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12 Day The Great Wilderness Journey - Livingstone - Maun[help]Dynamic Help
Tented UpmarketAdventureWalking Trails/HikingGuided TourMalaria ZoneWildlife
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Questions & Answers:

  • What are the booking conditions and acceptance on this safari?
  • What are the luggage requirements?
  • What are the health requirements?
  • What are the insurance requirements?
  • What is not included in the tour?
  • Is tipping necessary?
  • What is the recommended reading requirement?
  • Are visas necessary?
  • What is very important for all flights?
  • What type of air transfers are available?
  • Any advice on photography?
  • Are there laundry facilities and where?
  • Will we be seeing wild animals and is there any danger?
  • What are the driving conditions?
  • What happens in the case of loss of loss articles?
  • Will there be power in the camps?
  • What are the regulations regarding satellite and iridium telephones?
  • Can you foresee any problems on the safari?
  • What is the general packing list?
  • How is the climate on this tour?
  • What is the best currency to use on this safari?
  • When is the best time to go on this safari?
  • What is the required tax and customs?
  • Is there any duty free shopping?
  • Is all water drinkable?
  • Can we use electrical appliances?
  • What are the entry requirements?
  • What kind of shopping can we do?
  • What are the regulations regarding game viewing?

    •  
    What are the booking conditions and acceptance on this safari?
    Please ensure that you are aware of our booking conditions. If you do not have a copy of our brochure, please ask your agent for a copy. Your travelling on the safari implies acceptance of these conditions.
    What are the luggage requirements?
    As no formal clothes are needed, we recommend that you keep your luggage to the basics. If you are travelling from camp to camp on light aircraft transfers, for safety and space reasons, we have a 12 kg (26lb) limit on luggage. This is due to a weight problem when travelling in charter aircraft. This 12 kg (26lbs) includes camera bag and equipment. We insist on a soft carry-all (instead of a suitcase) with the following maximum dimensions: 80 cm long by 30 cm wide (32" long by 14" wide). A clothing list is attached for your information. We have a supply of soft nylon carry-all bags for sale. The size is 30 cm wide x 28 cm high x 74 cm long (12" wide x 11" high x 30" long) and the cost is US$30 per bag. Please keep in mind that the light aircraft have no baggage compartments, so all bags must be carried inside the aircraft, and space is very limited.

    NB: Passengers who bring more than the 12kgs (26 lbs) may necessitate the use of an extra charter aircraft, in which case they will be charged for the considerable extra charter costs(up to US$600) if they want the excess baggage to travel with them.

    Additionally, a guest travelling alone who weighs 100kgs (200lbs) or more, or two guests travelling together whose combined weight is 180kgs (390lbs) or more, must advise us. All weight limits are due to safety factors involved in the light aircraft transfers. Kindly note that should these limitations be exceeded, it may be necessary to charge for an additional aircraft. If you are using only scheduled flight services on your safari, then the weight limit is a maximum of 20kgs (44lbs) (plus camera equipment within reason). Guests in Namibia are advised to store their excess luggage in Windhoek for the duration of their fly-in safari.

    What are the health requirements?
    There are a few basic health matters that require care and attention. We are obviously not medical practitioners and the following are only recommended guidelines. Please consult your doctor if in doubt.

    A) Malaria
    Malaria is widespread and its control has become increasingly complex. Both chloroquine resistant and normal strains of malaria are prevalent in Africa. Malaria is transmitted by some female Anopheles mosquitoes, which are active in the early evening and throughout the night, usually when one is sleeping or sitting around campfires in the evening. Namibia, having an arid climate, has a very low incidence of malaria in the mid- to southern regions. However, the north and northeast must be considered malaria areas. Coastal malaria is almost unknown. Please remember that the best insurance against contracting malaria is to try to prevent oneself from being bitten, so use mosquito repellents liberally. Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings. If staying in a bungalow/tent, spray with an insecticide like DOOM to kill any mosquitoes which may have flown into your room. Mosquito coils are also effective.
    B) Water
    It is very important that you drink plenty of water especially during the warmer months. In Namibia water is generally safe to drink anywhere including straight out of the taps. It is generally recommended that one drink at least 2 to 3 litres/quarts of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration. This excludes tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages, which act as diuretics and can actually contribute to dehydration
    C) Other Health Issues
    There are no other health issues which one needs to be concerned about besides wild animals. The camps are unfenced - so listen to your camp staff and guides. Read up on the safety sections in the booklets within the camps. Don't push any safety issues - you will not be in any theme parks where the animals are tame. Don't ever go strolling away from the camp or from your guide.
    What are the insurance requirements?
    Wilderness Safaris, Namib Wilderness Safaris, The Namib Travel Shop, or its agents and associates cannot be held responsible or liable for loss, damage, or theft of personal luggage and belongings, nor can they be held liable for personal injury, accident or illness. Please ensure that you have yourself and your belongings adequately insured before your departure. Insurance is compulsory for all our trips. If you do not possess a policy, we can issue insurance at competitive rates. It is however better to purchase your policy locally as this will cover you for repatriation back to your home country. Please contact Wilderness Safaris, your broker or your travel agent for details. We cannot be held liable for any losses or damages incurred.

