Namib Desert

Travel Information

Upon your arrival, some pertinent information on Travel in Namibia:

Police roadblocks: Please note that you will encounter several police roadblocks, usually on exit/entrances to biggertowns or cities. These are for your safety and police might ask to check your driver’s licence or passport.

Cell phone coverage: is largely restricted to towns and cities, with irregular coverage in-between.

Fuelling (gas) stations: accept cash only, no credit cards are allowed. Most of the bigger towns as well as National

Parks have fuelling stations available.

Cash withdrawal: Namibia has ATM (Automated Teller Machines) available in most of the bigger towns, where any of the international visa or master cards can be used to withdraw cash.

Time changes: Time zone in Namibia (GMT+2)

Animals on roads: As Namibia has largely wide, open grasslands and antelope are aplenty, be on the lookout for game like Kudu and warthog that can cross the roads any time.

Business hours: Monday to Friday, 08h00 – 17h00. Saturdays’ most shops close around 14h00; Sundays and Public

Holidays shops are usually closed.

Banking hours: vary from 08h00/09h00 – 16h00 on weekdays, and Saturday mornings to around 11h00.

Hitchhikers: It is not suggested that you pick up hitchhikers on any road in Namibia

Stolen Items: Should you be so unfortunate as to have a personal item stolen from your person or vehicle, please report to the nearest police station, where you will receive a claim number, and which can be used for insurance purposes.

Vehicle breakdown: In case you do become stranded next to road (e.g. vehicle problems or flat tyre) please remain at your vehicle. Frequently other vehicles pass along on the same road who can either assist you or contact us.

Intermix Tours & Safaris will be aware of your overnight stops and if you do not show up at the pre-booked spot, we will launch a search. It is therefore very important that you keep water and some dry snacks with you at all times when traveling in Namibia.

DRIVING TIPS

GENERAL

• The Namibian road system is LEFT HAND drive.
• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear safety belts, and talking on cellular phones whilst driving is illegal.

• The speed limit on tarred national roads is 120km per hour. However, we recommend you do not exceed

100km per hour.

• The speed limit in towns and villages is 60km per hour unless otherwise stated
• The maximum speed limit on gravel roads is 80km per hour. Not all gravel roads are the same! Please adjust your speed according to the condition of the road.

• Avoid driving at night, sunrise or sunset – visibility is low and this is when game is particularly active.
• In some areas, cattle, horses, donkeys and goats graze on the verge of the road – reduce speed as their movements are unpredictable.

• Observe road traffic signs, particularly those, which indicate a gentle or sharp curve ahead, cattle grid or drift (dry river bed). In all cases slow right down when approaching these obstacles.

• In rainy weather beware of slippery roads, wash-away and running or standing water in drifts and river beds. Check the depth of water before attempting to cross. In most cases the water level drops after a few hours.

• Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel at all times – you never know when a situation might arise.
• Check the availability of fuel on your route. Fuel may only be purchased with cash. The service at petrol stations is not self-service – a fuel attendant will assist you.

GRAVEL ROADS

• The main cause of accidents on gravel roads is excessive speed.
• In dusty and misty conditions it is advisable to switch on your headlights.
• With oncoming traffic, reduce speed and keep to the left of the road – however, be aware of sand build-up on the outer edge of the road.

• Try to avoid overtaking on gravel roads. If necessary make sure the driver of the vehicle you are overtaking is aware of you – switch your headlights on and pull a little to the right that you can see and be seen. Only overtake if you have a long, clear stretch of road ahead of you. When passing stay on the right-hand side of the road until well clear of the other vehicle before returning to the left-hand side – remember that your tyres throw out stones on gravel roads which could shatter the windscreen of the vehicle you are passing. Bear this in

Mind when passing donkey carts and pedestrians in rural areas and slow down!

• Avoid sudden motions and over-correction of the steering wheel – especially with a vehicle equipped with power steering.

• Avoid applying breaks suddenly or too heavily as you could skid and lose control of your vehicle.
• If you have a flat tyre have it repaired at the next service station.
• Tyre pressure is very important for your vehicle to have good road holding. Observe the pressure recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle.

Check engine oil, water and tyre pressure when the engine and tyres are cold.

