ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION

How much are tickets for the Doek Literary Festival and where can I purchase them?

Thanks to Bank Windhoek and the supporting festival partners, admission to all events at each edition of the Doek Literary Festival is free.

Due to the calibre of literary artists in attendance at the festival, it is foreseeable that certain events will be full. While the festival organisers strive to ensure that there is adequate seating, it is essential to arrive early at the festival venues to secure one’s seating.

Bookings, however, are essential for creative writing workshops since space is limited in each class venue.

I would like to attend a creative writing workshop. How do I reserve my spot in a particular session?

Bookings can be made by completing the workshop booking form once it has been made available.

Only one booking per person, per class is permitted.

Spaces in each workshop are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis until spaces are no longer available.

Will the Doek Literary Festival be live-streamed?

No. However, select conversations, poetry and musical performances, and segments from creative writing workshops may be recorded and made available in the festival’s video archives for posterity.

I am a Namibian writer, poet, or visual artist. How can I be included in the lineup of the Doek Literary Festival?

The Doek Literary Festival’s local lineup is curated from Doek! Literary Magazine’s contributors and the winners, shortlistees, and longlistees of the Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Awards. As such, prospective Namibian literary artists are encouraged to follow the appropriate channels in order to be considered for future festivals.

Does the Doek Literary Festival have exhibitor opportunities?

No.

Will there be an opportunity to engage the attending literary artists?

Yes. Each conversation is followed by a Q&A session wherein audience members may ask the conversants relevant discussions. Questions should be courteous, brief and focus on the discussion or topic at hand. It is generally recommended to avoid overly academic or long-winded questions which cannot be adequately answered in a short space of time.

Is the festival an inclusive space?

Yes. The Doek Literary Festival is open to all readers, writers, and lovers of stories regardless of class, race, sex, or gender. Any discrimination or harassment should be reported to the festival organisers.

Is there parking available?

Yes. Parking is available.

However, it is encouraged to arrive at events early to secure parking.

BOOKS

Will the literary works of the attending writers be available for sale at the Doek Literary Festival?

Yes. Thanks to the Book Den, the official book partner, selected works from the festival writers and poets will be on sale at the festival.

A signing desk is available at the end of each conversation where readers can have copies of their books signed.

Photographs with the festival’s literary artists are possible upon request.

ACCESS

Is there wheelchair access at Doek Literary Festival?

Yes. The festival venue has wheelchair access.

Is the Doek Literary Festival child-friendly?

Yes. While there are no conversations or activities specifically for children, the festival is generally child-friendly.

TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION

I plan on travelling to the Doek Literary Festival from outside Namibia. Are there any travel restrictions for non-Namibians?

In general, Namibia has few travel restrictions for visitors. SADC citizens do not require visas in order to enter Namibia—this makes it relatively easy for citizens from Namibia’s neighbouring countries to take part in this year’s literary festival.

From 2025, citizens from certain countries are required to obtain a visa prior to entering Namibia. A complete list of countries whose citizens are required to apply for a visa, as well as the visa application and payment portal, can be found on the Ministry of Home Affairs’ website: https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/visaonarrival

Before or after the Doek Literary Festival I would like to travel around Namibia. What are my options?

Gondwana Collection Namibia, the official accommodation partner of the Doek Literary Festival, operates some of the country’s most popular lodges and hotels. They provide unique travel experiences around the country.

Furthermore, Namibia is a tourist-friendly destination with numerous tour operators being able to provide travellers with various travel experiences. There is an abundance of hotels, lodges, guest houses, and AirBnB options that cater for individual preferences and price options.

It should be noted that September lies in Namibia’s peak tourist season so early bookings for travel and accommodation arrangements are essential to avoid disappointments.

Are there any health-related travel restrictions currently in place in Namibia?

No. While masking, sanitising, and social distancing are no longer required by law, it is recommended to continue practising these health measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and other infectious diseases.

MEDIA

How can I interview one of the literary personalities attending the Doek Literary Festival?

Due to the focused nature of the festival, as well as the tight programming, select media engagements have already been arranged with the festival’s writers, poets, and visual artists—thus, in some instances, media appearances might not be possible.