FAQs: Before Departure

Q: Are you allowed to take fire wood across the border from South Africa?

A: It is preferable to buy wood in Namibia.

Q: Can I put together my own group?

A: It is possible for clients to custom-make a tour group, selecting participants of their choice. Family members, friends, acquaintances or colleagues can get together to do a tour without other people joining them, as long as our minimum number of participants is met. The minimum number of people required for a privately organised/ custom-made group is 24 persons with a maximum of 12 vehicles.

Q: Can tour routes be tailor-made to meet my specific requirements?

A: Depending on the request, routes can be tailor-made, as long as there are enough people available to do such a tour. Currently, there are also shortened versions of the Faces of the Namib tour available with 2, 3 and 4-night options for those clients who may have time constraints, as well as longer versions. For special interest groups, such as photographers or birders, the Faces tour can also be custom-designed to shift emphasis, say, from (less) dune driving to (more) photography. These needs should be specified when booking your tour.

Q: Do I need a passport to visit Namibia?

A: All non-Namibian citizens need a passport to visit the country and this includes South Africans. According to Namibian customs, a passport must be valid for at least six months after exit. Visas and international driver’s licenses are not required for South Africans.

Other nations exempt from visas are (but not limited to):
Angola, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mozambique, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, Scandinavian countries, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Q: How many vehicles participate in a tour?

A: The ideal number of vehicles for a tour is ten. This is to ensure that clients receive excellent service and attention at all times. A maximum of 12 vehicles are allowed on the tour. The minimum number of participants for a scheduled tour is 20 adults.

Q: Is it necessary to take malaria medication when doing a desert trip?

A: Please consult your doctor or travel clinic.

Q: Is it necessary to take out travel and medical insurance?

By taking out travel insurance you are essentially covering yourself against travel risks such as lost or stolen luggage, cancellation cover (should you not be able to travel due to unexpected medical reasons) and most importantly, unexpected medical costs while travelling. While travel insurance is not compulsory, we do strongly recommend that you take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy for your peace of mind. When choosing a policy, ensure that you will be covered for unexpected situations where you may need emergency medical evacuation (air-lift), as this is the only way of reaching the group when travelling in the desert.

Q: Is it possible to leave the tour a day earlier or to join it a day later?

A: No, unfortunately not. The route does not follow a specific road but is driven between specific GPS points, across the dunes. It is not safe to allow clients to drive unaided in the desert to join up with or leave the tour group because the desert terrain is too unpredictable.

Q: Is this tour child- and family friendly?

A: Yes. Very much so! The Faces of ther Namib Tour is definitely not designed only for testosterone-driven adrenaline junkies! If you enjoy five days of pure dune driving (with as many risks as possible) the Faces tour is not for you. The focus of the Faces of the Namib tour is to offer a truly unique experience to clients - a one of a kind desert adventure safari. Our emphasis is inclusivity - that means a family-friendly atmosphere to suit adults and children alike, all activities taking place in the world’s oldest desert.

Our tour is geared towards combining the thrill of dune driving with an exploration of the Namib Desert’s uniquely adapted ecosystem, as well as re-visiting sites of historic and cultural interest and spectacular scenic beauty. As a family bonding experience, this tour is an absolute MUST. Your children will spend five days playing in, and exploring, the world’s largest sandpit. Many kids have described the tour as their best holiday ever!

Q: What are the differences between the Faces of the Namib tour and the Lüderitz – Walvis Bay trip?

A: The Lüderitz to Walvis Bay route is two days longer and 200 km further. It follows a route that is predominantly along/near the coast. The Faces of the Namib tour is the ONLY tour available that traverses the Namib Desert from East to West, as well as South to North. This means you experience much more variety in terms of terrain and landscape.

The desert’s topography changes daily, as you drive from the interior towards the coast. It is breath-taking to witness this transformation. The Faces of the Namib tour also visits the unique Kuiseb River canyon, petrified dune formations and the southernmost examples of the Welwitschia plant.

Both tours allow participants access to and tours of the sand-blown, derelict and abandoned diamond mining villages such as Holsatia, and the wreck of the Eduard Bohlen, but the Faces tour is far more relaxed and has less of an emphasis on dune driving alone.

The Faces of the Namib tour is very much about the many different aspects of the Namib, which not only includes dune driving thrills, but also considers places of historical, cultural and natural (geological, biological) interest. All these are combined to create something unique and the tour’s focus is on good, clean family fun.

Q: What camping equipment do I need to bring?

• Tent, folding chair and sleepwear (bedroll, tent etc.)
• Eating utensils (cutlery, plate, bowl, glass & mug)
• Own daily lunch
• Own snacks and refreshments (alcoholic beverages, cool drinks etc.)
• Torch and batteries
• Camera (extra films and batteries)
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Clothing (very hot and very cold), toiletries and towels
• Prescribed medicine

Q: What does your company supply on tour?

• Communication radios for all participating vehicles
• Breakfast and dinner, daily (tea/ coffee and fruit juices supplied with meals only)
• “Communal” camping equipment (e.g. braai grid, cooking facilities and equipment, tables, wash-up facilities, shower, toilet etc.)

Q: What is Namibia’s unit of currency?

A: Namibian Dollars are used throughout Namibia. South African Rands are also widely accepted. Credit and debit cards are accepted at most shops and service stations. Fuel prices are similar to those of South Africa. Petrol cards are not accepted in Namibia. 

Q: When does the wind blow most?

A: During the winter months (June - August) you may experience a warm east wind blowing in the desert. The prevailing wind is a south-westerly which begins in September and blows in from the chilly ocean until December.