Decided that since I've got a thread started about Botswana, I should start one about Namibia as well. Would happily do one for every southern African countries if I had a personal contact on the ground I could cross-check info with. Sadly my friend in RSA/KZN passed away in Jan 2019. Anyway....
Here is what I am aware of currently.
As of the time I'm typing this out, the entire country is on a "stay at home" lockdown order. There are a handful of small private markets open in Windhoek and each town/village has some sort of store open to obtain basic food and supplies.
This past week, the President announced the lockdown would be lifted on 4 May, but no specific details like is that for only internal citizens/residents and businesses or if that means boarders too. He has a scheduled meeting with his Cabinet tomorrow (Thursday) and is expected to announce further guidance sometime thereafter.
My friends daughter work for the main Namibian news organization and she's agreed to send me info as it comes out.
Would welcome any Namibian PH's/Outfitters that actually reside IN Namibia to offer up insights as well.
Anyone else who might have friends in other countries could reach out to them and start a similar thread as well and just change the country name. I'm pretty sure there are a bunch of people on here who either have hunts planned/booked that are nervous about if it's going to happen or not and a few that are waiting for countries and flights to open and maybe pick up some seriously discounted short notice late season deals.
Here is the official statement from the President. Sorry I had to cut and paste it. Tried to attach the original *.pdf file but the file size is too big.
Bottom Line Is: They are loosening INTERANAL controls in stages starting on 4 May and progressing to 30 Jun. However, he doesn't say the country will be back "open" for international traveler entry automatically after 30 Jun.
REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA THE PRESIDENCY STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT DR. HAGE G. GEINGOB AT A MEDIA BRIEFING ON THE PARTIAL LIFTING OF THE LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS
APRIL 30, 2020 WINDHOEK
Fellow Namibians,
Following the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our country, I declared a State of Emergency on 17 March 2020. Government took bold and decisive measures to contain further spread of the Coronavirus. Since 28 March 2020, our country has been on Lockdown, which started with the partial lockdown ofErongo and Khomas Regions, including the local authority areas of Okahandja and Rehoboth, which Lockdown was extended countrywide from 18 April 2020. The cases recorded in Namibia have all been classified as sporadic. The incidence curve flattened at 16 cases, with 8 recoveries. I wish the 8 remaining people a speedy recovery. We are thankful that there have been no community transmissions to this end and zero deaths recorded in Namibia so far.
I have indicated that the health of Namibians remains our greatest priority. Our prompt action to close all points of entry and issue comprehensive restrictions on the movement of people, has therefore helped to contain the spread of disease. While we recognize that these extraordinary measures have caused great disruptions to our daily lives, they were necessary and effective. I therefore urge all Namibians to continue to comply with the Regulations.Although the number of cases has remained static for 25 days, this does not mean that the current Measures must be lifted completely and suddenly.
Today Cabinet met to review the status of COVID-19 in Namibia and deliberated on how to reopen the economy, without reversing the gains made. The countrywide lockdown will lapse at midnight on Monday the 4th May 2020. Based on our experience, available data and gauging our level of national preparedness, there is merit to relax some of the restrictions. As we prepare to gradually reopen locial and economic activities, a balance must be found between protecting life, mental health and livelihoods.
The State of Emergency declared on 17 March 2020 will remain in force for a period of 6 months and may be extended, subject to the changing country situation. In conformity with global guidelines on the national response to COVID-19, Namibia has adopted 4 stages of restrictions.
STAGE 1 is the current situation of a countrywide lockdown for a period of 38 days, from 28 March until midnight, 04 May 2020.
STAGE 2 will be a gradual re-opening under Strict Precautions, from Tuesday 05 May 2020 to 2nd June 2020.
STAGE 3 will see more Moderate Precautions and could come into effect from the 2nd of June 2020 to 30 June 2020.
The final STAGE 4 from 30 June 2020 will introduce a New Normal and could last until the end of the State of Emergency.
Each Stage of restriction will have an average observance period of two incubation periods, which is 28 days. With the end of STAGE 1 at midnight on the 04th of May 2020.
I wish to announce that STAGE 2 will come into force for 28 days from 05 May 2020 to 01June 2020. During STAGE 2 the following measures will apply to all Namibians:
1. All members of the public are required to wear facemasks in public spaces. Government will assist vulnerable persons to acquire masks.
