Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Our scheduled safaris can be booked directly from the tour page.

Choose your departure date, check availability, enter your details and follow the secure payment steps to confirm your place.

If you are still choosing between tours, use the Safari Finder first or contact us with your travel dates.

No. If you know which safari and date you want, you can book online without emailing first.

While we would love to hear from you, it is entirely possible to book online without contacting us first. You can get in touch if you would like help choosing the right safari or have any questions before booking.

Booking directly means you deal with the team running your safari. You get clearer information, secure direct payment, better support before departure, and help with extras such as accommodation, transfers and day trips.

It also means more of your payment stays in Namibia, supporting local guides, staff, suppliers, communities and conservation work.

After booking, you will receive confirmation and payment information. We will also send the details you need before departure, including meeting point, pick-up and drop-off information, packing advice, balance payment reminders and anything specific to your safari.

If your card payment fails, your booking may not be confirmed. Try again, check with your bank, or contact us so we can help with another payment option.

Seats remain subject to availability until payment has been received and the booking has been confirmed.

A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your safari booking, unless otherwise stated.

If you book within 30 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.

The balance is due 30 days before departure.

If your balance is not paid on time, your booking may be treated as cancelled.

Credit card payments are processed in Namibian Dollars (N$).

Any currency conversion shown on the website is only an estimate. Your bank or card provider sets the final exchange rate and any card fees.

Yes. Scheduled safari prices are usually shown per person.

Some prices are based on sharing, while single supplements, private departures, upgrades, optional activities and add-ons may cost extra. Always check the individual tour page before booking.

Inclusions vary by tour.

Most scheduled safaris include transport, an English-speaking guide, accommodation or camping, meals as listed, park fees, and activities listed as included.

Optional activities, drinks, visas, travel insurance, personal expenses, some meals, sleeping bag hire, transfers and pre- or post-safari accommodation may be excluded.

We try to show prices and inclusions clearly on each tour page.

The main extra costs to budget for are optional activities, drinks, snacks, personal purchases, tips, travel insurance, visas, sleeping bag hire, airport transfers, single supplements and extra accommodation before or after the safari.

Contact us before booking. Third-party websites may show old prices, limited availability, different terms, or exclude extras.

Booking directly gives you the clearest current price, accurate availability and direct support from our team.

Yes. We can help with Windhoek accommodation, airport transfers and selected day trips before or after your safari.

These extras may not always be included in the safari price, so check the tour page or contact us before booking.

Yes, we usually recommend arriving in Windhoek the day before your safari starts, especially if you are flying internationally.

This gives you time to rest, deal with delayed luggage or flight changes, and be ready for an early departure.

If your tour includes pre-safari accommodation, this will be shown on the itinerary. If not, we can help arrange accommodation.

It depends on the safari, the finish location and your flight time.

Some tours end late in the day or finish outside Windhoek, so same-day international departures are not always practical. Check the tour page carefully before booking flights, or contact us first with your flight details.

Contact us in writing as soon as possible.

We will do our best to help, but changes depend on availability and may carry amendment fees or supplier charges.

Cancellation requests must be sent in writing by the person who made the booking.

Cancellation charges apply according to how close the cancellation is to departure. Please read the Terms & Conditions before confirming your booking.

Yes. Our scheduled safari departures run with no minimum number of people.

This is one of the main advantages of booking with Chameleon Safaris. Solo travellers, couples and small groups can book with more confidence because you do not have to wait for a larger group to form.

Chameleon Safaris specialises in small-group safaris.

Scheduled group sizes are normally kept small, with a maximum of 10 people unless a specific tour page states otherwise.

Contact us. We may be able to suggest another departure, a similar safari, a private option, or a shorter day trip or add-on that fits your travel dates.

Book as early as you can if you are travelling in the dry season, during school holidays, or on fixed dates.

Last-minute bookings may still be possible where seats are available.

Yes. Solo travellers regularly join our scheduled safaris.

Guaranteed departures make this easier, and some camping or accommodated tours may offer willing-to-share options to help avoid or reduce single supplements.

Ask us which tours are best value for your dates.

It depends on the safari and accommodation type.

