• World's oldest desert - the Namib Desert
• Impressive Fish River Canyon
• Stunning Big Five game parks
• 1 500-year-old Welwitschia Mirabilis plant
BASIC FACTS:
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
Full Name:
Republic of Namibia (formerly South West Africa) Capital: Windhoek Independence: 21 March 1990 Time: GMT +1 hour (4 Apr – 4 Sept) / GMT +2 hours (5
Sept – 3 Apr) Population: 1 648 270 (estimated July 1999) Area: 825 418km² Currency: Namibian Dollar (N$) President: President Sam Nujoma (since 21 March 1990)
New Year’s Day - 1
January
Good Friday (varies)
Easter Sunday (varies)
Easter Monday (varies)
Independence Day- 21 March
Ascension Day (varies)
Workers’ Day - 1 May
Cassinga Day - 4 May
Africa Day - 25 May
Heroes’ Day - 26 August
Human Rights Day - 10 December
Christmas Day - 25 December
Family/Boxing Day - 26 December
COMMUNICATION:
ELECTRICITY:
The international dialling code
when calling Namibia is +264. The international dialling code
when dialling out from Namibia is 09. A direct international
dialling service
is available from the major hotels and lodges in Namibia. Both
local and long distance calls are metered on a time basis and
you pay for every second. Major hotels and businesses have a
fax service. Remember that hotels levy a substantial surcharge
on all calls. Lodges in the more remote areas of Namibia do
not have telephonic communication facilities. These lodges are
generally able to communicate with the “outside world” via radio
telephone. Internet facilities are becoming increasingly available
and Internet cafés can be found in Windhoek, Walvis Bay, Lüderitz
and Swakopmund.
Electricity is generally supplied
at 250 volts AC.
Lodges in the more remote areas of Namibia do not have electricity.
These lodges generally utilise generator power by day for lighting
and refrigeration.
LANGUAGE:
CULTURE:
Languages spoken include Ovambo,
Damara, Kavango and Herero, although the official language is
English, with German and Afrikaans being widely spoken. Guided
safaris are usually conducted in English.
The Namibian nation has a chequered
ancestry which can be traced back to many corners of Africa
and Europe. Among the rich and diverse ethnic groups are the
Ovambo tribe, which make up 50% of the population.
The Kavangos tribe make up 9%. The Herero, whose women dress
in distinctive Victorian style, make up about 7%. The Himba,
who are easily identified by their statuesque beauty, intricate
hairstyles and ornamental copper necklaces and anklets, are
a subgroup of the Herero. The Damara (or Nama) make up 5% of
the population. They speak with interesting click sounds. The
San (Bushmen) make up about 2% of the population and are the
last representatives of the hunter gatherer tradition. There
are also remaining German colonials.
GEOGRAPHY & LANDSCAPE:
Namibia is a large, mostly arid country.
It can roughly be divided into four geographical regions:
the Namib Desert along the Atlantic coast;
the central plateau;
the Kalahari sands
the densely wooded bushveld of the Kavango and Caprivi
regions.
Spectacular shifting sand dunes spread inland from the coast,
which has been described by many as the most desolate coastline
in the world. The plateau runs from north to south and slopes
away to the east into the sand basin of the Kalahari. A number
of rivers run off the escarpment through dramatic canyons, including
the Fish River Canyon, the world’s second largest canyon system.
CLIMATE:
Summer: November to April.
In summer, the days are generally hot and sunny. Daytime temperatures
can rise to 35ºC (95ºF) and night temperatures drop to around
14ºC (58ºF) to 18ºC (65ºF). The coastal region is cool and dry
throughout the year.
The rainy season runs from February to March and average rainfall
varies from less than 50mm along the coast to 350mm in the central
region and 700mm in the far north-eastern region.
Winter: May to October.
In winter, the days are dry, sunny and mild to warm while evening
temperatures drop sharply. Daytime temperatures generally reach
23ºC (73ºF) and can drop to as low as 0ºC (32ºF) to 10ºC (50ºF)
at night.
It can be quite cold and windy at the coast, for which warm
clothing and a windbreaker are necessary.
ACCOMMODATION:
Outside of the major centres,
it is strongly recommended that you reserve your accommodation
as far in advance as possible, since most of the lodges in the
outlying and remote areas of Namibia are small and availability
is at a premium.
Lodges and safari camps tend to be set on private farms and
offer luxurious standards of accommodation. Prices at these
lodges compare well with similar lodges in the neighbouring
countries. Campsites in national parks are of a very high standard
with excellent facilities. Booking is advisable, but not essential.