2. People will be permitted to travel domestically between regions and within towns and cities, without restriction.
3. Our borders will remain closed for non-Namibians but returning Namibians will be permitted to re-enter the country, subject to screening at points of entry and supervised quarantine for 14 days.
4. Businesses and productive activities, unless prohibited will be permitted to reopen, subject to responsible personal and organizational conduct and in compliance with the prescribed Health & Hygiene Guidelines.
5. In addition to fulfilling the established protocols, the following businesses will be allowed to resume, subject to specified conditions: o Shopping Malls and Retail Outlets. o Restaurants to continue operating on a take-away basis asbefore. Buying and selling of alcohol is prohibited. o Kapana traders may only operate for takeaway and private consumption. o Beauty, Hair Dressers & Barbers subject to proper personal protective equipment. o Laundromats and Tailors: subject to proper personal protective equipment.
6. The following activities are deemed to be high-risk under the circumstances and will not be permitted to resume activity during STAGE 2. These are: a. Theatres and cinemas; b. Gyms and exercise centres; c. Contact sports and sporting events; d. Gambling houses and nightclubs; e. Liquor outlets, Bars and Shebeens; f. Entertainment events and concerts; g. Seminars, Conferences, Workshops and Summits.
7. The buying and selling of alcohol remains prohibited throughout the country.
8. The progression from one Stage to another will be informed by developments on the cases and the details of Stages may change. As such, before we move into a subsequent Stage, review will be undertaken to enable Government to agree on what activities will be allowed.
9. The Stage 3 and Stage 4 in terms of timelines are indicative and intended to assist with business planning. The actual duration of each stage may be reduced or extended, subject to monitoring reports and the changing situation in the country. The tentative ctivities for Stages 3 and 4 are available in a document.
In conclusion, This were immensely difficult few weeks for all of us. These extraordinary measures have disrupted our lives. The fight against COVID-19 will not be a sprint. It will be a marathon that will demand our collective endurance. We must therefore summon the courage to wage an enduring battle and prevail against this invisible enemy. I commend the perseverance of Namibians from all walks of life and thank you for your cooperation.
Well, there is a little bit of good news in the right direction. Namibian newspaper Air Namibia's GM for Commercial Services had announced Air Namibia will resume INTERNAL domestic flights starting 6 May.
I have to agree and it's a damn shame to (not about agreeing with you JG ) about the airline.
We've flown on them a total of five times. We did the long haul flights twice from Frankfurt direct to Windhoek the first two years they opened the route. Very good service and very good flights etc. Only reason we stopped going that route is the third year and for a couple of years after, the CITY of Frankfurt required transit permit for firearms. Only did it for two years, I think, and then the German Federal govt shut that requirement down telling the City they had no jurisdiction over the federal airport. Shortly after that, Air Namibia had raised it's airfares two where they weren't competitive anymore AND added an extra fee for carrying firearms on top of that and we just found other routes.
Since then we've used their regional flights three times - twice from Windhoek to Vic Falls and back. Tickets were not the cheapest, but only other way was routing back to J'berg and into Vic Falls each way and killed an entire day, whereas via Air Namibia it was a little more than a 1hr flight direct. Flights were all on time, the service was fine, no issues.
The last time we used Air Namibia was this past Aug 2019 from Windhoek to Gaborone Botswana and back. Their financial problems were worsening and problems with CNX'd flights on short to no notice was occurring more and more frequently but again, they were the only carrier with direct flights between and I didn't want to have to deal with SAA or their subsidiaries and the SAPS BS in J'berg both ways. I did however plan our return to Windhoek a full day before our return flt on KLM back to Amsterdam and home on Delta. Good thing too. Day before our return, I got an email that our flight back had been CNX's with NO alternatives provided. Gerhard got on the phone and it took a couple of hours to sort out our return that ended up taking us back thru J'berg on SAA, four hour layover and then J'berg to Windhoek on Air Namibia. Our luggage and rifles would be checked all the way thru so no screwing around with SAPS.
Long story short, we made the fights to Windhoek, but none of our checked luggage or rifle cases did. Lots of phone calls and the lost baggage guy in Windhoek was able to locate everything in J'berg and without out all the sleepless night details, our luggage and rifle cases did arrive in Windhoek 2hrs before our KLM flight departed. I know one of the NAMPOL Sgts at the airport and tracked her down and she helped expedite clearing our rifles in and right back out again and we did make our flight. I resolved at that point that it will be a VERY longtime, if ever, that I fly Air Namibia again.
