Practical information Namibia

318694  sq.mi

On a flight via Amsterdam, anticipate between 14 and 15 hours. On a flight via Johannesburg, anticipate between 15 and 17 hours, depending on the waiting times for connections. London is 5,143 mi away from Windhoek.

2055080 hab.

Windhoek international airport (WDH) is located 26 miles out of the city. Shuttles are available on arrival and on departing . By taxi, it will cost you from NAD 90 to 120, fares are negotiable. Eros domestic airport (ERS) is 3 miles out of the city centre. There is no taxi service.

According to Foreign Affairs sources, there is no major safety problem on the whole territory, except for the three regions located in the North and North-East of the country (Caprivi, Kavango, Ohangwena):
- Caprivi strip, a sort of corridor heading East is definitely not recommended, especially the Western part:
- The region of Kavango, located in the north-eastern part of Namibia, just West of Caprivi strip.
- The whole region of Ohangwena, located along the border with Angola isn't recommended either.

Wildlife:
beware of the cute little animals seemingly harmless from inside your camera lens! Never forget that the animals are dangerous.

The Namibians speak languages of Bantu origin or Khoisan origin (click languages). But after independence, English became the official language. It is taught in schools. In the future, English is bound to replace Afrikaans, the language of Dutch origin spoken by half the Namibians, but assimilated to apartheid. German is the mother tongue of 2 % of the population.

A passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date is required for European citizens. However, visas are not mandatory for stays of less than three months.

90 % of the population are Christians. Half of them are Lutherans. The other half belong to the Roman Catholic, Anglican or Methodist denominations. The Afrikaans language community belongs to the Dutch Reformed Church. The non-Christian population (10 %) belong to Jewish, Muslim or Animist communities. The Namibians perpetuate the ancient beliefs and worship their ancestors, during traditional ceremonies.

Driving.On arrival, you can rent a car, a 4x4 or a camper van. An international driver's licence is preferable, but in practice, a valid national licence is sufficient. During school holiday times, it is recommended to book in advance. Only 15 % of the 25,000 miles of roads are tarmacked. On the excellent Namibian roads, you drive on the left-hand side and there is only little traffic. Many gravel tracks are in good condition, but quite dangerous. Countless accidents happen, caused by tourists unaware of the danger, who drive at 90 mph and end up rolling over into the ditch. The speed on the tracks is limited to 60 mph. On the roads and main tracks, there is no need for a 4x4. Even in Etosha national park, you can drive in a normal car. But if you want to explore by yourself and go off the beaten track a little, a 4x4 is necessary. If you have the soul of an explorer, do not forget that the slightest mistake in the desert can be fatal. Consequently, do not improvise, and if possible, go together as a group of vehicles. In case of bad luck (successive punched tires, getting stuck in sand, broken down engine) on roads along which only one truck a week comes, it is best to have prepared the trip well enough, ie taking enough water and food supplies and a good blanket because the nights are cold. That's the minimum for survival. The question of petrol is important. Outside of towns, it is difficult to find petrol pumps, sometimes 150 miles away from each other, and which don't always have supplies themselves. A piece of advice: fill up, as soon as possible.
Flights. Air Namibia fly to the regional airports of Keetmanshoop, Ondangwa, Oshakati, Grootfontein, Mokuti, Mpacha, Rundu, Tsumeb, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Lüderitz, Oranjemund. The company also has inter-regional air links to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola and Zambia. They have a Pass for sale, the Air Namibia.
Buses and trains. Regional links depart from Windhoek, to the towns. If you want to go to tourist sites, you will have to rent a car or the services of a taxi.
Different types of accommodation: Namibia has a wide range of different types of accommodation. In the peak of the tourist season, booking a hotel in advance guarantees you to sleep in a bed at night... The hotels' comfort, from one to four star, is equivalent to European standards. The "Guest-Farms" are classified from one to three stars. They generally are located in the middle of the countryside and are the opportunity to stay with the inhabitants. In the national parks, more or less comfortable "Rest Camps" are there to welcome travellers. They have this wonderful advantage to be located in the park which allows you to make the most of the wildlife, even after the park is closed. The lodges - small hotels - are often very charming. Sometimes, some lodges are located within a private reserve and the owners organize safaris. It is an excellent opportunity to see animals which you would not see anywhere else. In Namibia, it is also possible to camp in campsite set close to the national parks or towns. But you have to bring your own equipment. Wild camping is prohibited.

No particularvaccineis required.

Malaria: During the rainy season, the risk or malaria is increased in the northern region, thus plan to take an antimalaria treatment (Malarone). Avoid swimming in rivers and in stretches of water. No particular problem with food, hygiene conditions are acceptable. Tap water is drinkable. Cases of cerebrospinal meningitis have been reported in Windhoek.

Careful, Namibia is one of the four countries most affected by HIV/AIDS.


Useful numbers

Addresses in Windhoek:
Medi Clinic: (061) 22.26.87.
Catholic Mission Hospital: (061) 23.72.37.
Emergencies (ambulances and fire brigade): (061).21.11.11.

In Walvis Bay:
Hospital: (064) 20.34.41.
Ambulance: (064) 20.54.43.

In Swakopmund:
Hospital: (064) 40.57.31.
Ambulance: idem.

Voltage of 220 V/50 Hz. Three pin plugs (one of 10 mm and two of 8 mm), 15 amperes. Adapter essential.

In restaurants and hotels, it is normal to leave a tip for the service. An NAD 30 tax has to be paid at Windhoek international airport.

To call Namibia from the UK, dial 00 264 + city code (Windhoek : 61 ; Swakopmund : 64 ; Keetmanshoop : 63 22 ; Mariental : 63 ; Tsumeb : 67 ; Omaruru : 64) + number you are trying to reach.
When calling within Namibia, you must dial 0 before the city code.
To call the UK from Namibia, dial 00 44 + number you are trying to reach, excluding the initial 0.