Namibia

Climate

Typical semi-desert hot days and cool nights. Midsummer temperatures can rise to over 40 degrees centigrade. Winter days are warm, but dawn temperatures can drop to freezing.  Along the coast it is cool with low rainfall and fog prevails from late afternoon until mid-morning. The rainy season lasts from October to April. The rest of the year is dry and cloudless. Namibia averages 300 days of sunshine a year.

Languages

English is the official language, but Afrikaans and German are widely spoken.

Public Holidays

New Year’s Day 1st January; Independence Day 21st March; Good Friday (Easter weekend) April (variable date)    Family Day (Easter weekend) April (variable date); Workers day 1st May; Cassinga Day 4th May; Africa Day 25th May; Ascension Day 1st June; Heroes Day 26th August; Human Rights Day 10th December; Christmas Day 25th December; Family Day 26th December

Health / Immunization

Visitors are responsible for their own medical needs and it is advisable to carry comprehensive medical insurance. There are Public Hospitals in Windhoek and in most towns with services ranging from very good to basic. Private Hospitals in Windhoek provide good quality medical services. Chemists/Pharmacies, private doctors and other medical practitioners are based in Windhoek and other larger regional towns. Malaria is endemic to the Zambezi and Kwando River regions in Caprivi and the north-eastern border region with Angola. Suitable precautions and the use of Prophylactics are recommended for visitors to these areas. There are a number of excellent mosquito repellents available in Namibia, which are applied directly to the skin or clothes in the evening. Many hotels and other accommodation establishments provide mosquito nets over the beds in their rooms. HIV/Aids is widespread in Namibia and it is recommended that visitors do not engage in any high-risk sexual or drug-related activities; which may cause exposure to the disease. Condoms are however available in the country; but one wants to consider tests before using them.

On Safari

All large game at the wildlife reserves is to be considered dangerous and therefore the reserve’s rules should be strictly adhered to. To avoid snakebites while on a walking safari, wear boots, socks and long trousers. Neutral coloured clothing is recommended and in the cooler months warm clothing is recommended for  game drives. Do not swim in the rivers in wildlife areas. Afternoon / evening game drives typically start between 15h00 – 16h00 so please ensure that you arrive in time.

Visa & Entry Requirements

Visitors arriving from any country must be in possession of a valid passport and return air tickets or proof of sufficient funds to be able to leave the country. Persons travelling on French, Italian, Austrian, Liechtenstein, Swiss, German, American (USA), Canadian, Japanese, Russian, Zimbabwean, Angolan, Zambian, Botswana, Mozambican, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Irish or United Kingdom passports DO NOT require a visa. Proof of being able to leave the country is required.  Health certificates are not normally required. International visitors need a valid passport together with onward travel documents if arriving from foreign countries directly.

Money

The currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar, which is fixed to and equals the South African Rand on a one-to-one basis.  Notes are issued in the following denominations: 200 Namibia Dollars (N$200), 100 Namibia Dollars (N$100), 50 Namibian Dollars (N$50) and 10 Namibian Dollars (N$10). Coins are issued as: 5 Namibian Dollars (N$5), 1 Namibian Dollar (N$1), 50 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents. The Namibian Dollar and South African Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia and can be used freely to purchase goods and services in the country. The Namibian Dollar, however, is not legal tender in South Africa. Traveller’s cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at any of the commercial banks, which are well represented throughout the country.  International Visa and MasterCard credit cards are generally accepted throughout Namibia, whilst a Speedpoint facility assures a quick and efficient service. Holders of other cards are advised to clarify with a commercial bank whether their card is acceptable in Namibia.  Visitors can bring any amount of foreign currency into the country. Further information and assistance can be obtained from any commercial bank in Namibia.

Road Travel & Public Transport

The road network is well developed and of a high standard. The developed national road and tourist infrastructure within Namibia makes it an easy self-drive destination for the international tourist. Public transport services are largely unavailable. Taxi services are available in Windhoek; which can be booked by hotel staff. Trains and luxury inter-city coaches run between Windhoek and Cape Town & Johannesburg in South Africa.