TRAVEL TIPS
PASSPORTS
All travellers are required to have a valid passport with at least 4 blank pages for any visa required and for entry and exit border stamps. Your passport should be valid for 6 months after the end of your safari. If you have two passports, you are required to only travel on one of the passports for the whole duration of your tour.
VISAS
It is the sole responsibility of the traveller to ensure that they have the required visas to visit the countries as per itinerary travelling. If you are a passport holder of the following countries; Australia, Belgium, Britain, Germany, New Zealand and USA, you do not have to require for Visa for Namibia, South African and Botswana.
Passport holders of other countries not mentioned above should check with their travel agents regarding visa requirements for visiting Namibia and neighbouring countries.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is mandatory for all passengers travelling with Mabaruli African Safaris. Clients should take out Fully Comprehensive Travel Insurance covering cancellation, medical expenses, and emergency travel with repatriation assistance and personal accident.
It is the client’s responsibility to ensure they sort out their adequate insurance before they leave their country, as travel insurance cannot be purchased once you have left your country of origin. Insurance provided with credit card payment is inadequate for travel of this nature, so please contact your travel agent or insurance broker or details.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
On average, Namibia receives about 300 day’s sunshine a year. Namibia has a pleasant climate and can be visited throughout the year. However, from December to February the weather gets hot and humid.
April to June – warm daytime temperatures of about 25°C and cooler nights.
June to September is the driest time of the year, but the best time for game viewing, with daytime temperatures average above 20°C, but the night time can be freezing temperatures.
October is the hottest month in Namibia with temperatures above 35 °C with minimal rain fall.
November to February is hot and humid with thunderstorms and rain.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS
All travellers must be in good health to undertake a safari; we recommend that you consult your physician prior to your safari departure, as there are a few health matters that require attention:
Malaria
Anti-malaria protection are highly recommended, as malaria does occur in Namibia, particularly in the North and East.
Seek professional medical advice as to the type of anti-malaria tablets you should take. Although these will offer some protection it is important to realise that they are unlikely to be 100% effective. The only sure way to avoid contracting malaria is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Take plenty of insect repellent with you and ‘cover up’ in the evening, wrist and ankle bands soaked in DEET may provide additional protection.
Your tents are mosquito proof when closed.
Dehydration
Dehydration can happen quickly while on safari especially in Namibia, where your body can lose a lot of water. The best way to avoid dehydration is to drink plenty of water.
Sunstroke/Heatstroke
It is easy to underestimate the strength of the African sun – especially when you are busy sightseeing. Cover yourself up and wear a hat when it is very hot. Use a sun cream or sun block that is appropriate for your skin type. Drink plenty of fluids.
Please advice your tour leader or our office of any medical conditions you have. This is important for the tour leader to know in case a situation arises where knowledgeable of asthma or allergies such as penicillin, special medication, epilepsy, and high blood pressure or heart conditions may help us assist you.
TRAVELING ON SAFARI
A safari is the opportunity to travel together with like minded people and an opportunity to gain an insight into the area you are travelling and the ways of life of the local people. A typical day will begin at sunrise to make use of daylight and by nightfall we are settled at our camp. Every evening, your Tour Leader will brief you on the next day’s journey and the activities which will be available.
Taking part in a safari tour involves some long drives, bumpy roads, but also alot of memorable moments!
FACILITIES WHILE ON SAFARI
Depending on the tour you will undertake, we use various forms of accommodation. We will stay at campsites in National or Private Parks, Reserves or Lodges. Following facilities may be available at some of the campsites; hot and cold showers, swimming pool, shop, bar, restaurant, washing facilities, telephones, ect
Campsite in Southern Africa is very high in standards.
Lodges and Guest Houses are normally situated in the city centres and are very comfortable. Rooms are all twin with en suite facilities.
Laundry– most campsite have hand wash facilities and in certain main centres there are laundry facilities. Lodges usually have laundry facilities.
SPENDING MONEY
South African Rand is useable throughout Namibia and Botswana. Credit Cards can be used in South Africa and Namibia, but should not be relied on for cash advances.
We recommend that you bring a certain amount of US Dollars cash or British Pounds. Exactly how much depends on how secure you feel carrying it, but somewhat between GBP 300 and GBP 400 will probably be sufficient depending on the length of your tour. Bring some of the money in small denominations as change is not always available.
NOTE: Australian, Canadian and New Zealand Dollars, traveller’s cheques and cash are not widely accepted and therefore not recommended.
We also suggest you bring a little extra amount to cover for any emergencies or extraordinary expenses. Remember that in most cases cots recoverable by your travel insurance are only reimburse after the event.
Spending money will depend largely on your own spending habits, but it pays to remember that Africa is not as cheap as many people think. As a guideline we recommend that you allow N$ 150.00 – N$ 250.00 per day for the time you are on safari to cover incidentals – snacks, drinks and souvenirs.
LOCAL LAWS
All visitors are required to obey all laws of Namibia and neighbouring countries you will be visiting. This also includes the purchase and/or use of drugs or marijuana, which is illegal in all countries in Southern Africa.
Please remember that you are a guest in each of the countries in Southern Africa you visit, it is of good manners to comply with their customs.
BORDER CROSSING
You should never have any of the following on board:
- Drugs and other illegal substances
- Pornography
- Tobacco and alcohol over the allowed limit per person
- Passengers who do not comply to the applicable immigration specifications
- Any other incriminating items (firearms ect)
Basic Guidelines:
- Be courteous and friendly at all times
- Be patient
- You must be dressed appropriately, wear shoes or flip flops, men should have they shirts on and take they hats out. This also shows respect from you side.