Just before most of the bigger towns, there are road blocks, but these are more a formality than an issue. If you adhere to the Namibian rules and regulations there should be no problems. We would like to advise you before you visit your country to have the following documents with you:

• Police Clearance for vehicle
• I.D / Passport
• Driver’s Licence
• Road usage receipt, this is paid on entrance into Namibia
• Clearance regarding fire arms and alcohol

HEALTH & SAFETY ON TOUR IN NAMIBIA

1. HEALTH

Due to the hot dry climate, Namibia is virtually free of tropical diseases. Visitors should however take care of the following

MALARIA

A bite from an infected Anopheles mosquito can transmit microscopic blood parasites resulting in malaria. While malaria is found mainly in the north of the country, cases have been reported in the central region and occasionally in the south. Malaria can be a serious and fatal disease without prompt treatment. You can reduce the risk of malaria by using prophylactics (which should be started before arriving in Namibia and under your doctor’s guidance) and by following these simple procedures:

• Wear long sleeves and long trousers. Avoid wearing dark colours, which attract mosquitoes.
• Apply mosquito repellents to exposed skin. Remember that repellents must be reapplied on a regular basis to offer optimum protection.

• Where possible sleep under a mosquito net.

Insect repellents of high quality can be purchased in Namibia. Should any of the symptoms of malaria, such as fever, rigours (shaking), headaches, backache, diarrhoea and/or vomiting be experienced, it is extremely important to obtain professional help as soon as possible for proper diagnosis (a blood test) and prompt treatment. Symptoms can surface as soon as ten days and as long as eight weeks after being bitten. If any flu-like symptoms are experienced once you return home seek immediate medical attention and advise your doctor that you have recently visited a malaria area.

BILHARZIA

This disease is caused by a parasite, which lives in slow-flowing water. Fortunately, it is only travelers to the Caprivi and Kavango, who need be aware of bilharzia. Avoid drinking, swimming, or washing in rivers in the extreme north, especially in areas, where there is a lot of human habitation.

DE-HYDRATION

This is one of the most common problems in Namibia, especially in the hot summer months. Because of the high  evaporation rate one seldom notices water loss – your sweat evaporates almost immediately! To avoid dehydration, try to drink three litres of water a day. Fizzy drinks (e.g.: Coca Cola) and beer DO NOT re-hydrate you! Early warning signs are a dull, throbbing headache and unusual tiredness.

WATER

Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country, except for isolated rural areas, where the consumption of filtered or bottled water is recommended.

NOSE BLEEDS

The dry climate and the height above sea level often cause nose bleeds for the first few days after arrival.

SNAKES, SCORPIONS & SPIDERS

Although we have many different snakes in Namibia, they are seldom seen. The great majority of snakes are timid and move out of your path long before you see them. When walking in the bush wear good walking boots, preferable with thick socks covering the ankles. When walking in long grass be sure to check your legs and clothes for grass ticks – especially in the rainy season Scorpions and spiders are also seldom seen. They are more active in the rainy season, during the cooler evening and early morning hours. The best way to avoid being stung is to wear shoes. If by chance you encounter a scorpion or spider in your room, please ask your host to have it removed. Do not leave your shoes/boots outside at night –these provide convenient places for scorpions and Spiders to hole up in – not to mention the fact that Jackals have an insatiable appetite for shoes of all makes and sizes!

Wear a hat and sunscreen at all times. Never go walking without a supply of water – even if on a short  walk. Keep a supply of water and some fruit or biscuits in your vehicle at all times.

1. SAFETY

Namibia is a peaceful, democratic country and it is safe to travel throughout the country.

Generally, Namibia is relatively crime-free. However, as in any other place in the world, there are undesirable

elements. The following precautions can be taken to ensure a safe and pleasant stay:

• Always keep your vehicle locked and the alarm system activated.
• Do not leave valuables in your car, especially not in full view. If need be, lock your bags out of sight in the boot.

• Be on the alert for handbag snatchers and pickpockets.
• Make sure that the numbers of your travelers’ cheques are on your receipt and that this is kept in a safe place – separate from your cheques.

• Make copies of your travel documents and keep these in a safe place – separate from the original documents.