What you should know about Namibia
What Namibia has to offer?
Looking for extraordinary nature adventure, e.g. The Namib Desert with its widespread sand
dunes and rock sceneries, the natural habitat of Namibian animals in the world famous Etosha National Park,
the far stretched Kalahari or the river-oases of the Caprivi-Strip.
All this under one hat in Safari Style will be a Namibian experience.
Namibia has to offer:
Paragliding, horse riding, quad biking or dune boarding to experience nature
even closer. There are also
hiking trails for the wanderers, lots of terrain for mountain bikers, miles and miles of unkempt ocean for
anglers. For the artistic tourist we have special painting courses in the desert and for health fanatics
we have breathtaking spas in the heart of nature.
Namibia could be easily reached on own accord or in a tour group. Even though Namibia is sparsely occupied,
there is accommodation for each expectance, from the camping site to a luxury Lodge.
When to travel to Namibia?
Even though Namibia has 300 sunny days per year, our main season is between July and September. That is
during the Namibian Winter.
The remaining 9 months also have their privileges. Most accommodations and car rental companies do not
have to be booked in advance. The rainy season with here and there a strong shower is fantastic, because
then the desert comes to life and the "bush" puts its green jacket on.
Do you need a Visa?
No. Your passport should still be valued 6 month after your return.
How much time do you need for your first trip to Namibia?
Stick to all the well-known attractions like the capital Windhoek, the Etosha National Park,
Swakopmund with its historical charm and healthy sea climate, the rock paintings at Twyfelfontein,
Sossusvlei with its gigantic sand dunes. All this and much more could be seen in 2 weeks, preferably
3 weeks for extras like the far north of Namibia, the Caprivi-strip, where Namibia shows its green colours.
You could also make use of a Fly-in Safari to Skeleton Coast Park.
Special vaccination?
Not needed. Only if you go to the north of the country, especially in rainy season, between October and
March. You than need malaria tablets.
More about Namibia …
Try to enclose a visit / overnight on a country guest farm. The farmers can tell you lots about the
bush and over a very familiar "braai" with a cool Windhoek Lager. He could tell you interesting bush
stories. Depending on the farm, you could have the privilege of a cultural dance or visit the bushman's
huts. There you can get in touch with the local inhabitant. They can tell you a lot about their culture
and "every day" life.
If you travel by car or quad bike through certain areas, please stay on the road, not to harm certain
plants, especially in the Namib Desert. Reckless or thoughtless driving can lead to irreparable damage.
Is it safe to travel in Namibia?
Yes, due to a comparable little criminal rate. Of course, visitors should take care of their handbags,
cash and personal belongings, just like in other countries you are visiting or have visited. If you
travel on a gravel road, take care to travel not faster than 80km/h. In addition, if it is dark, be
cautions and alert due to animals crossing the road.
What should you add to your luggage?
Cotton Khaki clothes, e.g. shorts, shirts, a cap or hat, comfortable walking shoes, a cardigan for those
cool nights in the desert.
Facts about Namibia
Namibia is 824 268 km² in total area.
Capital: Windhoek
Nature reserves: 15% of Namibia's area (105 559 km²)
Harbours: Walvis Bay, Lüderitz
Highest mountain: Brandberg 2579m
Other: Spitzkoppe 1728m and 1584m, Motkeblick 2480m, Gamsberg 2349m
Rivers: Oranje (Border River to RSA), Kunene, Okavango, Zambezi, Kwando/Linyanti/Chobe
(northern border river to Angola, Zambia, Botswana.
Independence: 21 March 1990
President: Hifikepunye Pohamba, Democratic government
Population:
1,826,854 inhabitants
2,2 persons per kmª
13 regions
Windhoek has 15% of the total inhabitants (240,000)
There are 13 ethnic groups
16 languages
Analphabets: 35%
Longevity rate: 56 years
Growth rate: 2.9%
Children attending school: 94%
Economy: Mining, fisheries, farming, Tourism
Social Infrastructure:
One doctor per 3,650 people
Two private hospitals in Windhoek with intensive care units.
Doctors of international standard
Emergency care right around the clock
Flora & Fauna:
120 Tree species
200 Namibian plant species
Plant species of ancient origin: Welwitschia mirabilis
Big five Game: Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Buffalo, Leopard
Antelopes: 20 types
Reptiles: 250 types
Birds: 630 types
Amphibians: 50 types
Traveler's requirements:
Passport, valued 6 month after arrival date
No traveling visa needed for the following citizens: Angola, Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Germany,
France, Brittan, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Canada, Kenya, Cuba, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg,
Malawi, Malaysia, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Austria, Portugal, Russia, Zambia, Scandinavia,
Zimbabwe, Singapore, Spain, South Africa.