Namibia is a vast land of intriguing contrasts, populated by a dramatic diversity of people, it is home to the arresting and private Himba tribe as well as a large population of German speaking nationals. The environment is no less remarkable, the fire-coloured sand dunes and Namibia support an intriguing diversity of desert-adapted plants and animals, especially in Etosha National Park Diamond-rich Namibia is also home to the largest number of cheetah of any African country.

Basic facts

Full name Republic of Namibia (formerly South West Africa)

Capital Windhoek

Independence 21 March 1990

Time GMT + 1 hour (April – September)

GMT + 2 hours (September – April)

Population 1,648 270 (July 1990 est.)

Currency NAMIBIAN DOLLAR (N$)

Area 825 418 km2

Language English (official) and Ovambo, Damara, Kavango Herero, with German and Afrikaans being widely spoken

Geography & Landscape

Namibia is large, mostly arid country. It can roughly be divided into four geographical regions

Spectacular shifting sand dunes spread inland from the coast, which has been described by many as the most desolate coastline in the world. The plateau runs from north to south and slopes away to the east into the sand basin of the Kalahari. A number of rivers run off the escarpment through dramatic canyons, including the Fish River canyon, the worlds second largest canyon system.

Climate

Summer : November to April

Winter : May to October

In summer, the days are generally hot and sunny. Daytime temperatures can rise to 35 degrees and night temperatures drop to around 14- 18 degrees. The coastal region is cool and dry throughout the year. The rainy season runs from February to March and average rainfall varies from less than 50mm along the coast to 350mm in the central region and 700mm in the far north-eastern region.

In winter, the days are dry, sunny and mild to warm while evening temperatures drop sharply. Daytime temperatures generally reach 23 degrees and can drop to as low as 0 to 10 degrees at night. It can be quit cold and wind at the coast, for which warm clothing and a windbreaker are necessary.

 

When to go & what to bring

Namibia is an all year round ecological and wildlife destination. However, certain seasons are best for special interest groups:

Namibia is becoming very popular as an all- year- round destination. Traditionally, peak season is from July to October and middle season is from May to June. Book in advance during this time. Christmas and New Year is peak season for local holidaymakers.

Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. We recommend you take : shorts or light skirt, fleece or sweater and a windbreaker for game drives (necessarily even in summer), comfortable walking shoes, sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, light, compact raincoat is a good idea for the summer, swimsuit as most hotels and lodges have swimming pools, elegant casual outfit for dinner and/or cocktails at the smarter hotels and restaurants – men are generally expected to wear a collar shirt and a jacket in cocktail bars and restaurants after 18h30 except in the warmer parts of the country and at the game lodges.

Layers are most practical for fluctuating day/night temperatures of Namibia. Dull an/or neutral colours are more suitable for safari, white is not practical. Cotton clothing is recommended for summer. It is best to pack hardy, durable clothing.

Very important : packing space is limited on all modes of safari transport, so you will need to restrict your baggage to 15 – 22 kg (preferably packed in a soft bag) plus reasonable amount of camera equipment.

Attractions and National Parks

Namibia was the first country in the world to include the protection of the environment in its constitution and today approximately 15 % of Namibia is protected land.

Namib Naukluft Park

This is the largest conservation area in Namibia, measuring almost 50 000km2 and incorporating most of the 130-million-year old Namib Desert after which Namibia takes its name. Sun bronzed and untamed, it is a place of silence and of solitude. A climb to the top of one of the gigantic sand dunes surrounding Sossusvlei to watch the sunset slowly cast its shadows over the ancient sea of surrounding dunes is a haunting sight. Near Sossusvlei, the Sesriem Canyon has been gouged out of rock over the centuries by the Tsauchab River and is now mostly small pools of water on a gravel bed, attracting many birds and animals.

To the far south of the park, near Luderitz, one can explore the deserted houses in the ghost town of Kolmanskop.

To the west at Swakopmund, one can marvel at the fantastic rock formations of the “Moon landscape” and visit Sandwich Harbour, where the sand dunes meet the sea.

Skeleton Coast

The southern section of the Skeleton coast Par, which is accessible to the general public, lies between the Ugab and Hoanib Rivers and lures anglers from far and wide to its superb fishing grounds.

This is, however, closely monitored by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Access to the protected northern area of this park, where the coastline is dotted with forgotten shipwrecks, is restricted to fly-in safaris.

 

Etosha National Park

This is one of the greatest and most special game parks in Africa, if not the world. This is because of the great variety of game and unique vegetation to be found here.

The park covers 22 270km2 of land ranging from dense bush to open plains. In the heart of the park is the vast Etosha Pan (“the place of dry water”). The pan is parched and shimmering silver-white for most of the year, only filing with water about a meter deep in very rainy periods – whereupon enormous numbers of water fowl flock to breed. Game in Etosha includes several rare and endangered species such as black rhino and black-faced impala.

Damaraland

The northern areas of Damaraland feature some of Namibia’s least explored and rugged remote areas.

Here, in one of the few remaining untouched wilderness areas of Africa, it is easy to see why the San (Bushman) people call Namibia “the land God made in anger”. The emphasis is on the spectacular scenery, dominated by massive flat-topped mountains and crystal blue skies; the uniquely adapted smaller desert creatures and plants; the peace and tranquility of being in such a remote area; and if you are extremely lucky, catching sight of the desert-dwelling elephant and black rhino that roam the area.

Southern Damaraland offers such unique curiosities as the mystery of the Petrified forest, the incredible collection of San rock engravings at Twyfelfontein; the massive Vingerklip (Finger Rock); the Burnt mountain of volcanic rock and the nearby formation of perpendicular basalt called the Organ Pipes.

Caprivi Strip

With rivers, forests, swamps and waterways, it is a total contrast to the arid grandeur of the rest of Namibia. With its abundant birdlife, the area is gaining a reputation as a retreat for bird-watchers. It is also known for game viewing either in open 4x4 vehicles, by river craft or on foot. Among the better known reserves in the Caprivi are the Mahango Game Reserve, the Mudumu National Park and the Mamili National Park.

Health requirements

If you are visiting the area north of Windhoek (Etosha, Ovambu and Caprivi, Damaraland), remember to get malaria prophylactics before entering Namibia. Take precautionary measures to prevent contact with mosquitoes, like : sleep under a bed net or in a room/tent with mosquito proofing, spray your accommodation with insecticide; make use of a mosquito repelling lotion or stick; and wear long sleeved clothing, trousers and socks when outside at night. Travelers should be aware that there is a polio presence in areas south of Windhoek.

It is advisable to obtain medical insurance prior to arrival. Private Health care standards in Namibia are high, with the best hospital being in Windhoek. All main towns have well-stocked pharmacies, but it is recommended that you bring any medicines you may require with you.

Visa requirements

All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. There should be sufficient blank pages for entry stamps upon arrival.

Please heck with your nearest Namibian Consulate for up-to-date information depending on your passport nationality. The onus is on the traveler to ensure all visa requirements are met.

Tipping

Service is not usually included in the bill. It is usual to tip porters, waiters, room attendants, golf caddies, game rangers, guides and trackers.

Souvenirs

An ekipa is a traditional medallion that is worm by the women of the Ovamban tribe as a status symbol. It is made of indigenous materials, including vegetable ivory and the fruit of the maklani palm and makes for a unique souvenir. One can purchase locally produced items at roadside at very reasonable prices. Gemstones and wool and leather products are of high quality and can often be made to order. In the north-east, San (Bushman) art can be purchased, including bows and arrows, leather products and jewellery made from ostrich egg beads, seeds and nuts.