Discover
Namibia
2017
1
Itinerary
Arrive Windhoek via Johannesburg
early afternoon. You’ll be met by your
local guide and transferred to your
hotel in Windhoek, capital of Namibia,
which sits at an altitude of 1660m
above sea level. (Transfer time approx
30 mins). Rest of the afternoon at
leisure. Enjoy an early evening meal at
Joe’s Beerhouse, a local restaurant
popular with locals and tourists alike.
Accommodation: Safari Court Hotel,
Windhoek (1 night)
(Meals included, dinner)
Day 3 Windhoek & to the Namib Desert
After breakfast we start our city tour of
Windhoek, where you’ll see evidence
of former German colonial times. The
city has a population of around
350000, the present city was founded
in 1890 when the foundation stone of
the fort was laid. The tour will take in
Windhoek’s historical buildings and
monuments, including the Old Brewery
Craft centre and the Diamond works.
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours .
Described by the bushman as the
“Soul of the World”, Namibia is
rugged, natural, soulful and liberating.
Whilst nature has been fierce and
unforgiving, it has also been bountiful.
In this cauldron of heat and
unforgiving forces, landscapes have
been created that are paralleled only
in their beauty by the most exquisite
diamonds that are found here. As all
of Africa, Namibia has abundant
wildlife. Namibia has sights, sounds,
aromas, tastes and emotions in
abundance waiting for you to
experience. Namibia provides you
with a full African experience that
arouses all your senses.
We'll be seeking out the wildlife in the
desert and rock landscapes of the
Namib Desert, Etosha National Park
and Erongo Mountains. We'll
experience early morning light as the
sun rises over the vast landscapes in
front of us. We'll meet tribal people,
and see thousand year old rock art.
Welcome to Namibia!
It’s now time for the real adventure to
begin with a drive out of the city
towards the Namib Desert. (approx 3
Day 1-2 Overnight flight to Windhoek
2
hours drive) This is a vast stretch of land
and the world’s oldest desert. It is one
of the most spectacular and richest
deserts, which slopes away to the
Atlantic Ocean. Uninhabited by
humans, the desert is home to flora
and fauna which don’t exist anywhere
else in the world.
vast wind and time created ochre
landscape.
If we haven’t managed the summit
we’ll walk back around the base of
Big Daddy, into the area known as
‘Dead Vlei’ a clay pan, home to
several ancient camelthorn trees,
supposedly 500-600 years old.
Check in to our accommodation, and
after a short time to settle in, head off
on the included sundowner drive, one
of the many highlights of this trip.
Vehicles are open- sided to allow for
the best views, and will take you on a
3 hour drive through the petrified
dunes, where you’ll hopefully see
plenty of Oryx.
At sunset, enjoy a ‘sundowner’ drink of
your choice with nibbles and watch
the breathtaking sunset.
A drive back out of the park brings us
to Sesriem Canyon, a geologist’s
paradise with its alternating layers of
gravel, sand and pebbles dating back
through 15 million years. The canyon
was eroded into the desert floor by the
forces of the mighty Tsauchab river.
We’ll take a short walk down into the
canyon (distance 0.5 miles/1.1km,
70ft/22m ascent/descent). The
canyon’s name was coined when
early settlers used it as a water source,
using six lengths of leather (ses riem –
six thongs) tied together to lower
buckets into the water at the base of
the canyon.
Accommodation: Namib Desert
Lodge (1 night)
(Meals included; breakfast, lunch &
dinner)
Day 4 Sossusvlei
An early start this morning allows us to
be inside the Namib Naukluft National
Park in time to watch the wonderful
colours of the sun rising above the
horizon. Our first port of call is
Sossusvlei, home to some of the
world’s highest sand dunes. We’ll
attempt to walk up one of them, (Big
Daddy) but even if the summit eludes
you, look around you, and you can’t
help but feel like you’re a tiny dot in a
We leave this area of the desert and
head back towards our hotel where
we can relax for a couple of hours. A
short drive then takes us up onto the
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petrified dunes to our next
accommodation where the view will
literally take your breath away and
opportunity to wheel out your bed
and sleep under the stars.
