1. General Conditions

All rates are inclusive of 15% VAT unless otherwise stated. Rates are quoted in Namibian Dollars (NAD) and are valid to 31 December 2026. NHS reserves the right to amend rates at any time without notice. Confirmed bookings for which full payment or the required deposit has been received will be honoured at the rate applicable at the time of payment.

A minimum of two (2) passengers is required for all scheduled scenic flights, with a maximum of four (4) passengers per online booking. Where a single passenger books a flight, the minimum charge applicable is the two-passenger rate for the selected flight. NHS does not operate shared scenic flights — all flights are private to the booking party.

The type of aircraft deployed is determined by NHS based on passenger numbers and operational requirements at the time of the flight. NHS operates Bell 407, Bell 206 Long Ranger, Bell 206 JetRanger, and Robinson R44 helicopters. No specific aircraft type is guaranteed unless confirmed in writing by NHS at the time of booking.

NHS may vary these terms and conditions at any time. The current version is available at www.nhs.na/terms. Confirmed paid bookings are governed by the terms in effect at the time payment was received.

2. Booking & Payment

All bookings are subject to aircraft availability. NHS recommends booking as early as possible to secure preferred dates.

Full payment of 100% of the total booking value is required at the time of booking to confirm a reservation. No booking shall be considered confirmed until full payment has been received and acknowledged by NHS.

All standard scenic flight rates are quoted per person. Charter and transfer flights are subject to separate formal quotation and must be requested directly from NHS at info@nhs.na.

Where a booking is made through a third-party agent, online travel platform, or affiliate partner, the NHS terms and conditions govern the flight in all respects regardless of any separate terms applied by the third party. NHS accepts no liability for third-party booking fees, commissions, or cancellation terms that differ from those set out herein.

3. Cancellation & Refunds

3.1 Client Cancellations

All cancellations must be submitted in writing to info@nhs.na. Cancellation fees are applied as follows, calculated as a percentage of the total booking value:

• Cancellation more than 5 days prior to departure: no cancellation fee.
• Cancellation within 5 days prior to departure: 30% of total booking value.
• Cancellation within 48 hours prior to departure: 60% of total booking value.
• Cancellation within 24 hours prior to departure: 100% of total booking value.

Missed flights and no-shows are non-refundable in full, without exception.

In the event that a passenger is denied boarding due to failure to comply with NHS weight, medical, or documentation requirements, no refund shall be issued.

Where a passenger is unable to travel due to illness and provides a valid medical certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner prior to the scheduled departure time, NHS will consider a refund or reschedule at its discretion. Medical certificates provided after the departure time will not be accepted.

3.2 NHS-Initiated Cancellations

Where NHS cancels a flight for operational or weather-related reasons and the client cannot be rescheduled, a full refund of the amount paid will be issued. NHS’s liability in such circumstances is limited to the value of the flight only. No additional costs, including accommodation, meals, ground transfers, or missed onward connections, will be compensated.

3.3 Refund Processing

All refunds are subject to a 10% handling fee to cover payment processing costs. This fee is deducted from the refunded amount. Refunds are processed to the original payment method only.

NHS reserves the right to pursue recovery of costs in the event of a credit card chargeback or payment dispute, including in cases of no-show.

4. Passenger Requirements

4.1 Weight Requirements

The maximum individual passenger weight is 130 kg (286 lbs). For two passengers travelling together, the combined weight may not exceed 200 kg (440 lbs). For three passengers, the combined weight may not exceed 270 kg (595 lbs). Passenger weights must be disclosed to NHS no later than seven (7) days prior to the scheduled departure.

NHS reserves the right to weigh passengers on arrival at the departure point. Passengers whose actual weight materially exceeds the weight declared at the time of booking may be denied boarding. No refund will be issued in such circumstances.

4.2 Seating

All seating is assigned by the pilot based on weight and balance requirements. NHS will endeavour to accommodate seating preferences where operationally possible, but no specific seat position can be guaranteed. Seating assignments take precedence over passenger preference at all times.

4.3 Luggage

Luggage for all transfer flights is strictly limited to 20 kg (44 lbs) per person, packed in soft bags only. Hard-sided luggage will not be accepted. Scenic flight passengers are advised that luggage storage on board is limited; excess luggage must be secured at the departure point at the client’s own risk.

The 20 kg per person allowance is a maximum, not a guarantee. All luggage is subject to weight and balance requirements on the day of the flight. Where passenger weights and fuel load leave insufficient payload capacity, NHS reserves the right to limit or decline luggage regardless of the per-person allowance.

5. Medical & Special Requirements

Passengers must disclose any medical conditions to NHS no later than seven (7) days prior to the scheduled departure. Conditions requiring prior disclosure include, but are not limited to: cardiac conditions, hypertension, diabetes, respiratory conditions, epilepsy, and pregnancy.

Pregnant passengers entering their second trimester are required to provide a valid medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner confirming fitness to fly. The certificate must state the term of pregnancy, fitness to travel, whether the pregnancy is single, multiple, or high-risk, and any known complications.

