Namibia - Facts for the Traveller
Full country name: Republic of Namibia
Area: 825,418 sq km
Population: 1.8 million
People: 86% African (50% Owambo, 9% Kavango, 7% Herero, 7% Damara, 5% Nama, 4% Caprivian, 3% San, 2% Baster, 0.5% Tswana), 7.4% mixed, 6.6% white
Language: English, Herero, German, Afrikaans
Religion: Christian, Lutheran, native religions
Visas: Visitors from Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, the UK, Ireland, Canada and the US do not require a visa.
Health risks: schistosomiasis (bilharzia) (This occurs in the east), malaria (This occurs in the north-east)
When to visit Namibia
The dry winter season (May to October) is the most pleasant time to visit Namibia. It's best to avoid Sossusvlei and Etosha National Park in the extreme heat between December and March. Resort areas are busiest during both Namibian and South African school holidays, which usually take place from mid-December to mid-January, late-April to early June, and late-August to mid-September.
Namibia Travel Tips
Major foreign currencies and travellers cheques can be exchanged in any bank. Namibia is easily accessible by scheduled flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town (South Africa) to Windhoek or Walvis Bay. Scheduled flights from Maun (Botswana) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) to Windhoek are also available. Regular flights also operate between Windhoek or Walvis Bay and Swakopmund/ Windhoek and Etosha
What to Pack for Namibia
You will require comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothes for your Namibian safari. Please note that bright colours are not suitable for game-viewing. It is best to have some warm clothing for early morning and evening game-drives, especially in winter when the desert can get very cold.
Regions in Namibia
Sossusvlei
The sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert are often referred to as the highest dunes in the world. Various arguments are laid out to support this claim, but the main point is that Sossusvlei is one of the most spectacular sights in Namibia. Located in the Namib Naukluft park, the largest conservation area in Africa, and fourth largest in the world - the sand dunes at Sossusvlei are just one excellent reason to visit Namibia.
The best time to view Sossusvlei is at sunrise; the colours are strong and constantly changing, allowing for wonderful photographic opportunities. The midday heat is intense and best spent in the shade while sunset also offers excellent photo opportunities at Sossusvlei
The Sossusvlei, Namibia's famous highlight in the heart of the Namib Desert, is a huge clay pan, enclosed by giant sand dunes. Some of the spectacular hills of sand are, at a height of 300 metres, the highest in the world. Only after a heavy rainfall, which is a rare event in this area, does the vlei fill with water. As the clay layers hardly allow any water infiltration, a turquoise lake will remain for quite some time. The coastal dunes developed as a result of this and were shifted further and further inland by the wind.
Wind continuously reshapes the patterns of the huge dunes of the Namib desert. It timelessly forces the grains of sand on the flat windward slope upwards to the crest of the dune. Here they fall down in the wind shade. The leeward slope is therefore always considerably steeper than the windward side
Damaraland
Damaraland is one of the most interesting and dramatic regions in Namibia. It long deserted beaches littered with interesting ship wrecks, fascinating geological features and historical bushman paintings.
Also in Damaraland is the geologically fascinating Brandberg Nature Reserve with its ancient San rock paintings. More towards the east of the region are towns like Khorixas, Omaruru and Kamanjab. Don't miss out on the Petrified Forest with its 250-million-year-old fossilized logs. Other interesting features are the Uis mine and Kalkfield
Skeleton Coast
The Skeleton Coast is a off the beaten track and very remote. It is a much photographed, desert coastline with rusty shipwrecks emerging eerily through the thick fog. Ancient seafarers had good reason to fear these waters, because apart from the rough seas, being stranded in the Namib Desert was one of the most terrible fates that could befall a sailor. But this barren land is paradoxically very beautiful and also home to plenty of birds and fish and you are likely to see dolphins frolicking joyously in the surf.
Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park Namibia’s most important Game Reserves and one of the most exciting in Southern Africa. Etosha Game park was declared a National Park in 1907 and covering an area of 22 270 square km, it is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish. The Etosha Park is one of the reserves that you should definitely include in your Namibian holiday
Etosha, which means "Great White Place", is dominated by a massive mineral pan. The pan is part of the Kalahari Basin, the floor of which was formed around 1000 million years ago. The Etosha Pan covers around 25% of the National Park. The pan was originally a lake fed by the Kunene River. However the course of the river changed thousands of years ago and the lake dried up. The pan now is a large dusty depression of salt and dusty clay which fills only if the rains are heavy and even then only holds water for a short time. This temporary water in the Etosha Pan attracts thousands of wading birds including impressive flocks of flamingos. The perennial springs along the edges of the Etosha Pan draw large concentrations of wildlife and birds. The game viewing in Etosha National Park is excellent, the best time being from May to September - the cooler months in Namibia. But remember that this is also the time when most people travel to Namibia, so book early! Visitors to Etosha Game Reserve can expect to see many buck species, elephant, giraffe, rhino and lions. More fortunate visitors will see leopard and cheetah. There is a network of roads linking the three campsites and subsidiary roads lead to various waterholes
Kunene River
Unspoilt landscapes, wildlife and historic culture abound in this wild, remote part of Africa. The Kunene River forms a natural boundary at Namibia's northern extremity. the Himba people continue to live a traditional nomadic lifestyle at the Kunene River, and a visit to this northern part of Namibia would give you the chance to spend time with the Himba and leand more about their culture.
Important Information
What is required at the border when driving to Namibia from South Africa as well as border post times?
A passport that is valid for six months after date of entry is required. There is also cross border charges (CBC) or entry fees to pay when entering Namibia from neighboring countries. All foreign registered vehicles entering the country must pay an amount of N$120.00 per vehicle and N$80.00 per trailer. You need a sticker that identifies the country you coming from. South African citizens do not need a visa. The times for the border posts vary.
Namibia / South Africa
Ariasmsvlei: open 24hrs
Noordoewer: open 24hrs
Oranjemund / Alexander Bay: 06H00-22H00
Rietfontein: 08H00 – 16H30
Hohlweg: 08H00 – 16H30
Velloordrift / Onseepskans: 08H00 – 17H00
Road and safety conditions; are places easy to get to / clearly signposted, distances and time of travel?
In Namibia we drive on the left hand side of the road. A driver’s license is needed to drive on Namibian roads. All passengers in the car must wear seatbelts. The road network in Namibia is made up of tarred road, gravel road and sand road. The speed limit in urban areas is 60km/h, on tarred roads outside urban areas is 120km/h and on gravel roads outside urban areas is 100km/h. Gravel roads can be unpredictable. Do not drive too fast; it is easy to lose control of your vehicle.
Places are easy to get to because the roads are clearly marked. Places are far from each other because Namibia is a vast country. Along most of the roads sign boards are displayed with information.
The distances between towns are clearly marked along the road. Please avoid traveling during the night. Wildlife is mostly active during the night, and the possibility of an accident is increased.
Do we need an international driver’s license for Namibia / can I use my EU driver’s license in Namibia?
Tourist traveling to Namibia can use their driver’s license as long as they comply with the rules of the national roads of the country. The car rental companies may require international driving license, because the language use on the license is not English. It also depends from company to company.
Petrol stations and cards and where they can be used?
Shell Service Stations uses D-Card. Most of the other petrol stations use fuel cards. It is always better to ask the petrol station attendant whether they accept cards or cash before your vehicle is refueled but as a rule of thumb, cash is king.
When on a self-drive tour in Namibia - what is the fuel situation?
Fuel is regularly available; however some fuel points indicated on maps no longer exist and can cause some confusion. It is generally recommended that you fill up at every town en-route to your destination as to insure that you always have ample fuel.
What are the entry permit requirements for the various parks across Namibia?
All National Park’s in Namibia issue the relevant permits upon arrival at the park gates, fees and requirements only differ at a few parks
The following are strictly prohibited in all parks: pets, motorcycles, persons traveling on open vehicles or open loading bays, hitch hikers, leaving indicated roads, leaving the vehicle, pellets guns, catapults or unsealed firearms, disturbance of game.
When do I need a permit to enter National Parks and should it be booked in advance?
Booking in advance will secure peace of mind knowing that all formalities is taken care of, normal entry permits is available at park gates, any other special permits for hiking est., must be pre-arranged at the Namibia Wildlife Resorts ( NWR) All National parks require some form of permit.
Please visit:
http://www.nwr.com.na/ or http://www.met.gov.na/
What are the opening times of Etosha / Sossusvlei?
Etosha and Sossusvlei National Park’s open at sunrise everyday and close at sunset everyday, Namibia has a day-light-savings time during winter season, and it is advisable that visitors confirm the set sunrise and sunset times during their season of visit.
Sossusvlei:
Overnight and day visitors may only enter between sunrise and sunset only. The Sesriem Canyon and Sossusvlei may be visited between sunrise and sunset only. The distance to Sossusvlei from the Sesriem camping site is approximately 63km, of which the last 4km is negotiable by four-wheel-drive vehicles only.
Etosha:
The park is open throughout the year.