(Meals included; breakfast, lunch,
dinner)
Day 6 Plains Walk, & to Swakopmund
Grab a quick coffee and snack before
joining your local guide on the Plains
walk (4.2 miles/6.7km, 300ft/90m
ascent). You’ll walk amongst
wonderful marble and granite rock
formations down to the plains below
the lodge, with grazing oryx and zebra
as your companions. There is one
section on the walk where you have
to watch where you put your feet as
you descend a rocky footpath, but
mostly you are following tracks across
the plains.
Accommodation: Dune Star Camp (1
night)
(Meals included; packed breakfast,
lunch, dinner)
Day 5 Namib Desert
We start today with a walk from our
cabins back through the dunes to the
Namib Desert lodge for breakfast.
(distance maximum 4.4 miles/7km,
mostly downhill, but nothing steep.)
Return to the lodge for breakfast, then
set off for a drive through two rugged
passes, and cross the Tropic of
Capricorn en-route to Swakopmund.
(distance approx 140 miles) A short
stop will be made at the Welwitschia
plains, located inside the Dorob
National Park. This is the only place in
the world which is home to the strange
Welwitschia plant, said to be over 1000
years old. We’ll also make a stop at
the other-worldly terrain known as
Moon Landscape, an area carved up
over time by the Swakop river. We’ll
arrive at Swakopmund mid afternoon,
a coastal town known as Namibia’s
playground, wedged between the
sweltering Namib Desert and the cold
Atlantic Ocean, and enjoys a distinct
German architecture and
atmosphere. This evening discover the
creatures of the desert on a night
Another drive through the Namib
desert (70 miles – approx 2 hours)
takes us to our next accommodation
just on the edge of the desert. Relax
by the pool and watch the sun go
down, or join the guide for another 2
hour sundowner drive. Here you’re
likely to see mountain zebra, ostrich as
well as oryx.
Accommodation: Rostock Ritz Desert
Lodge (1 night)
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dune walk. (NB, this may take place
on the following evening)
(Meals included; breakfast, lunch on
cruise & dinner)
Accommodation: Beach Hotel
Swakopmund ( 2 nights)
Day 8 Erongo
After breakfast, drive inland and
northwest to the largely untouched
Erongo region. (approx 80 miles) After
you settle in to your luxurious lodge,
located at the foot of the Hohenstein
mountain, join the lodge guide for an
out and back walk through the
Boulder Forest (2.3 miles/3.7km, 530
ft/160m ascent). The walk ascends
through a boulder field, characterised
by spectacular rock formations and
offering wonderful views of the
Spitzkoppe mountain. The guide will
explain about the plant life, and their
medicinal uses. You may need to use
your hands in places to steady yourself
as the path ascends. There are a
couple of awkward steps on the path.
Here on the mountain slopes semi
precious stones, such as tourmaline,
aquamarine and mountain crystal are
found. You’ll gain an insight into the
life of the ‘small miners’, men who
mine for these stones and don’t use
any heavy machinery.
(Meals included; breakfast, lunch &
dinner)
Day 7 Swakopmund
The adventure continues this morning
with a short drive to the small town of
Walvis Bay to see the RAMSAR World
Heritage Walvis Bay Lagoon. You’ll
then join one of the catamarans for a
marine cruise, and go in search of the
marine five. The possibility of seeing
dolphins, whales, turtles, seals and
Mola Mola (sunfish) is made more
exciting by enjoying a glass of
sparkling wine, fresh oysters and other
snacks on board the catamaran.
The rest of the day is at leisure to
explore the town, or relax. There are a
number of optional activities
available, such as a Swakopmund city
tour, Desert tour, quadbiking,
sandboarding. Please check with your
local guide for more information and
prices. All payable locally.
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A 20 minute drive takes you back to
the lodge, where a 3 course meal
awaits you.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch &
dinner
Accommodation: Hohenstein Lodge,
Erongo (1 night)
(Meals included; breakfast, lunch &
dinner)
Day 9 Etemba
After breakfast, we’ll walk the circular
Kudu trail from the lodge. (5.1
miles/8.3km, 575 ft/175m ascent). This is
a great walk for giving an overview of
the local area, and watch out for
giraffe, springbok, rock hyrax and a
variety of birds including the Blackchested snake eagle.
Day 10 Damaraland
A long drive today (approx 280 miles)
takes us from Erongo to Damaraland.
