Travel guide – namibia

namibia
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Overview

Since Namibia has one of the most uninviting and desolate coastlines in the world, it was neglected by European explorers like the Portuguese, who limited their activities to setting up navigational crosses along the desert shoreline. Today visitors have discovered the vast potential of a country rich in natural resources, with desert landscapes, sunshine, wildlife and a rugged, barren beauty.

It was only later, during the last half of the 19th century that the race for colonies among the world powers began, and so ensued the German control that became Namibia’s colonial reign of terror. The indigenous tribes tried vigorously to retain their independence, and in 1904 a major uprising by the Herero and Nama people resulted in massive genocide retaliation by the colonialists, with an estimated 60 percent of the native population in the south being wiped out. Today the population consists of 11 main ethnic groups, and the towns still reflect the influence of German colonisation evident in the architecture, food and language, particularly in the capital city of Windhoek.

It has a diversity of natural habitats: the rugged coastline and haunting beauty of the Skeleton Coast, the endless stretch of undulating ochre-coloured sand dunes at Sossusvlei, the impressive gorge of the Fish River Canyon winding through the arid landscape of the great plateau, and the vast salt pan of Etosha National Park, one of the world’s greatest wildlife viewing venues. These are the attractions that draw travellers to one of Africa’s more intriguing destinations, the unspoilt wilderness of Namibia.

Regions and cities within Namibia...

The Namib Desert
Windhoek
Fish River Canyon

Climate

Rainfall occurs exclusively in the summer months, between November and February, when heavy thunderstorms can be expected. Summer is very hot and the Namib Desert should be avoided at this time as temperatures are often above 104ºF (40ºC). The coast is cooler and often foggy. The best time to visit is during the winter months from March to October (April and June are preferable) as days are warm and dry, and wildlife easier to spot as they tend to congregate at waterholes. Nights can be very cold with frost.

Health

A yellow fever certificate is required for all travellers arriving from infected areas. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, typhoid fever and polio are also recommended. 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. Drinking water outside the main towns and cities may be contaminated. There are good medical facilities in Windhoek, but medical insurance is essential as treatment is expensive. Travellers to Namibia should take medical advice at least four weeks prior to departure.

The basics

Time

Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the first Sunday in April and the first Sunday in September).

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round three-pin plugs are standard.

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 are discretionary and depending on good service.

Safety

The majority of visits to Namibia are trouble-free, but beware of street crime and pickpockets in the town centres. Theft from vehicles, especially from service stations, is common and valuables should be kept out of sight and the car locked. Avoid using taxis if possible and never take one alone. Care should be taken when travelling in the Caprivi Strip; travel in daylight hours only and stay on the main tarred highway, as there is a risk of landmines remaining from the Angolan civil war.

Customs

It is best to check before taking pictures of State House or properties where the President is residing, as well as any buildings guarded by the army or police.

Communications

The international access code for Namibia is +264. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). Most towns are covered by a GSM 900/1800 mobile network. Internet access is available from some hotels and Internet cafes are available in Windhoek and Walvis Bay.

Duty Free

Travellers to Namibia over 16 years do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco; 2 litres wine and 1 litre spirits or liquor; 50ml perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; and gifts to the value of N$50,000.

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