WHEN TO
GO:
WHAT TO PACK:
Namibia is an all year round ecological
and wildlife destination. However, certain seasons are best
for special interest groups:
Best birding safaris are during the summer months because
of the greater variety of species to be found.
Best botanical months are December to May when the vegetation
turns green, and also when most plants are in flower.
Namibia is becoming very popular as an all year round destination.
Traditionally, peak season is from July to October and middle
season is from May to June. Book in advance during this time.
Christmas and New Year is peak season for local holidaymakers.
Generally, casual comfortable
clothing is suitable throughout the year. The most practical
items to pack for safari are:
Blouses with long sleeves (even in summer, they will protect
you from the sun and from mosquitoes)
T-shirts
Shorts or a light skirt
Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
Fleece or sweater and a windbreaker for game drives (necessary,
even in summer and for coastal regions)
Comfortable walking shoes
Sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, moisturiser,
lip salve – essentials!
Binoculars and a camera are a must
Tracksuit – good for sleeping in during winter months
Light, compact raincoat for summer – just in case
Swimsuit, as most hotels have swimming pools
Towel, torch and sleeping bag for camping safaris (sleeping
bags can be hired from most safari operators)
Bring an elegantly casual outfit for dinner at the smarter
hotels
Layers are most practical for the fluctuating day/night temperatures
of Namibia. Dull and/or neutral colours are more suitable for
safari, white is not practical. Cotton clothing is recommended
for summer. It is best to pack hardy, durable clothing.
Road: South Africa/Namibia
Ariamsvlei (ex Johannesburg) 24 hours
Hohlweg 06:00 – 22:00
Klein Menasse 06:00 – 22:00
Noordoewer (ex Cape Town) 24 hours
Narochas/Nakop (ex Johannesburg) 24 hours
Oranjemund 06:00 – 22:00
Rietfontein (Kalahari Gemsbok) 24 hours
Velloorsdrift 06:00 – 22:00
Road: Zambia/Namibia
Wenela 08:00 – 18:00
Rail & Bus:
There is a reasonable rail network connecting most of the major
towns, but trains are very slow.
Train journeysshould be booked in Windhoek, from where
trains run to Keetmanshoop, Ariamsvlei, Tsume, Swakopmund and
Walvis Bay.
Luxury bus services and a bus service that has replaced defunct
rail services connect Windhoek, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Lüderitz
and other major towns.
Minibuses operate along the B1 from Oshakati and Keetmanshoop.
Note that minibuses only depart when full.
Airports:
Domestic air services operate between the major airports:
Eros Airport, Windhoek (ERS)
Rooikop Airport, Walvis Bay (WVB)
Swakopmund Airport (SWP)
Lüderitz Airport (LUD)
Mpacha Airport (MPA)
There are a total of 135 runways in Namibia, of which only 22
are paved. Charter services can be arranged to reach remote
areas, though this may be expensive.
Roads:
There are 64 799 km of highways in Namibia, of which 7 841 km
are paved (about 12%).
Namibia has an extremely good infrastructure of roads and a
two-wheel drive vehicle is adequate for a self-drive holiday.
Foreign drivers require an international driving license. Driving
is on the left side of the road and speed limits are 60km/h
in towns, 120 km/h on open tarred roads and 100km/h on gravel
roads.
Note that excessive speed is the main cause of accidents on
gravel roads so keep to the prescribed speed limit and observe
road signs conscientiously. In dusty conditions, switch on your
headlights so as to be more easily observed.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are essential for exploring Damaraland
and Bushmanland. Watch out for wildlife on the road!
HEALTH
REQUIREMENTS & SERVICES:
Health Requirements If you are visiting the area north of Windhoek (Etosha,
Ovambu and Caprivi), remember to get malaria prophylacticsbefore entering Namibia.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services recommends that you
take a combination of prophylactics, both chloroquin and non-chloroquin
containing. Start your course at least 24 hours before entering
Namibia and continue taking the pills for six weeks after leaving
the country. If you suffer from side effects, try taking your
pills at night after dinner. Take precautionary measures to
prevent contact with mosquitoes, like: sleep under a bed net
or in a room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember to keep the
flaps zipped at all times); spray your accommodation with insecticide;
make use of a mosquito-repelling lotion or stick; and wear long-sleeved
clothing, trousers and socks when outside at night.
Travellers should be aware that there is a polio presence in
areas south of Windhoek. A tetanus immunisation is recommended.
Bilharzia is present in the Kunene, Okavango and Kwando Rivers.
We advise that you obtain medical insurance prior to arrival.
Private health care standards in Namibia are high, with the
best hospital being in Windhoek. All main towns have well-stocked
pharmacies, but bring any medicines you may require with you.
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance, which
includes curtailment and cancellation cover, as well as medical
cover, upon confirming your booking.
