Quick Reference

Currency: 1 Namibia Dollar (NAD) = 100 cents
Capital: Windhoek
Time: GMT +1 or GMT +2 first Sunday in April to first Sunday in September
Main Languages: English, German and Oshvambo
Climate: Warm and dry north to humid coastal south. Temperate inland.
Electricity: 220 volts, 50Hz. Round three-pin plugs

Namibian Highlights

With its pleasantly warm and dry climate, clean air, good water and an unspoiled coast, vast untouched scenery and nature conservation areas, and excellent infrastructure, Namibia is healthy by nature and sheer bliss for body and soul.

Windhoek, found in the centre of Namibia is a hub from where most travels start. It combines a multitude of different peoples and cultures and here tourists can get the chance to experience everyday life in an African city. Windhoek offers many attractions and is worth more than a night’s stay.

Other main attractions in and around Namibia include the spectacular Sossusvlei, where the shifting dunes with curvaceous lines of the Namib surround a clay pan giving spectacular scenes in the early morning hours. The pan can be dry for many years, but after heavy rains, it can hold water for almost a year.

The famous Etosha National Park is centered around the vast Etosha Pan, and is a sanctuary to a number of animals including black rhino, white rhino, large herds of elephant, the striking black-faced impala, lions and birds.

Among the attractions in Damaraland are the Petrified Forest and Twyfelfontein with its superb collection of over 2 400 rock engravings. Nearby are the Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes, a series of angular columns of dolerite exposed in a dry river bed. Northeastern Namibia is a mosaic of woodlands, riverine forests, swamps and rivers.

Along the southern Namib coast, Lüderitz owes its existence to the discovery of diamonds. In 1908 this town boomed and is now a wealth of old German colonial buildings.

Further north, Swakopmund is a popular holiday destination. It is also characterised by its well-preserved German colonial buildings. Street names also serve as reminders of former colonial rulers and administrators and German is still widely spoken.

Further inland from Swakopmund one finds the Spitzkoppe which rises abruptly above the arid and sparsely vegetated plains of the Namib. Also known as the “Matterhorn of Namibia”, the granite outcrop is a typical example of an inselberg, or island mountain. With sheer granite rock walls of up to 600 m high, the Spitzkoppe is the country's top rock climbing destination.

In the far south, bordering South Africa, the Fish River Canyon is awe-inspiring. It has a spectacular section 65km long where the canyon reaches a depth of 549m in places. It ranks amongst the largest canyons in the world.

Namibia Travel Info

Currency

1 Namibia Dollar (NAD) = 100 cents. Its value is equal to the South African Rand, which is also accepted as legal currency in Namibia. Major credit cards are accepted. Travelers cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at any bank or bureau de change, though cash is more expensive to exchange than travelers cheques. ATMs are available in larger towns only.

Health

A yellow fever certificate is required for all travelers arriving from infected areas. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and typhoid fever are also recommended. There is currently an outbreak of polio in the country, with the majority of cases reported in the capital Windhoek; 27 people have died and many others are affected. Travelers should ensure their polio vaccination is up to date. There is a malaria risk in the northern region during the rainy season, from January to April. HIV/AIDS is prevalent and cautions are essential. There has been an increase in the incidence of rabies among dogs in Windhoek. There are good medical facilities in Windhoek, but medical insurance is essential as treatment is expensive. Travelers to Namibia should take medical advice at least four weeks prior to departure.

Language

English is the official language, but many people also speak Afrikaans and German. There are also several indigenous languages spoken, mainly in the rural areas.

Tipping

Tips of 10% are expected by tourist-orientated establishments where a service charge has not been included in the bill. Tour guides, game rangers and trackers rely on tips for their income, but these are discretionary and depend on good service.

Geography and Climate

The best time to travel to Namibia is during the winter, between March and October, when the weather is warm and dry, although nights can be very cold, especially in the desert. The dry season is also best for game viewing, as animals gather at water holes and are easier to find. Summers in Namibia are very hot, particularly in the desert which can be dangerously sweltering. Thunderstorms can be expected in the summer, between November and February, and fog often blankets the coastal areas.

Religion

A large portion of the population are Protestant and Roman Catholic with a minority following indigenous beliefs and Islam. People enjoy freedom of religion.

Entry Requirements

All visitors require a passport valid for at least six months after the period of their intended stay, and documents for return or onward travel. Passports should have at least two pages free for endorsements. It is always best to check with the Namibian Embassy for latest entry requirements.

Internal Transport

Travel within the country can be conducted by road on good tar surfaces between major centres. For access to wilderness areas. air charter flights are the most convenient, or, in the case of very remote sites, 4X4 vehicles.