Some tours allow willing-to-share bookings, while others require a single supplement if you want your own room or tent. The tour page or our team will confirm this before you book.

Yes. Let us know how many people are travelling, their ages and which safari you prefer.

You may be able to join a scheduled departure together, qualify for a group rate, or request a private departure.

Budget Camping safaris are shorter, good-value camping trips that visit major highlights such as Etosha, Sossusvlei and the coast.

Camping safaris are usually longer scheduled camping tours with broader routes and more time in different regions.

Accommodated safaris use lodges, guesthouses or similar accommodation instead of tents.

Yes. A guided safari is a practical choice if you want the route, transport, accommodation, meals, park fees and daily logistics arranged for you.

Your guide handles the driving and travel details, so you can focus on the experience.

Choose a guided safari if you want local knowledge, fixed logistics, less driving, clearer costs and a small-group travel experience.

Choose self-drive if you want full independence and are comfortable planning routes, booking accommodation, managing gravel roads and driving long distances in remote areas.

Yes. If you prefer to self-drive, we can help with route planning, campsite or accommodation bookings, travel advice and arrival support through Chameleon Holidays.

Not for a guided Chameleon safari. Your guide handles the driving, route and vehicle.

If you are self-driving, the answer depends on your route, season and confidence on gravel roads. Many main routes can be done in a suitable high-clearance vehicle, but remote routes, sandy tracks and some parks or private areas may require a 4x4.

Both can work.

Self-drive gives you independence, but a guided safari gives you a driver-guide, local knowledge, help with spotting wildlife and less pressure on long travel days.

If you are new to Namibia, short on time, or not confident with gravel-road travel, a guided safari is usually the easier option.

Yes. Private safaris can be arranged if you want different dates, a more flexible route, a family-specific itinerary, or a private vehicle and guide.

Private departures depend on your dates, group size, vehicle availability, guide availability and accommodation availability.

If it is your first time in Namibia and you have limited time, choose a safari that includes either Etosha or Sossusvlei.

Etosha is best for wildlife and game drives. Sossusvlei is best for dunes, Deadvlei and desert scenery.

If you have 6 days or more, choose a route that combines several highlights. If you have 9 to 12 days, you can get a much fuller Namibia experience.

Choose one main highlight.

A 3-day Sossusvlei safari is best for dunes, Deadvlei and desert landscapes. A 3-day Etosha safari is best for wildlife and game drives.

Trying to include too much in 3 days usually means too much time on the road.

A 6- or 7-day safari gives you enough time to combine several major highlights, often including Etosha, Swakopmund, the coast, Sossusvlei or the Namib Desert.

This is a good choice if you want a strong first safari without being away for too long.

A longer safari gives you a fuller Namibia experience.

Depending on the route, you may be able to include Etosha, Damaraland, the Skeleton Coast, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon, Lüderitz, Kolmanskop, Himba cultural visits or other regional highlights.

Use the Safari Finder or contact us if you want help comparing routes.

Etosha is best for wildlife and game drives.

Sossusvlei is best for desert scenery, dunes, Deadvlei and photography.

If time allows, choose a safari that includes both.

Yes. Several longer safaris include both Etosha and Sossusvlei, often with Swakopmund, Damaraland, the Skeleton Coast or other highlights in between.

If these are your two priorities, choose a route that includes both rather than trying to add them separately.

Our scheduled safaris attract solo travellers, couples, friends, families and small groups from many countries.

They suit travellers who enjoy small groups, early starts, scenic travel days, wildlife, landscapes and a practical approach to travel.

Yes. You can read recent guest reviews on our website and on independent review platforms such as Tripadvisor.

Reviews are useful for understanding the guide experience, group atmosphere, camping style, vehicle comfort and safari pace.

Namibia can be visited year-round.

May to October is the dry season and is often best for classic safari conditions, Etosha wildlife viewing, cooler evenings and clearer road conditions.

November to April is warmer, with summer rain possible. This can bring greener landscapes, dramatic skies, birding, newborn animals and fewer crowds in some areas.

Etosha is especially popular in the dry season, when wildlife often gathers around waterholes and vegetation is thinner.

The green season can still be rewarding, especially for birding, photography, fewer crowds and a different landscape.

Sossusvlei can be visited year-round.

Mornings are best for cooler temperatures and softer light. Winter can be cold early in the morning, while summer can be very hot later in the day.

If you want to climb dunes or walk into Deadvlei, expect an early start.

You can see one major highlight in 3 days, combine several highlights in 6 or 7 days, and get a fuller Namibia safari in 9 to 12 days.

Namibia is large and distances are long, so trying to cover too much in too little time usually makes the trip less enjoyable.

Namibia is a well-established safari destination, but normal travel precautions still apply.

Keep valuables secure, listen to your guide, avoid walking alone in unfamiliar city areas at night, and follow wildlife, road and campsite safety instructions.

On a guided safari, your guide manages the route, driving and daily logistics.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change.

It is your responsibility to check current entry requirements before travel and to carry a valid passport, any required visa, and the correct travel documents.

If you are eligible for Namibia’s visa-on-arrival system, we recommend checking the official requirements before departure and applying online in advance where possible.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months after arrival in Namibia and should have enough blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

Check current requirements before travelling, especially if your route includes South Africa, Botswana, Zambia or other countries.

Yes. Travel insurance is required for all Chameleon Safaris guests.

Your policy must cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation or repatriation, personal accident, cancellation and curtailment. It should also cover the activities included or booked as part of your safari.

We may request proof of insurance before departure.

Malaria risk is higher in the north and north-east of Namibia, especially during and after the rainy season.

Risk can also increase if your trip continues into Botswana, Zambia or the Zambezi Region.

Speak to your doctor or travel clinic before departure for current advice.

Ask your doctor or travel clinic for current advice before travelling.

Requirements and recommendations depend on your route, nationality, medical history and whether you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow-fever-risk country.

Namibia is not a yellow fever country, but proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are arriving from or transiting through a country where yellow fever occurs.

Check current requirements before travelling.

Namibia has a dry winter season from about May to September and a hotter summer/rainy season from about October to April.

Winter days are often mild, but nights and early mornings can be very cold, especially in desert areas.

Summer can be hot, with rain more likely from January to April.

Tap water is generally safe in major towns and many lodges, but conditions vary by area.

Your guide will advise you on safari. Bring a refillable water bottle and follow local guidance at campsites, lodges and remote areas.

Do not assume you can use a drone in Namibia.

Drone use is restricted, especially in national parks, wildlife areas, near airfields and in sensitive areas. Permits may be required.

If you plan to travel with a drone, check the current rules before departure and tell us before you travel.

Pack comfortable clothing, warm layers, walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, towel, toiletries, personal medication, camera equipment, charging cables, a power bank and some spending money.

For camping safaris, bring a sleeping bag or hire one from us.

Please pack lightly and use a soft-sided bag where possible.

Space in safari vehicles is limited, especially on scheduled group tours.

If you are travelling with extra luggage, contact us before departure so we can advise what is practical.

No specialist clothing is needed for most safaris.

Neutral, comfortable clothing works well, with warm layers for early mornings and evenings.

Avoid relying only on summer clothing, even if you are travelling in a warm month.

Comfortable closed shoes or walking shoes are best for most safaris.

You do not usually need heavy hiking boots unless your itinerary includes longer guided walks or hikes.

Sandals can be useful around camp, but they are not ideal for uneven ground or bush areas.

Usually, but not constantly.

Some vehicles have USB charging, and many lodges or campsites have charging points, but access varies by route.

Bring a suitable Namibia adaptor, charging cables and a power bank.

Not reliably.

You can usually get online in Windhoek, Swakopmund and some lodges or campsites, but remote safari areas often have weak or no signal.

A local SIM card can help in towns and areas with coverage, but it will not guarantee reception on safari. For family emergencies, share the Chameleon Safaris office contact details before you travel.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major towns, especially Visa and Mastercard.

Carry some Namibian Dollars for drinks, snacks, tips and small purchases en route.

ATMs are available in major towns but not always in remote areas.

On camping safaris we provide camping equipment, including tents, mattresses, a small camping pillow, cutlery, crockery, chairs and general camp equipment.

Sleeping bags are not included but can be hired.

You can bring your own sleeping bag or hire one from us for N$20 per day.

In winter, we include an additional blanket with each hired sleeping bag.

No. Mattresses are provided on camping safaris.

On camping safaris, travellers usually help put up and take down their own tents.

Your guide will show you how the tents work. It is straightforward and part of the small-group camping experience.

Campsites vary by route.

Some have good facilities such as showers, toilets, electricity and small shops, while more remote sites may be simpler.

The exact experience depends on the safari you book.

Accommodated safaris use lodges, guesthouses or similar accommodation instead of tents.

Standards vary by route and price level, but the aim is to offer a comfortable base while still keeping the focus on Namibia’s main landscapes and wildlife areas.

Meals vary by tour and are listed on each itinerary.

Many camping safaris include most meals, while some accommodated tours may include breakfast only on certain days or allow for meals at local restaurants.

Check the individual tour page for the exact meal basis.

We can usually cater for common dietary requirements if we know in advance.

Tell us what you do and do not eat when booking, especially if you have allergies or medical dietary requirements.

Highly specialised diets may be harder to manage in remote areas, so early communication is important.

Yes. Some itineraries include pre-safari accommodation, while others do not.

We can help arrange accommodation in Windhoek before or after your safari, including Chameleon Backpackers or other suitable accommodation within the city.

Yes. Airport transfers can be arranged through our office or your consultant.

Send us your flight details in advance so we can advise and book the correct transfer.

Yes. Namibia can be a good family destination, especially for families who enjoy wildlife, open spaces and outdoor travel.

Some scheduled safaris accept children, while others are better suited to adults or older children. If the scheduled age limits do not suit your family, ask us about a private guided or self-drive option.

Minimum ages vary by tour and are usually 5 or 12 years.

Please check with us before booking with children, as age limits depend on the route, accommodation, activities and group type.

There is no fixed upper age limit, but scheduled safaris are active trips with early starts, full travel days and some uneven ground.

Travellers over 70 may be asked to provide a medical form confirming they are fit to travel.

Most Chameleon safaris do not require specialist fitness, but you should be comfortable getting in and out of safari vehicles, walking on uneven ground, handling early starts, and joining short walks or sightseeing stops.

Some hikes and dune walks require more effort.

Contact us before booking.

Namibia safaris can involve long travel days, gravel roads, early starts, heat, cold mornings, uneven ground, remote areas and limited medical facilities.

We will advise honestly on whether the safari is suitable, but you are responsible for making sure you are fit to travel and properly insured.

Please contact us before booking.

Some safaris include long travel days, heat, remote areas, bumpy gravel roads and limited access to medical care.

You should speak to your doctor or travel clinic before confirming travel.

If you are travelling with children, especially across borders into or out of Namibia, you may need additional documents such as full birth certificates or consent letters.

Requirements can change and depend on your route and family situation.

Check official entry requirements before travelling and contact us if your safari includes cross-border travel.

Start and end points vary by safari.

Many scheduled tours start in Windhoek, and some finish in Windhoek or Swakopmund depending on the route.

Check the individual tour page for exact pick-up and drop-off information.

Pick-up arrangements vary by safari.

Many tours include pick-up from selected accommodation in Windhoek or from a specified meeting point.

Please check the tour page or your confirmation documents before booking flights or accommodation.

Contact us as soon as possible.

We will try to help, but missed departures caused by flight delays, late arrival, lost luggage or incorrect travel documents are not refundable.

This is one reason we recommend arriving in Windhoek the day before your safari starts and having travel insurance that covers delays and missed arrangements.

We use safari vehicles suited to Namibian road and travel conditions.

Vehicle type may vary depending on the safari, group size and route.

Some vehicles have USB charging, but you should still bring a power bank.

Major roads are tarred, while many scenic and remote routes are gravel.

Gravel road conditions can vary, especially after rain.

On guided safaris, your guide handles the driving and route decisions.

Yes, on some routes.

Namibia is a large country and the main highlights are spread far apart.

We plan routes to make the travel worthwhile, with scenic stops, activities and overnight stays built around the itinerary.

Occasionally, yes.

