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Namibia Tourist Information: |
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The map of Namibia shows that it is truly a land of remarkable contrasts. With a land surface of 824 269 square kilometres, it is nearly four times the size of Britain but, with an estimated population of about 1,7 million people, it remains one of the most sparsely populated countries of Africa. A look at the Namibia map won’t show that the country’s landscapes are an ever-changing kaleidoscope - changing from the Namib dune sea in the west to teak woodlands and waterways in the northeast. Namibia is a country of clear blue skies and pleasant climate and is a photographers dream for both stunning wildlife and awesome landscape pictures.
Throughout the year.
In summer (October to April) the average interior temperatures range from 20 C to 34 C, but can rise to over 35 C in the extreme north and south of the country. The temperatures in the west (along the coast) are a fairly stable 15 to 25 C all year round and heavy fog is common at night.
The rainy season is from October through to April and the average annual rainfall varies from less than 50 mm along the coast to 350mm in the central interior, and 700 mm in the Caprivi.
Winter is from May to September with temperatures in the interior ranging from 18 C to 25 C in the day. However below freezing temperatures and ground frost are common at night.
Average temperatures in Windhoek:
| |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Minimum |
17 |
16 |
15 |
13 |
9 |
8 |
7 |
8 |
12 |
15 |
15 |
17 |
| Maximum |
29 |
28 |
27 |
25 |
22 |
20 |
20 |
23 |
25 |
29 |
29 |
30 |
Visitors should pack both warm and cold weather clothing, as well as hat, sunglasses and sun block for any visit to Namibia no matter what time of year you are visiting.
Though Namibia’s road network is considered one of the best in the world many of the roads are gravel based and travelling over 80 kms per hour can be extremely hazardous. Therefore it may take longer than expected to cover important distances. In Namibia one drives on the left, safety belts must be used at all times and the use of hand-held cellphones when driving is prohibited. Road signs are international and easy to understand.
Cars, minibuses and 4x4 vehicles can be hired at all major towns.
| |
Windhoek |
Swakopmund |
Okaukeujo (Etosha) |
| Windhoek |
|
356 |
435 |
| Swakopmund |
356 |
|
561 |
| Okaukeujo (Etosha) |
435 |
561 |
|
The Namibian Dollar (N$) is divides into 100 cents and equals the South African Rand. The Namibian Dollar and the South African Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia. Foreign currency travellers cheques can be exchanged at most banks.
Major credit cards such as Master Card, Visa and Diners are accepted throughout the country.
(www.mastercurrency.co.za)
All goods and services offered include VAT. VAT for goods purchased may be reclaimed at the main border posts and Windhoek International airport.
The north of Namibia, including Etosha is a malaria-endemic area. Travellers are advised to take the necessary medication/prophylaxis and carry a mosquito repellent or spray, available at a local shop or pharmacist. Tick bite fever can be a problem when walking in grass and travellers should be aware that the incidence of AIDS is high throughout Southern Africa.
(www.traveldoctor.com)
Medical services in Namibia are of a high standard. However the availability of the services is restricted to the main towns and emergency evacuation from remote areas may attract high costs. An insurance service for tourists is available from rescue companies providing coverage for emergency transport.
Tap water is safe to drink in major towns and cities. Visitors should take caution in rural areas and ensure that they have enough water when travelling by road.
220 / 240 volts AC. Outlets are of the round 3-pin, 15-amp type.
Some European citizens need visas. Please check with your local Namibian consulate or embassy.
GMT + 2 hour, however daylight saving (GMT +1) puts Namibia one hour behind South Africa during winter, from the first Sunday in April to the first Sunday in September.
NB: There is no daylight saving in the North-Eastern and Caprivi region.
Though Namibia offers a widespread and reliable service for landlines, some lodges may be beyond the range of the network. Cell phone coverage is available but limited to major towns and cities only. The international dialling code is +264 followed by the regional code and the desired number.
E-mail is used extensively and there are internet cafes in all the major towns.
The official language is English and all documents, notices and signs are in this language. Afrikaans and German are both widely used.
| Fish River Canyon: |
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Awe-inspiring is perhaps an understatement when describing the raw beauty of the Fish River Canyon, which ranks amongst the largest canyons in the world.
Highlights include:
View points, hikes and trails including the 85 km long Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail, the thermal springs of Ai-Ais.
Best time to visit:
May – September.
| Sesriem/Sossusvlei: |
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Sesriem is the gateway to the Namib desert and to the awe inspiring gigantic red dunes of Sossusvlei. A destination not to be missed.
Highlights include:
Spectacular desert scenery including the star shaped red dunes of Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei, Sesriem Canyon, a variety of antelope and birds.
Best time to visit:
May to September
| Swakopmund: |
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Popular with locals and visitors alike the holiday town of Swakopmund offers a combination of relaxing beaches, organised activities, restaurants, bars and nightlife. Exactly what is needed after a week in the desert!
Highlights include:
A range of dune based activities including quad biking and dune boarding, German colonial buildings, desert landscapes, relaxing on the white sandy beaches and the flamingos at Walvis Bay as well as the lively restaurants and bars.
Best time to visit:
October to April
| Windhoek: |
|
Founded in 1890 by the Germans Windhoek is the capital city of Namibia and, geographically located in the centre of the country, it acts as the gateway to many of the attractions.
Highlights include:
German colonial buildings, museums and churches, the craft market, restaurants and bars.
Best time to visit:
All year round
| The Waterberg Plateau: |
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Rising unexpectedly above the savanna this plateau with its sheer orange cliffs is now home to a variety of game including many endangered species of Namibian wildlife and makes a good overnight stop between Windhoek and Etosha
Highlights include:
Game drives including rare and endangered species, bush walks as well as a spectacular setting.
Best time to visit:
All year round
| Etosha National Park: |
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One of Africa’s great game parks and the size of a small country, the landscapes of Etosha range from dense bush to open plains. Populated by an abundance of game, including the Big Five, this is Namibia’s premier game viewing destination.
Highlights include:
Big Five (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard) and a great variety of smaller animals and birds, bush walks, luxurious lodges.
Best time to visit:
May to September.
| Damaraland: |
|
The landscape varies between desert, rolling savannah and high mountain ranges and is full of strange geological features, rock paintings and rare animals.
Highlights include:
The petrified forest, Twyfelfontein (“Fountain of Doubt”), Vingerklip, Burnt mountain, the Spitzkoppe and many more interesting geological formations as well as the desert elephants that live in this inhospitable region.
Best time to visit:
May to September.
| Skeleton Coast: |
|
Aptly described as the world’s largest shipping graveyard the main attraction of this isolated stretch of desert coast is its solitude.
Highlights include:
Coastal and desert scenery, the Cape Cross seal colony, angling, peace, quiet and solitude.
Best time to visit:
All year round.
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