Stops will be made enroute for visits
and short walks at Twyfelfontein, World
heritage site, boasting one of Africa’s
richest concentrations of rock art.
We’ll also stop at a traditional Damara
village, where you can listen to and try
to speak the Damara tribal language
(a series of clicks interspersed with
words). Our final visit today will be at
the Petrified Forest, estimated to be
around 260 million years old.
Our journey continues with a drive
(approx 1 hour) to Etemba, our
wilderness camp for the next night. A
spectacular landscape has evolved
between the peaks of the Erongo
Mountain range and the river bed of
Omaruru. Our camp is situated at the
historical gathering place of bushmen.
An afternoon walk (2.15 miles/3.5km,
180ft/55 m ascent) with our guide will
take us to see unusual rock formations,
and bushmen paintings, declared a
National Monument over 50 years
ago.
Tonight enjoy a traditional braai in the
wonderful setting of the camp, amidst
gigantic boulders.
Accommodation: Etemba Wilderness
Camp (1 night)
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Our lodge is a very welcome sight at
the end of today.
Day 12 To Etosha National Park
After breakfast, we’ll continue our
journey towards Etosha National Park
(approx 150 miles) with a stop in a
traditional Himba village enroute. After
settling in to our lodge, the rest of the
day will be at leisure. Enjoy the lodge
facilities, or join an optional game
drive in an open sided vehicle (approx
cost ZAR 400, payable locally)
Accommodation: Huab Lodge (2
nights)
(Meals included: breakfast, lunch &
dinner)
Day 11 Damaraland
We’ll spend today exploring the local
area, starting with a pre-sunrise walk
with the lodge owner. (1.7 miles/2.7km,
145ft/45m ascent) He’ll explain in
detail about the history of the area,
the impact of wild animals on the land
and how tribal wars have played out
in the region.
Accommodation: Etosha Safari Lodge
( 2 nights)
(Meals included; breakfast, lunch &
dinner)
Days 13-14 Etosha National Park
Today and most of tomorrow is spent
on game drives through Etosha
National Park. Etosha is considered to
be one of the best wildlife viewing
areas in the world and was declared
the first conservation area in 1907 in
what was then German South West
Africa. The backdrop to the National
Park is the Etosha Pan, a vast flat
saliine desert. Hopefully you’ll be lucky
and see elephant, cheetah, giraffe,
wildebeest, rhino as well as a whole
host of springbok and gemsbok.
If you want to join our local guide,
there will be another optional walk on
offer after breakfast. Alternatively you
might want to relax, and enjoy the
facilities of the lodge. This is a great
place for birdwatching, stargazing
and looking for desert-adapted
elephants on our included scenic
drive this afternoon.
(Meals included; breakfast, lunch &
dinner)
7
After our game drive on day 14, we’ll
continue to our accommodation on
the east side of Etosha National Park.
Rest of the day at leisure.
All too soon it’s time for our final
evening meal and last night in
Namibia.
Accommodation: Otjiwa Lodge,
Waterberg Region (1 night)
Accommodation: Mokuti Lodge,
Etosha (1 night)
(Meals included; breakfast, lunch &
dinner)
(Meals included; breakfast, lunch &
dinner)
Day 16 To Windhoek
Day 15 Waterberg region
A final opportunity for you to wake up
early and see the last Namibian sunrise
overlooking the watering hole. After
breakfast it’s time to head back to
Windhoek for your return flight to the
UK via Johannesburg.
After a leisurely breakfast we’ll leave
Etosha behind and head south back
towards Windhoek. Along the way you
will pass through towns such as
Tsumeb, Otavi, and Otjiwarongo. We’ll
stop at the world renowned Cheetah
Conservation Fund for a tour of the
facility and to observe the cheetahs
feeding time. You’ll have lunch here
before setting off for our final
accommodation.
(Meals included; breakfast)
This afternoon, enjoy a walk from the
lodge (2.2 miles/3.5 km, level walk), or
take part in an optional game drive, or
rhino tracking safari. (approx cost –
320 – 760 ZAR, depending on activity,
payable locally)
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9.30pm. Tea/coffee making facilities,
bottled water, safe, hairdryer.
