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Namibia Travel Information

1. Traveling

With its pleasantly warm and dry climate, clean air, good water and an unspoilt coast, vast untouched scenery and nature conservation areas, and excellent infrastructure, Namibia is healthy by nature and sheer bliss for body and soul. It is in fact one of the few countries in Africa where tourists do not have to worry unduly about picking up health problems.  But should it so happen that you do require medical assistance you can rest assured that health care in towns and cities matches European standards. In cases of dire emergency there is a 'flying' rescue service. For your financial security it is advisable that you take out travel insurance.

Travel Insurance

 

2. Peak Time

Namibia is an all year round ecological and wildlife destination.  There are certain seasons for special interest groups to take note of:
Best birding safaris are during the summer months because of the greater variety of species to be found. Best botanical months are Dec. - May when the vegetation turns green, and also when most plants are in flower.  Namibia's popularity as a destination is gaining in leaps and bounds to the extent that seasonal differences are not as marked as in previous years. Traditionally, however, peak season is from July - October and middle season is from May - June. Note that availability is at a premium during these seasons so you will need to book in advance. Christmas and New Year is peak season for local holidaymakers.

 

3. Seasons & Weather

SUMMER: November - April, days are generally hot and sunny. Daytime temperatures can rise to 35ºC and night temperatures drop to around 14ºC - 18ºC. 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 - October, days are dry, sunny and mild to warm while evening temperatures drop sharply. Daytime temperatures generally reach 23ºC and can drop to as low as 0ºC - 10ºC at night. It can be quite cold and windy at the coast, for which warm clothing and a windbreaker are necessary.

 

3.  Traveling To Namibia

Air Namibia flies from London Gatwick direct to Windhoek for booking information and schedules please emai linfo@travelafrica.co.uk.

5. Travelling around Namibia

All big rental companies, like Hertz, Avis and Budget, are represented in the country, while there are also a great number of interesting smaller businesses that offer 4x4's and caravans. 

Please email info@travelafrica.co.uk for your car hire needs.

In the whole of southern Africa one has to drive on the left side of the road. As well as your national driver's licence you should also take an international one along. In all urban areas, there is a speed limit of 60 km/h while on national/rural roads, the limit is 100 km/h. On gravel roads one shouldn't go faster than 80 km/h. Every year, there are many accidents due to people speeding on untarred roads. Besides, if an oncoming car causes a stone to hit your windscreen, chances are it won't break if you are traveling at a lower speed. Tourists especially, who are unfamiliar with the hazards of these roads, overestimate their vehicle's road traction.

Since the beginning of 2002, speed controls have being conducted by lazer guns, particularly in Windhoek, its' surroundings and, for example, north of Rehoboth. Parking offenders are heavily fined nowadays and seatbelt usage is compulsory. Avoid travelling longer distances at night or in the twilight, because wil animals crossing the road are a real threat in Namibia. Most of the farms might be fenced, but kudu can easily jump two metre high fences. A collision with one of these heavy animals often proves fatal. If you have to drive at night, at least don't exceed 80 km/h.

A 4x4 is not an absolute neccessity in Namibia. Most gravel and sand roads are in good condition and can be negotiated by normal light vehicles. But for some areas like Sandwich Harbour or the Sossusvlei and particularly for Kaokoland you have to have a 4x4. For the Kaokoveld, additional expedition equipment like a second spare wheel, tools, special maps and possibly a GPS etc are required.

Buses

The company Intercape Mainliner maintains an overland bus service on the routes Windhoek - Mariental - Keetmanshoop - Upington - Cape Town and Windhoek - Okahandja - Karibib - Swakopmund as well as Windhoek - Otjiwarongo - Tsumeb. Tel 061-227487.


6. Time differences

In the Namibian summer, time is ahead of Central Europe for an hour, while in winter, it falls an hour behind.


7. Passports & visas

Visitors from Europe need for a stay of not more than 90 days only a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months ahead on the departure date). There are special regulations for longer stays.
It is possible to import hunting rifles. The permit is issued at entry. You have to produce a fire arm licence from your home country.

8. Tax

VAT is charged at 14%.


9. Currency & banks

In 1993 the Namibian Dollar (N$) was introduced. Its' strength is on par with the South African Rand (1:1), because the two countries' economies are closely linked. It is even legal to pay with the South African Rand in Namibia.

In Namibia you can generally pay with the usual credit cards, but not at petrol stations.

The Namibian Bank allows you to exchange all freely convertible currencies and traveller's cheques into Namibian Dollars. At bigger branches you find ATM's, where you can draw money with a credit or Maestro (the former EC) card. The banks are usually open on weekdays from 9:00 to 15:30. Some are closed at midday between 13:00 and 14:00 pm.

 

10. Shopping

Shops are usually open on weekdays from 8.30 to 13:00 and then from 14:00 to 17:00. On saturdays; from 8:30 to 14:00. Some shops like the "Portuguese" ones, have longer opening hours. Banks open at 9:30 and close at 15:30 during weekdays, while they close as early as 11:00am on saturdays. Post offices are open on weekdays from 8:00 to 16:30 and 8:30 to 11:00 am on saturdays.


11. Petrol/Gas stations

The network of petrol stations in Namibia is good, although not as numerous as in Europe. Also smaller towns have a petrol station. Only cash is accepted as payment. Mostly Diesel, 95 Unleaded and 97 Super (leaded) are available. 1 litre costs just under 4 N$. The petrol stations are service stations (no self-service) and a small tip of about 2 N$ is adequate, especially if the attendant has washed your windscreen.


12. Tipping

It is customary to give a tip of 10% of the bill in restaurants. Porters receive 2 to 5 N$ and a petrol station attendant about 2 N$.

13. Road safety

The condition of Namibian roads is generally good and well maintained. You can travel the country on 5 500 kms of tarred road and 37 000 kms on gravel roads easily in a normal sedan. The sand, salt and gravel roads are well maintained and easy to navigate, unless it is pouring with rain.

14. Vaccinations

For Namibia no vaccinations are required. Malaria-prophylactic (like Lariam) is only necessary if you are planning to visit areas north of the Etosha Park or in the Caprivi. It is most essential to cover yourself from mosquito bites, since no remedies offer total protection. If you, despite taking medicine, still contract malaria, you will be defenseless against the virus. If you have been to a malaria area, watch out for symptoms and see a doctor immediately if they arise to get medication as early as possible.

15. Electricity

The voltage in Namibia is 220-230 V, AC (identical to South Africa). Adapters are for sale at most supermarkets. Farmers often generate their own electricity with a diesel generator, which they usually only run during the day. At night it's candlelight or light from a 12 Volt battery.

16. Language

Before Independence, English and Afrikaans had been the only official languages. Now they are also Herero, Ovambo, Damara and Nama. The white population mostly speaks Afrikaans (60%) and German (35%). You can manage well with English and German.


17. Public holidays

1 January New Year
21 March: Independence Day 1
22 March: Independence Day 2
1 May: Workers' Day
4 May: Cassinga Day (reminder of the Freedom Struggle)
25 May: Africa Day
26 August: Heroes Day
10 December: Human Rights Day
25 December: Christmas
26 December: Family Day
Changing Holidays: Good Friday - Easter Sunday, Easter Monday.




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