Tips Namibia

Status February 16

Food

In nearly every little village you can find a supermarket. Spar – the German Discounter chain – is very visible here. Unfortunately the vegetables are not always fresh. A pitty that you hardly find local open markets. International products and brands you can easily find – shopping like at home.

Water

On most of the campsites you get drinkable water, most of the times for free.

Diesel

Petrol stations are well spread over the country. At least every 200km you find one. The quality of the Diesel is good, works for modern engines as well. Just make sure that you get the 50ppm diesel. Often the petrol stations only accept cash. But in that case they normally have an ATM in their shop.

Money

ATM you will find in any bigger village. Often the maximum withdrawal amount is 3’300 NAD. The credit card and debit card from DKB is basically nowhere accepted. Most shops though accept the international credit cards.

Overnight places

Apart from the national parks, where it is not allowed to camp outside the camp sites, you can stand free – with the usual respect of course.

Internet

With the local MTC SIM card you have internet access almost everywhere. Not always very fast, but you get access.

Streets

The main roads (north/south/east/west) are paved all the rest are gravel or earth tracks. We though found the gravel roads often better than the paved ones.

Our Highlights

  1. Etosha Pan (animals right next to you)
  2. Himbas (one of the native groups, living still their traditional live)
  3. Fish River Canyon (super cool landscape)
  4. Oranje River drive (one of the most beautiful scenic drives)
  5. Delphin watching with Mosi (entertaining, exciting boat trip)
  6. Naukluft (gorgeous mountains)
  7. Spreethoogte pass (4 pass route with wonderful views)
  8. Cuiseb Canyon (just lovely landscape)
  9. Dead Vlei (fascinating desert athmosphere)
  10. Komasis Tiras Mountains (one of the most beautiful lodges/campsites)

Our Stats

Daily expenses for 2 people:

Food               CHF 14,40

Alcohol           CHF 3,01

HH-Nonfood  CHF 6,53

Clothes           CHF 2,04

Trips               CHF 11,11

Restaurant      CHF 13,47

Internet/Tel    CHF 2,77

Fees                CHF 1,27

Hygiene          CHF 3,01

Diesel             22,44l à CHF 0.65

Important Observations

20 years ago one could find so called guest farms in Namibia. These were most of the time located far off and they offered a bed and meals. All the guests were welcome in the family. As a traveller you had personal contact with the farmer family – extremely nice. Today the tourism has become more professional and most of the guest farms – even if they are still calling themselves like this – are now more like hotels or professional campsites. Understandable, but it takes away the charm of the personal relationship.