Gates at entry points and the resorts are open from sunrise to sunset. As the resorts must be reached before sunset, the necessary traveling times between resorts and/or gates (speed limit in the park: 60km/h) must be considered. The distance between Halali and Namutoni or Okaukuejo is in both cases about 70km. Day visitors have to leave the Park before sunset. Once having entered the Park, Fees (not included in the paid-up reservations) must be paid at Namutoni or Okaukuejo before proceeding through the Park
How dangerous is the wildlife?
Wildlife should be treated with respect at all times even the smallest wild animal can cause harm when forced into an defensive situation, below are some of the more serious species.
Hippopotamus – hippos are credited with killing more people than any other African mammal. This is usually by accident, as they tend to clumsily overturn riverboats, leaving those thrown overboard to their mercy. Once thought to be common throughout Africa, only 170,000 hippos are left and they are now a protected species.
Crocodile – although attacks on humans are rare when a croc gets its teeth into you, you’ll be lucky to live to tell the tale. They rip your limbs off by clamping them in their jaws and then twisting and thrashing their bodies under water. The largest Nile crocodile on record was shot in 1952 on the Semliki River in Uganda. It was 6m long and weighed over a tonne.
Snake – snakes are more frightened of you than you are of them, and will flee at the mere sound of a footstep. However there are poisonous snakes in Africa, such as the vine snake, and there are constricting snakes such as pythons, although they are more interested in killing squirrels and monkeys. If you are worried about snakes the best thing to do is to wear long trousers tucked into your socks.
Shark – you may not think so, but Africa has plenty of sharks, especially the most deadly of them all – the Great White. Great Whites weigh up to a tonne and mostly eat seals, although they do sometimes attack people on the beaches of South Africa. But don’t worry too much – statistically speaking you is more likely to be killed by a coconut falling on your head!
Mosquito – by far the biggest killer in Africa is one of its smallest animals. The mosquito can pass on yellow fever and Dengue fever, but it is best known for transmitting malaria, an extremely unpleasant disease that kills hundreds of thousands of people in Africa every year. You must take some form of protection against mosquitoes, in the form of a net to hang over your bed, chemical repellent or prescription drugs. Ask an expert
Do I need malaria prophylaxes?
Sleeping under a mosquito net when mosquitoes are active at night. If possible avoid going out between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes commonly bite. Wear long sleeved clothing and trousers. Dark colours attract mosquitoes. Apply mosquito’s repellents to exposed skin and clothing. Sleep in rooms with windows and doors screened with mosquito netting. Visitors planning to travel to malaria endemic areas should consult local medical practitioners or pharmacists before departing for these areas. Always remember: Namibian medical practitioners and pharmacists are more familiar and up to date with the latest malaria treatment, than local doctors in the visitor’s country of origin.
What is the best time to travel to Namibia?
Namibia is an all round destination. Not advice to travel during the rainy season for visitors determined to view wildlife.
Summer (October-April) Rainy Season, birding is recommended for this season.
Winter (May-September), Game viewing is recommended.
Are credit cards accepted in Namibia?
Credit/Debit cards like American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Check with your credit or debit Card Company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Credit cards are not usually accepted at petrol station and shops in remote areas.
Can we use our cell phone in Namibia or is it possible to rent a cell phone or to buy a sim card?
MTC has international roaming agreements with more than 218 networks in 102 countries. Visitors from these countries can use their phones in Namibia. There are various cell phone shops that rent out cell phones and also selling sim cards.
Please visit MTC website: www.mtc.com.na for roaming agreements
What is the currency and what is best to take
The Namibia dollar and the South African Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia. The two currencies are on par. Currencies, travelers and personal cheques can be converted at any bank or Bureau de Change. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided declare on arrival. Exports of foreign currency are unlimited up to amount imported and declared as long as the departure is within 12 months
What do we do if our vehicle breaks down?
Your Vehicle Rental Company has a 24hour emergency number which you can call at all times.
Should you have no cell phone coverage, many roads driven by tourists are often used by other road users who can always lend you a hand. In the worst case scenario, should you not arrive at the lodge were you were expected by sunset, the lodge management usually alarms your tour operator who checks with the establishment were you overnighted the previous evening. Some of the lodges send out vehicles which go and look for you on the road that you would be expected to drive on. Always ensure that you have some food and enough water especially set aside for such emergencies. It is advisable to phone ahead to your next destination informing them on your route and approximate time of arrival. At all times do not walk away from your vehicle as your vehicle will always provide you with resources for survival, and it is easier to spot a vehicle than people, if a search party needs to be send out
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