Namibia Country Guide

Namibia is a vast land of intriguing contrasts, populated by a dramatic diversity of people; it is home to the arresting and private Himba tribe as well as a large population of German speaking nationals. The environment is no less remarkable; the fire-colored sand dunes of Namibia support an intriguing diversity of desert-adapted plants and animals, especially in Etosha National Park. Diamond-rich Namibia is also home to the largest number of cheetah of any African country.

General Information
FULL NAME: Republic of Namibia (formerly South West Africa)
CAPITAL: Windhoek

INDEPENDENCE: 21 March 1990

CURRENCY: Namibian Dollar (N$)


CLIMATE:
SUMMER: November to April. WINTER: May to October.
In summer months, November through April, 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 northeastern region.

The winter season, May through October, 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.


WHEN TO GO
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.

VISA REQUIREMENTS
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. USA nationals of the following countries do not require a visa for a stay of less than three months.

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.


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.


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 traveler’s cheques.


TIPPING
Tipping is only expected in up market 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.

COMMUNICATION
The international dialing code when calling Namibia is +264. The international dialing code when dialing out from Namibia is 09. A direct international dialing 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
Electricity is generally supplied at 250 volts AC.
Lodges in the more remote areas of Namibia do not have electricity. These lodges generally utilize generator power by day for lighting and refrigeration.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
If you are visiting the area north of Windhoek (Etosha, Ovambu and Caprivi), remember to get malaria prophylactics before 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.

Travelers should be aware that there is a polio presence in areas south of Windhoek. A tetanus immunization 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.

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!


LANGUAGE
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.

CULTURE
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 is 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.

Namibia is a large, mostly arid country. It can roughly be divided into four geographical regions:

1. The Namib Desert along the Atlantic coast;

2. The Central Plateau;

3. The Kalahari Sands

4. 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.


SOUVENIRS
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 northeast, San (Bushman) art can be purchased, including bows and arrows, leather pouches and jewellery made from ostrich egg beads, seeds and nuts.


PHOTOGRAPHY
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.

VERY IMPORTANT: packing space is limited on all modes of safari transport, so you will need to restrict your baggage to 12 – 15kg (preferably packed in a soft bag) plus a reasonable amount of camera equipment.


SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. The most practical items to pack for safari are:
» 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)
» Comfortable walking shoes
» Sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent - essentials!
» Binoculars and a camera are a must
» Tracksuit - good for sleeping in during winter months
» Light, compact raincoat is a good idea for the summer
» Swimsuit, as most hotels/lodges have swimming pools
» Towel, torch and sleeping bag for camping safaris (sleeping bags can be hired from most safari operators)
» Blouses with long sleeves (even in summer; they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes
» Layers are most practical for the fluctuating day/night temperatures of Botswana. Dull and/or neutral colors are more suitable for safari, white is not practical. It is best to pack hardy, durable clothing
»» VERY IMPORTANT: packing space is limited on all modes of safari transport so you will need to restrict your baggage to 12-15kg (preferably packed in a soft bag) plus a reasonable amount of camera equipment


PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
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