Accommodation
One of the many highlights of this tour
will be the delightful settings of the
desert and wilderness lodges with
open views onto the varied Namibian
landscapes. Sundowners on terraces
overlooking watering holes or vast
desert landscapes will be the perfect
finish to the day’s activities. Many
have swimming pools. Most of the
accommodations are 4-star but two
nights are spent in wilderness camps
where facilities are more basic, but
offer a genuine Namibian experience.
(more like glamping, than proper
camping). Porterage is included
throughout.
Oryx antelope and springbok make
frequent appearances at
the illuminated watering hole.
http://www.gondwanacollection.com/the-namibexperience/accommodation/namibdesert-lodge/
Safari Court Hotel Windhoek (1nt) This
4-star hotel is one of the most wellknown hotels in Namibia. 215
luxuriously appointed rooms, and
guests also have the free use of the
hotel sauna and steam room. Spa
treatments available on request.
Rooms have tv, fridge, bottled water,
tea/coffee making facilities, safe,
airconditioning, wifi. (Note, there is
likely to be some refurbishment works
underway for some of 2017)
https://www.safarihotelsnamibia.com/
safari-court-hotel/
Namib Dune Star Camp, Namib (1nt)
Enjoy the vast desert wilderness and
magnificent night skies. 9 wooden
chalets offer comfortable
accommodation, with the dining room
and bar in a central chalet with far
reaching views. After the dunes have
transformed to gold and the distant
mountains glow purple, it’s time to
wheel beds onto balconies for a night
under the glittering sky of the Namib.
(optional). This is an eco friendly
camp, no wifi and no device charging
possibility here, you need to ensure all
devices are fully charged at your
previous accommodation.
http://www.gondwanacollection.com/the-namibexperience/accommodation/namibdune-star-camp/
Namib Desert Lodge, Namib (1nt)
The main building and the chalets are
spread out along the foot of the
fossilised dunes of the ancient Namib
desert. 65 en suite rooms with air
conditioning, restaurant and bar, an
inviting terrace with views of the dunes
and two swimming pools. The rooms
do not have television, and wifi is only
available in the reception until
9
Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge &
Spa Namib (1nt)
making facilities, safe, hairdryer, tv. Wifi
available throughout. www.beach.na
The Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge, located
on a 12,000-hectare property on the
edge of the Namib Desert, consists of
unique, semi-subterranean rock
“igloos” aesthetically integrated with
the natural surroundings.
Accommodation consists of 16 fully
equipped standard double rooms and
3 suites with views over the desert.
There is a pleasant dining room, bar
and reception area. Wifi is available in
the reception only, mosquito nets are
in the rooms. No tv, hairdryer, and no
tea/coffee making. No bottled water.
http://www.rostock-ritz-desertlodge.com/
Hohenstein Lodge, Erongo (1nt)
The Hohenstein Lodge is located at
the foot of the Hohenstein, the highest
peak of the Erongo mountains. The
lodge offers 14 spacious rooms with
en-suite shower/WC and in-room safe.
Tea/coffee making facilities, mosquito
nets. A shady terrace belongs to each
room. Reception and restaurant are
located in the main building which is
connected by comfortably paved
walkways with swimming pool and
bungalows. Wifi is quite weak here
and only available in
reception/restaurant area.
http://www.hohensteinlodge.com/
Beach Hotel Swakopmund (2nts)
Etemba Wilderness Camp, Erongo
(1nt)
The ideal location of Beach Hotel
Swakopmund, just 50 m from the
Atlantic Ocean and within walking
distance to the centre of
Swakopmund, allows you to
experience the flavour of
this charming town. All rooms have a
balcony and have a view of the sea
or the town. Facilities on site include a
restaurant, a lounge with Sundowner
bar, a roof terrace with panoramic
view and swimming pool. Rooms are
furnished with minibar, tea/coffee
Even the drive to the lodge is a unique
experience, leading through one of
the most beautiful landscapes of
Namibia, the Erongo mountains in the
north west. Located at 1100m above
sea level, the camp offers twin
bedded tented accommodation with
proper beds and duvets. Each tent
has its own outdoor private flush toilet
and shower area (cold showers). There
is a separate facilities block with hot
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outdoor showers and indoor toilets.
Power sockets are available, but there
is no wifi, and no phone signal here.