They really screwed up when they tried to open the long haul flights to Frankfurt on their own. They should have just partnered with Lufthansa for daily service and gave them a sweet deal on landing fees and fuel and just concentrated on domestic and regional flights. They would have saved a lot of money partnering than what they spend and ultimately lost trying to run with the big dogs.
Good stuff m3taco. About 3 years ago now I talked my buddy into bringing his son with us over to Namibia for a plains game hunt. Everything went well on our flights into WH on Air Namibia, and we had a great hunt in which his son killed a bomber 58" kudu bull. On our return, we made it to the WH airport 2.5 hours early, and stood in a short line at the check-in desk. Keep in mind that we had our tickets for over 5 months, complete with seat assignments on every leg of our flights. Once we reached the desk, the lady informed us that the flight was full and that we weren't getting on that plane and would have to wait for the next flight to J'Burg which left about 2 hours after the one we were confirmed on. We informed her that we had had our ticets confirmed for 4 months and that we intended to get on that plane, in our assigned seats. She basically said "go screw yourself" and that we were most definitely no getting on that plane. We didn't. To make a long story short, we barely, and I mean barely made the connection in J'Burg, literally running OJ Simpson style through the airport to make the gate in time. Upon return home, my buddy's rifle didn't arrive home for more than 3 weeks. Air Namibia flat our sucks.
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
That’s interesting. In 2007 we flew air Namib from Frankfurt to WH and back. They were the best flying experiences we’ve had from desk agent to the jets to the service en route including all domestic flights.
George - agree. The first few years we flew them, they were excellent. I think the long haul between WDH and FRA is what financially killed them. PLUS the fact that they opened up the airport to other foreign flagged carriers (competition). I really believe it they would have skipped the that long haul route and just partnered with Lufthansa for the long haul and just stuck to domestic and regional they would have been fine. Instead they just became a constant drain on the govt for bailouts. Employees got pissed off because they didn't feel they were being paid enough and it just all started the decline into ruin.
They had entered into leases with a US based company for the three Airbus they were using on the long hauls. They started running into financial with those maybe 4-5 years ago. Started having to CNX flights from FRA because they could pay their landing fees and fuel bills. The scheduled maintenance was contracted out over in J'berg. Got to where they couldn't pay the maintenance bills and the company would release the aircraft. Just became very poorly managed over the years as more and more of the experienced management where replaced due to......well, you can figure that one out.
Calgary - London - Windhoek; two days before we left the Windhoek route was announced as being canceled 4 days after we arrived in Windhoek. Our first thing we did in Namibia was to go to the offices of Air Windhoek and sort out our return flights to Windhoek-Frankfurt-London-Calgary.
We had booked first class on Air Namib as at that time it was inexpensive and a massive improvement in comfort. On our flight home we were amazed at how people started crowding the gate as boarding time approached, there was no announcement for boarding row x, they just opened the gates and the stampede began. I thought "WTF everyone has seats what's the rush?"
We were the last people to board the plan, to find a couple sitting in our seats. When we explained that they were in our seats they sat there and held their carry on bags to their chests. Before things escalated an Air Namib staffer came up and checked tickets and the "intruders" were removed.
The flight was over-booked and it appears that Air Namibia used "festival seating" in coach, first in place had the seat. There was about a dozen people removed from the plane.
It was truly weird and convinced me back then that one might want to reconsider using Air Namib.
Just pulled this from a Namibia newspaper and dated today.
Namibia eases Covid-19 restrictions 29 May 2020 12:54 PM ALL 14 regions of the country will on Monday migrate to stage 3 of the lockdown exit strategy for the next 28 days – except for Walvis Bay, which will go back to stage 1 until 8 June.
President Hage Geingob announced this yesterday during a media briefing at State House.
The complete lockdown of Walvis Bay is effective immediately following two concurrent Covid-19 cases in the town.
The observance period will be monitored weekly and may be extended.
This is because case number 21 and 22, both from Walvis Bay, have been in contact with over 100 people between them. The extent of secondary contacts remains unknown.
Case number 21 is a truck driver (43) who had allegedly contravened quarantine regulations and visited various businesses.
Case number 22 is a fisherman (63) who had gone to the Democratic Republic of Congo. He too came in contact with various people, including at a local Walvis Bay hospital.
The president said the Ministry of Health and Social Services will identify, trace and test those who have come into contact with the two confirmed cases.
