Badgering the Namibian travel consultant
Here’s part of the list of questions that I sent our consultant at Go2Africa about Namibia for our May 2026 trip.
We plan to fly to Frankfurt, Germany and spend a few days with friends and then go on to Windhoek (pronounced Vindhook) from there on an overnight flight. The flight is around 10 hours long from Frankfurt. The time zone will not change.
1. How large are the planes that go to Namibia?
The direct flight from Frankfurt to Windhoek with EW Discover they usually use the Airbus A330 which is fairly big.
The benefits of business class are ideal for this flight as it’s an overnight flight and they have the lie flat seats.
2. Are there safety issues flying to Africa?
We don’t have issues with safety, what can happen is missing luggage so it is advisable to pack a separate overnight bag with essentials that you can take on board with you.
3. What is what’s the safety rating for the light aircraft? What are the weight limitations for people and suitcases on the light aircraft?
Again, no issues with safety. Flights generally operates the following aircraft in Namibia: Cessna 206s and 210s – carrying 4 guests with 20 kg (44 lb) luggage per person, Cessna 406s – carrying 9 guests, as well as the GA8 Airvan – carrying a maximum of 7 guests. Weight restrictions for passengers are 220lb per person, or extra fees may apply.
Only soft duffel/tog type bags will be accepted – no frames or rigid structures may be transported as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft. Wheels on a bag are only permissible if they are not part of a solid frame or rigid structure.The maximum dimensions of ALL bags which can be accommodated are as follows: 25 cm (10 inches) wide x 30 cm (12 inches) high and 62 cm (24.4 inches) long.
4. What are the average daytime temperature in the areas we are going to be at at what is the evening temperature?
Average day time temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit and night time it can drop to single digits, but not often below zero.
5. Do we need to bring coats?
One warm jacket should be fine, no coats required.
6. Is tapwater safe to drink at all the hotels?
Yes, Namibia’s water is safe to drink from the tap, however, I always advise guests to stick to bottled water just to make 100% sure you don’t end up with an upset tummy which can ruin your trip.
7. English widely spoken?
Yes
8. How widely is credit card accepted?
Almost everywhere
9. How easy is it get to an ATM?
ATM’s are in the bigger towns like Windhoek and Swakopmund, at the camps you have access to card facilities but not ATM machines
10. How much pocket money should we carry?
$1000 in total for the two of you should get you far
11. How much should we expect to spend per day additionally?
Impossible to say, as some camps are all inclusive and others only include breakfast. Where necessary, card facilities are available.
12. How is cell service? Is there Wi-Fi at all the hotels?
Yes wifi at all the hotels but remember the camps are in remote areas so it can be interrupted.
Yes we have cellphone networks and you can buy a local sim at the airport.
13. What are the emergency medical procedures if one of us was to be sick or injured in the various locations?
It is strongly recommended that you take you medical and travel insurance, but you will be transferred to the nearest state hospital in event of illness
14. Are there safety harnesses on the 4×4 excursions?
No not on all vehicles
15. What is recommended clothing/ do we need any fancy dress?
Definitely no fancy dress required and we will send you a comprehensive ‘what to pack’ brochure prior to your trip, and well in time so that you are well prepared.
16. Can you help us choose our flights from Frankfurt to make sure we use our time wisely?
Yes we can but this is only possible closer to the time as flights for 2026 are not available
17. If we have a layover what do we do if we get held up and miss it?
There is a direct flight from Frankfurt to Namibia so a layover is not necessary. In an event where your arrival is delayed, we will make all necessary arrangements to limit the impact on the rest of your trip, but again, it is not always possible, so comprehensive travel insurance will cover you so that you don’t suffer a financial loss.
18. Is there anything that is prohibited to bring into Namibia?
Only the normal products that are illegal across the world.
19. Are there any gestures or words or cultural differences we should avoid?
No
20. What is tipping culture like?
Tipping is not compulsory although it is quite the norm to tip the lodge staff, guides, etc. We will provide you with a detailed tipping guideline closer to the time.
