Namibia - Essential Info
Health and Safety - Namibia Essential Information - printer friendly version
Malaria occurs only in parts of Namibia: take appropriate precautions if your travel plans include the Caprivi and Kavango regions, the Owambo country and northern areas of the Kunene Province, especially around Epupa Falls. All of these areas are in the far north of Namibia. We recommend you visit your GP at least six weeks prior to departure to ensure all of your inoculations are up to date and you are properly prepared to visit Namibia.
Take care of what you eat and drink, as food and waterborne disease occur in Namibia. Bottled water should be used for drinking, filtered water is usually available on safari and is perfectly safe to drink, all the precautions that you would normally take when traveling in less developed countries are a must, do not buy food from street vendors and avoid ice made from unpurified water in your drinks.
The major and most underestimated health risk is the heat. Sun block is essential, with sun glasses and a wide brimmed hat recommended, especially during the early part of your holiday to avoid sunburn. Dehydration is also a very real risk, so drink plenty of fluids when on safari.
As in any major city of the world when traveling, reasonable precautions are required, do not show off expensive camera equipment or jewelry, or display large amounts of currency.
Visas
You require a passport valid for at least 6 months after your return, at present tourist visas are not required by nationals of the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada.
Money
The currency is the Namibian Dollar. The Namibian Dollar is linked to the South African Rand in value and the Rand is widely accepted through out Namibia. It is quite difficult to get hold of the Namibian Dollars in the UK, so we recommend you get South African Rand. ATM's are available to withdraw money in Namibia, but only in populated areas - major towns and cities. Credit Cards are accepted at some hotels and lodges, but not all and there is often a considerable surcharge of over 5% per transaction.
Electricity
220v - sockets take either two-pin round plugs, or three-pin round plugs.
