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Basic Facts
Full Name : Republic of Namibia (formerly South West Africa)Capital : Windhoek
Time : GMT +1 hour (4 Apr - 4 Sept) /GMT +2 hours (5 Sept - 3 Apr)
Currency : Namibia Dollar (N$)
Language : Ovambo, Damara, Kavango, Herero, English, German and Afrikaans
Getting Around
Rail & BusThere is a reasonable rail network connecting most of the major towns, but trains are very slow. Train journeys should be booked in Windhoek, from where trains run to Keetmanshoop, Ariamsvlei, Tsume, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Luxury bus services and a bus service that has replaced defunct rail services connect Windhoek, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Lüderitz and other major towns. Minibuses operate along the B1 from Oshakati and Keetmanshoop. Note that minibuses only depart when full.
Airports
Domestic air services operate between the major airports:
Eros Airport, Windhoek (ERS)
Rooikop Airport, Walvis Bay (WVB)
Swakopmund Airport (SWP)
Lüderitz Airport (LUD)
Mpacha Airport (MPA)
There are a total of 135 runways in Namibia, of which only 22 are paved. Charter services can be arranged to reach remote areas, though this may be expensive.
Roads
There are 64,799 km of highways in Namibia, of which 7,841 km are paved. Namibia has an extremely good infrastructure of roads and a two-wheel drive vehicle is adequate for a self-drive holiday. Foreign drivers require an international driving license. Driving is on the left side of the road and speed limits are 60km/h in towns, 120 km/h on open tarred roads and 100km/h on gravel roads. Note that excessive speed is the main cause of accidents on gravel roads so keep to the prescribed speed limit and observe road signs conscientiously. In dusty conditions, switch on your headlights so as to be more easily observed. Four-wheel drive vehicles are essential for exploring Damaraland and Bushmanland. Watch out for wildlife on the road!
Passports and Visas
Entry Requirements(as at June 2000)
This is a guide only - please check with your nearest Namibian Consulate for up to date information. All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay, and where a visa is not required, a visa application form and proof of sufficient funds and onward travel / return ticket should also be carried. There should be sufficient blank pages in your passport for entry stamps upon arrival.
Nationals of the following countries do not require a visa for a stay of less than three months: South Africa, Angola, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Cuba, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, UK, USA, Moçambique, New Zealand, Portugal, Iceland, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Singapore, the Scandanavian countries, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Where applicable, visas should be obtained from your nearest Namibian Consulate. The cost is around US$25. Requirements for obtaining a visa are: one application form, proof of sufficient funds and onward travel / return ticket.
General Accommodation Info
Outside of the major centres, it is strongly recommended that you reserve your accommodation as far in advance as possible, since most of the lodges in the outlying and remote areas of Namibia are small and availability is at a premium. Lodges and safari camps tend to be set on private ranches and offer luxurious standards of accommodation. Prices at these lodges compare favourably with similar lodges in the neighbouring countries. Campsites in national parks are of a very high standard with excellent facilities. Booking is not essential but is advisable.When To Go
Namibia is an all year round ecological and wildlife destination. However there are certain seasons for special interest groups to take note of: Best birding safaris are during the summer months because of the greater variety of species to be found.Best botanical months are Dec. - May when the vegetation turns green, and also when most plants are in flower. Namibia's popularity as a destination is gaining in leaps and bounds to the extent that seasonal differences are not as marked as in previous years. Traditionally, however, peak season is from July - October and middle season is from May - June. Note that availability is at a premium during these seasons so you will need to book in advance. Christmas and New Year is peak season for local holidaymakers.Currency
The unit of currency is the Namibia Dollar (N$), which is divided into 100 cents. This is fixed to the South African Rand. Notes are issued in denominations of N$200, N$100, N$50, N$20 and N$10. Coins are issued as N$5, N$1, 50 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents. The Namibia Dollar and the South African Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia and both can be used freely to purchase goods and services.
Exchange Rate
The Namibia Dollar is fixed to and equals the South African Rand. Generally, you will find that fine cuisine, wine, and entertainment cost a fraction of the tariff charged by equivalent establishments elsewhere in the world. A Continental/English breakfast will cost about US$3, a meat or vegetable pie and a soft drink about US$1 and an evening meal around US$10-15. A glass of traditional beer costs as little as US$0.10!
Banks
Main Branches in Windhoek:
Mon - Fri 09:00 - 15:30
Sat 08:30 - 11:00
Main Branches in Swakopmund:
Mon - Fri 09:00 - 15:30
Sat 09:00 - 11:00
Main Branches in Keetmanshoop:
Mon - Fri 09:30 - 12:30;
14:00 - 15:30
Sat 08:30 - 10:30
Main Branches in Tsumeb:
Mon - Fri 09:00 - 12:45;
14:00 - 15:30
Sat 08:30 - 11:30
Main Branches in Rundu:
Mon - Fri 09:00 - 15:30
Sat 08:30 - 11:00
Main Branches in Katima Mulilo:
Mon - Fri 09:00 - 12:45;
14:00 - 14:30
Bureau de Change at Windhoek International Airport. Major hotels also have foreign exchange facilities and will accept travellers cheques.
Credit Cards
International Visa and Mastercard credit cards are generally accepted throughout Namibia. Holders of other credit cards are advised to clarify with a commercial bank whether their card is acceptable in Namibia. Credit cards are not accepted at petrol filling stations.
