As big as the country is, you are not in the sky alone here in January. The gliders brought into the country are used diligently. It is not uncommon to meet gaggles.
Bitterwasser is positioned on an international level with guests from USA, Russia, Great Britain, Italy, France, Switzerland and now also from the Netherlands. But the german pilots are not yet in the minority.
And the weather is right. The glider area south of Windhoek, which encompasses almost all of Namibia and part of South Africa from flight level 145 (around 4500 m) to flight level 195 (around 6000 m) can be fully used up to the upper cover. There is no need for wave updrafts. In the afternoon the thermals reach all the way to the top. To the north of Windhoek, the cover is in flight level 145. There you can longingly look up to the base but also make comfortable progress.
Photo: encounter on the way.
The SSN (Soaring Society of Namibia) website states that pilots holding a SPL license together with a valid LAPL medical may fly gliders with European registration in Namibia. Previously, the more complex Class 2 ICAO medical was required. The SSN point out that no definitive, valid statement can be made for neighbouring countries such as Botswana or South Africa.
For glider owners: Please check with your insurance company that this is in accordance with your insurance contract.
Although the season in Bitterwasser seems to be coming to an end in mid-January, the weather is at its best. Pilots from all over the world enjoy impressive thermals, breathtaking cross-country flights over 1000 km and a unique community.