Climate & Weather
The temperature fluctuations during the day (especially during the dry Namibian winter season) can be enormous: In the deserts you could easily experience temperatures of more than 40 degrees in the shade during the day and at night it could drop down to close to zero or freezing point. The Gravel Travel tours do however take place during the Namibian summer where these extremeties will not be so significant. The dry climate also makes the hot summer temperatures a lot more bearable than in Europe - you will probably perceive them as being a lot lower.
The coastal temperatures are generally a lot cooler than the central regions and we recommend that you take a jacket or pullover along. It is important that you do continue to use sunscreen when you are at the coast, as the slightly cooler temperatures tend to be quite misleading and are just as dangerous as the inland rays. The deserts can sometimes even surprise you with sudden rain showers - they tend to be brief, but can be incredibly heavy thunder storms.
Paperwork & Money
No visas are required for visitors from Germany, Austria and Switzterland. Please ensure that your passport is still valid for at least six months after the arrival date.
Anyone wanting to travel on Namibian roads is required to have an international driver's licence. You can acquire a driver's licence fairly easily and without any major complications at the Municipality or at the vehicle registration offices (please don't forget your national driver's licence and a passport photo)
The Namibian currency is the Namibian Dollar N$, and in South Africa it is the Rand. The maximum import value is N$500,-. Your best option for foreign exchange would be upon arrival at the airport. We would recommend that you use an international Credit Card (Master or Visa-Card) and Traveller's Cheques. Please note that the majority of small towns do not have swipe card facilities, so it is advisable to carry sufficient cash with you at all times. We believe that 250-300 € cash per person is more than sufficient.
Health
Immunisation against Cholera, Typhoid and Yellow Fever are not compulsory when traveling to Namibia. We would however recommend that you have a discussion with your GP or Specialist to enquire about the possiblity of taking along a malaria prophylaxe.
Please note however that none of the malaria medication that is available over the counter can provide you with absolute protection against the various types of malaria - and some medication also doesn't agree with specific people. Please further note that you should at least have another Polio- and/or Tetanus Immunisation.
Clothing and Accessories
Helmet: Enduro-helmet with integrated chin protector and goggles or full face helmets, flip-up helmets are very effective (Schuberth, Caberg, BMW). We would also recommend a neckerchief.
Goggles: preferably with tinted glass.
Gloves: light, enduro summer gloves, eg. "namib" from Fa. Held.
Jacket & Pants: light enduro clothing and kidney belt (not leather), preferably light colours, pants with knee protectors (not leather), protective clothing (basic or as Netzhemd), eg. the pants "sakai" or "dakar" and the jackets "hakuna" from Fa.Held.
Boots: preferably enduro boots, definitely ankle-height joint protection shoes, eg. military or hiking boots. Boots "windhoek" from Fa.Held.
Drinking: We would urge you to acquire a drinking system that allows drinking during the ride (Camel Bag) which is also available as a rucksack. A 2l capacity is ideal.
Rucksack: All motorcycles have plastic tanks: no magnetic tank rucksacks. The Fa.Held from Burgberg also sells appropriate clothing for rainy conditions, eg "flint & tempest".
Motorcycle "First-Aid Kit"
Luggage / Clothing / Accessories
You will be traveling during the Namibian Summer. You should be able to get by on a few t-shirts and sweat shirts, solid shoes, swimming clothes and underwear. Leave your dinner jacket and formal evening wear at home.
Please bear in mind that your maximum allowable weight on the plane is 20kg - this should include your motorcycle clothing. Please try to take a middle-sized sportbag along that can be used during the tour - this will ensure that you do not have any transport problems - we would really appreciate this.
NO SUITCASES or HARD SUITCASES!!!
Namibia is photogenic country - please remember that it can get very dusty. Please ensure that your equipment is appropriately protected. We would also suggest that you bring your own photo and video films, etc. as these items might not always be readily available locally. It is also advisable to use a polarising, UV or skylight filter.
