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Namibia Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DO I BOOK THIS COURSE?
For a briefing pack and booking information please email the Woodsmoke office.
IS THE COURSE TOUGH?
This course should be viewed as being a wilderness education experience and not as an ordinary holiday. It is an educational course, but just as importantly, it is a ‘hands on’, wilderness expedition and at times can be quite challenging. It is not a safari or a cultural sight seeing tour, you will not be visiting game parks or looking at rock-art. You will be expected to camp for most of the course, with very limited amenities, and ‘pitch in’ as a self-reliant enthusiastic expedition member. You will be very exposed to the Namibian bush with all its delights, dangers and annoyances. Due to the nature of the location and the course content, you will be expected to take short hikes over  uneven terrain, therefore a good level of fitness is required – on occasion you will be dusty, dirty, too hot, too cold, tired, frustrated and exhilarated!
FOOD & DIET
All meals are cooked on site. Food preparation and cooking will be a joint effort, involving both students and staff. Breakfast, lunch and evening meals are provided and there will always be a brew pot on the go so that students are free to make tea and coffee at any time. The food we provide will be more than adequate, but feel free to bring extra provisions if you wish. We are happy to cater for vegetarians (please bear in mind the section below about hunting and trapping) but if you have any other dietary restrictions, for example, nut or gluten allergies, please let us know before you place your booking.
 WILL I BE HUNTING & TRAPPING FOR FOOD?
Yes. If you do not like the idea of hunting and trapping small game for food, then you should carefully consider whether this is the right course for you. The Bushman people are Hunter-Gatherers, they use animal products in most aspects of their daily lives, and it is these skills that you will be learning during your time in Namibia. It is also highly likely that we will be butchering, eating and utilising large game.
DO I NEED PRIOR EXPERIENCE?
 Previous camping experience is essential for this course, as the Namibian bush is not the place to find out that you do not enjoy camping. We also prefer that you have attended a Bushcraft course with a Bushcraft/survival company in the past, so that you have a baseline skill set.
CAN I ATTEND ON MY OWN?
Yes. Our courses are aimed at private individuals who have a passion to learn. Although some people attend in pairs or small groups, the vast majority of our groups are made up of individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds.
AM I TOO OLD / UNFIT?
Although we do have a minimum age requirement of 18, there is no upper limit, provided you are in good physical health, are used to moderate exercise and have a positive mental attitude, there is no reason why you should not attend. If you are in any doubt, please consult your GP before booking.
 IS IT SAFE?
“Adventure is a romantic name for trouble…” You must come in the knowledge that no outdoor activity is entirely without risk. You will be using sharp tools and walking across uneven terrain. Although rarely seen, there are also venemous snakes in the bush-veld where we will be camping and walking. The course staff are trained in expedition medicine, have access to reliable comunications, and you will be no further than two hours drive from the excelent facilities of a private hospital. More infomation is available in the expedition briefing pack.
CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL?
 Alcohol is not forbidden on this course; however, it will be tightly controlled as to when it is appropriate to have a beer or two, and we ask that you respect our guidance in this regard. Alcohol will not be permitted whilst staying in the Bushman village for example, and due to the obvious health and safety risks (alcohol and cutting tools don’t mix), we expect expedition members to adhere to our rules with regards to alcohol. We will not tolerate people getting ‘drunk’ whilst in the bush, as you may become a danger to yourself and others.(see our terms and conditions). Inappropriate use of alcohol will result in you being removed from the expedition.
MOBILE PHONES
Mobile phones are permitted, but please use very quietly & discreetly!
WHAT THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Woodsmoke does not cover the cost of travel in the UK, or flights to and from Windhoek, Namibia. You will also be expected to pay for your own alcoholic beverages, snacks and refreshments whilst we are in transit. And 2 x lunch stops whilst travelling, Woodsmoke will cover all other meals.
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