Passengers who have undergone surgery or been hospitalised within the two weeks prior to the scheduled departure must provide written medical clearance from their treating doctor confirming fitness to fly.

Passengers taking medication that may impair cognitive or physical performance must disclose this to NHS prior to travel. NHS reserves the right to decline carriage where the pilot in command determines that a passenger’s condition poses a risk to the safety of the flight.

6. Infants & Minors

6.1 Infants

Infants under 24 months of age may travel on the mother’s lap only. The combined weight of the mother and infant may not exceed 90 kg. The applicable fare for an infant under 24 months is 25% of the adult rate for the flight.

Where a separate car seat is required for the infant, the full adult fare applies and the seat occupies a passenger position. The client is responsible for supplying a suitable car seat approved for aircraft use. Infant bookings cannot be made online and must be arranged directly with NHS via info@nhs.na prior to any deposit being paid.

6.2 Minors

Unaccompanied minors under the age of 14 will not be permitted to travel under any circumstances. Minors aged 14 to 18 may travel unaccompanied and are required to present a valid physical passport or government-issued identity document at the departure point. Digital or printed copies will not be accepted.

7. Passenger Conduct

All passengers are required by law to comply with all lawful instructions issued by the pilot in command and designated ground crew at all times. Failure to comply may result in refusal of boarding or removal from the aircraft without compensation or refund.

The following are strictly prohibited before and during all NHS flights:

• Boarding or flying while under the influence of alcohol or any psychoactive substance. Passengers who appear intoxicated or impaired will be refused boarding without refund.
• Consumption of alcohol or psychoactive substances during flight.
• Smoking or use of any tobacco or nicotine product on board.
• Disruptive, threatening, or abusive behaviour toward crew or other passengers.
• Inappropriate physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct directed at crew members.
• Carrying of weapons, ammunition, illegal substances, hazardous materials, flammable substances, or explosives.

Any passenger whose conduct necessitates a diversion from the planned route will be held liable for all costs incurred by NHS as a consequence of that diversion, including ferry flight costs, fuel, crew time, and any third-party charges.

NHS reserves the right to refuse boarding to any passenger at the sole discretion of the pilot in command or NHS management. This right is exercised in the interests of safety and the orderly operation of all flights.

8. Doors-Off Flights

Doors-off flights are available on request, subject to pilot approval and prevailing weather and operational conditions. No surcharge applies. By requesting a doors-off configuration, passengers accept the following conditions without reservation:

• Camera straps, lanyards, or securing mechanisms must be attached and worn at all times during a doors-off flight. This is a non-negotiable safety requirement and will be enforced by the pilot prior to departure.
• All loose items including clothing, accessories, scarves, hats, and equipment must be fully secured before and throughout the flight. Hair must be tied back where required.
• Cameras, phones, and all electronic equipment must be secured with a wrist or body strap where possible. Any item lost from the aircraft is entirely at the passenger’s own risk. NHS accepts no liability for lost items.
• Items that leave the aircraft during flight may cause serious damage to the helicopter and represent a direct danger to the flight, the aircraft, and all persons on board. Passengers may be held liable for any damage caused by unsecured items.
• Doors-off operations are significantly colder and less comfortable than enclosed flight. Warm layers are strongly advised for all doors-off flights, and are essential for coastal operations particularly in winter months.
• Clothing recommendations: closed-toe shoes, no loose scarves or open garments, sunglasses secured with a retention strap.
• Doors-off configuration is at the sole discretion of the pilot in command and may be declined or discontinued at any point without notice and without refund or compensation.

9. Scenic Flights

All scenic flights operate from designated departure points at NHS bases in Sossusvlei and Swakopmund. Passengers are required to be present at the designated departure point no later than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled take-off time for check-in, weight confirmation, and safety briefing.

All departure and arrival times are approximate and subject to prevailing weather conditions. NHS reserves the right to delay, reschedule, or cancel any flight where conditions do not meet the required Visual Flight Rules (VFR) standards as specified by NAMCAR. The pilot in command holds final authority over all departure decisions.

NHS shall not be held liable for any costs arising from flight delays or cancellations, including but not limited to missed onward flights, accommodation, meals, or ground transfers. Such costs remain the sole responsibility of the passenger.

10. Transfers & Charters

10.1 Transfer Policy

Where a one-way transfer is booked, the cost of the helicopter’s empty return leg shall be charged to the client’s account, unless NHS has a confirmed onward transfer booked for that leg. NHS helicopter bases are located in Otjiwarongo, Sossusvlei, and Swakopmund.

Luggage for all transfer flights is strictly limited to 20 kg (44 lbs) per person, packed in soft bags only. Hard-sided luggage will not be accepted under any circumstances.

The 20 kg per person allowance is a maximum, not a guarantee. All luggage is subject to weight and balance requirements on the day of the flight. Where passenger weights and fuel load leave insufficient payload capacity, NHS reserves the right to limit or decline luggage regardless of the per-person allowance.