Health minister Kalumbi Shangula said Walvis Bay is a major destination for travellers from high-risk countries.
He said stage 1 regulations will include the closure of schools and higher education institutions, the prohibition of public gatherings of more than 10 people, the banning of travelling without a permit as well as the sale of alcohol, and the restriction of movement.
Moreover, only critical service providers will be allowed to operate.
“This approach is consistent with the national Covid-19 exit strategy, which provides for localised responses to contain and suppress the spread of Covid-19 in our country,” he said.
Minister of Justice Yvonne Dausab confirmed the coastal town will have to adhere to stage 1 lockdown regulations effective immediately.
She said the state of emergency remains intact and is valid.
Attorney general Festus Mbandeka urged transport companies to ensure their truck drivers adhere to quarantine regulations.
He said the owners of the companies would also be held liable for the lack of compliance by truck drivers.
PERMITS
Mbandeka said those people who need to travel from Walvis Bay would need to acquire permits from authorised officers.
The country has endured stage 1 of the Covid-19 lockdown, which lasted 38 days, followed by stage 2, which expires on Monday, 1 June, at midnight.
Geingob said Cabinet met on Tuesday, evaluated data and assessed the country’s readiness to respond to the global pandemic.
He said Namibia’s health is first priority, while praising Namibians and healthcare workers, among others, for adhering to the regulations thus far.
“I was aware that the lockdown is not easy to endure, as they infringe on our rights as human beings, but I am glad to note that as Namibians, we have adopted a selfless approach and understood that to win the war against this invisible enemy, we need to make sacrifices that go far and beyond the norm,” the president said.
Shangula said stage 3 involves the relaxation of some regulations, such as gatherings of not more than 50 people being allowed.
Social distancing will be enforced at 1,5 metres, while masks are still required when in public spaces, he said.
Shangula said businesses are required to keep a register of customers to assist with contact tracing.
ON EDUCATION
Shangula said early childhood development centres, primary and secondary schools, as well as vocational training will resume a face-to-face medium of instruction, with the daily screening of students.
The minister said the school feeding programme will continue.
According to Shangula, Grade 11 and 12 pupils wiil go back to school on 3 June until the end of the year.
Vocational training classes will start on 8 June until 18 December, and pre-primary centres will commence on 22 June, he said.
Grades 7 and 9 will start their schooling on 6 July, while those in Grades 4 to 8, as well as Grade 10 will return to schools on 20 July.
BORDERS AND BUSINESSES
Namibia’s points of entry will remain closed and the restriction of cross-border movement remains in place, with the exception of the transportation of goods, Shangula said.
The ministry has put measures in place to avoid the spread of Covid-19 when it comes to truck drivers, he said.
Shangula said not all businesses will be allowed to resume activities in full.
“Restaurants, cafés and kapana traders may reopen for sit-down dining, but the number of those allowed inside must be restricted per square metre. Restaurants may open for pre-booked customers and no walk-in clients are permitted,” he said.
Food buffets may be handled by staff only and there should be no sharing of pens in completing customer registers.
ALCOHOL BAN LIFTED
Shangula said alcohol may only be sold between 12h00 and 18h00 except on Sundays, while buying and selling is only permitted for takeaways.
Consuming alcohol is only allowed at home and not in public.
He said only holders of valid liquor licences will be permitted to sell alcohol.
“Night clubs, gambling houses and casinos are high risk and will not be permitted to resume activity during stage 3,” he said.
Shangula warned that those violating the regulations will suffer fines because they are punishable offences.
Still kind of in a holding pattern. As of yesterday (16 Jun) the govt reported two more active cases that brings their TOTAL cases to a whopping 34 and ZERO deaths. Now...that is if you can believe ANY "numbers" being reported by ANY country. They did move the Walvis Bay area back one step.
Here is something a bit ironic - On 11 June, the govt reported that over 11,000 people had malaria and 34 have died from it in the past three months.
I think they will be making an announcement the last week of this month about maybe opening up the boarders MAYBE a little bit to at least neighboring countries and MAYBE certain off continent countries.
As I understand the situation in J'berg at the airport, CURRENTLY IF you are just transiting the airport and remaining in the secure area you are not subject to the 14-day RSA quarantine. The big question will be what airline(s) will be shuttling between J'berg and Windhoek when the boarder finally does open.
