Sample Travel Plan
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Travel Plan “Tell Us Where, We will do the rest” February 2014 1 Prepared for: xx Contents 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 3 2. Practical tourist information ....................................................................................................... 4 3. Highlights (selected) .................................................................................................................... 8 4. Day to Day Travel Itinerary ...................................................................................................... 12 5. Description of places .................................................................................................................. 16 6. Accommodation.......................................................................................................................... 19 7. Interactive map ........................................................................................................................... 20 8. Flight connections ....................................................................................................................... 21 9. Transport in Namibia ................................................................................................................. 22 10. Price and cost estimation ....................................................................................................... 23 --------------------------- Prepared for: xxxxxxx 2 1. Introduction Namibia is a country in south - western Africa. In comparison to other countries on the continent, it offers relatively good travel options, but due to large distances and the underdeveloped public transport system, one needs to rent a car. It is a well-off country, with numerous places of interest, camps, hotels and lodges. Travelling is comfortable and free of any particular threats – provided that one takes basic precautionary measures. Source: www.cia.gov The diversity of Namibia means that numerous forms of spending one’s leisure time are available. This plan has been designed as a two-week holiday with the use of a 4x4 vehicle, full camping equipment and a tent pitched on the vehicle roof. Based on the preferences you have selected, we offer a range of attractions involving discovering of the local culture and experiencing country’s nature. The plan combines a car safari with visits to local communities, scenic one-day hiking trips, and observation of wild animals. In addition to typical local highlights, we suggest you visit places that are outside the most popular routes, such as the Bushman Village. We hope that our itinerary will help you get the most out of Namibia’s attractions and make your visit there truly unforgettable. --------------------------- Prepared for: xxxxxxx 3 2. Practical tourist information Language English is the official language. Religions A Christian country with a limited number of animists. Climate Namibia features a highly dry climate, which means sunny days almost throughout the entire year and starry sky at nights. The rainy season lasts from late November to March/early April. The most intense precipitation is observed in January-February. This is when dry riverbeds become rushing streams capable of making holes in roads. The dry seasons starts in May and lasts until October. It is the best period for wildlife observations as animals amass near water holes in search of water. When to go The best time: April - May, September - November (good weather, out of season). The worst time: July - August (cold, peak od season). Natural hazards No risks due to earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, volcanic activity. Currency & Money The local currency is the Namibian dollar (N$) (1 US $ is approximately 15 N$). There are banks and ATMs in every city, so any kind of financial transaction is easy to execute. Commission is charged when foreign currencies are exchanged – in percentage terms, it is the highest with small amounts; therefore it makes more sense to exchange greater amounts but less often. Credit cards are not often accepted, so be sure to have a wad of cash handy to pay. Internet access There are internet cafes in every large city. The hourly fee is approx. USD 2. Internet speeds differ from place to place. WiFi is extremely hard to find. Visa requirements Passport needed. Bearers of U.S. passports who plan to visit Namibia for tourism for less than 90 days can obtain visas at the port of entry and do not need visas prior to entering the country. --------------------------- Prepared for: xxxxxxx 4 Passports must have at least six months of validity remaining beyond the traveller’s planned date of departure from Namibia. While traveling within Namibia, U.S. citizens should keep passports containing valid visas, as well as a valid driver’s license, with them at all times. Occasionally national authorities may set up roadblocks or stop foreign pedestrians and request identification. Health and vaccines The healthcare system is fairly advanced, especially in the capital city, Windhoek. The country has an efficient network of air ambulances, e.g. SOS International, Medrescue. Access to healthcare further inland is more problematic. Malaria risk: Medium risk in Northern Namibia, especially Etosha NP and the Caprivi Strip, Low to no risk in the rest of the country. The highest risk of transition is in the rainy season from October to May. Source: http://www.nc.cdc.gov/ Malaria precautions are essential. Avoid mosquito bites – wear long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, use insect repellents and, when necessary, sleep under a mosquito net. --------------------------- Prepared for: xxxxxxx 5 Recommended vaccinations: Type Who Route of infection Recommended for most travellers, including those Fecal-oral route (contaminated food Hepatitis A with "standard" itineraries and accommodations and water) Person-to-person contact Consider for most travellers; recommended for Contact with blood and other body Hepatitis B those who might be exposed to blood or other fluids: body fluids, have sexual contact with the local Unprotected sex population, or be exposed through medical Injection drug use treatment (e.g., for an accident). Contaminated transfusions Exposure to human blood Contaminated tattoo and piercing equipment Antimalarials recommended for travellers Bite of infected mosquito Malaria to malaria risk areas in Namibia (femaleAnopheles) Recommended for the following groups: Mammal bites (including dogs, bats, Rabies Travellers involved in outdoor and other other carnivores) activities that might bring them into direct contact with dogs, bats, and other mammals (such as campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers). Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers). Long-term travellers and expatriates. Children, because they are considered at higher risk; consider lower threshold for vaccination. Recommended for most travellers, especially those Fecal-oral route (contaminated food Typhoid who are staying with friends or relatives; visiting and water) smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water; or prone to "adventurous eating" Required if traveling from a country with risk of YFV Bite of infected mosquitoes Yellow Fever transmission. source: www. http://wwwnc.cdc.gov Food T-bone steaks – the beef used is reputedly the best in the world. A huge steak served with a small amount of fries or one potato Thin sausages – called Boerworst by the locals. Excellent for barbecues. --------------------------- Prepared for: xxxxxxx 6 Seafood – very diverse in the coastal areas. Shrimps, crab sticks, lobsters, octopuses, and a huge variety of fish. Biltong (regional delicacy in the southern Africa) – dried beef or meat of ranch-bred antelopes (Kudu or springbok). Steaks of crocodile, springbok or ostrich meat – crocodile meat is white and resembles fish meat. Fried caterpillars in a hot sauce – if you do not have qualms about eating insects, you are going to enjoy their delicious taste. Fresh fruit and vegetables – bought at stores, imported from South Africa. Water – drink bottled water for safety. Tap water is usually unfit for consumption. It is a good idea to bring water purification tablets with you. Travel Warnings Namibia is a fairly safe country in southern Africa, with the main threat being big city crime. Incidents of violent crime directed against foreigners are rare. It is necessary just to undertake common-sense preventive measures. Although Windhoek seems like a peaceful and safe city, it occasionally witnesses robberies of foreigners and car break-ins, also in broad daylight. The most dangerous area is the impoverished Katatura township. It is not recommended to use shared, public taxis in Namibia - caught on the street, often pick up more passengers. Criminals posing as public taxi drivers have occasionally robbed passengers in the past. It is better to find a legitimate and safe taxi service if pre-booked through a hotel. One does not travel at night in Africa due to stray cattle and wild animals. One should not get out of the car in parks (due to wild animals). You should remain cautious even in designated areas. In Namibia the standard voltage is 220 V. The standard frequency is 50 Hz. Most power sockets have three round pins but some plugs with two smaller pins are also found on appliances.