Located in southwestern Africa, Namibia boasts a well-developed infrastructure, some of the best tourist facilities in Africa, and an impressive list of breathtaking natural wonders. Visitors can explore the capital of Windhoek and discover the lovely coastal town of Swakopmund boasting remnants of the country’s German influence, reflected in the architecture, culture, cuisine, and the annual Oktoberfest celebrations. To properly appreciate this extraordinary country, you will have to venture out of the cities to explore the remarkable natural landscapes Namibia has to offer.
These include the impressive Fish River Canyon; the vast Etosha National Park teeming with abundant wildlife, such as lions, desert-adapted elephants, and the Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra; the hauntingly beautiful Kalahari Desert; and of course the Namib Desert stretching for over 2000 km along the magnificent Atlantic Coast. Namibia is an ideal destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable African experience in a uniquely beautiful untamed wilderness.
Banking and Currency
Currency
The currency of Namibia is The Namibian Dollar (NAD; symbol N$) is in note denominations of N$200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of N$5, N$1, 50 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents. It is linked to the South African Rand (R) on a 1:1 basis (South African Rand = 100 cents). The South African Rand is also acceptable as currency in Namibia.
The import and export of local currency is limited to N$50,000. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided sums equal to or exceeding NAD5,000 are declared on arrival. Export of foreign currency is unlimited up to the amount imported and declared.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday – Friday 09h00 to 15h30 and Satuday 08h30 to 11h00
Banks are found in most towns, with most being closed on Sundays and public holidays. Most of them offer foreign exchange services – with cash, bank, and credit cards as well as travellers’ cheques.
American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, and Visa are accepted. Credit cards are not usually accepted at petrol stations, so bear this in mind when you visit the ATM. Setting aside an emergency petrol cash fund is a good idea if you’re planning to drive.
You can also obtain cash from many of the ATMs. Several international banks have branches in main city centres. Always advise your bank that you are traveling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they have not been informed.
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, take traveler’s cheques in US Dollars or South African Rand. In general, you can expect a better exchange rate for traveller’s cheques than for cash.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Public transport in Namibia is geared towards the needs of the local populace, and is confined to main roads between major population centres. Although cheap and reliable, it is of little use to the traveller as most of Namibia’s tourist attractions lie off the beaten track.
It is easy to travel around Namibia by car, and a 2WD vehicle is perfectly adaquate for most journeys. However, long distances, poor mobile phone coverage outside of main towns and infrequent petrol stations that only accept cash mean that planning ahead is vital.
There are major airlines that fly into Windhoek and Swakopmund. Other destinations are reachable by car or charter flight.
Namibians drive on the left and all signposts are in English. Seat belts must be worn at all times and talking in a mobile phone while driving is prohibited. The general speed limit is 120km/h on tarred roads outside of towns and 100km/h on gravel roads. In built up areas, the speed limit is 60km/h.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Traditional Namibian cuisine is rarely served and so the food at restaurants tends to be European in style and is, generally, of a very high standard.
Namibia is very meat-orientated, and many menu options will feature steaks from various animals. However, there is usually a vegetarian and seafood section offered by most camps and restaurants. In the supermarkets you’ll find pre-wrapped fresh fruit and vegetables (though the more remote the areas you visit, the smaller your choice), and plenty of canned foods, pasta, rice, bread, etc. Most of this is imported from South Africa.
The water in Namibia’s main towns is generally safe to drink, though it may taste a little metallic if it has been piped for miles. Natural sources should usually be purified, though water from underground springs and dry riverbeds seldom causes any problems. However, filtered and bottled water are readily available in most towns and all camps, lodges and hotels.
Climate and Weather
Partially covered by the Namib Desert, one of the world’s driest deserts, Namibia’s climate is generally very dry and pleasant – it’s fine to visit all year round. Namibia only receives a fraction of the rain experienced by countries further east. Between about December to March some days will be humid and rain may follow, often in localized, afternoon thunderstorms. These are more common in the centre and east of the country, and more unusual in the desert.
April and especially May are often lovely months in Namibia. Increasingly dry, with a real freshness in the air, and much greenery in the landscape; at this time the air is clear and largely free from dust.
From June to August Namibia cools down and dries out more; nights can become cold, dropping below freezing in some desert areas. As the landscape dries so the game in the north of the country gravitates more to waterholes, and is more easily seen by visitors. By September and October it warms up again; game-viewing in most areas is at its best, although there’s often a lot of dust around and the vegetation has lost its vibrancy.
November is a highly variable month. Sometimes the hot, dry weather will continue, at other times the sky will fill with clouds and threaten to rain – but if you’re lucky enough to witness the first rains of the season, you’ll never forget the drama.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Namibians have a somewhat relaxed attitude to dress codes. A jacket and tie are very unusual. In fact, long trousers and a shirt with buttons are often quite adequate for a formal occasion or work wear. A pair of sensible shoes, jeans, and a t-shirt are recommended.
During the day it is generally hot, so pack lightweight loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics, such as linen or cotton, that will keep you cool and are easy to wash and dry.
Avoid blue clothing – the tsetse flies are drawn to the color blue, and their bite can give you African Sleeping
Sickness.
Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers will protect you against mosquitoes at night.
Internet Availability
Telecom Namibia offers a service called wi-space. You purchase a wi-space voucher that allows you to connect to WiFi wherever you see the wi-space logo (about 40 locations in Namibia). Alternatively good WiFi access is available at most holiday accommodation venues across the country (free / paid).