This was posted to the Namibian newspapers today. I'm posting the entire article and will emphasize the most important sections regarding foreign travelers.
President Hage Geingob is updating the country about the Covid-19 situation in Namibia. He said Namibia has seen a rapid increase in Covid-19 cases, with infections now numbering 63.
He said most of the cases originate from the Erongo region. The health ministry has mobilized resources to investigate possible community transmissions in that region, the president says. He also says the lockdown of Erongo is lapsing tonight, while the rest of the country is moving to stage 4 of the corona virus pandemic restrictions next week Monday. Geingob says despite an increase in Covid-19 cases in Erongo, the region will move to stage 3 until 6 July. Travel between towns in Erongo will be permitted with the exception of Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Arandis. Travelling from Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Arandis would only be allowed on an emergency basis. Geingob added that essential workers and lorry drivers would be allowed to travel out of these three towns if they have a travel permit.
Geingob adds that public gatherings are limited to 50 people, except at Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Arandis, where gatherings are limited to only 10 people. Vulnerable people would be permitted to work from home in Erongo, subject to approval by employers.
The president says it has been a complex decision to safeguard lives and boost the economy of Erongo. He says Namibia has added stage 5, to address points of entry and allow for air travel.
Namibia will migrate from stage 3 to 4 on 30 June, with relaxed regulations for 10 days, but borders remain closed. However, the government is setting up a tourism strategy to allow a minimum number of tourists in the country to boost that industry, which employs about 300 000 people.
Returning Namibians and permanent residents will now be expected to quarantine at own costs.
The resumption of pre-primary schooling will only kick off on 6 July, with the relevant ministry expected to set up new guidelines.
Geingob says in stage 4, measures have been relaxed to allow for social and economic activity to resume. He stresses that wearing a mask and practising social distancing will assist in fighting Covid-19.
By the end of Monday (22 June), 13 regions will transition to stage 4 until 17 September with the exception of Erongo region, which will transition to stage 3 today, for a period of 14 days, health minister Kalumbi Shangula said at State House this afternoon.
He said health protocols need to be adhered to once the regulations are relaxed in stage 4, which means social distancing needs to be practiced consistently and the wearing of masks remains mandatory. The minister further said those with Covid-19 symptoms should refrain from public areas and report symptoms to health authorities. He further stressed the need for public service providers to keep a register at all times.
He said the points of entry remain closed unless it’s for essential service providers.
“Members of the public should strictly adhere to the health regulations,” he stressed. As of 30 June, all Namibians should quarantine at own cost but under government supervision. Those who are unable to quarantine at own cost, according to Shangula, can apply for government assistance. From 15 July, Namibia will accommodate a number of tourists, from carefully selected countries.
The sale of alcohol has now been allowed to start from 09h00 to 18h00 but on a takeaway basis. Casinos and gambling houses will open to clients who have made reservations, the health minister said. Sporting events and activities are permitted to resume, including contact sports subject to 250 persons and adherence to health protocols. Night clubs are also allowed to open but restricted to not more than 250 persons and following health protocols.
In the Erongo region, Grade 12 and 11 can resume, with the exception of Walvis Bay, Arandis and Swakopmund. The resumption would be considered after two weeks. “The government will daily monitor the situation at Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Arandis to address the situation accordingly,” Shangula added.
Justice minister Yvonne Dausab has urged the public to adhere to the health regulations as the 13 regions move to stage four of relaxed regulations. “Stick to the 1 metre regulation and wear your masks,” she stressed. Speaking at the State House this afternoon, she called for public service providers to keep registers but owners should ensure the safety of the people’s information. Dausab added that the spreading of fake news, especially on extended lockdown, is a criminally, punishable offense. “Members of the public should not stigmatise people from Walvis Bay and truck drivers, especially because of the situation we find ourselves in,” she noted.
Attorney general Festus Mbandeka says as regions move to the different stages, members of the public are expected to comply with the set regulations and need to properly assist the government to avoid moving to stage 1 or 2. He further appealed to the private sector to support the government in combating Covid-19. “There is also an issue of permits with regards to Erongo. Moving out required people to register themselves. But now, only people with valid permits are allowed to move,” he said.[i][/i]
Received a message from my friend Jan this morning. He forwarded a message from NAPHA (Namibian Professional Hunters Association).
It said in part, that based on the President's announcement, they (NAPHA) are trying to work out an arrangement with the govt to allow "hunting farms" to be considered as "authorized quarantine stations", "one group at a time" for "14-days" minimum and would have "adherence to certain criteria".