    a) Health Insurance
    It is compulsory to have full medical, emergency evacuation and repatriation cover for the period of time you are away.

    b) Cancellation and Curtailment
    You might have to cancel or curtail your safari due to unforeseen circumstances. If you cancel a trip close to departure date for any reason you could lose all that the safari was going to cost you. Should you have to leave the safari early, we cannot refund you the portion of the safari you do not complete. Dependant on the reason for cancellation and curtailment, insurance may cover you for this eventuality.

    c) Baggage & Money Insurance
    It is advisable to take out baggage and money insurance, especially if you are carrying a large amount of cash or expensive and valuable camera equipment. You should always carry such equipment as "carry-on" luggage. Do not put anything of value in your checked baggage! Claims If you anticipate an insurance claim upon your return, be sure to document as accurately as possible any accident, injury or loss. Doctor's notes and police reports will aid any claim

    What is not included in the tour?
    Scheduled flights to and from Windhoek (unless stated otherwise), insurances, all items of a personal nature, gratuities, and any services not mentioned in your itinerary are not included. All properties have their own drinks policy.

    Please consult your itinerary or confirm with your agent the specific details of what is included at each property visited on your safari. We recommend about US$15-30 per person per day to cover the cost of drinks, souvenirs etc. If you are planning on any big purchases obviously bring more. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, but American Express and Diners are not as commonly accepted.
    Is tipping necessary?
    Tipping is at the sole discretion of the guests and is not compulsory. Tipping should only be done if you have received good service and you want to tip. However, guests often want to know what is appropriate, so we have included a brief guideline to assist you.

    Driver/Guides
    We recommend US$5 or more per person per day if the guide has done a good job. If you have a specialist guide who accompanies you all the way, this could increase to US$10 per guest per day.

    Camp Staff
    At camps such as Damaraland Camp, Ongava Tented Camp and Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp staff should be tipped communally, and we recommend US$3 per person per day to be distributed amongst the staff. The camps usually have a communal tip box.

    Restaurants and Hotels
    10% is customary, but only if you are satisfied with the service.

    What is the recommended reading requirement?
    a) Africa's Top Wildlife Countries - Mark Nolting
    b) This is Namibia - Gerald Cubitt & Peter Joyce
    c) Behaviour Guide to African Mammals - Richard Estes
    d) Birds of Namibia, a Photographic Guide - Ian & Jackie Sinclair
    e) Newman's Birds of Southern Africa - Ken Newman
    f) Birds of Prey of Southern, Central, and East Africa - David Allan
    g) Skeleton Coast - Ami Schoeman
    h) Etosha Visual Souvenir - Darryl Balfour
    I) Namibia: The Beautiful Land - David Bristow
    j) Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - Chris & Tilde Stuart
    k) Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa - Bill Branch
    l) Namibia: African Adventurers Guide - Olivier and Olivier
    m) Globetrotter Travel Map and Travel Guide to Namibia
    n) The Wildlife of Southern Africa, A Field Guide - Vincent Carruthers.
    o) Signs of the Wild - Clive Walker
    p) Waterberg, Namib & Damaraland Flora - Craven
    q) Desert Adventure: In Search of Wilderness in Namibia and Botswana - Paul Augustinus
    r) The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals - Jonathan Kingdon
    s) Guide to Namibia - Chris McIntyre
    If you wish to purchase copies of these or any nature books, please contact Russel Friedman Books at PO Box 73, Halfway House, 1685, South Africa or on fax +27 11 7021403 or e-mail: rfbooks@iafrica.com.
    If you are a keen birder we recommend that you bring your OWN Newman's bird book. Everyone must bring their own BINOCULARS in order to get the most out of your safari.