Logistics
Is the Himba tribe tour included? If not, how much does it cost and which day would we do it? Are there any gifts? We should bring the Kimba or any local money that we should get?
Yes, you can visit the Himba Tribe during your stay at Serra Cafema.
Gifts etc., we can advise on closer to the time once we have measured the need at the time.
- Day one Windhoek. What time will we arrive on the first day in Windhoek and what time will be we able to check into our room? Do we have the day to ourselves? Is it safe to hire a taxi or walk around the city and go to the museums and restaurant?
Your room is available from 2 pm onwards. Arrival time depends on your flight arrival time and not available at the moment. You have the day to yourself and the hotel can assist to book reliable transfers if/where necessary.
- Day two, Soussuvlei. How long is the flight to little kalula lodge and What are the twice daily scheduled camp activities?
It is just over an hour’s flight. Activities include nature drives, excursions to Sossusvlei and Sesriem, guided walking trails, hot air ballooning (available at an extra cost), stargazing, guided scorpion walks at night, guided quad biking, in-room massage at an additional cost.
- Day four Swakopmund. how long is the flight from geluk to swakopmund? Are there other places to eat dinner besides the hotel? How expensive is dinner at the hotel? Do we have any activities the first day or what is there to do solo? Do we need any dress-up clothes?
Arrival time in Swakop depends on the weather, that is why we keep the first day open. You are free to walk around town on your own on the first day. The flight is approximately 1,5 hours. There are plenty of good restaurants in Swakop. Dinner at the hotel is around $25 per person, depending of course on what you eat. No reason to dress up.
- What time is the half day desert tour on day 5. Can we arrange any other tours in the afternoon on the day of if we so choose?
It is from 8 am to 12 pm and the afternoon is free and open so you can do something else if you’d like.
- Day 6 kaokoveld. How long is the flight to kaokoveld and the car trip to Serra cafema camp. What is the standard double tent like. Is alcohol included in local beverages. What are the scheduled camp activities.
You fly from Swakopmund to Doro Nawas (1 hour), then another flight to Serra Cafema airstrip (another hour) and then it is a 60-90 minute road transfer to the lodge (depending on wildlife sightings, scenery and photographic opportunities along the way).
Activities include nature drives, guided quad biking, guided nature walks, boating (water levels permitting), Himba excursion, stargazing, back of house tours. Yes local beverages are included (no premium brands like champagne and cognac). Tent description: luxury canvas tents on raised deck, with elevated wooden walkways and private viewing decks overlooking either the dunes, hills or river valley.
Each tent comprises ensuite facilities with flush toilet, double vanity basin, indoor and outdoor shower, mosquito net, electronic safe and tea & coffee making facilities.
No air conditioning, however each room has a pedestal fan and three ceiling fans.
- Day 8 Etosha. How long are the two flights. What are the scheduled camp activities. Are the prices all included?
Same estimated times as above: 1 hour to Doro Nawas and another hour to Ongava. Both scheduled activities are game dries in the Etosha National Park. Included in the rate: all meals, twice daily scheduled activities, park fees, local drinks and laundry
- Day 11 return to Windhoek. How long is the flight? What time do we get back? Can we chose to spend a day and rest there? Can you help us book a hotel by the airport?
The flight time is approximately 1,5 hours back to Windhoek. The departure time from Ongava will only be advised closer to the time, but if there is a particular concern/need for very specific timing, please let me know. We can certainly help you book a hotel, but it will be in Windhoek as there are not hotels close to the airport. The airport is approximately 40 minute drive outside of Windhoek.
23. How much is the plane ride excursion over the skeleton coast?
As we fly over the Skeleton Coast twice during the travel days, our pilots will fly low as is safely possible so you may take photos from the plane. If you choose to book another plane excursion that will be at additional expense.
24. The Skeleton Coast is known to be foggy, how will this affect our flights?
The flights on these days are flexible due to the nature of the weather and the planes have the ability to fly inland if necessary to avoid the fog.
More to come as the trip comes closer. The deposit was 30% down. They suggested Redpoint Travel Protection for travel insurance, and said we must get the travel insurance within 14 days of placing the deposit.
The Neurotic Adventurer 