Namibian Team Information
Dates: April through August, at least 7 days on the ground in Namibia. Ticket prices are start at about $1,800 in January and continually go up to around $3,500 in July. It is best to buy your tickets between January and March.
Duration: 2 weeks to 3 months is best
Mission: Project of your choice (drilling, evangelism, children, other)
Size: 8 people or less is ideal
Lodging/food/transportation: $75/day/per person
Translator: $15 USD per day/translator
If the team is larger than 8 people, team will need to rent vehicle. The team will also need to stay in guest house/inn/hotel that will increase lodging and food expense.
Rule of Conduct
The government of Namibia holds By Provision responsible for volunteers’ activities and outcomes of activities, intended or not. While in Namibia volunteers with By Provision will accept the guidance and authority of By Provision for rule of conduct, behavior, and dress code.
1) Volunteers come to Namibia to work and serve as beneficial to the ministry of By Provision.
2) Volunteers will accept advice and suggestions from By Provision for their activities in Namibia.
3) Volunteers will dress with modesty.
4) Volunteers will not make promises to locals/natives leading them to believe future "help/gifts" will become available, nor commit By Provision in any way.
5) Volunteers will inquire with By Provision about giving of gifts to nationals, for the best way to do so, whether giving personal items brought from the US or items By Provision has on hand in Namibia.
6) Volunteers must refrain from dating. One-on-one social meetings between opposite gender must be approved.
7) Volunteers will hold a valid US drivers license and an international license, if driving a By Provision vehicle.
8) Volunteers will abstain from using alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs while in Namibia. Abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs is to be observed even if it these items are offered free of charge, in a public or private place, no matter what the volunteer deems.
By Provision officers solely determine whether or not a volunteer’s behavior is detrimental or beneficial to the ministry and witness. Volunteers who do not wish to comply, need to inform By Provision and make arrangements to leave as soon as possible.
Basics for a Trip to Namibia
Emergency Air Medical Assistance
We highly recommend you purchase emergency air medical assistance. This will get you home should you need medical care. It is not medical insurance; it is what you need to get home to get medical care. Your regular medical might cover air medical evacuation, check your policy first.
U.S. Embassy REGISTRATION:
Registration at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate (in the country you are visiting) makes your presence and whereabouts known, in case it is necessary for a consular officer to contact you in an emergency. During a disaster overseas, American consular officers can assist in evacuation were that to become necessary.
Contact information for the US Consular Office in Windhoek is:
American Citizens Services:
Monday through Thursday, 08:30 am – 12:00pm
General Information: (061) 295-8500
Non - emergency services: (061) 295-8527
Emergency services (only after hours): (081) 127-4384
Embassy Fax: (061) 295-8603
E-mail: consularwindho@state.gov
Mailing Address: P/Bag 12029, Windhoek.
Documentation Needed
Make sure to have several notarized copies of all identification documents (passport, driver’s license, international driver’s license). We recommend you also have one in each piece of luggage (checked and carried on).
Driving Overseas
An international driver’s license is a must if you plan to drive. One can be ordered on line or you to get it immediately take your current driver’s license to a Triple A office and they can issue you an international driver's license. There are no tests to take, just pay the fee. If possible get more than one copy. If only one is issued, get a notarized copy of the international driver's license.
Official travel information:
In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers can get up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. and outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328.
Packing considerations
You are allowed two 50lbs checked pieces of luggage and one carry on. If you pack light, please bring some things for the ministry. If you can’t pack light, please consider checking an extra piece of luggage? It’s about $150 and By Provision can reimburse you. If you are traveling through London and boarding a non-partner airline, ie Air Namibia, the carry on maximum weight is 7 kilos, that’s about 15 pounds. So make sure your carry on is light!
There is a significant difference between day and night temperatures, sometimes up to 50 degrees difference. Wind and elevation are other factors to consider. Windhoek is at 7,000 feet above sea level. Tsumeb, where we live, is at about 3,000 ft and most of the bush places we drill in are 1,300 ft and below.
Outside of ministry, the kinds of activities you will do in Namibia are mostly tourist oriented. It’s mostly road travel, game park excursions, or shopping and eating out.
Wear layered comfortable clothing. There is quite a bit of walking so bring a comfortable pair or two of walking shoes. The African safari look is popular and practical in Namibia for whatever you are doing.
January is hot! It’s not uncommon to have temperatures in the high 90’s and above 100F. Air conditioning is not generally available. Our vehicles don’t have good air conditioning. July will be the peak of the winter and temperatures will get down to low 30s at night in Windhoek, 50 in Tsumeb, 60 in Rundu. During the day temperatures are in the 80s no matter where you are. The wind chill factor is significant.
Antibacterial hand solution, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are essential every day of the year.
T-shirts and khakis or jeans are probably most practical. For well drilling comfortable waterproof boots and good socks are a must. Steel toe boots are recommended.
The native African men wear coat and ties to church. Gary does not. Gary simply wears a collar shirt and a nice pair of khakis. Women wear a skirt or dress, or simply wrap a piece of African cloth around them.
Anywhere but church, long shorts are fine to wear for women and men.
Money issues:
1) A Visa card is the best credit card to have in Namibia. A debit card can be used at most ATMs to get cash. A credit card can be used, but you must go to a bank if you need cash. Cash will be needed.
2) US dollars can be exchanged in Windhoek and generally at banks everywhere. We will gladly exchange dollars for you too.
Medications To Consider
No vaccinations or medications are required. Check with your doctor. By Provision recommends having at least yellow fever, tetanus, hepatitis vaccinations/boosters. Polio can be a threat here, check to see if you were vaccinated as a child.
Prescriptions:
Coartem (malaria) available here in Namibia ($50 USD per treatment)
Cipro (for infectious diarrhea)
Ambien or Restoral (to sleep, especially on route)
OTC
Hand sanitizing lotion
Insect repellant with deet
Aleve/Tylenol/Advil/Ibuprofen
Allergy pills and nasal spray
Lip balm
Moisturizing lotion
Cortizone anti itch cream
Sunscreen protection
After sun care lotion
Additional travel options:
Etosha national park is the largest game park in Africa and worth a visit. It’s about 45 minutes away from Tsumeb where we live. Day trips are about $25/person, plus $100 per vehicle for gasoline.