    Are visas necessary?
    All passport holders should verify with their travel agent or relevant consulate concerning visa entry requirements. If you are extending your journey to other countries please establish the entry conditions for those countries as well. Please ensure that you have all the necessary visas prior to departure (unless available on entry) AS NONE OF THE WILDERNESS GROUP OF COMPANIES, THEIR STAFF, THEIR AGENTS NOR THEIR OPERATORS CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY ERRORS.
    What is very important for all flights?
    Please check in early at all airports for your flights as the flights are often overbooked especially in peak season. Please ensure that all your onward flights are reconfirmed at least 72 hours prior to departure.

    Please be aware that during peak season, delays are often encountered on scheduled flights.
    Remember you are on holiday...relax and enjoy the African ambience which sometimes has no sense of urgency at all! Delays do happen and schedules can change at very short notice and in turn this will affect transfer companies with their transfer schedules.

    Some helpful telephone number to assist you in reconfirming your flights. (Note: The first bracket is the country code, the second bracket is the city code. If you are phoning long distance within South Africa, Zimbabwe or Namibia, you will have to dial a "0" before the city area code.
    What type of air transfers are available?
    When we package an itinerary using scheduled air transfers, we book the aircraft and pilot through licensed charter companies in Windhoek. That portion of your trip is therefore sub-chartered. All the flight times between camps are arranged a few days before the flights take place so that there are not endless schedule changes.

    The camp where you are staying will be advised of your departure time the day before and will have you at the airstrip on time. We cannot be more firm on timings as the charter companies are compelled to service their aircraft every 100 hours, which could mean all air movements have to be rescheduled at the last moment.

    At certain times of the year it may be necessary, for safety reasons, to transfer you from camp to camp during the cooler times of the day, in early morning or late afternoon only. Once the departure times have been set they cannot be changed unless substantial additional costs are paid.
    Any advice on photography?
    The choice of the correct camera equipment and film will determine the quality of your photographs on the trip. For good photography of birds and animals, a good SLR camera and telephoto lens is necessary. The minimum size is 200 mm and a zoom lens can be extremely useful on safari. Consideration should be given before travelling with any lens bigger than 400 mm as most interesting shots are taken using hand held equipment. Colour reversal film (slides) will give far greater quality than prints.

    The guides on these safaris have found that they are getting the best results using Fuji film. Fuji have brought out a new range of emulsions including an excellent high speed film which gives good colour with very little grain (less so than any of their competitors). This is especially useful when using a big lens in low light situations. The guide's personal preferences are slower films, either 50 or 100 ASA, as this gives almost perfect quality for normal lights. The only disadvantage with the low ASA film is that you need a tripod for the early morning and evening shots.

    Important: Bring lots of film as it is often note available in Namibia! Bring a spare camera battery! Namibia is very dusty and we would recommend a second camera body as a backup. Namibia's light is also particularly bright and slower film works well. We also strongly recommend that plastic bags be used to seal all electronic cameras from the dust.
    Are there laundry facilities and where?
    Laundry can be done at all Wilderness Safaris camps, with the exception of Damaraland Camp, where there is a severe water shortage. Most camps charge a modest and nominal fee for this facility but others do provide this service for free. The camp staff will not wash underwear owing to local traditions prevailing in the country.
    Will we be seeing wild animals and is there any danger?
    All our camps are unfenced and dangerous animals can and do wander through the camps. If you don't like this, please don't book with us. Many of the animals and reptiles we will see are potentially dangerous. Attacks by wild animals are rare. However, no safari in Africa can guarantee that such incidents will not occur. None of the Wilderness Safaris group of companies, their staff members, associates, agents, or their suppliers can be held liable for any injuries caused during an incident involving the behaviour of wild animals. Please make sure that you listen to and abide by the safety talks given by your guides or camp staff. Don't go wandering off on your own without a guide - even to your rooms. After retiring to your rooms at night, don't leave your rooms. If you are sensible, you should be safe. Torches/flaslights. As the grounds of all lodges/camps in Namibia are unfenced it is essential that you bring a small flashlight (torch) as you may encounter wild animals in camp at night. You should also bring a spare globe as well as batteries as they will be difficult to obtain outside the cities. Most of the camps supply a flashlight, but it is good to have your own as a backup.
    What are the driving conditions?
    The roads are rough and bumpy and occasionally we will travel "off road" where it is possible that injuries may occur if for example a hidden pothole etc is struck. Neither Wilderness Safaris, Namib Wilderness Safaris, The Namib Travel Shop nor their staff members, associates or agents can be held liable for any accidents or any damages! WALKING We will walk where possible, but the local area regulations and the regulations of the country will determine it.

