Your Upcoming Trip
Please review and complete this important information to finalize your visit to ARU Game Lodges
Personal Info Form
REQUIRED
It is essential that we have all your details prior to your arrival at Aru Game Lodges. This will ensure an unforgettable hunting experience for you and your group.
Rifle Import Application
If you bring your own rifle, you will be required to complete a Firearm Import Application form upon your arrival. Download, print and complete this form beforehand to save some time at the airport.
Please note the following rifle restrictions when entering Namibia
You are allowed to bring 4 rifles per person, of which only one rifle is allowed per caliber. We suggest you bring at least 40 rounds of ammunition per caliber. Ammunition may not travel in the same case as your rifle. We strongly advise an average bullet weight of 150 grains for small animals, and at least 180 grains or heavier for large animals.
What to Bring
Clothing
- Correct clothing is of utmost importance, and is essential to a successful safari. We recommend any camouflaged clothing in the yellow, brown and green tones
- 2 pairs of cotton type trousers
- 3 changes of long sleeved shirts
- 2 T-shirts or short sleeved shirts
- 2 pairs of shorts (summer months)
- Socks and underwear
- Sunglasses of good quality are also recommended
- A hat is a necessity and we suggest a large, broad brimmed hat; although we also provide a complimentary cap should you wish to use that
- Sweater/lightweight jacket for evenings in camp
- A warm jacket is also essential, as early mornings and evenings can become quite cold, especially in the winter months (May-August). One or two sets of comfortable and warm clothing plus sneakers for around the campfire at night would also be recommended. Some light clothes for the warmer months is also a must (Feb-April, and October-November).
- Please keep in mind that we do have a daily laundry service, helping you to keep your luggage to the minimum
- 1pair high boots (not new) – Hunting is conducted on foot and therefore comfort is key. If possible, a high rise type of boot would be preferable, as it supports your ankles at all times and protects from bites. If you hunt in the Zambezi strip, make sure to bring along two pair of boots so that one has enough time to dry out.
- 1 pair of comfortable shoes for evenings in camp
- Sunscreen of SPF 30 to 50 plus is an absolute must. Please ensure that you have ample supply
- Gaiters (we sell the best ones!)
- Scarf and gloves for cold mornings and evenings in open vehicles
- Some light clothes for the warmer months is also a must (Feb-April, and October-November)
Gratuities/Tips
A tip acknowledges great service, and how much to leave is anything up to you. ARU has a strong believe that a successful safari is attributed not only to the PH, but to our whole TEAM. There are many people working very hard behind the scenes to make you safari and stay with us as pleasurable and memorable as possible.
Therefor, ARU management divides the tips to ALL staff members at both lodges on a gliding scale basis, of which the PH’s all share in all hunts, and receive the higher percentage of it. Please trust us in the distribution of such.
We recommend a 10-15% of your total invoice as gratuit. You are of course welcome to leave more (or less).
Therefor, we respectfully request that clients NOT tip any staff member during their stay and safari, but only at the end of the trip, and to hand it in at the manager.
If your experience was not satisfactory and you feel you don’t want to leave a tip for anyone involved, please also inform us so that we can rectify any problems. It’s the only way we can continue to be better.
GIFTS AS TIPS?
Gifts such as clothing, cigarettes, sweets, equipment etc, are of course always very appreciated, but most staff prefer the money. Please feel free however, to distribute throughout your stay with us.
Equipment & Extras
- Adapters and converters – We have a power supply of 220 volt
- Extra pair of prescription glasses
- Camera, lenses and flash attachment with dust proof bag
- Good binoculars (8 x 40 power). Please note that our PH’s do not allow the hunters to use binoculars while stalking on a hunt
- Range finders (bow hunting)
- Bow hunting spare parts and accessories. (We have a supply of the most essential spare parts, but keep in mind that Namibia is limited in their range of equipment)
- Shooting sticks (We have our own shooting sticks, but should you feel more comfortable using your own, you are more than welcome. We also want to stress that if you are not familiar with shooting from a stick, you should practice this beforehand.)
- Reading and writing materials
- Locks for luggage
- Flashlight
- Zip lock bags for cameras, etc.
- Cartridge holders/belts knife
- Spare rifle scope
- Plenty of spare batteries