- Have a pen available, try and fill in forms before the border.
PHOTOGRAPHY ON TOUR
Africa is a photographer’s paradise! A camera is an important part of your equipment to take along on your safari, even if it is a simple ‘point and press’ camera.
In some places it is forbidden to take photographs. You should not take any photographs at borders or where there is a sign forbidding photography.
Please also always ask permission before taking a photograph of the locals, it is a sign of respect. In most cases a small payment is expected.
SECURITY AND PERSONAL SAFETY
Security is of prime concern wherever you may travel and Africa is no exception. Please do not bring any in necessary valuables such as jewellery or an expensive watch. We strongly advise using a money belt that you can wear under your clothing. You should take extra care if travelling alone before and after your safaris.
Whilst on safari your Mabaruli Vehicle will have a lockable safe for cash, passports and air tickets. Although all care and attention will be exercised neither Mabaruli nor its Agents, Employees and Operators can accept responsibility for anything deposited in the truck safe or left on the vehicle.
TIPPING
It is customary to give a tip of 10% of the bill in restaurants. This is not law, but if you are happy with the service and food. Porters and Petrol Station Attendants receive 2 to 5 N$.
You’re Mabaruli Tour Leader and Assistants also works extremely hard to ensure that your safari runs smoothly and that all clients are happy on tour. They are more often than not in bed last and up first, do all the cooking and camping chores and give as much information to the client about the areas that are visited. We suggest that a tip of between N$ 20 -25 per client per day for you tour leader and assistant is reasonable.
As in all cases with tipping the final decision of the amount tipped is up to the individual. It is up to you to decide if you though the service was poor, or exceptional, and the amount tipped should reflect that.
WHAT TO BRING ALONG ON TOUR
Remember to leave a copy of your passport, air tickets and travel insurance with someone at home and bring the originals with you on safari.
As a guide we suggest you keep to your airline’s restriction (20k or less) you can bring along a backpack and a smaller day bag.
- Rucksack or pack
- Day pack or small bag in which you can store spare clothes, camera and other personal effects
- Money belt
- Sleeping bag and cotton sheet
- Good torch, spare batteries – a head torch is usually very practical on a camping safari
- Durable water bottle ( 1 – 2 Litre)
- Camera lost of film or extra smart card, spare batteries and Binocular
- Writing materials, diary
- Plastic Bag (protect clothing and equipment)
- Insect repellent
Clothing
Most people make the mistake of bringing to much clothing. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry, avoid nylon and other synthetics which can be uncomfortable in hot weather.
SUGGESTED LIST FOR CLOTHES TO BRING ALONG:
- Warm jersey / sweatshirt (this is very important during our winter months)
- +/- 6 x Thirsts
- Warm / waterproof jacket
- +/- 3 x pairs shorts
- +/- 2 pairs of long casual trousers or jeans
- Warm socks
- Skirt or sarong (sarong is very handy next to swimming pool)
- Swimming costume
- A pair of walking shoes and pair of sandals
- Socks and underwear
- 1 Large towel and 1 Small hand towel
- Sun block, hat and sunglasses
Toiletries
Toilet bag, small mirror, razors, shampoo, soap, wet wipes, toothbrush and paste, moisturiser, sun screen lotion, tampons and sanitary napkins
Please note all of the above can be purchase on route, but if you only use a certain brand, please bring along as that brand is maybe not available in shops here.
VEGETARIAN & RESRICTED DIETS
Vegetarians and others with restricted diets are welcome on safari. The tour leader, with your assistance, will do they best to prepare a variety of dishes for you.
WATER
Mabaruli Safaris don’t supply bottled drinking water. At most campsites in South Africa and Namibia tap water are drinkable. Those with sensitive stomachs are often advised to purchase bottled water.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Below is a list of approximate prices, in Namibia Dollars, for optional activities on Namibia Itineraries. Please be advised that these prices are subject to change and are a guide line only:
WINDHOEK
| City Tour | N$ 300.00 per person |
| Township Tour | N$ 300.00 per person |
SESRIEM
| Desert Night drive on Solitaire Guest Farm’s premises | N$ 200.00 per person |
| Deadvlei Transfer (if you don’t want to walk) | N$ 150.00 one way per person |
SWAKOPMUND
| Quad biking | N$ 450.00 per person |
| Deadvlei Transfer (if you don’t want to walk) | N$ 150.00 one way per person |
| Sand boarding Stand-up | N$ 300.00 per person |
| Lay-down | N$ 400.00 per person |
| Tandem Sky diving | N$ 2000.00 per person |
| Flight Over Sossusvlei | N$ 3500.00 per person |
| Dolphin Cruise | N$ 409.00 per person |
| Ocean Fishing | N$ 950.00 per person |
| Township Tour | N$ 500.00 per person |
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Guided Night Game Drives as follow:
| Okaukuejo | N$ 600.00 per person |
| Halali | N$ 550.00 per person |
| Namutoni | N$ 600.00 per person |
SMOKING
We have a no smoking policy on all our vehicles and in the tents, this is both for the comfort for all our travellers, as well as your safety. Your Tour Leader will stop for smoke breaks on days travelling in the vehicle. Please do not through your butts anywhere, deposit them in the campfire or use an empty drink can.