    Walking is not allowed in the Etosha National Park, but is permitted in other areas. Note: Walking is at your own risk as these walks can take you close to dangerous wild animals.
    What happens in the case of loss of loss articles?
    Please note that we cannot accept any responsibility for the misplacement of any articles whilst in our camps. Naturally, we will do all possible to get your goods to catch up to you. However the logistics of inter-camp communication and the scheduling and costs of charter flights may not be favourable for the returning of articles unless you are prepared to pay for the cost of a full charter to get your goods to catch up to you. Any costs incurred will be for your own account. This issue is possibly the single biggest form of stress for guests who have left their goods behind at a camp and who are not prepared to pay for the charter costs. So please make sure you keep your goods with you.

    Luggage that goes missing on scheduled flights is beyond the control of Wilderness Safaris, and often the airline concerned too. The airport controls what happens to passenger's luggage from when it is checked in until it is put on board the aircraft. We would like to suggest that you take the following precautionary action: Please pack a small bag with your essentials, that can be carried with you as hand luggage, and pack a second bag containing non-essentials that can be loaded in the aircraft hold. If the second bag was not to arrive, you will still have your essential items on hand to see you through the first couple of days while we try and recover your baggage.

    Will there be power in the camps?
    All our camps are situated in remote areas and we have to generate our own electricity. We do so in a number of ways. Generally each camp has a generator which runs for about 6 hours per day (3 hours in the morning and 3 in the afternoon when guests are out on activities). These generators then charge batteries located at each tented room which provide good 12v lights all night (if used sensibly).

    There are no 220v or 110v power points in camp. If you need to have your video battery re-charged we can do so while you are out on an activity - please therefore bring a spare for use while the other is being charged. These systems are simple but perfectly functional. If you are expecting to use a hairdryer in your room, please think again. You are on the wrong safari!!
    What are the regulations regarding satellite and iridium telephones?
    Please note that during your safari you will be visiting some very remote parts of Africa, and the camps do not have telephones. An increasing number of guests have been bringing satellite phones along with them on safari. As most people come on safari to get away from the outside world, we feel that we must set some limitations to the use of these phones in our camps and on safari.

    Therefore, the following restrictions will apply to the use of satellite phones: Phones are not to be used in any of the common areas: dining room, bar/lounge area, or on the vehicle or on game drives at any time. Phones may not be used for any incoming calls when the ringing may disturb other guests. They may be used in the privacy of your tent, but only to retrieve messages and dial out. Otherwise, the phones are to be switched off at all times.
    Can you foresee any problems on the safari?
    We pride ourselves in running quality experiences, offering the best there is for such a remote location. If there is anything you feel that we can do to enhance your experience, please do not hesitate to contact your camp manager. After your safari, you will not get a sympathetic ear to a problem you encounter if you have not raised this with the camp's manager or with your guide.
    What is the general packing list?
    Good quality sunglasses, UV protected and preferably polarised. Tinted fashion glasses are not much good in harsh light, and can damage your eyes.

    Bush hat
    T-shirts and one long sleeved cotton shirt
    Shorts and skirts
    Long trousers
    Track suit
    Underwear and socks
    Good walking shoes
    Thongs (slip slops)/ sandals
    Swimming costume
    Sweater/anorak/parka (important for the cold winter mornings in June/July/August and for Swakopmund and the coastal area)
    Camera equipment and plenty of film. It is expensive in Namibia and often unobtainable. We recommend Fuji 50-200 ASA. A dust proof camera bag is highly recommended.
    If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust.
    One smart-casual outfit for a night out.
    Lightweight rain gear for January to April.
    Head scarf for the dust.
    Tissues
    Basic medical kit (aspirins, Elastoplast, Immodium, antiseptic and antihistamine creams, etc)
    Binoculars - essential!
    Malaria tablets
    Moisturising cream & suntan lotion
    Insect repellent
    Playing cards, chess, etc.
    Personal toiletries
    Visas, air tickets, money, travellers cheques and credit cards
    Passport