If you are coming on safari with Afro Ventures, you will automatically
be covered by our Emergency Evacuation Insurance, underwritten
by Europ Assistance. This guarantees all reasonable, practical
assistance in obtaining primary and/or emergency medical services
for an insured person who suffers illness or injury. Please
note that this is evacuation insurance only and does not replace
the normal travel insurance which you need to purchase.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
(as at August 2000)
All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid
for six months beyond the intended length of stay. Where a visa
is not required, a visa application form and proof of sufficient
funds and onward travel/return ticket should also be carried.
There should be sufficient blank pages in your passport for
entry stamps upon arrival.
Nationals of the following countries do not require a visa
for a stay of less than three months:
South Africa, Angola, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Botswana,
Brazil, Cuba, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Japan,
Kenya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Russia, Spain, Switzerland,
UK, USA, Moçambique, New Zealand, Portugal, Iceland, the
Netherlands, Malaysia, Singapore, the Scandanavian countries,
Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Where applicable, visas should be obtained from your nearest
Namibian consulate. The cost is around US$25.
Requirements for obtaining a visa are:
one application form
proof of sufficient funds and onward travel/return ticket.
Visas cost about US$30 and are valid for three months. All visitors
may be requested to show proof of sufficient funds and onward
travel/return ticket.
Check with your nearest Namibian consulate for up-to-date
information..
SOUVENIRS:
PHOTOGRAPHY:
An ekipa is a traditional
medallion that is worn by the women of the Ovamban tribe as
a status symbol. It is made of indigenous materials, including
vegetable ivory and the fruit of the makalani palm and makes
for a unique souvenir.
One can purchase locally produced items at the roadside at very
reasonable prices. There seems to be a large amount of mass-produced
African curios, but one can find excellent woven mats and baskets,
as well as the wooden airplanes and helicopters made in Kavanga.
Gemstones and wool and leather products are of high quality
and can often be made to order.
In the north-east, San (Bushman) art can be purchased, including
bows and arrows, leather pouches and jewellery made from ostrich
egg beads, seeds and nuts.
Film is available at most game
lodges, but stocks are usually small and of the common sizes
only.
For game and bird photography, a telephoto lens of between 200
and 300mm is strongly recommended. Larger lenses which require
a tripod are generally impractical for game photography from
vehicles, as are double lens reflex cameras.
A lens hood and ultra violet filter are advisable and a dust
cover (plastic bag) is essential. Remember to bring spare batteries
for your camera as these are seldom available on safari. Binoculars
are invaluable for bird and game viewing.
MONEY MATTERS:
Currency: The unit of currency is the Namibian dollar (N$), which
is divided into 100 cents.
This is fixed to the South African rand.Notes are issued
in denominations of N$200, N$100, N$50, N$20 and N$10. Coins
are issued as N$5, N$1, 50 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents.The
Namibia dollar and the South African rand are the only legal
tender in Namibia and both can be used freely to purchase goods
and services.
Exchange Rate:
The Namibian dollar is fixed to and equals the South African
rand.
Generally, you will find that fine cuisine, wine, and entertainment
cost a fraction of the tariff charged by equivalent establishments
elsewhere in the world.
A Continental/English breakfast will cost about US$3, a meat
or vegetable pie and a soft drink about US$1 and an evening
meal around US$10-15. A glass of traditional beer costs as little
as US$0.10!
Tipping: Tipping is only expected in upmarket tourist establishments
where a service charge is not included. In this case, do not
leave more than a 10% tip. Tipping is officially prohibited
in national parks and reserves. Haggling for local handicrafts
at roadside stalls is quite acceptable.
Banks:
Main branches in Windhoek:
Mon - Fri 09:00 – 15:30 Sat 08:30 – 11:00 Main branches in Swakopmund:
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 15:30 Sat 09:00 – 11:00 Main branches in Keemanshoop:
Mon – Fri 09:30 – 12:30; 14:00 – 15:30 Sat 08:30 – 10:30
Main branches in Tsumeb:
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 12:45; 14:00 – 15:30 Sat 08:30 – 11:30 Main branches in Rundu:
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 15:30 Sat 08:30 – 11:00
Main branches in Katima Mulilo:
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 12:45; 14:00 – 14:30
There is a Bureau de Change at Windhoek International Airport.
Major hotels also have foreign exchange facilities and will
accept traveller’s cheques.
Credit Cards:
International Visa and MasterCard credit cards are generally
accepted throughout Namibia.
Holders of other credit cards are advised to clarify with a
commercial bank whether their card is acceptable in Namibia.
Credit cards are not accepted at petrol filling stations.
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African Safari Destinations