For international departures, passengers will be delivered to Hosea Kutako International Airport no later than two hours and thirty minutes (2h30) before the scheduled international departure time. Passengers are responsible for confirming their international departure time with NHS prior to travel.

10.2 Standing Fee

Where a pilot is deployed away from their home base and placed on standby with the aircraft — for example, during a multi-day safari itinerary or remote expedition — a standing fee equivalent to one (1) billable flight hour shall be charged to the client for each standby day. This charge applies regardless of whether any flight is conducted on that day.

10.3 Pilot Overnight Costs

Where the operational requirements of a transfer or charter necessitate that the pilot overnights away from their home base, the full cost of the pilot’s accommodation and meals for that period shall be for the account of the client. This applies to all overnight scenarios including weather delays.

10.4 Charters

Charter flights are custom-built on special request and are not available for online booking. Formal quotations must be requested directly from NHS at info@nhs.na. A minimum of seven (7) days advance notice is required for charter bookings to allow for flight planning, weight and balance calculations, and any required landing permissions. All general conditions, cancellation terms, passenger requirements, and medical disclosure obligations set out in these terms apply in full to all charter bookings.

11. Weather & Safety

NHS operates strictly in accordance with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) as specified by the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NAMCAR). The pilot in command holds final and absolute authority over all operational decisions, including the decision to fly, delay, divert, or cancel a flight. No instruction from any party — including the client — shall override the pilot in command’s operational judgment.

NHS aircraft are not pressurised and are not equipped with supplemental oxygen. Air conditioning is not available. Passengers should be aware of and prepared for the physical conditions associated with unpressurised flight.

NHS operates in remote desert and coastal areas of Namibia where mobile communications and emergency services access may be limited or unavailable. NHS cannot be held responsible for inability to communicate with third parties, emergency services, or onward travel providers while operating in areas without reliable coverage.

12. Medical Evacuation & Travel Insurance

NHS helicopters operate in remote locations. NHS is not equipped, staffed, or obligated to provide medical evacuation services. In the event of a medical emergency during or after a flight, all costs associated with medical evacuation, emergency treatment, repatriation, or hospital care are the sole responsibility of the passenger.

NHS may, at its discretion, participate in search and rescue or emergency operations in support of authorised emergency services. Where such an operation requires the redeployment of a NHS aircraft, a confirmed client booking may be rescheduled without penalty to NHS. In such circumstances NHS will make every reasonable effort to rebook the affected flight at the earliest opportunity.

NHS strongly recommends that all passengers obtain comprehensive travel insurance prior to travel, including cover for medical evacuation, emergency repatriation, trip cancellation, and personal liability. Confirmation of travel insurance is the sole responsibility of the passenger.

13. Photography & Marketing Consent

Passengers are welcome to photograph and film throughout their flight for personal use.

By accepting these terms and conditions, all passengers consent to NHS using any photographs, video footage, or media in which they appear — taken by NHS or its representatives during the flight or at any NHS departure point — for marketing, promotional, and commercial purposes, including but not limited to the NHS website, social media channels, and print materials. Passengers who do not consent must notify NHS in writing at info@nhs.na prior to their departure date.

14. Force Majeure

NHS shall not be held liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under these terms where such failure or delay results from circumstances beyond its reasonable control. This includes, but is not limited to: acts of God, natural disasters, extreme weather events, acts of government or regulatory authorities, civil unrest, strikes or industrial action, epidemics or pandemics, mechanical failure, or any other event not caused by the negligence of NHS.

In such circumstances, NHS will endeavour to reschedule the affected booking at the earliest practical opportunity. Where rescheduling is not possible, the provisions of Section 3.2 apply.

15. Liability

NHS’s liability to any client is limited in all circumstances to the value of the flight booked. NHS shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or incidental loss or damage arising from any booking, flight, delay, or cancellation.

NHS shall not be held liable for any costs, losses, or expenses arising from weather-related delays, diversions, or cancellations. This includes missed onward flights, accommodation, meals, and ground transfers.

NHS shall not be held liable for loss of or damage to personal property carried on board or left at any NHS departure point. All personal items are carried entirely at the passenger’s own risk.

Passengers are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all weight, health, documentation, and conduct requirements prior to and during travel. NHS reserves the right to deny boarding to any passenger who fails to meet these requirements. No refund shall be issued in such circumstances.

Where a booking is made through a third-party platform, agent, or affiliate, NHS accepts no liability for any fees, charges, or losses imposed by that third party.

16. Governing Law

These terms and conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Namibia. Any dispute arising from or in connection with these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Republic of Namibia.

17. Variation of Terms

NHS reserves the right to amend, update, or replace these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice. The current version of these terms is published at www.nhs.na/terms and supersedes all previous versions. Confirmed bookings for which payment has been received are governed by the terms in effect at the time of payment.

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