmacies, but as some of the tourist areas are in remote areas, it is recommended that you bring any medicines you may require with you.

Water
Throughout Namibia at hotels, inns, lodges and other public places, tap water is purified and safe to drink. Kindly remember that water is precious in this drought-stricken land so please be respectful and make every effort to help conserve Namibia's water.

Safety

Crime in general is not a big problem in Namibia, but some of the major towns are experiencing an increase in petty thefts and muggings. One should practice common sense by not flashing valuables about and avoiding walking alone in deserted areas and at night. Be aware that theft from campsites, particularly those in or near urban areas, is a problem. Never leave valuables unattended. The usual safety precautions when out in the wild apply. Be aware that hippopotami and crocodiles are a threat in the northern rivers.

What to Pack

Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. The most practical items to pack for safari are:

• blouses with long sleeves (even in summer, they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes)
• t-shirts
• shorts or a light skirt
• jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
• fleece or sweater and a warm jacket for game drives (necessary, even in summer & for coastal regions)
• comfortable walking shoes
• sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, moisturiser, lip-salve - essentials!
• binoculars and a camera are a must
• track suit - good for sleeping in during winter months
• light, compact raincoat for summer - just in case!
• swimsuit, as most hotels have swimming pools
• towel, torch and sleeping bag for camping safaris (sleeping bags can be hired from most safari operators)
• bring an elegantly casual outfit for dinner at the smarter hotels

Layers are most practical for the fluctuating day/night temperatures of Namibia. Dull and/or neutral colours are more suitable for safari, white is not practical. Cotton clothing is recommended for summer. It is best to pack hardy, durable clothing. If you are travelling with an organised safari, it is important to check what your weight limit is. Generally you will need to restrict your luggage to 10-12kg (preferably packed in a soft bag) plus a reasonable amount of camera equipment.