| |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
|
Namibia is a long haul destination with
plenty travel options, so it's worth planning ahead to get the best
out of your journey. |
| |
Currency
:
1 Namibian Dollar (N$) = 100 cents
The Namibia Dollar (N$) is fixed to and equals the South African Rand (ZAR) 1:1.
The South African Rand is legal tender in Namibia and is accepted throughout
for payment. Currency Exchange : www.xe.com |
 |
| |
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. VISA cards are not accepted
at petrol filling stations. |
 |
| |
Voltage :
220/240 volts AC. 3-Pin Plugs are used |
 |
|
Communications :
IDD is available. Country code: 264 |
 |
| |
Local Time:
Summertime is GMT + 2 from the first Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April.
Wintertime is GMT + 1, from the first Sunday in April to the first Sunday in September. |
| |
Banking Hours
09h00-15h30 Monday-Friday
09h00-11h00 Saturday |
|
Shopping Hours
08h00-17h30 Monday-Friday
08h00-13h00 Saturday |
 |
| |
Passport & VISA Requirements :
All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six
months beyond the intended length of stay. Nationals of certain countries
do not require visas. It is advisable to check for the latest visa
and entry requirements. |
| |
Health Precautions
:
Due to the hot dry climate Namibia is virtually free of tropical diseases, therefore
health certificates are not normally required. However, vaccination requirements
change from time to time. We suggest you consult your local doctor or health
department. |
 |
Malaria exists in the northern area
throughout the year, but you can reduce the risk of malaria by using
prophylactics, which should be started
before arriving in Namibia and with your doctor’s guidance.
If you are on prescription medication, please ensure you have an
adequate supply, to last the duration of your stay and a copy of
your prescription(s).
The Southern Africa sun is harsh, therefore we advise that you apply
highest (SPF '20) sun block liberally prior to going on walks,
swimming etc. |
| |
 |
| Accessibility
: |
| By Air: Namibia
is directly accessible by regular international flights from Europe
by Air Namibia & LTU and neighbouring countries from Johannesburg,
Cape Town, Maun, Victoria Falls, and Luanda by Air Namibia, South
African Airways, British Airways/Comair and SA Express. |
 |
| By Road: Namibia is directly
accessible by the regular Intercape Mainliner bus service from Johannesburg,
Cape Town and Victoria Falls. |
| |
Airports
:
International Airports - Hosea Kutako International Airport, previously Windhoek
International Airport; Walvis Bay Airport |
 |
| |
International
& Domestic Airports:
Hosea Kutako International Airport - 45km east of Windhoek, previously
Windhoek International Airport, caters primarily for international
air traffic,
while
Eros
Airport, situated within the municipal boundaries of Windhoek, handles
domestic and regional flights.
All major Namibian tourist destinations have airports, landing strips
and/or heliports to accommodate holidaymaker's traveling by air.
Although Namibia has over 300 known airfields, travellers are cautioned
not to land at unlicensed airfields, as the condition is not always
known. Aircraft fuel is usually not available at the landing strips,
and landings must be arranged in advance. |
| |
Transport
:
Domestic transport services available include Intercape Mainliner bus service
and scheduled commercial flights. |
 |
| |
Private transport available includes hired car, 4x4 vehicle or light aircraft.
Please note: Sense of Africa discourages clients from using public transport.
|
| |
Road Conditions:
A two-wheel drive vehicle is adequate for a self-drive holiday. The country has
a well established road network, of which some
5 450 km is tarred and
37 000km consists of gravel and earth roads, providing access to the majority |
 |
| of towns, parks, nature reserves
and tourist
attractions in the country. Road conditions are good and well signposted.Two
major development projects, the Trans-Caprivi Highway and the Trans-Kalahari
Highway, provide access to Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa
and link Namibia with other Southern African Development Community
(SADC) countries for trade, travel and communication. |
| |
|
What to Buy
Finely crafted jewellery, precious and semi-precious gemstones, karakul
jackets, indigenous crafts, Namibian brewed beer and locally manufactured
chocolates and exotic leather goods. |
| |
Safety
Namibia is a peaceful, democratic country and is relatively crime free. However,
as in any other place in the world there are undesirable elements. |
 |
| |
By following basic advice it is possible
to avoid most potential problems. It is advised that you carry a
record of the numbers of your passport,
airline tickets and travellers cheque's. These should be kept in
a safe place. Please note expensive jewellery should not be taken
on
safari.
Do not flash lots of money, an expensive camera or jewellery. Take
note of onlookers and keep your possessions in sight at all times
to avoid opportunistic theft. Make use of your hotel safety deposit
box for expensive items. Never leave baggage or personal items unattended,
especially at airports. It is best not to wander around the streets
after dark.
If you are travelling in a car, do not leave your purse or bag lying
on the passenger seat in clear view - rather keep them in the car
boot. Do not consider picking up hitchhikers. |
| |
Water
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country, except for isolated rural
areas, where the consumption of filtered or bottled mineral water is recommended.
(Remember water is as precious as diamonds in this drought-stricken land.) |
 |
| |
Accommodation :
Advanced bookings are highly recommended, especially outside of major centres
and are absolutely essential in July, August, September, October, November
and December. |
 |
| |
The accommodation type
in Namibia varies from hotels, guesthouses, pensions, guest farms,
tented camps and lodges.
Lodges and safari camps tend to be on private ranches and offer both
standard and luxury accommodation.
National parks offer camping, self-catering huts or chalets . |
| |
|
| Dietary Requirements : |
Special dietary requirements are catered
for throughout Namibia.
Most restaurants offer selections for vegetarians, depending on their forte.
Note : It is important to give
advanced notice to places where you intend staying. |
 |
| |
Tips & Gratuities
Some restaurants do include service charges; otherwise 10 per cent
of the billed amount is adequate. The same applies to hotel service
personnel. |
| |
| What to Pack |
|
| Cotton rather than synthetic clothing
is recommended for Namibian summers. This can be bought at shops
in Windhoek that specialise in lightweight safari wear. Winters are
usually mild to warm, which calls
for light clothing in the middle of the day,
and a sweater or jacket for evenings and |
 |
| early mornings when it can become
quite cold. It is often cold and windy at the coast, for which warm
clothing,
including
a windbreaker, is necessary. An important item is comfortable walking
shoes. Swimsuits are required for public beaches or swimming pools.
When packing, remember to include binoculars, a sun-hat, sunglasses,
sun block, bathing towel, moisturiser, lip-ice and mosquito repellent.
Points for electric shavers (electric current 250VAC) are available
at major hotels and most state-owned rest camps and resorts. It is
advisable to bring battery-operated or conventional razors when visiting
remote areas. Camping equipment can be hired in Windhoek. |
| |
Photographic
Equipment
Ensure that you have sufficient film and spare batteries, as these may be difficult
to purchase in some areas. A lens hood and ultra violet filter are advisable.
Dust-proof packing of your equipment is strongly recommended. |
 |
| |
| Important Note: It is courteous to ask
permission before photographing people. Please be sensitive. Not all
African cultures are familiar with cameras. Rural folk will often
shy away from having their picture taken. Some locals may ask a fee
for having their photograph taken. It is recommended you avoid photographing
anything relating to government and military, including personnel
(soldiers and police) and buildings. |
| |
