Namibia Information

General

Geography:

Namibia is in South West Africa. It is a large and mainly barren country sharing borders with Angola in the north, Botswana in the east, South Africa in the south and in the Caprivi strip, a narrow panhandle of Namibian territory jutting from the northwest corner of the country, with Zambia and Zimbabwe. To the west is 1280km (795 miles)of some of the most desolate and lonely coastline in the world. The port of Walvis Bay, situated roughly halfway down the Namibia’s coast, was returned by South Africa to Namibian jurisdiction in February 1994. Along its entire length, the vast shifting sand dunes of the Namib Desert spread inland for 80 – 130km (50 – 80 miles). In the interior, the escarpment of a north-south plateau slopes away to the east and north into the vast interior sand basis of the Kalahari. In the far northwest the 66,000 sq km (25,500 sq miles) of the Kaokoland mountains run along the coast, while further inland lies the Etosha Pan (a dried-out saline lake), surrounded by grasslands and bush which support a large and varied wildlife. The Etosha National Park and Game Reserve is one of the finest in Africa, in that it remains, to a large extent, free of human influence.

Climate

Midsummer temperatures from the south and through the central regions can rise over 35˚C. In winter daytime temperatures can vary between 18 – 25˚C while at night and in the morning it can drop to below freezing. The rainy season is from October/ November through to March/ April.

The temperature ranges from 15 - 25˚C in the west, which is the coastal area, however blue skies may change rapidly into thick fog!

The climate is sub-tropical in the north with temperatures ranging from 26˚C in winter to 43˚C in summer. Humidity levels can be very high in summer.

Windhoek average temperatures:

Currency

The Namibian Dollar (N$) is divided into 100 cents and equals the South African Rand. Notes in circulation are N$200, N$100, N$50, N$20 and N$10. Coins are N$5, N$1, 50 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents.

The Namibian Dollar and South African Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia. South African Traveller’s Cheques are accepted almost everywhere. Personal Cheques and foreign currency or foreign Traveller’s Cheques are not accepted, but can b exchanged at any bank.

Drinking Water

Almost all tap water is purified and safe to drink. Visitors should exercise caution in rural areas.

Driving

In Namibia one drives on the left. The speed limit is 60-80 kph in build up areas, 80-90 kph on gravel roads and 120 kph on tar roads. Safety belts must be worn at all times.

Overseas visitors must carry a valid international driving licence. Roads signs are international and easy to understand. Drivers should take note of warning signs against antelope.

In rainy conditions, beware of slippery roads, wash-aways, running and stagnant water at causeways and drifts.

Distances between towns can be tiring so take regular breaks to stay alert and awake. Tyre air pressure is important in the road-holding ability of your vehicle. Ensure your spare tyre is inflated and in good working order and that a wheel spanner of correct size is included in your kit.

Electric Appliances

All run on 220/240 volts. Outlets are of the round 3 pin, 15 amp type.

Health

The north of Namibia, including Etosha National Park, is a malaria epidemic area. Travellers are strictly advised to take the necessary medication or prophylaxis and also carry a mosquito repellent lotion or spray. Cover exposed skin with long sleeves and trousers. Consult a doctor or pharmacist on the correct prophylaxis for the area of entry.

Blood in Namibia is donated by selected unpaid volunteers. The Blood Transfusion Service carefully screens all the blood products for transmissible disease, including hepatitis and Aids.

Because of Namibia’s vast size and the isolation of many venues, high costs are involved when illness or accidents occur. Travel insurance covering baggage and valuables plus accidents should be considered seriously before departure.

Language

The official language is English and all documents, notices and directional signs are in this language. German and Afrikaans are also used throughout the country and there are numerous African languages and dialects.