    How is the climate on this tour?
    Typically semi-desert with hot days and cool nights. Midsummer temperatures may rise to over 40 degrees centigrade. Winter days are warm, but dawn temperatures may drop to freezing. Along the coast it is cool with low rainfall and fog prevails from late afternoon until mid-morning. The rainy season lasts from October to April. The rest of the year is dry and cloudless. Namibia averages 300 days of sunshine a year.
    What is the best currency to use on this safari?
    The currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar, which is fixed to and equals the South African Rand on a one-to-one basis. Notes are issued in the following denominations: 100 Namibia Dollars (N$100), 50 Namibian Dollars (N$50) and 10 Namibian Dollars (N$10). Coins are issued as: 5 Namibian Dollars (N$5), 1 Namibian Dollar (N$1), 50 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents.

    The Namibian Dollar and South African Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia and can be used freely to purchase goods and services in the country. The Namibian Dollar, however, is not legal tender in South Africa. Travellers cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at any of the commercial banks, which are well represented throughout the country. International Visa and Mastercard credit cards are generally accepted throughout Namibia, whilst a Speedpoint facility assures a quick and efficient service. Holders of other cards are advised to clarify with a commercial bank whether their card is acceptable in Namibia.

    Visitors may bring any amount of foreign currency into the country. Further information and assistance can be obtained from any commercial bank in Namibia.
    When is the best time to go on this safari?
    Summer:
    From the first Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April - two hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time.

    Winter:
    From the first Sunday in April to the first Sunday in September - one hour in advance of Greenwich Mean Time.
    What is the required tax and customs?
    General Sales Tax (GST) in Namibia is 10% all round. Bona fide tourists to Namibia are exempt from paying sales duty or excise duty on luxury items such as jewellery or Swakara (fur) garments. Overseas visitors may import duty-free 1 litre spirits, 2 litres wine, 300 ml perfume, 400 cigarettes/50 cigars/250g tobacco.
    Is there any duty free shopping?
    There is no duty free shopping available at Johannesburg International Airport on a flight to Windhoek. Please make sure any duty free purchases of film, alcohol, etc. are made before arriving in Southern Africa.
    Is all water drinkable?
    All water from hotel taps is purified and visitors need have no hesitation in drinking it. Water from boreholes in the camps is also good, but may be brackish.
    Can we use electrical appliances?
    Yes, you can, all run on 220/240 volts. Outlets are round 3-pin, 15 amp type.
    What are the entry requirements?
    Visitors arriving from any country must be in possession of a valid passport and return air tickets or proof of sufficient funds to be able to leave the country. Persons travelling on French, Italian, Austrian, Liechtenstein, Swiss, West German, American (USA), Canadian, Japanese, Russian (USSR), Zimbabwean, Angolan, Zambian, Botswana, Mozambican, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Irish or United Kingdom passports DO NOT require a visa. Proof of being able to leave the country. The possession of a return ticket will facilitate entry. Health certificates are not normally required.
    What kind of shopping can we do?
    In the major centres, such as Windhoek and Swakopmund, many shops specialise in attractive local products such as diamonds, semi-precious stones, curios of all types, including dolls dressed in the traditional Herero style (these are made by Herero woman), hand-carved wooden objects, beautifully fashioned jewellery, shoes made of Kudu leather, karosses (rugs made from the pelts of wild animals), and popular swakara garments.
    What are the regulations regarding game viewing?
    Observe the animals silently and with a minimum of disturbance to their natural activities. Loud talking on game drives can frighten animals away. - Never attempt to attract an animal's attention. Don't imitate animal sounds, clap your hands, pound the vehicle or throw objects. - Please respect your driver-guide's judgement about our proximity to lions, cheetahs and leopards. Don't insist that he take the vehicle closer so you can get a better photograph. A vehicle driven too close can hinder a hunt, or cause animals to abandon a hard-earned meal. - Litter tossed on the ground can choke or poison animals and birds and is unsightly. - Never attempt to feed or approach any wild animal on foot. This is especially important near lodges or in campsites where animals may have become accustomed to human visitors. - Refrain from smoking on game drives. The dry African bush ignites very easily, and a flash-fire can kill animals. - Never walk on your own. Always have a guide with you.

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