|
Namibia> Safaris in Namibia> Other Safaris |
PASSPORT: Make sure that you have a signed passport and that its validity will extend to 6 months after the date of your return. This must be carried with you at all times whilst on safari.
VISAS: Are not required for South Africa, Namibia and Botswana if you are a holder of the following passports:- Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Belgium, Germany and USA. Zimbabwe charge US$55 for single entry visa and Zambia charge US$25 – US$60 for a single entry. Holders of passports other than those nationalities mentioned should check with their travel agent regarding visa requirements.
HEALTH: Consult your doctor in regard to required vaccinations and malaria tablets.
INSURANCE: As part of the Terms and Conditions to Chameleon Safaris it is essential that all clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance when making final payment for your safari. Your insurance should be inclusive of full medical cover including costs of emergency repatriation and cancellation.
LUGGAGE LIMITS: On scheduled safari departures the luggage limits are 10kg per person and we will only carry soft bags to minimize luggage damage. One small day pack for hand luggage and a sleeping bag are separate. For tailor-made safaris please contact us for advice. Any excess baggage can be stored at Chameleon Backpackers Lodge during the course of the safari.
TRAVELLERS CHEQUES: Can be obtained from your local bank and we recommend smaller denominations in US$, Pounds Sterling or AUD$ as all are widely accepted. We recommend carrying Euro cash as this attracts a much smaller fee for exchanging to local currency than Euro travelers cheques. Visa and Mastercard are also readily accepted in most banks, shops and restaurants in Namibia, but cash or travelers cheques are recommended for Botswana and Zimbabwe.
WEATHER/CLIMATE: Namibia averages 300 days on sunshine each year. Winter: Day time 25°C, Night time 0°C or below, Summer: Day time 35°C+, Night time 10°C
PACKING CHECKLIST: Neutral colored casual clothing (shorts/shirts or long trousers in winter) for everyday wear, stout shoes (with soles thick enough to protect against thorns and for walking), light jacket or jumper (summer time), warm jumper and jacket (winter time), flashlight/torch, towel, broad brimmed sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, light spray jacket when traveling between Nov-April. In winter thermal underwear is useful at night as it does not take up much space and can keep you very warm on those cold winter nights around the camp fire. For those with sensitive backs we recommend that you bring a self-inflating “thermarest” mattress to use in conjunction with the high density camp mattresses supplied by Chameleon.
OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS: Camera, plenty of film, binoculars, sleeping bag rated for 3 seasons in summer or 4 seasons in winter, toiletries & personal medication eg asmathics and diabetics.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: For those with food allergies or other dietary requirements we need to be notified well in advance on the Booking Form with all information regarding food you can eat and cannot eat. Some food stuffs are not readily available here so we do recommend that those guests who are gluten allergic should bring wheat alternatives from there home country. Diabetics should also carry snacks for between meals.
..2..
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT ON YOUR SAFARI
VEHICLES: All scheduled safaris utilize custom built 4x4 vehicles with pop top roof except for the shorter safaris to Sossusvlei/Etosha and any combinations using these two trips, where we use a minibus.
ACCOMMODATION: all safaris undertaken on a twin share basis. Should you be traveling alone we will ask you to share with another traveler of the same sex, should there be none then you will have a single tent and not have to share accommodation where provided. Families traveling together can share a tent if your child is younger than 10 years, older than this we will provide two tents. Whilst camping we provide 2 man dome tents which are easy to erect and dismantle, high density foam mattresses which are approx 6cm thick, pillow, chairs, table, lighting, all cooking and eating utensils. Sleeping bags may be hired from the office on the morning of departure for N$10/night should you not have one of your own. Most camping sites do have showers and toilets, however your guide will advise you in advance on nights spent bush camping without facilities.
PARTICPATION: From 1 January 2006 each scheduled safari is run on a limited participation basis. You will only be expected to erect and dismantle your tent. Your guide and apprentice guide will organize all other camp chores. All food is purchased by the guide or apprentice guide and meals are cooked by the guide or apprentice guide.
MEALS: To give you an idea of what to expect
Breakfast: 3 varieties of cereal, yoghurt or bananas, toast with a choice of 3 toppings, tea/coffee
Lunch: cold meats and fresh salads with bread rolls or soup and bread in winter
Dinner: a different dish each night – curries, pasta, braai (BBQ), stirfries etc
Emphasis is placed on variety and the use of fresh meat, fruit and vegetables where available.
Full dietary requirements must be noted on your Booking Form to enable us to cater for you.
DRINKS: All drinks must be purchased by you during your safari including mineral water. The water in Namibia is generally safe to drink everywhere, so a 1-2 litre water bottle should be brought by you on safari. Your guide will advise where water is not safe to drink or unpleasant tasting. For those with sensitive stomachs then we recommend that you purchase mineral water during the safari for consumption. On most days you will be able to purchase your drinks for that day or the following day, please follow the advise from your guide. Only tea/coffee are provided during breakfast and after evening meals.