Toiletries
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and shampoo
- Shaving kit
- Scissors
- Eye drops
- Sunscreen and lip balm (enough!)
- Skin moisturizers
- Prescription medicines
- Insect repellant
- Anti-malarial tablets (if hunting in the Zambezi)
- Although Namibia is very clean and safe, please visit your medical practitioner regarding medications and vaccinations as required. Veronica and Kalakwa are NOT located in a malaria area. If you are hunting dangerous game with us in the Zambezi strip, make sure to take your malaria prophylaxis
Documents
- Airline tickets
- Valid passport and visa (if required)
- If traveling with minors, an unabridged original birth certificate and required sword affidavit
- Customs registration of rifles from your country of origin if required for re-entry
- Travel insurance
Luggage
Buy our recommended list
Aru clients will receive a 15% discount off their first purchase at ballandbuck.com by using the following promo code: ARUGAMELODGES19
Terms & Conditions apply.
Travel Information
Travel Insurance
We recommend that you obtain your own medical emergency evacuation coverage through Ripcord Travel Insurance & Emergency Medical Evacuation. We strongly recommend you take out a trip cancellation policy and adequate insurance cover for yourself, your personal effects and your Trophies while in transit. Even though we take all the necessary precautions to ensure your trophies are kept in good condition and that they leave Namibia in the correct condition, we cannot be held responsible for whatever might happen to them while in transit to their destination.
Ripcord Travel Insurance & Emergency Medical Evacuation combines the best medevac and rescue insurance with travel insurance benefits such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost baggage, primary medical expense coverages, and more.
Ripcord Travel Insurance & Emergency Medical Evacuation is powered by Redpoint Resolutions, a medical and travel risk security company owned and operated by special operations veterans and physicians. Redpoint covers over 9 million people through commercial insurance policies, corporate employees and its Ripcord rescue travel insurance program.
RIPCORD EVACUATION SUMMARY & ENROLLMENT
RIPCORD TRAVEL INSURANCE LIMITS SUMMARY
Travel with Guns

For those of you that need help with booking of flights, or any rifle permits that you require for entry at various airports, we highly recommend to please make use of PWP Travel. Please contact them at ARU@PWPTRAVEL.COM.
Patrick and his team from PWP Travel will provide you with all the information and documents necessary to travel through various countries. They offer professional and personalised travel arrangements for hunters and non hunters.
The airport of arrival is Hosea Kutako International Airport.
Contact Information
Aru Hunting Safaris Namibia
PO Box 9222, Windhoek, Namibia
T: +264 (81) 129 5536
E: info@arugamelodges.com
Contact: Danene van der Westhuyzen
Veronica Game Lodge
T: +264 (62) 581 222
C: +264 (81) 122 1240
E: derek@arugamelodges.com
Kalakwa Game Lodge
T: +264 (62) 560 055
C: +264 (81) 129 5536
Emergency contact: +264 (81) 128 9222
E: danene@arugamelodges.com
EU/German Embassy – Namibia
Sanlam Centre, 6th Floor, Independence Ave. 145, Windhoek
T: +264 (61) 27 31 00
T: +264 (61) 27 31 33
F: +264 (61) 22 29 81
U.S. Embassy – Namibia
14 Lossen Street, Ausspanplatz, Windhoek, Central Namibia
T: +264 (61) 295 8500
F: +264 (61) 295 8603
Netherlands Honorary Consulate in Windhoek, Namibia
Edelvalk Street 23, Hochland Park, Windhoek, Namibia
T: +264 (61) 223 733
F: +264 (61) 223 732
The British High Commission – Namibia
116 Robert Mugabe Ave, P.O. Box 22202, Windhoek, Namibia
T: +264 (61) 274 800
F: +264 (61) 228 895
Visa Information
Holiday Visa (NAD 600.00)
- This is for travelers from nationalities NOT exempted from visa requirements and who cannot obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA).
- Applicants must apply in advance and go through the traditional visa process, which includes submitting bank statements and other supporting documents.
- This visa follows the usual approval process and must be obtained before arrival in Namibia.
Visa on Arrival (NAD 1,200 – 1,600.00)
- Available to eligible nationalities who can apply online or at designated ports of entry.
- Considered an express visa since it is not reviewed by a committee but instead goes through an automatic system check linked to Interpol for security verification.
- The higher fee reflects the convenience and faster processing time compared to the traditional visa application process.
Medical Information
Please note that Kalakwa and Veronica does NOT fall in a malaria area.
There are drug stores and hospitals in Windhoek but you should bring an adequate supply of your prescribed medication. There are first aid bags in the safari vehicles and comprehensive medical boxes in each camp.
Climate & Time
Climate
Namibia experiences a hot and dry climate with an average of 300 days of sunshine annually. Average daytime temperatures range between 30° C in January to 20° C in July and between 17° C in January and 7° C in June at night.
Namibia’s rainy season generally occurs from January – April.
Temperatures in July and August are considerably cooler and warmer clothing is recommended for safaris during this time of the year.
Time Zone GMT
GMT (London) + 1 hour. EST (New York) + 7 hours
Communications
All camps are equipped with WIFI
Traveling with Minors
Travelling with children already poses certain challenges (ask any parent and they’ll tell you). There’s no reason it should be made any more complicated when it comes to the requirements of traveling with minors. Here’s what you need to know. One less thing to worry about.
- Minors younger than 18 years traveling to Namibia will be required to produce certified copies of unabridged birth certificates in addition to their valid passports.
- With an adult who is not their biological parent: an affidavit from their parents giving consent for the minor to travel with the adult is required.
- With an adult other than a parent/legal guardian: copies of their legal guardians/parents’ passports or documents of identity are required. Contact details of the parents/legal guardians should also be provided.
- With a parent: an affidavit from the other parent giving consent for the minor to travel is required. A death certificate should be provided if one parent is deceased.
- Unaccompanied: an affidavit from their parents/legal guardians consenting their travel, a letter containing the contact details and residential information of the person who will receive the minor passenger, a copy of the identity document, valid passport or permanent residence permit of the person who will receive the minor passenger, and the contact details of the minor’s parents/legal guardians are required.
For your convenience you can download the Parental Consent Affidavit Form to be completed and certified before you travel.
Important Update: New Visa Requirements Effective 1 April 2025
Starting 1 April 2025, Namibia will implement a Visa on Arrival (VOA) process for travellers from 31 affected countries. This initiative aims to streamline travel and enhance visitor convenience.
Please note the following:
- Please choose the Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) option for any country listed below.
- Online Visa Option: Please use the E-visa applications available.
- Please see our Step-By-Step Guide for full instructions.
Countries that will be required to apply for a Visa on Arrival to Namibia:
- Armenia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Liechtenstein
- Luxemburg
- Moldova
- Netherland
- Norway
- Portugal
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States of America (USA)
- Uzbekistan
Documents Required:
- Valid Passport (at least 6 months validity & 3 blank pages)
- Completed Visa on Arrival application Form
- Invitation letter (Please use our Invitation to Visit/ Invitation to Hunt)
-
Confirmation of accommodation and travel bookings/plans
-
Confirmation of Medical/Travel insurance
- Full birth certificate or parental consent letter if traveling with children under 18
- Online visa-on-arrival applicants must present a printed copy of the approved e-visa
This change aligns with Namibia’s commitment to modernizing travel processes while ensuring fair and reciprocal diplomatic relations.
Should you require any assistance, please contact us here.
Other Documents
Prepare for Your Hunt
Film Your Hunt
We encourage all our guests to film their safari at Aru Game Lodges. We have done this multiple times, and the clients are extremely happy! The professional camera men that we use are amazing, and the end product is of a high standard. Every client that filmed their hunt with us said that they would never do it any other way again.

