Planning Our Namib Lodge Safari Over The Christmas Holidays
Air? We flew United, Chicago to Frankurt, and then turned in United Airlines miles to get free Lufthansa Business Class tickets from Frankfurt-Johannesburg-Capetown, South Africa. The flight from Capetown-Windhoek, Namibia was also included on South African Airways but we would have to buy a one-way ticket from Windhoek-Capetown for the return. For some ridiculous reason, this segment wasn't applicable. Go figure.... TIP: Try to use miles accumulated on airlines - especially if you can wangle First or Business Class (the only way we can afford to fly in those sections)....
Visas? No visa required for U.S. or U.K. citizens.
Travel Insurance? Some don't buy travel insurance, we always do...just in case. These trips are too expensive to risk losing everything if any problems arise. Contact Travel Guard for insurance needs.
Health? I always check the Centers for Disease Control updates to see what they suggest. Since there was only a low risk of Malaria, we decided not to take Malaria pills. A Tetanus booster is the most important innoculation in my estimation (we keep ours up-to-date religiously). It is not commonly known that you can get Lockjaw from contaminated dirt and even surface abrasions. Most people think that only a deep cut puts them at danger...not so. (I, for one, am always running into objects or scraping "boo-boos" on my body.) And Hep A is second on the list. Bring your personal "drugs of choice." Bottled water would be available throughout but we also bring iodine tablets for emergency purification situations.
Equipment? Cameras! I only have a lightweight digital which definitely would not do a great job photographing game. This trip required my heavy 35mm SLR Minolta, extra telephoto lens and regular 35mm film. Heavy, but necessary. Binoculars for game viewing were also suggested as well as a flashlight (torch) and Nalgene water bottles .
Clothing? It would be hot. A hat, shorts, t-shirts and sandals for every day....a very casual trip. A warm fleece or sweater for cool evenings and early morning game drives. Lightweight boots or heavy-duty trainers for some of the day hikes.
What was included?
- 11 days accommodation in lodges, hotels and rest-camp bungalows.
- All meals throughout with the exception of Windhoek where only breakfast was included.
- Safari truck transportation, all guiding, sightseeing and park fees.
What was not included?
- Optional tipping, visa fees, and other personal expenses. There was also a compulsory local payment of around $200 due on arrival to the trip leader. This covered a myriad of things. Exactly what has never been satisfactorily explained to me but it is compulsory.
There would be no problem exchanging GBP Sterling or US Dollars in Namibia, using ATM's or paying by credit cards
Since this trip was such a distance to travel, we decided to spend three extra days in Capetown, South Africa after visiting Nambia. We'd have to fly Windhoek-Capetown-Johannesberg on the way home so why not spend a few days revisiting Capetown. Everything planned...it was time to fly...
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