NAMIBIA
The excitement of visiting a new country in Sub-Saharan Africa is the stark differences between each one. Namibia, if we can use one word to describe it, would be, spectacular. Due to its size, over 2500km north to south in a straight line, one must keep enough time for this. A large part of the country is desert. The Namib to the west, and the coast and Kalahari to the East, which it shares with Botswana and South Africa. In between is the Central Plateau where most of its 2.5 million population live. In the north is Etosha, one of the largest National Parks of Africa with prolific game viewing. The desert elephant, the coastal lions and ever-present oryx are some of the species found in Namibia. The sand dunes of Sossusvlei are huge and red. Climbing one of these is an adventure in itself! It’s also great for traveling with family. Most roads are good, straight and on a north/south axis and a highly recommended way of traveling here would be to drive and see its mind-boggling vistas. If self-driving, we strongly recommend that you arrange this through a reliable agent so that you have 24/7 vehicle backup. Water, fuel and routes must be well planned. The roads are long and traffic is practically non-existent. After all this is still real wilderness and many prefer to take a driver/guide.
TRAVELLER INFORMATION
WHEN TO GO: In our opinion, Namibia is a year-round Safari destination. It really comes down to your interests, where & when you want to visit and the weather. Please note that weather patterns across Africa are becoming increasingly unpredictable due to global warming.
WEATHER
- Namibia’s climate is typical of Southern Africa with less rainfall and lower humidity than countries further east. It is generally pleasant and very dry throughout the year.
- Its subtropical desert type climate features differences in the day and night temperatures.
- As it is located in the Southern Hemisphere, winter (dry season) and summer (wet season) are opposite times of the year from Asia, Europe & North America.
- Little/no rainfall and low humidity. Can get very dry and wildlife tend to collect around the few available water sources.
- May is a transition month and end of summer. Daytime temperatures are comfortable 20s(°c) and nights are not too cold.
- By June temperatures start to drop in the mornings/evenings (10 °c) In dessert areas it’s near freezing. But the days warm up.
- July to August is the coldest time. The average max daytime temperatures are in the low 20s(°c) but at night it drops down to around 5-7, (°c) and below freezing in the desert/higher altitude areas.
- By September-October it begins to warm up again.
- In November, summer has started. Heat begins to rise but humidity is still on the low side and it’s pleasant. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s (°c) and higher in the desert.
- By December the rains usually start. Cooling down temperatures. The landscape changes drastically after the first rains.
- January to February is peak summer. High temperatures in the mid 30s(°c) going over 40(°c). Humidity is highest. Torrential downpours can occur in the afternoons on some days.
- March-April the rainfall is less ending around April. Night-time temperatures start to drop again.
GETTING THERE
Most Safaris start from Hosea Kutako International Airport located east of Windhoek, the capital. There are few direct flights to Namibia and most people will need stopover in OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg, SA). We do not book international flights however, we will suggest the very best arrival/departure options, which work with your itinerary. We would be happy to book all of your transport, flights and charters for you (within Namibia) so that everything else is taken care of from the time you land until you depart.
VISAS
Entry requirements can change. All visitors should check with their local embassy/consulate or travel agent to verify the updated requirements, and apply well in advance. If you are coming from India or most of Asia, you will require a visa. British, US citizens and most European countries do not require a visa for entry into Namibia.
VACCINATIONS
VACCINATIONS: If you are travelling from anywhere infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Otherwise, no other immunizations are required. All visitors should check with their local embassy/consulate or their travel agent for complete and up-to- date 7 information. (Ideally, 4-6 weeks prior to travel) Please check with your general practitioner for any precautionary other vaccinations you might wish to take.
MORE INFORMATION: http://www.namibiatourism.com.na/
TRAVELLER INFORMATION
WHEN TO GO: In our opinion, Namibia is a year-round Safari destination. It really comes down to your interests, where & when you want to visit and the weather. Please note that weather patterns across Africa are becoming increasingly unpredictable due to global warming.
WEATHER
- Namibia’s climate is typical of Southern Africa with less rainfall and lower humidity than countries further east. It is generally pleasant and very dry throughout the year.
- Its subtropical desert type climate features differences in the day and night temperatures.
- As it is located in the Southern Hemisphere, winter (dry season) and summer (wet season) are opposite times of the year from Asia, Europe & North America.
- Little/no rainfall and low humidity. Can get very dry and wildlife tend to collect around the few available water sources.
- May is a transition month and end of summer. Daytime temperatures are comfortable 20s(°c) and nights are not too cold.
- By June temperatures start to drop in the mornings/evenings (10 °c) In dessert areas it’s near freezing. But the days warm up.
- July to August is the coldest time. The average max daytime temperatures are in the low 20s(°c) but at night it drops down to around 5-7, (°c) and below freezing in the desert/higher altitude areas.
- By September-October it begins to warm up again.
- In November, summer has started. Heat begins to rise but humidity is still on the low side and it’s pleasant. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s (°c) and higher in the desert.
- By December the rains usually start. Cooling down temperatures. The landscape changes drastically after the first rains.
- January to February is peak summer. High temperatures in the mid 30s(°c) going over 40(°c). Humidity is highest. Torrential downpours can occur in the afternoons on some days.
- March-April the rainfall is less ending around April. Night-time temperatures start to drop again.
GETTING THERE
Most Safaris start from Hosea Kutako International Airport located east of Windhoek, the capital. There are few direct flights to Namibia and most people will need stopover in OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg, SA). We do not book international flights however, we will suggest the very best arrival/departure options, which work with your itinerary. We would be happy to book all of your transport, flights and charters for you (within Namibia) so that everything else is taken care of from the time you land until you depart.
VISAS
Entry requirements can change. All visitors should check with their local embassy/consulate or travel agent to verify the updated requirements, and apply well in advance. If you are coming from India or most of Asia, you will require a visa. British, US citizens and most European countries do not require a visa for entry into Namibia.
VACCINATIONS
VACCINATIONS: If you are travelling from anywhere infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Otherwise, no other immunizations are required. All visitors should check with their local embassy/consulate or their travel agent for complete and up-to- date 7 information. (Ideally, 4-6 weeks prior to travel) Please check with your general practitioner for any precautionary other vaccinations you might wish to take.
MORE INFORMATION: http://www.namibiatourism.com.na/