Key points would be the "14-days", "one group at a time", "game farms" and "adherence to certain criteria". Based only on those comments from the NAPHA text message, my personal interpretation would be that IF something can be worked out with the govt, then perhaps those PH's/Outfitters who operate from private game farms/ranches might be allowed limited opening. I have read elsewhere that this is similar to what is being considered/being done in RSA.
Upside could be a least some limited relief for those operating from the "family farms", but perhaps not those having to operate out of or over multiple or overlapping concessions. Again, pure speculation on my part.
As of midnight tonight, 30 Jun 2020, Namibia will move to Stage 4 except for the coastal area of Swakopmund/Walvis Bay which will remain at Stage 3.
What this means is the country is basically "open" internally with some mask and social distancing limits but the BOARDERS ARE STILL CLOSED TO TOURISTS/HUNTERS.
Late update but good news: "From the desk of Dr. André Schulz Dear Esteemed Business Partner, I trust that you and your loved ones are keeping safe and are in good health through these very challenging times our industry has been faced with. As international travel slowly starts to revive, today I would like to give you, our most valued business partners, some long awaited news. In line with the recent announcement made by the Namibian authorities - which saw the Namibian borders being re-opened to international travelers with effect from 01st September 2020 - we, the Lufthansa Group would like to share our plans which form part of reviving the local tourism and commercial sector in Namibia. With effect from 19th September 2020 and subject to all necessary government approvals being granted, Eurowings will once again serve Windhoek with three weekly flights from Frankfurt. The flight will depart Frankfurt at 20:00 and arrive in Windhoek on 20th September 2020 at 06:20 local time. Thereafter, Eurowings will operate flights every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday departing Windhoek at 08:20 and arriving in Frankfurt at 18:50. Passengers can book a round trip fare on these flights from as little as NAD 9,473 inclusive of all taxes. Namibia remains an important part of the Lufthansa Group’s Africa network and even throughout this unprecedented crisis, we were able to successfully operate several repatriation flights to and from Windhoek. Our commitment remains to offer regular commercial services which link Namibians to Germany, Europe and the rest of the world. For the entire Lufthansa Group, safety and travel has always gone hand-in-hand, with the utmost importance placed on the safety and security of our passengers and crew. We continue to follow stringent hygiene guidelines and practices in order to ensure that the onboard experience protects the health of our passengers. I would like to personally thank you for your loyal support to our company and industry throughout these very challenging last months. Together we can once again look forward to taking to the skies and welcoming our passengers on board our aircraft to and from Namibia. Yours in Travel, Dr. André Schulz General Manager Southern Africa & East Africa"
At today's exchange rate, that ticket price is a little less than $600 US and Euro and their website seems to indicate they will carry firearms.
I'm sure others who've made several trips over the years will tell you this same thing - go and go now or as soon as you can. The reason is Africa is changing SOOO fast - some for the better and some.....not so much.
I've keep in constant contact with my friends there in Namibia, Botswana and RSA. Between the prolonged drought in much of Namibia, the WuFlu lockdowns and travel bans, the hunting industry as well as most other tourism sectors have been seriously devastated. Tourism and hunting are usually in the top 2-4 business sectors driving many African economies.
While there is at least a little hope in some loosening of travel, the email I just received this morning regarding the entry and travel requirements/limits for Namibia still make international air travel in/out too onerous for most, even me and I've been there a LOT.
On the other hand, the exchange rates for US dollar, Namibian dollar, Botswana Pula and South African Rand are the best I've seen in 15-years. My contacts there have said that their prices (daily and TF's) are staying pretty much unchanged for 2021.
My personal belief is that most of these travel restrictions will be pretty much lifted/gone by the end of this calender year. The reason is the mortality rates have not been anywhere near where they were predicted and the national economies that rely so heavily on the tourist industry can't maintain the financial (tax) losses.
Here is one example that comes to mind - Kruger National Park. KNP normally records nearly 1M visitors per year. This year it's had virtually no one. On the downside, no review to run/maintain the park and poaching has skyrocketed. On the other hand, the millions of tons of garbage and millions of gallons of sewage and the "carbon foot print" created by tourists is nearly zero as well.