Electricity and Plug Standards
Electrical sockets in Namibia are Type M (SABS-1661). If your appliance’s plug doesn’t match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug it in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance’s plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it’s crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.
Electrical sockets in Namibia usually supply electricity at 230 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. If you’re plugging in an appliance that was built for 230 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 230 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.
Travel Information
Upon your arrival, some pertinent information on Travel in Namibia:
Police roadblocks: Please note that you will encounter several police roadblocks, usually on exit/entrances to biggertowns or cities. These are for your safety and police might ask to check your driver’s licence or passport.
Cell phone coverage: is largely restricted to towns and cities, with irregular coverage in-between.
Fuelling (gas) stations: accept cash only, no credit cards are allowed. Most of the bigger towns as well as National
Parks have fuelling stations available.
Cash withdrawal: Namibia has ATM (Automated Teller Machines) available in most of the bigger towns, where any of the international visa or master cards can be used to withdraw cash.
Time changes: Time zone in Namibia (GMT+2)
Animals on roads: As Namibia has largely wide, open grasslands and antelope are aplenty, be on the lookout for game like Kudu and warthog that can cross the roads any time.
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 08h00 – 17h00. Saturdays’ most shops close around 14h00; Sundays and Public
Holidays shops are usually closed.
Banking hours: vary from 08h00/09h00 – 16h00 on weekdays, and Saturday mornings to around 11h00.
Hitchhikers: It is not suggested that you pick up hitchhikers on any road in Namibia
Stolen Items: Should you be so unfortunate as to have a personal item stolen from your person or vehicle, please report to the nearest police station, where you will receive a claim number, and which can be used for insurance purposes.
Vehicle breakdown: In case you do become stranded next to road (e.g. vehicle problems or flat tyre) please remain at your vehicle. Frequently other vehicles pass along on the same road who can either assist you or contact us.
Intermix Tours & Safaris will be aware of your overnight stops and if you do not show up at the pre-booked spot, we will launch a search. It is therefore very important that you keep water and some dry snacks with you at all times when traveling in Namibia.
DRIVING TIPS
GENERAL
100km per hour.
GRAVEL ROADS
Mind when passing donkey carts and pedestrians in rural areas and slow down!
Check engine oil, water and tyre pressure when the engine and tyres are cold.
Just before most of the bigger towns, there are road blocks, but these are more a formality than an issue. If you adhere to the Namibian rules and regulations there should be no problems. We would like to advise you before you visit your country to have the following documents with you:
HEALTH & SAFETY ON TOUR IN NAMIBIA
Due to the hot dry climate, Namibia is virtually free of tropical diseases. Visitors should however take care of the following
MALARIA
A bite from an infected Anopheles mosquito can transmit microscopic blood parasites resulting in malaria. While malaria is found mainly in the north of the country, cases have been reported in the central region and occasionally in the south. Malaria can be a serious and fatal disease without prompt treatment. You can reduce the risk of malaria by using prophylactics (which should be started before arriving in Namibia and under your doctor’s guidance) and by following these simple procedures:
Insect repellents of high quality can be purchased in Namibia. Should any of the symptoms of malaria, such as fever, rigours (shaking), headaches, backache, diarrhoea and/or vomiting be experienced, it is extremely important to obtain professional help as soon as possible for proper diagnosis (a blood test) and prompt treatment. Symptoms can surface as soon as ten days and as long as eight weeks after being bitten. If any flu-like symptoms are experienced once you return home seek immediate medical attention and advise your doctor that you have recently visited a malaria area.
BILHARZIA
This disease is caused by a parasite, which lives in slow-flowing water. Fortunately, it is only travelers to the Caprivi and Kavango, who need be aware of bilharzia. Avoid drinking, swimming, or washing in rivers in the extreme north, especially in areas, where there is a lot of human habitation.
DE-HYDRATION
This is one of the most common problems in Namibia, especially in the hot summer months. Because of the high evaporation rate one seldom notices water loss – your sweat evaporates almost immediately! To avoid dehydration, try to drink three litres of water a day. Fizzy drinks (e.g.: Coca Cola) and beer DO NOT re-hydrate you! Early warning signs are a dull, throbbing headache and unusual tiredness.
WATER
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country, except for isolated rural areas, where the consumption of filtered or bottled water is recommended.
NOSE BLEEDS
The dry climate and the height above sea level often cause nose bleeds for the first few days after arrival.
SNAKES, SCORPIONS & SPIDERS
Although we have many different snakes in Namibia, they are seldom seen. The great majority of snakes are timid and move out of your path long before you see them. When walking in the bush wear good walking boots, preferable with thick socks covering the ankles. When walking in long grass be sure to check your legs and clothes for grass ticks – especially in the rainy season Scorpions and spiders are also seldom seen. They are more active in the rainy season, during the cooler evening and early morning hours. The best way to avoid being stung is to wear shoes. If by chance you encounter a scorpion or spider in your room, please ask your host to have it removed. Do not leave your shoes/boots outside at night –these provide convenient places for scorpions and Spiders to hole up in – not to mention the fact that Jackals have an insatiable appetite for shoes of all makes and sizes!
Wear a hat and sunscreen at all times. Never go walking without a supply of water – even if on a short walk. Keep a supply of water and some fruit or biscuits in your vehicle at all times.
Namibia is a peaceful, democratic country and it is safe to travel throughout the country.
Generally, Namibia is relatively crime-free. However, as in any other place in the world, there are undesirable
elements. The following precautions can be taken to ensure a safe and pleasant stay:
