The Republic of Namibia
Namibia draws the visitors back time again with its vast open landscapes baked in constant sunshine, abundance of wildlife and intriguing diversity of cultures. Although larger than France and the United Kingdom combined, the country has the population of only 1.6 mln, one of the lowest densities in the world. This combination allows the visitor to experience a unique blend of adventure , tranquility and unconditional and direct encounter with nature. The most fascinating is the Namib Desert, believed to be the oldest in the world with it's incredible orange dunes built by the wind to the height of more than 100 meters. Start by driving through the desert across the "moon landscape" to Sandwich Lagoon, where pink flamingos soar above golden dunes. Than move to the coastal towns and enjoy the old colonial charm of Swakopmund and the beautiful lagoon of Walvis Bay, or head back to nature at Cape Cross, where a breeding colony of thousand seals thrives. The wildlife and the National Parks with the most famous - Etosha are breathtaking. In the dry season when the earth seems to shimmer with mirages, the waterholes in the park are like open-air theaters with casts of thousands. Zebra, wildebeest and gemsbok drink to the trumpeting of elephants and roaring of lions. The cultural diversity of this country is amazing - from the sophisticated 21st century life back to Sun or Himba tribes, who still live like thousands years ago and paint the bodies with the brown mud instead of wearing the clothes. For the adventurous there are bungee jumps over the desert, camel treks, quad biking from the highest dune in the world, desert candle light dinners and many more. |
Top Attractions
- Etosha National Park- one of Africa’s premier reserves, almost 5000 sq kms in size and mostly dry, with exceptional game viewing concentrated around the Pan and the main water holes. Accommodation is available at Namutoni and Okaukuejo camps.
- Namib-Naukluft Park- a huge desert area containing such sights as the world’s largest sand dunes at Soussusvlei, the Sesriem Canyon, the lunar-like landscape along the Welwitschia Drive and the Naukluft Mountains with their steep gorges and sandstone cliffs.
- The Fish River Canyon the second largest in the world, surpassed only by the Grand Canyon. A popular hiking destination.
- Swakopmund - an oasis of German culture and a popular tourist destination with plenty of outdoor activities.
- The Skeleton Coast Park- a long, desolate, eerily beautiful coastline and a graveyard for shipping.
- Kaokoland - arid and remote, among the world’s last great wilderness areas
- The Waterberg Plateau Park- high in the mountains, a sanctuary for rare and endangered species of game.
- The Erongo Mountains- fascinating volcanic rock formations in the Omaruru district.
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- Size: 824,290 km²
- Population:1 614 000
- Biggest city: Windhoek
- Languages: English, Afrikaans, German
- Religion: Mainly Christian
- Climate: Hot, dry
- Best time to visit: May-Sept
- VisasRequired: except for US, UK, SA and certain other nationalities
Nations who do require visas may get them on entry. Tourists can stay for a maximum of 90 days in Namibia if they can produce a return ticket and their passport is valid for at least another six months.
- Health: Anti malaria precautions advised
- TimeGMT: + 1 (April-Sept one hour behind SA time)
- Unit of currency: Namibian dollar
US $1=N$5,73 (05.03.2005)
- Electrical current: 250 volts AC
- Driving: On the left
- Credit cards: Generally accepted
- Public holidays: 1 Jan; 21,29,31 Mar; 1 Apr; 1,4 May; 9 Jun; 25 Aug; 10,25,26 Dec
- Dialling code: 09264
- Watertap: water is safe to drink
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Climate
Tropical Region with one of the gentlest climates in Africa, ensuring a degree of comfort even at the hight of summer. May - September is cool and dry, October and November are hot and dry. December - April are hot and rainy seasons.
When to go
The dry winter season (May to October) is the best time to visit. The Namib-Naukluft Park and Etosha get violently hot between December and March, and resorts are crowded during Namibian and South African school holidays.
Malaria
Northern Namibia is a malaria endemic zone. Travellers should have necessary medication/prophylaxis, insect repellant lotions or sprays.
Money
The Namibian dollar is on a par with the SA Rand. Rands can also be used freely throughout the country.
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