Torches are provided. The evening
meal will be a traditional braai (BBQ).
Etosha Safari Lodge, Etosha National
Park (2nts)
Guests rave about the view: the
restaurant and chalets, situated on a
hillock, offer magnificent views of the
African bush savannah. All of the 65
double room chalets have air
conditioners and mosquito nets,
tea/coffee making facilities, safe. and
a choice of three swimming pools
between them. Apart from the
restaurant and bar there is a wooden
platform for sundowners high above
the Mopani bush. Wifi is only available
in the main reception/restaurant area.
http://www.gondwanacollection.com/the-etoshaexperience/accommodation/etoshasafari-lodge/
Huab Lodge, Damaraland, (2nts)
Huab Lodge lies in an 8,000 hectare
nature reserve of pristine wilderness on
the Huab River. Huab Lodge was
created in 1993 using local materials,
solar energy and taking care with
waste products. The spacious
bungalows have large private patios
and are tastefully furnished. They
include a separate en-suite. Due to
the small intimate nature of this lodge,
the owners, managers and staff and
all guests will sit together and have
meals at one sitting. There is a
swimming pool, hot & cold springs.
There is a central reception area with
dining area and bar and small shop.
Wifi is available in rooms and
reception area, but there is no phone
signal. Mosquito nets are provided,
hairdryers can be borrowed from
reception. A flask of cold water is in
the room, and hot water flask is on
request from reception to make
teas/coffees. This place really feels like
home.
http://www.huab.com/index.php/en/
Mokuti Lodge, Etosha National Park
(1nt)
Mokuti Etosha Lodge promises guests
a warm Namibian welcome, and a
stay during which they will be hosted
in a relaxed, uncomplicated manner.
This intimate lodge has 90 rooms and
16 luxury rooms. Recently refurbished,
they are all air conditioned and come
equipped with satellite TV, a minifridge, safe, free Internet WiFi access,
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tea/coffee-making facilities and ensuite bathrooms with showers. There’s
a dining room & bar, pool bar &
terrace. Meals are typical Namibian
feasts, featuring many local
products. There is a reptile park on site,
and tennis courts should you still have
the energy for this.
http://www.mokutietoshalodge.com/
Otijwa Lodge, Waterberg Region (1nt)
Set amidst the unspoilt beauty of
Namibia’s oldest game farm, Otjiwa
Safari Lodge is the ultimate holiday
destination for those in search of an
authentic African experience that
meets the very best in international
tourism standards.
All the chalets overlook the water
hole, and offer spacious bedrooms
with traditional African decor, and
large modern bathrooms with shower.
True Namibian hospitality and personal
service go without saying. Wifi is
available (intermittent signal) in
bedrooms. http://otjiwa.com.na/
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Kit List
Before your
holiday
Please try to keep luggage to a
minimum as you will need to carry it
yourself at airports and between your
transport and your hotel.
We hope you find this information
comprehensive – if not please visit our
website for more details or contact us.
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All details correct at time of writing
(Dec 2016). Passport and visa
requirements are subject to change;
please check with your consulate
before you travel.
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We would advise that you check your
government’s travel advisory before
travelling. For UK travellers, please
check www.fco.gov.uk
In all instances during your holiday,
your first point of contact should be
your HF Holidays’ leader or local
leader. If for any reason this is not
possible, HF Holidays’ emergency
contact details are as follows:
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Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm
Tel +44 (0)345 470 7558
or +44(0)20 8732 1250 ( from overseas)
Fri - Mon 7pm - 9am
Tel +44 (0)7918 737777
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Airport parking and accommodation
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If you require airport
parking or
accommodation
before your flight, we
recommend our partner Holiday
Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote
HX031 or book online at
www.holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays
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Walking boots – (worn in) with
good ankle support and spare
bootlaces
Walking socks
Walking sandals
Lightweight fleece
Lightweight waterproof trousers
and jacket
Shorts
Lightweight loose-fitting clothes
in natural colours. Long trousers
and long-sleeved light coloured
shirts with collars to protect from
the sun and insects at night −
your clothing should ideally be
pre-treated with insect repellent
and in-built sun protection
(available from specialist
clothing stores such as Rohan,
Cotswold Outdoor)
Head torch
Sun hat
Scarf/buff
Comfortable clothes and shoes
for evenings and sightseeing
Sun protection – sunglasses, high
factor sunscreen and lip
protection
Water bottle – at least 2 litre
capacity
Lightweight survival bag
Small/medium rucksack (30 litre)
– a bin liner will keep contents
dry if it rains
Soap and hand sanitizer gel
Insect repellent
Universal adaptor plug
Universal sink plug
Personal first aid kit including:
personal medication, tissues,
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plasters, blister kit, painkillers,
antiseptic wipes, Imodium,
rehydration sachets
Passport (and copies); booking
confirmation; insurance cover
note; HF Holidays’ registration
form
intended visit up to the maximum
allowable of 90 days and that you
have been given a correctly dated
entry stamp by Namibian Immigration
officials, as this will be checked on
departure.
