Q: We are going on a camping trip around Namibia next year and hope to try out lots of new things. Do you have any safety tips?
A: Camping in Namibia is a great idea. There are hundreds of well-kept sites across the country, and nights under canvas will enable you to get up close to the stunning scenery, exotic wildlife and clear, starry skies. But make sure you stick to official sites – opt to camp out in the wild and you could put yourself in danger from baboons, hyenas, lions and elephants, as well as forest fires. Armed guards at even basic grounds should ensure that you don’t have unwelcome visitors, but to be on the safe side, don’t keep food in your tent and check that it’s closed before you go to sleep.
If you’re going to the north-east of the country, be aware that a large swathe of it is malarial. You should sleep under a net or use a tent with built-in mosquito protection. Visit a good travel clinic before you go for advice on anti-malarials and other vaccinations to have.
Much like the scenery, distances between attractions can be epic in Namibia, and roads are often rough. Consider hiring a 4WD if you plan to go off the beaten track, and always carry spare fuel and a puncture repair kit, as service stations can be infrequent.
Depending on when you’re going, the heat can also be something to be reckoned with; temperatures regularly top 40C in summer, while night-times in winter can be cool. So come prepared: always carry lots of water, and some warm clothes too.
The Gov.uk website says that ”most visits to Namibia are trouble-free”, and it is unlikely you’ll have any trouble, but do make sure you go armed with appropriate travel insurance.*
*Opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of Sainsbury’s Bank.
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