Of all the external influences, from what I've read, heard and seen first hand, the Chinese have had the greatest negative impact on all of Africa as any other factor. No time this morning to go into a lot of details but I clearly remember the first year we went to Namibia 15-years ago. Not a single Asian (Chinese) person, shop, store or restaurant anywhere. Then the Namibian govt agreed to let them build a cement factory north of Windhoek in 2009-2010. Now, there are nearly 300K Chinese in the country that has a total population of only 2M. There are Chinese stores, shops, restaurants everywhere and they are buying up everything they can get their hands on. Including the controlling interest in the country's uranium mine. For those who don't know, Namibia is the fourth largest uranium producer in the world and that is just for starters.
Anyway, as they say in Africa, "make a plan" and get there as soon as you can.
A few days behind the news, but Namibia is open for hunting as of a couple of days ago. They do have a few requirements to enter
1. Have to have Covid-19 free test taken within 72-hrs before entering 2. You have to travel directly to and back from your hunting camp 3. Your hunting camp must be approved/certified to be a self-quarantine area 4. Five days after entry, you have to go to a recognized medical facility and have a Covid-19 test 5. 72 hrs before you leave, you have to have another Covid-19 test.
As of today - the only airlines flying into Windhoek are Emirates, Qatar and Eurowings.
Two guys I'm aware of are headed in within the next couple of days. One is doing a buffalo hunt in the Waterberg Plateau NP and one is going to my friend's place, Sebra Hunts for one of those leopards I posted from his place a few months ago.
Wish them both safe travels, successful hunts and great memories.
"Wish them both safe travels ..." I wish them both no false positives on the 2 Covid-19 tests they are required to take from third world so called medical practioners in Africa. M3taco where does Namibia require those who have tested positive be quarantined? I have visions of Captain Phillips quarantined with a couple of his closest buddies in that lifeboat awaiting the Seal Team final solution. I hope your 2 travelers got all their shots.
IF I understand the process, the first Covid 19 test is done before you get on your flight. In this case for these two it will be done in the US. If they test negative, they can get on the plane - If not they don't fly.
The tests while there are required to be done at an "approved" medical clinic. The quality/accuracy of those tests.....who knows. Then too, there have been a good number of reports of botched test results here in the US as well so........
As I understand it, IF they test positive on the 5-day in country test, they simply "quarantine" where they are hunting. That is the reason for the hunting locations have to be inspected/approved. Doesn't mean they stay in their room. Just means they have to stay on the property and can still hunt if they are asymptomatic and feel up to it.
For the 3-day prior to departure for home test, it's the same as leaving/flying from the US over.
Your last question about shots - the nicest part about Namibia is a very large part, mostly S of the Kunene River along the Angola/Namibia boarder and SW of the Okavango Rive Delta and Caprivi Strip area of the country, is outside of the general malaria risk area, especially so when outside the rainy season. Therefore, no "shots" are required and no anti-malaria meds either. Only thing I would recommend is having an upto date Tetanus shot. I also always take a 90-day supply of doxycycline "just in case". It can be used as a malaria preventative and treatment and also for treating tick bite fever and a few other illnesses.
I've read one medical article that made the claim that one possible reason the WuFlu hasn't devastated Africa as expected is the wide spread use of Hydroxychloroquine as an anti-malarial.
Quick update - Jan's leopard client arrived this morning safe and sound in Windhoek. He flew on Ethiopian Airlines from Dulles to Addis and into Windhoek. Only a minor hiccup in Addis that he easily sorted out - don't know what it was but everything, including rifles and ammo arrived just fine.
Jan started putting out fresh baits a few days ago and has a little better than average male and a female hitting already. The male is not one of the two Jan sent me pics of and I posted on another thread but, he's respectable. They have 14-days to see if one of the big two big boys come to a bait.
I'll post up how it goes here as things progress. Since we can't be there ourselves at least we can live a little victoriously thru them.
Had a PM from NDHuntr this morning. He just returned from Namibia last (Sat) night. He's given me permission to post a short synopsis of his buffalo trip to the Waterberg Plateau and some PG hunting afterwords. He's going to post up a trip report when he gets caught up.
He flew Ethiopian Air, business class, from Dulles too. Did the Covid test 72hrs before getting on the plane and they did check his cert. Similar minor confusion in Addis but was easily sorted out and he and everything else arrived on time.
Arrival in Windhoek wasn't too out of the ordinary. They did a facial temp scan when he entered the arrival door area just before the Immigration/Passport control area and also had to fill out a medical questionnaire. I'm guessing something similar they require when there is a regional yellow fever outbreak, but no big deal. He did the email advanced temp firearm import request but was told by the NAMPOL Officer the email had been down due to construction around the terminal. Only two hunters collecting firearms so the regular manual process was easy enough, collected the rest of his stuff and was on his way.
I'll leave the details of his very successful hunt for him to post - Weidmannsheil ND!!!
He did NOT have to get the second or departure Covid test. Just another facial temp scan and contact info while he was in country and show the negative Covid test he took in the US before going over. Only other thing was having to wear the 'face diaper" (my term) on the flights unless eating or drinking.
Officially, the hunting season ends 1 Nov. While there might still be time for a rapid hunt there, it is already getting HOT. At least things are looking up for 2021. I've seen sat imagery that has shown very strong winds blowing west off the Namib desert that were strong enough to be carrying sand a few hundred kilometers off shore. Historically, those kinds of winds are the harbinger of good rains to come. Lord knows they desperately need them.
A minor correction to M3Taco’s post: Jan’s Hunter from Maine is there on a 21 day hunt, not 14. The bait site where all the Leopard activity is taking place is called “Alex” and I shot a ration Gemsbok and a 55 1/2” Kudu bull there last May. It’s an awesome elevated steel blind overlooking a waterhole and has always been a Leopard hot spot. Lots of other critters hang around that area, including baboons, guinea fowls and other plains game.
The "Alex" area has been a good spot for a number of years, even before Jan built the permanent elevated blind. My wife took a 59 1/2" kudu from that valley in 2012 and I lucked across that 59 7/8" one in 2013 that's hanging in the breezeway between the two rooms at the guest bungalow. There have also been a number of 40"+ gemsbok bulls taken out of that same valley.
If the current leopard client is on a 21-day hunt then I'm willing to bet he will be introduced to one of those two really good Tom's that were in the trail cam photos a couple of months back. As warm as it's getting, if he connects, he will have earned it. Good luck to both!!!
Edited to add: The two really good toms in the pics I posted back in April were at a different bait site - Rondowel.
GRF - no worries at all. I truly love the Namibian country and it's people. Now getting to know Botswana and loving it just as much. As I've stated multiple times, my goal is to encourage everyone who's wanted to go on an African Safari to DO IT! If they don't have anyone to go with them, I'll go with them if they book with one of my friends in Nam or Bots, If not, I'll still do what I can to help them make the trip. Both countries are changing SO FAST. Some for the better and some....not so much, Point being, if you've never been and want to get there as soon as you can.
Vicarious Leopard Hunting Report: I realize I'm hijacking my own threat but, Jan said on the way back from the blind this morning, near Rondowal, they actually saw one of the two BIG toms in the April photos. He was sitting up in the rocks up on a koppie. VERY rarely see them in the daylight there. Jan said he's only seen cats during the day less than a handful of times, living there his entire life. They were about 230m away and they watched each other for about 10min. Client was not willing to risk a shot at that distance. Good point is the cat was relaxed and likely will hang around (was just wondering where is meal was :D). If he had shot and missed, that cat would be gone like the wind and NEVER return. I hope his patience is rewarded!!
Last edited by M3taco; 10/05/20. Reason: Not enough coffee before I started typing
They are hearing cats come close but not coming in. Couple of nights ago, Jan said a cat must have made a kill not too far away as a kudu barked and a troop of baboons went a bit crazy.
While the late season leopard hunts have some good points like not freezing your butt off at night and most game is routinely coming down out of the mountains for water etc., one of the trade-offs is baits have to be refreshed more often in the warm weather.
Besides a couple of cull bait animals, the client did take a really, really good gemsbok bull.
Last edited by M3taco; 10/15/20. Reason: Trying to attach pic
I'm sure you've heard, but Qatar Airlines cancelled all flights to Namibia until 2021. Given the hunting season over there is essentially over for 2020 that's probably not a big deal, but something to watch.
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
Interesting.....just checked on the Qatar Air website and they seem to still be accepting bookings from Doha to Windhoek three days a week. At least you could select days and flights both ways. I didn't go thru and try to complete a booking but it did let me select the dates for both directions from the end of Oct thru Dec.
But as you say, the official hunting season ends in a few days anyway so it's all pretty moot at this point. Fingers and toes crossed for near "normalcy" after the first of the year and before the season opens on 1 Apr.
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