DEPARTURE POINT AND DEPARTURE TIME: All departures are from Chameleon Backpackers Lodge and Guesthouse at 7 Voigt Street, Windhoek Central. All guests must be present at the lodge at least 30 minutes prior to safari departure. Please check the Safari Voucher issued to you by your agent or our office for departure times. Transfer from other accommodation within the city limits can be arranged ONLY with prior notice in writing
Included:
Excluded:
Recommended items to bring on safari:
| Sunscreen | Sun Hat | Sunglasses |
| Swimming Costume | Towel | Shorts and T-shirt |
| Sleeping Bag | Water Bottle (2 litre) | Torch |
| Camera and Film | Binoculars | Warm Jacket |
| Walking shoes or boots | Medication | Personal Items |
| Travel Insurance | Spending Money | Passport (valid for 6 months) |
| Valid Visas | Insect repellent | Warm clothes |
Passport: Make sure that you have a signed passport and that its validity will extend to 6 months after the date of your return. This must be carried with you at all times whilst on safari.
Visas: Are not required for South Africa, Namibia and Botswana if you are a holder of the following passports:- Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Belgium, Germany and USA. Zimbabwe charge US$30 for single entry visa and Zambia charge US$60 for a single entry. Holders of passports other than those nationalities mentioned should check with their travel agent regarding visa requirements.
Health: Consult your doctor in regard to required vaccinations and malaria tablets.
Insurance: As part of the Terms and Conditions of the safari company it is essential that all clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance when making final payment for your safari. Your insurance should be inclusive of full medical cover including costs of emergency repatriation and cancellation.
Luggage Limits: On scheduled safari departures the luggage limits are 10kg per person and we will only carry soft bags to minimize luggage damage. One small day pack for hand luggage and a sleeping bag are separate. For tailor-made safaris please contact us for advice. Any excess baggage can be stored during the course of the safari.
Travellers Cheques: Can be obtained from your local bank and we recommend smaller denominations in US$, Pounds Sterling or AUD$ as all are widely accepted. We recommend carrying Euro or US$ cash as this attracts a much smaller fee for exchanging to local currency than Euro travellers cheques. Visa and Mastercard are also readily accepted in most banks, shops and restaurants in Namibia, but cash or travellers cheques are recommended for Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Weather / Climate: Namibia averages 300 days on sunshine each year. Winter: Day time 25°C, Night time 0°C or below, Summer: Day time 35°C+, Night time 10°C
Packing Checklist: Neutral coloured casual clothing (shorts/shirts or long trousers in winter) for everyday wear, stout shoes (with soles thick enough to protect against thorns and for walking), light jacket or jumper (summer time), warm jumper and jacket (winter time), towel, broad brimmed sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, light spray jacket when travelling between Nov-April. In winter thermal underwear is useful at night as it does not take up much space and can keep you very warm on those cold winter nights around the camp fire. For those with sensitive backs we recommend that you bring a self-inflating “thermarest” mattress to use in conjunction with the high density camp mattresses supplied.
Other Essential Items: Camera, plenty of film, binoculars, sleeping bag rated for 3 seasons in summer or 4 seasons in winter, toiletries & personal medication e.g. asmathics and diabetics.
Dietary Requirements: For those with food allergies or other dietary requirements we need to be notified well in advance on the Booking Form with all information regarding food you can eat and cannot eat. Some food stuffs are not readily available here so we do recommend that those guests who are gluten allergic should bring wheat alternatives from there home country. Diabetics should also carry snacks for between meals.
What you can expect on your safari
Vehicles: All scheduled safaris utilize custom built 4x4 vehicles with pop top roof. Except for the shorter safaris to Sossusvlei/Etosha and any combinations using these two trips, where we use a minibus the vehicle /s used are clearly stated on the safari itinerary.
Accommodation: all safaris undertaken on a twin share basis. Should you be travelling alone we will ask you to share with another traveler of the same sex, should there be none then you will have a single tent and not have to share accommodation where provided. Families travelling together can share a tent if your child is younger than 10 years, older than this we will provide two tents. Whilst camping we provide 2 man dome tents which are easy to erect and dismantle, high density foam mattresses which are approx. 4cm thick, pillow, chairs, table, lighting, all cooking and eating utensils. Sleeping bags may be hired from the office on the morning of departure for N$10/night should you not have one of your own. Most camping sites do have showers and toilets, however your guide will advise you in advance on nights spent bush camping without facilities.
Participation: Each scheduled safari is run on a full participation basis. You will be expected to help in all areas of the safari with guidance from your safari leader. This includes erecting and dismantling your tent, assisting with food preparation and washing dishes. Most camp chores are done on a rotational basis to ensure that each and every member of the expedition does there fair share. All food is purchased by the guide and meals are cooked by the guide.
Meals: To give you an idea of what to expect:
Drinks: All drinks must be purchased by you during your safari including mineral water. The water in Namibia is generally safe to drink everywhere, so a 1-2 litre water bottle should be brought by you on safari. Your guide will advise where water is not safe to drink or unpleasant tasting. For those with sensitive stomachs then we recommend that you purchase mineral water during the safari for consumption. On most days you will be able to purchase your drinks for that day or the following day, please follow the advise from your guide. Only tea/coffee are provided during breakfast and after evening meals.
Bookings and Cancellation:
A safari can only be booked once a non-refundable 15% deposit has been paid and a signed booking form has been received by us. Full payment is required at least 30 days before departure. Cancellations are subject to the following fees; one month to seven days - 50% refund. Less than seven days - no refund.
Payment:
Payment can be made in the following ways: