Info & Travel Tips

CSN takes you into some of southern Africa’s most rugged and remote terrain and we do not cut corners when it comes to your safety

  1. We use heavy duty rip-stop canvas domed tents (3m x 3m x 1.8). Our bedrolls comprise a camping mattress, duvet and linen all neatly rolled into a dustproof canvas zip bag. We provide towels as well as all-in-one shampoo and shower gel. Even in dry wild camps, we can offer a bucket shower and toilet.

  2. Our experienced guides, working with conservancy staff, lead all activities. A back-up crew accompanies all trips and will erect/break down camp, prepare meals and ensure your comfort.

  3. You are hosted by the conservancies that own our business and will be visiting several other community conservation areas. Most people we will meet in Kunene are semi-nomadic herders, who move their villages according to pasture and water availability. Therefore our daily schedules are kept flexible so that we can take advantage of local opportunities. The activities listed are indicative of what may be happening in a particular conservancy on a specific safari.

  4. Our meals are wholesome bush cuisine. We offer a hot dinner, light lunch and a healthy breakfast. At night we provide, beer, wine, gin and tonics. Non-alcoholic drinks and water will be offered throughout the day. Once you book your safari, we will request your drink preferences and any special dietary needs.

  5. Should you have any health problems, please ensure you have sufficient of your required medication as there are no pharmacies where we go. Please let us know if you have any medical conditions.

  6. A satellite phone accompanies all trips and is to be used for emergencies only.

  7. We do provide an inverter to charge batteries, but please ensure that you have the correct plugs and fittings for your gadgets (2 pin South African plug). The vehicles’ 12 V direct current system can also be used to charge batteries (a cigarette lighter socket plug).

  8. Malaria: The entire Zambezi/Caprivi is a malaria area. In Kunene some expeditions go all the way to the Kunene River which is a malaria area, albeit low risk.

  9. Rainfall: From November to April it may rain in the Kunene Region and temperatures are high. Rains are unpredictable and erratic events. A rain storm seldom lasts more than a few hours and can be very local. Dry riverbeds can experience exciting flash flooding and influences the location of both people and wildlife. Thus our itineraries may need to be adapted accordingly. Average rainfall in the Kunene Region is less than 100mm per annum.

    In contrast, the Zambezi is the most tropical part of Namibia with an average rainfall of between 550 and 700mm per annum. This is also a summer rainfall area, the season stretching from October to March. Summers are warm to hot, while winter days are pleasant with the nights seldom being very cold.

  10. Guests must have their own comprehensive cancellation, default, baggage, emergency evacuation and medical insurance for the duration of the trip.

  11. Rates are in N$ and may change without prior notice. They also include VAT.

  12. Maximum group sizes are 9 people, or 5 couples. Prices vary according to group size.

  13. Luggage: On tours which start or end with a charter flight, the luggage limitation which is strictly enforced by the charter companies is 15kg in a soft bag. On all other tours the limit is 20kg in a soft bag.

  14. Tipping and Gratuities: You may wish to give your guide, camp staff and conservancy hosts a gesture of appreciation. This is entirely voluntary and obviously depends on your evaluation of the service received.

  15. Payment Policy: All tours and safaris must be paid in full 60 (sixty) days prior to departure of the tour. A deposit of 25% is required to secure your booking. Payments to be made by SWIFT transfer directly into our bank account.

  16. Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be made in writing and the following conditions apply:

    0 – 30 days: cancellation prior to expected arrival = 100% due
    31 – 45 days: cancellation prior to expected arrival = 70% due
    46 – 60 days: cancellation prior to expected arrival = 40% due
    61 – 90 days: cancellation prior to expected arrival = 20% due

  17. CSN is able to assist you with booking your accommodation for the night before the start of and the night after the end of your safari and will gladly help you select other pre or post expedition activities.

  18. Before the safari you will be required to complete an indemnity/waiver form.

  1. If your safari involves a charter flight, 15kg of luggage in a soft bag. Otherwise, 20kg in a soft bag. Please note that brightly contrasting colors and especially white are not advised on safari. Laundry service will be on offer half-way into longer trips.

  2. Sunglasses

  3. Sunhat

  4. Cotton shirts and/or T-shirts

  5. One or two long sleeved shirts

  6. Pair of long trousers/slacks

  7. Shorts

  8. Underwear and socks

  9. Light hiking shoes and all terrain sandals or a pair of light boots

  10. Swimming costume

  11. Warm jersey, fleece or jacket (in winter it can be very cold at night)

  12. Personal toiletries

  13. High factor sun block and lip balm

  14. Wet wipes or wet tissues

  15. Anti-bacterial hand-wash gel

  16. Basic medical/pharmacy kit for personal use (all our vehicles contain an emergency first-aid kit)

  17. If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case of irritation from dust

  18. Camera equipment and sufficient spare batteries (or a charger which can plug into a vehicle cigarette lighter)

  19. Dust proof bags for your camera

  20. A small, but powerful flashlight (an additional headlamp is also useful)

  21. Binoculars for game viewing

  22. Cash, approximately R10 000,00 (South African Rand or N$), for tipping, souvenirs, etc