Taxidermy Info
Taxidermy rates in Namibia are very competitive, with excellent quality and workmanship. Normal completion time for mounted trophies is 12 months. Quotations can be obtained from local taxidermists. Packaging, insurance and shipment of trophies are done by our shipping agent.
We recommend either one of the following taxidermists:
Trophaendienste Taxidermy
For more info, visit our website or email us directly:
www.trophaendienste.com
louw@trophaendienste.com
2026 US Dollar Pricelist – Mounts
2026 US Dollar Pricelist – Dip & Pack
2026 Euro Pricelist – Mounts
2026 Euro Pricelists – Dip & Pack
First Class Trophy
Taxidermy & Logistics for hunters residing in the USA
Comprehensive trophy care and door-to-door logistics tailored for hunters living in the United States.
1-minute overview video, quick tutorial on the process and services
Information brochure: Full service guide and FAQs
All-Inclusive Door-to-Door, Detailed price list
Taxidermy & Logistics for hunters residing in Europe
Comprehensive trophy care and door-to-door logistics tailored for hunters living in in Europe.
1-minute overview video, quick tutorial on the process and services
Information brochure, Full service guide and FAQs
All-Inclusive Door-to-Door, Detailed Price List (EU citizens)
All-Inclusive Door-to-Door, Detailed Price List (non-EU citizens)

The Perfect Shot – Kevin Robertson
Please refer to some reading material such as “The Perfect Shot” by Kevin Robertson to familiarize yourselves with shot placement on African animals. African game is much tougher than any other in the world, and knowledge about shot placement and accurate shooting with the highest possible caliber, is vital to your success.
Other Activities
Apart from offering the best of Namibian hunting, Aru Game Lodges is the ideal breakaway, featuring other activities such as quad biking, game drives, horse riding, sundowner excursions, clay pigeon shooting, stargazing, photographic hunting and walking trails.

ARU Activities
At Aru Game Lodges, we offer a plethora of fun outdoor activities. Get the whole group involved in one of our exhilarating offerings.

Swakopmund Day Trip
One day tour from the farm with a scenic flight across the Khomas Highlands to Swakopmund for a short tour of the town and lunch (meals and drinks excluded) and return to farm in late afternoon.

Sossusvlei Day Trip
Day trip from the farm to the Sossusvlei with a scenic flight there and back, and an excursion to the Sossusvlei and Deadvlei area including lunch at the lodge.

Shopping Excursions
Head into our famous cities like Swakopmund and Windhoek for a shopping spree. Purchase delightful trinkets from the craft markets to take home with you. Choose from a collection of locally produced handbags and curios.

Rhino Royale

From the Veld Cookbook
This book is filled with recipes that were developed over the years by my family, friends and fellow Namibians, and perfected at our Aru Game Lodges, Kalakwa and Veronica. Follow the menus or experiment with different combinations. I’ve included my favourite game choices, but feel free to try different game substitutes.
Tailor-Made Excursions
Contact
info@arugamelodges.com
Windhoek, Namibia
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Plan your adventure