NB - please do not forget
- good sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, good sunglasses as well as sun protection for your head are recommended
- a neckerchief
- water bottle, thermos flask (unbreakable) or Camel Bag for drinks during the ride
- Flashlight( Maglight oder similar - please test batteries)
- Tupperware container for the lunchpack, small rucksack
- Rain protection clothing
Suggestion: Should you desire to take your hard suitcase along, then you could possibly leave it at the lodge during the tour. This will obviously not be possible for the Windhoek-Kapstadt or the Kapstadt-Windhoek-Tour. We would still advise you to take an additional travel bag along which can then be packed for the tour.
Arrival and Departure
What airline will we fly with?
We have been flying with Air Namibia from the very beginning. They have a direct flight from Frankfurt to Windhoek six times a week. Air Namibia is a member of IATA, they have two longhaul A-340 airbusses, which are leased from Lufthansa and which are also being serviced and maintained by Lufthansa.
When and from where do we depart?
You will depart from Frankfurt at about 20:25 pm. Arrival in Windhoek is approx. 06:00 am.
Can I also book a connecting flight?
We will gladly book a connecting flight to Frankfurt for you. We would suggest that if you do not reside in Germany, that you book your flight from your home town - it will definitely be a lot less expensive.
What are Rail & Fly tickets?
Every journey from any german train station taken via any Deutsche Bahn train (2nd class) is possible. You will have to inform us of your choice so that we can provide you with two PID numbers (incl one-way or return trip). You can use these to print your Rail & Fly tickets at the Deutsche Bahn ticket vending machine 72 hours prior to your trip. We can unfortunately not provide you with the Rail & Fly tickets via the internet.
Please note that the Rail & Fly ticket is not included in the tour price. It will cost an additional 60,- Euro (to destination and back)
Information for Rail & Fly eTicket travellers
Collection of Rail & Fly at vending machine
Can I book the trip without a flight?
Yes, the tour price will then be reduced by 800,- €.
Alone together
Packaged tours in its original form are probably something that neither you nor we really ascribe to. We have therefore structured our tours across Africa in such a manner as to allow for as much personalisation as possible. It is for this very reason that we have pre-programmed all our daily stages on the GPS instruments.
Every rider will receive a GPS at the beginning of each tour - this will ensure that you use the correct route to arrive at the daily destination. You will select your desired travel partner at the beginning of each tour and the two of you will then have to go through thick and thin together. The choice and frequency of breaks and even the daily programme is up to you.
Of course we would prefer it if you could join us for dinner. Please note that you will not be left out on your own - our tour guides will travel with you and will check in on you from time to time. Our support vehicle, which carries all the luggage and some spare parts, will always travel at the back of the group. Please also note that the GPS instruments are really easy to use.
Each tour will begin with a short briefing session and a short practice run. If you don't feel like participating in the orientation sessions, then you are welcome to join the guide.
Please Note: In Namibia and South Africa you will have to travel on the left-hand side of the road! We would advise you to travel cautiously during the first few days, especially because some of the roads are not that well maintained. You will probably only notice that you are riding on the wrong side of the road when you see that the oncoming traffic is heading straight for you.
The motorcycles
We have the Yamaha XT 660and the XTZ 660 Ténéréavailable for you. They have been specially kitted out for these tours. One of our team members is a mechanic who spends most of his time servicing and maintaining the motorcycles and keeping them in peak condition. You will receive the rental contracts when you arrive at the lodge.
Do you also have lower motorcycles?
Yes, the seat height will then be at approx. 70cm - please inform us of your preference!
Can I book Gravel Travel motorcycles for my own tours?
No. Our motorcycles are only available for use during our own guided tours. It is primarily for safety reasons that motorcycles cannot be hired out for self-ride tours in Namibia. Even a flat tyre or a broken chain in the middle of the desert could lead to major problems......we do however allow our extended guests the option of renting our bikes for 10,- € per day, primarily for traveling into town.
Could two people ride on one motorcycle?
Yes, but this could become quite strainous for both people, especially during the gravel routes, where it makes sense to ride standing up. Another option would be for the accompanying rider to ride along on some routes and to then ride in the support vehicle at other times.
When is the decision made as to what motorcycle is used for which tour?
This usually gets decided shortly after your arrival at the lodge. All motorcycles are serviced and maintained after each tour and with that we can never guarantee what bikes are available for a specific tour.