Travel insurance
Optional: trekking poles, camera,
umbrella, binoculars, swimming
costume
If arranging your own travel insurance,
please ensure it is adequate for your
specific itinerary. This trip does not go
over 2000m above sea level.
Please ensure you have access to
emergency funds should you need
them; carrying a credit card is
probably the most convenient
method.
Health advice
This is subject to change and we
would highly recommend that you
consult your doctor before travelling.
For further information on country
specific advice, visit
Please note that your HF Holidays’
leader reserves the right to refuse to
take any guest on a walk should they
consider that a lack of suitable
clothing/footwear may affect safety.
www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or
www.traveldoctor.co.uk
Baggage allowance
Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Some
visitors should also consider the
following vaccinations: Cholera,
Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tuberculosis.
Malaria prevention may also be
recommended. Actions should be
taken to avoid being bitten by
mosquitoes.
1 piece checked-in luggage (max
23kg).
Please check details of your airline’s
baggage allowance, as shown on
your e-ticket. Remember to also check
any connecting flights you may have
booked.
Please note: the use or possession of
some common prescription or overthe-counter medicines is banned in
some countries. If you will be carrying
medication, please check with the
country’s embassy/ consulate prior to
travel. As an extra precaution:
Passports & visas
Your passport should be valid for a
minimum period of 6 months from the
date of entry into Namibia and have
at least 1 completely blank page for
Namibian immigration to use. UK, US,
Canadian, and Australian citizens do
not need a visa to enter Namibia for
periods of less than 90 days; however
before leaving the immigration desk in
the airport arrivals hall, check that you
have been given permission to stay in
Namibia for the duration of your
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14
Keep your medication in its
original packet
Take a copy of your prescription
too
If possible, ask your chemist to
write the name of your
medication in the language of
the country that you’re visiting
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Dietary requirements
Please contact us as far in advance as
possible if you have any specific
dietary requirements. We will do our
best to accommodate you. If you
require a specific meal on the flight,
please let us know as soon as possible,
and no later than 96 hours before
travel.
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Travel tips for a comfortable flight
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We’ve put together a few simple tips
to help make your flight as
comfortable as possible, ensuring you
begin your holiday in tip-top shape.
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Eat light. Avoid heavy meals
and foods – air expands at
altitude and heavy meals will
result in that bloated feeling
Moisturise. Your skin, especially
your lips and nostrils, may feel
dry so moisturising creams may
help. If you wear contact lenses,
always carry your glasses with
you, as your eyes may feel dryer
than usual
Stay loose. Wear loose fitting,
comfortable shoes and clothes
Flight socks are recommended
to help prevent DVT on longhaul flights
Lost/damaged luggage
If your bag or its contents are
damaged or lost while in the airline’s
care, this should be reported to the
baggage service agents at the
airport. They will assess the damage
and in some cases the airline may
decide to settle your claim
immediately. You will be given a
reference to quote to your insurance
company if settlement cannot be
reached. In many cases baggage
claims can only be accepted in
writing. A baggage claim form must
be obtained from the airport.
Move about. Change position
and avoid crossing your legs.
Immobility poses the greatest risk
in the development of clotting
disorders. Get out of your seat
and walk around as regularly as
possible to improve circulation
No pills. Unless advised by your
doctor, do not take sleeping
tablets on the flight; this will
reduce your mobility and make
you feel sluggish
Protect your ears. If you
experience discomfort due to
the cabin pressure changes,
suck a sweet, chew, or hold
your nostrils and gently blow
through your nose; this should
equalise the pressure. If you still
experience problems, speak to
a member of the cabin crew
Drink plenty. Ask a member of
the cabin crew if you are thirsty.
Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee or
carbonated drinks as these will
dehydrate you. Instead, try to
drink plenty of fruit juices or
water
HF Holidays’ with-flight guests
This route transits through
Johannesburg. Your bags should be
checked through to Windhoek, and
you do not have to collect them in
Johannesburg.
On arrival in Jo’burg, please follow the
signs for international departures
which leave from Terminal A. Your
flight tickets may well say terminal B,
ignore that.
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On arrival at Windhoek, for those
travelling on our HF Holidays’ group
flight, please proceed to the arrivals
hall once you have passed through
passport control, customs and
baggage reclaim, when you arrive at
your destination. Your local leader will
assemble the group in the arrivals hall.
Look out for the HF Holidays’ sign.


Independent travellers
If you are arriving ahead of the group,
and are meeting them at the first
hotel, please leave a message at the
hotel reception for the local leader,
detailing your room number, and a
mobile telephone number if possible.
The leader will contact you once the
group arrives. If you are arriving after
the group, a message will be left for
you at the hotel reception, welcoming
you and giving details of the time and
place to meet the group. If your flight
arrives before the group flight and you
would like to join the transfer to the first
hotel, please contact our Abroad
Administration team on (0)20 8732
1271. They will have a list of the
relevant transfer costs.
In the unlikely event that your leader is
incapacitated, please use any
emergency kit in their rucksack and
call emergency services on 112.
Please then call our emergency
number (see page 13) and let us know
there is a problem.
Tipping
Tips have been included in your
holiday price for key services such as
local guides/ driver/restaurants. Any
additional tips are at your own
discretion.
Climate
We travel to Namibia in their winter
months, the dry season. Namibia
generally experiences over 300 days
of sunshine per year, so it's generally
warm, dry and pleasant. At the times
our holidays operate daytime
temperatures can reach in excess of
30 degrees C, it’s a dry heat, but we
try to avoid the heat of the day by
doing our walks early in the morning
and late afternoon. It can get cold at
night, and at the coast towards
August, September you might
experience some coastal fog.
Safety on your holiday
Once you have made your booking,
you will receive a pre-holiday
questionnaire where we ask for details
of next of kin, and insurance details.
We need to have this from you at least
4 weeks before travel.
Please also inform us of any medical
situation which may affect your
enjoyment of the holiday


If you become separated from
the group, please stay where
you are, the leader will retrace
their steps to find you
Each leader carries a first aid kit
but is not allowed to supply any
medication including aspirin,
paracetamol, antihistamines,
and antiseptic cream. You may
wish to bring these items with
you
Please listen to any safety
instructions from the leader
Keep group members in view,
especially if weather or visibility
is poor
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Local currency & money matters
Group size
Namibia uses the Namibian Dollar (N$)
which is linked on a one to one
exchange with the South African
Rand. The Rand is legal tender in
Namibia, but the N$ cannot be used
in South Africa. If you are wishing to
purchase currency before arriving in
Namibia, it is easiest to buy Rand as
the Namibian Dollar is seldom
available in banks outside of Namibia.
Group size will be maximum 14 plus
local guide
Time difference
GMT/UTC +1 hour
Banks are found in most towns, and
are generally open from 09.00 to 15.30
on weekdays and 08.30 to 11.00 on
Saturdays. Closed on Sundays and
public holidays. Most of them offer
foreign exchange services - with cash,
bank and credit cards as well as
traveller’s cheques. You can also
obtain cash from many ATMs.
Several international banks have
branches in main city centres.
Always advise your bank that you are
travelling outside of the country as
they might block your purchases if
they have not been informed.
Suggested reading and maps
Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia
2013
Timothy Eyre Sun, Sea, Sand and Fog:
Two weeks in Namibia 2014
Henno Martin The Sheltering Desert
2002
Maps can be obtained in advance
from The Mapshop
www.themapshop.co.uk
Electricity
220/240v, 3 point round pin adaptor is
required.
HF Holidays Ltd, Catalyst House, Centennial
Court, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SY, UK
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