Routes, accommodation or activities may change because of weather, road conditions, accommodation issues, park regulations, safety concerns or other factors outside our control.

Most changes are minor, and your guide or consultant will explain any adjustments.

Tipping is not compulsory, but it is customary on safari and appreciated when staff have done a good job.

As a general guideline, many travellers currently tip around N$100–N$150 per person per day for the guide and around N$50–N$100 per person per day for a driver or camp assistant.

The amount is always your choice.

Guests are expected to behave respectfully towards other travellers, guides, staff, local communities, wildlife and property.

Chameleon Safaris may end the safari arrangements of a guest whose behaviour causes distress, danger, damage or serious disruption.

Etosha is included in several Chameleon itineraries, from short wildlife-focused trips to longer routes that combine Etosha with Swakopmund, the Skeleton Coast, Himba areas, Sossusvlei or southern Namibia.

Use the Safari Finder to compare options.

Sossusvlei is included in several 3-day and longer itineraries, including budget camping, camping and accommodated safaris.

These tours focus on the Namib Desert, Deadvlei, dunes and nearby desert landscapes.

No wildlife sighting can be guaranteed.

Etosha is one of Namibia’s strongest wildlife areas, but sightings depend on season, weather, animal movement, time of day and luck.

Your guide will plan game drives carefully, but wildlife is wild and unpredictable.

Namibia is not a classic Big Five destination in the same way as some other African safari countries.

Etosha is excellent for elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras and many antelope species. Leopards are present but rarely seen.

If your main priority is wildlife, choose a safari that includes Etosha.

Yes. Many routes include Swakopmund or finish there, especially tours combining the desert, coast and central Namibia.

Swakopmund is also a good place for optional activities such as boat cruises, Sandwich Harbour, quad biking, desert tours and scenic flights.

Often, yes.

Many safaris include or finish in Swakopmund, where you may be able to add activities such as a catamaran cruise, Sandwich Harbour, quad biking, desert tours or scenic flights.

Some activities are included in specific itineraries. Others are optional extras and depend on availability, weather and timing.

Yes. Windhoek day trips work well if you arrive early, have a spare day before departure, or finish your safari with extra time in the city.

Options may include a Windhoek City & Township Tour, Daan Viljoen guided hike, N/a’an ku sê activities, San cultural experiences, game-viewing activities or traditional cooking experiences.

Popular options include the Windhoek City & Township Tour, Daan Viljoen guided hike, N/a’an ku sê activities, San cultural experiences, game-viewing activities and traditional cooking experiences.

These work well if you have spare time before or after a safari.

Some safaris that visit north-western Namibia include a Himba cultural visit.

These visits must be handled respectfully and may depend on local circumstances.

If a cultural visit is important to you, tell us before booking.

Yes. Selected southern Namibia itineraries include Lüderitz and Kolmanskop.

Kolmanskop works best as part of a longer southern route that may also include Sossusvlei and Fish River Canyon.

Yes, in some cases.

Namibia has conservation and community projects that may be combined with a safari before or after the project.

Availability and suitability depend on your dates, interests and project requirements.

Tell your guide or Chameleon representative as soon as possible so the issue can be addressed during the safari.

If it cannot be resolved locally, send full written details to Chameleon Safaris after the safari within the timeframe set out in the Terms & Conditions.

If we have to make changes or cancel a safari, we will follow the process set out in our Terms & Conditions.

This may include offering an alternative safari, an adjusted arrangement or a refund where applicable.

We do our best to help with requests such as dietary needs, room preferences, accommodation requests or special arrangements.

Special requests must be noted when booking and cannot always be guaranteed.

Reviews shown on our website should come from real guest feedback or recognised review platforms.

You can also check recent reviews on Tripadvisor and other independent platforms before booking.

Reviews are useful for understanding the guide experience, group style, camping expectations, vehicle comfort and safari pace.

Our Namibia Blog covers practical travel topics, safari styles, destinations, health and safety, solo travel, day trips, cultural experiences and guided versus self-drive travel.

For booking-specific questions, contact our office directly.

You can contact us by email, phone, WhatsApp or through the website enquiry form.

If your question is about a specific safari, include the tour name, travel date, number of travellers and any important requirements.