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Discover Africa with Beachcomber
As a specialist tour operator we have made a conscious decision not to try sell the whole of Southern Africa. Instead we have chosen to focus on just a few very special destinations, namely South Africa, where we have our own office, Botswana, Namibia and Victoria Falls.
These countries are fantastic destinations in their own right, can be combined together or added with time spent on an Indian Ocean island. And as all of our luxury Africa holidays are tailor-made you get to choose where, what and how you see these beautiful countries.
The Beachcomber website, we hope, gives you some holiday inspiration. For a personal understanding of these great destinations and specialist advice on planning your own Africa holiday call and have a chat with our Africa team.
Travel tips on our destinations can be found below, to delve right into our holidays to Africa click on one of the following links:
South Africa holidays, Botswana holidays, Namibia holidays, Victoria Falls
Namibia Safaris
When to Go
‘When's the best time to go' and ‘what's the weather like' in many cases form one and the same question. As Namibia is dominated by the dry Namib Desert the country enjoys a warm and pleasant climate through the year making it one of Africa's real all year round destinations.
Summer days, November through March, are typically hot cooling down through the night. Midsummer temperatures may rise to over 40 degrees Celsius. Winter days, June to August, are warm but dawn temperatures may well drop to freezing. Through the year the coast is cooler with low rainfall, and fog prevailing form late afternoon until mid-morning. The rainy season lasts from October to April, the rest of the year is dry and cloudless. Namibia in fact averages 300 days of sunshine a year.
In terms of game viewing the dryer winter months are when the game concentrates around water sources, but it's not vital to travel at this time of year as a Namibia safari is not just about the wildlife but the incredible scenery the country has to offer.
Passports and Visas
British passport holders do not require visas for Namibia. If you have any other passport please contact your local Embassy or Consulate. Ideally your passport should have at least 2 unused pages and must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
Health
Certificates of vaccination are not necessary for Namibia. Malaria is prevalent in Namibia and it is imperative that all visitors take anti-malaria tablets. It is recommended to check with your doctor regarding which anti-malarials suit you best and to the latest heath recommendations from http://www.fco.gov.uk/.
All the hotels and lodges in Namibia have radio contact and are able to access emergency services if required. As many of the lodges are in remote locations and air evacuation would be required. Each lodge also has a fully trained First Aider available. Should you have any prior concerns please do not hesitate to contact us on 01483 445620.
Insurance
Suitable Travel Insurance is essential and is not automatically included in your booking. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to the following eventualities: cancellation or curtailment of the safari, emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, damage/theft/loss of personal baggage money and goods. Please ensure you understand the terms and conditions of your insurance, and take any relevant documentation with you.
Currency
The Namibian Dollar is fixed and equal to the South African Rand. One dollar is divided into 100 cents. There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that can be imported, but the total amount exported must not exceed the amount declared on entry. The Namibian Dollar and South African Rand are both legal tender, and foreign currency and travellers cheques can both be exchanged in banks. Credit cards are also accepted.
Electricity
220volts is used with round three pin plugs. Most of the lodges do not have electricity, and power is generated through generators and batteries connected to your room. Hairdryers and electric razors are not an option at most lodges. Camera equipment can be re charged in the main building of the lodge. Please ensure you take the re chargers with you and a spare battery is a great idea.
Special Diets
Special diets can be catered for, but please advise us at the time of booking as the lodges are remote and do need to plan in advance. Dietary requests must be made to airlines no less than 48 hours prior to departure. It is worth mentioning any special requests on check in, and again when you re confirm your return flight.
Tipping
Tipping of lodge and hotel personnel is not mandatory, but a demonstration of your appreciation for good service is welcomed. Personnel who are deserving of tips are guides, porters, room cleaners and waiters in bars and restaurants who have been particularly helpful. Tipping of transport personnel is also appreciated and drivers of transfer vehicles, tour coach drivers and guides are deserving of recognition. Tipping can be in local currency although many prefer US$ or £sterling. The following can be used as a guide line, although it is completely at your discretion.
Guide-US$ 5 per person per day
Lodge Staff-US$ 5 per member of staff per stay
Security
Please ensure that your passport, air tickets and travellers cheques are safely stored in your room or with the camp manager. The remoteness of the Namibia lodges ensures that there is very little crime, but we recommend that you do not leave jewellery, mobile phones, cameras or any other valuables in your room or in public areas. When travelling please ensure that your cases are securely locked.
What to Pack
Cool, comfortable and casual clothing is best suited in Namibia. Natural fibres such as cotton ‘breathe' and are most comfortable. The accent is on informal wear.
On safari please ensure you have some good shoes in which you can walk short distances. During the winter months a fleece jacket, hat, gloves and scarf are often appreciated for the early mornings. Normally you will change into shorts and tee shirts by mid day. Don't forget binoculars, camera and film, sun hats and good sunscreen whatever time of year you are travelling. Please note there is a 12kg luggage allowance per person, packed in soft bags including hand luggage and camera equipment.
Most, but not all of the camps provide laundry facilities. Towels are provided at all accommodations. Water is scarce at many of the Namibia lodges so please limit the time you enjoy in the shower.
Mobile Phones
Other than in Windhoek, the mobile phone network in Namibia is very sporadic. It is highly unlikely that you will get coverage in your lodge. Please ensure you have international roaming installed on your phone. All GSM phones are compatible.
