For the stay in Namibia and on Etusis in particular there are a number of tips:
Travel time
Namibia is generally easy to travel all year round. Every season has its advantages. The dry season from May to September is cooler – even if it is usually pleasantly warm during the day, the nights can go into the frost area (which does not have to be uncomfortable when sleeping). At this time you should also bring warm clothes: the onion principle is required here.
A big advantage of the dry season is, above all, that the game collects at the few waterholes and the grass is not so high, which of course is beneficial for wildlife observation. Insects, in turn, are found in much lower numbers than during the rainy season. Since the dry season coincides with the European summer holidays, Namibia is also very well frequented during this time and long-term accommodation booking is recommended.
In the rainy season between October and April, it can become very hot – it does rain, but depending on the region only in short heavy showers and only irregularly. Especially at the beginning of the rainy season, such an African rain is a real experience, when you recognize the joy in humans and animals, you will witness how dry riverbeds can become raging streams and virtually watch the plants come to life. Suddenly, the arid semi-desert becomes an almost lovely flower meadow. In addition, the days are slightly longer than in the dry season, when the night falls at 17 clock.
In general, Namibia’s roads are very passable in any season, but in the rainy season, one or the other route may well be worse and you suddenly have to pass a river instead of a dry river bed.
Adequate clothing
Sun protection is recommended in every season – Namibia lies to a large extent on over 1000m altitude, here the sun shines strongly.
In addition: sturdy shoes, because stones and thorns can otherwise spoil some walk. And last but not least: if you do not want to scare the wild animals and do not immediately come out as tourists, you should choose more muted colors for your clothes.
Possible routings
Namibia is quite large – larger than for example Germany. If you want to see the whole country from the Fish River Canyon to the Caprivi and from the Skeleton Coast to the Kalahari, a normal holiday is not enough. We therefore recommend choosing a specific smaller route and, above all, planning at least two, better three nights per destination. Only then can you really experience the different places in depth. If you arrive at your place of stay at dusk in the evening and have to continue in the morning, you have neither really experienced it nor can you really relax.
Distances are far and you should not trust the estimated arrival times on your navigation system too much.
Depending on the weekdays, main roads (northbound on Fridays for example) can be quit crowded and you might get stuck behind a slow truck or bus (passing i soften difficult).
Namibia’s dangers
Here, our most important advice:
Many people who come to Namibia ask us regarding dangers from animals – and yes you should be cautious, look for snakes when you are wandering through the Veld and should not leave the car in National Parks where lions reside. HOWEVER: accidents with animals are extremely rare as the wildlife has absolutely no interest in getting in contact with the humans.
Totally different, however, are the dangers from cars. Accidents on the roads are among the highest per capita in the entire world. So do yourself a favour and never drive at night in Namibia.
Accidents with wildlife in the dark (and believe us, a 400kg antelope is not comparable to a 20kg European deer) as well as with other cars are a big danger. Vehicles without proper illumination as well as badly trained drivers are by far more dangerous than any wild animal.
One of the advantages of the little precipitation ist hat many tropical diseases are not really common in Namibia. Nevertheless, please inform yourself at your doctor’s about recommended vaccinations.