Your physical well-being
We don't only want to show you the country, but we would also like to introduce you to its people and their culture. This means that we will often stay at guestfarms and lodges - this does however not mean that we will compromise on hygiene and good food. To the contrary - you will often find that dinner and an overnight stay at a farm will be much more impressive than a fully-airconditioned single room with a television.
We don't advise riding with a full stomach - this is the main reason for avoiding opulent lunches. We prefer to rather enjoy an extended breakfast or dinner. We do however provide you with lunchpacks which can be prepared during breakfast.
You will receive bottled mineral water during the tour.
Most of the accommodation are double rooms. Should you prefer to stay in a room on your own then we can make these available at an additional charge of 50,- Euro per night. Please inform us of your preference when making the booking.
Can I book a single room at the Windhoek Mountain Lodge?
Yes, of course. There is an additional charge of approx. 15,- Euro per night to use our double rooms as a single room. provided sufficient rooms are available.
Can I book a single room at the lodges on the tour?
Yes, at an additional charge of 50,- Euro per night. Please bear in mind that our lodges are often very small, so we need to book this in advance.
Can I as a single traveller still book a double room?
Yes, 80% of all our clients are single travellers. We have however found that most visitors tend to find a travel buddy in the first few days of our tours.
Electricity
Electricity is set at 220/240 Volt alternating current. You will require a three-prong plug in Namibia. Many of the Lodges und Gästehäuser sometimes also rent out an adapter. Some of the larger hotels do have euro-norm plug points available.
Safety first
Enduro riding is always risky. Some risks can be avoided by cautious conduct and preventative measures, but this is never a guarantee of absolute safety. It is therefore important that you dress appropriately at all times.
If you believe that you will never fall and that you can get away with not wearing protective clothing, then you will make a grave mistake. It is in your own best interest to be dressed in enduro clothing. In worst cases it is only about your health and safety. Please contact us should you require any information
What happens, if something does happen?
Despite protective clothing and cautious riding it is not possible to eliminate some degree of danger. It is for this reason that all our tours are accompanied by qualified staff, who will take care of the necessary arrangements. You will be required to carry a first-aid kit for motorcycle riders.
We would also suggest that you familiarise yourself once more with the first aid procedures.
In the unfortunate event of an incident we do carry a satelite telephone and GPS in our support vehicle - this enables us to call for any Med-Rescue assistance (medical help via plane or helicopter) anywhere in Africa.
Please contact your medical aid provider to enquire about your medical insurance cover within the country that you are travelling to. We would suggest that you take out a travel insurance in case you are not covered abroad.
Miscellaneous
Does Namibia have a mobile/cellphone network?
Yes, the mobile network has recently become really good. Almost every accommodation (except for those on the Kaokoland Tour)has some network access, and the cities have access anyway.
May I request a tour participant list prior to the tour?
Unfortunately due to privacy protection this will not be possible. If everyone agrees, we can however distribute a list after the tour.
Can I extend my stay at the Windhoek Mountain Lodge before or after the tour?
Yes, an extension is possible provided that there are sufficient rooms available during that period.
Can I extend my holiday in Namibia/South Africa?
If you so desire then we can make changes to your travel dates. We require an additional charge of 50,- € all inclusive.
The flight days for Air Namibia's flights to Namibia are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The flights back to Germany are: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The transfer from/to the airport (75km away from the lodge) apart from our tour groups has to be specially arranged and will be charged for at 35,- € per trip.
About us
We offer adventure tours and not luxury tours. This doesn't mean that we have excluded all forms of luxury from our tours. We pride ourselves on being considerate and helpful - exactly that which you might have come to know as team participation (a sometimes overused expression). We spend a lot of time conscientously establishing and running the tours.
Please don't forget that you are in Africa. The programme for the various tours has been planned, but we cannot be held liable should an unexpected incident force us to change the plans slightly. Weather conditions and other unexpected events do from time to time force us to amend our routes and sometimes our plans need to change. Should an unplanned incident result in a change of plan, then we would appreciate your understanding - as they say in Africa - we will make a plan.
We would like to wish you a good flight and an unforgettable journey across the beautiful Africa.
Gravel Travel
