|
Namibia is a country of incredible beauty which is rich in both the diversity of its landscape and its people. The vast land area has immense natural wealth which is mostly untapped. Its population is peaceful and not embroiled in tribal or other conflicts. The atmosphere for tourism is excellent in this friendly country.
Namibia, formerly known as South West Africa, is situated between the latitudes 18° and 28° south. It is a large and mainly barren country bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Botswana to the east, South Africa to the south and Angola and Zambia to the north. Northern Namibia forms a contrast to the rest of the country, with its rich farmland fed by the Okavango and other rivers flowing south from Angola. The Caprivi Strip, a narrow panhandle of Namibian territory jutting from the northeast corner of the country, is bordered by Zambia and Botswana.
With a surface area of 824,268 km² (31,8252 miles²) and a population of approximately 1.6 million people, Namibia has one of the lowest population densities in the world. Added to the wide horizons and unspoilt landscapes, the country also boasts about 300 days of sunshine per annum, making it an ideal destination for the outdoor enthusiast. The diversity of its people creates a rich blend of African and European cultures and traditions. English, Afrikaans and German are widely spoken, in addition to the twelve indigenous languages.
Time
Namibia adopts daylight-saving time in the summer months and is thus two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time from September to April and one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time for the rest of the year.
Tourist Offices
The private sector is organised into specialised organisations such as the Hotel Organisation of Namibia and the Federation of Namibian Tourist Associations. Tourist information offices include the Namibian Publicity and Tourism Association, the Directorate of Tourism and Resorts and the Department of Nature Conservation and Recreational Resorts.
Visas & Passports
All visitors require a valid passport. Passports must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of the intended visit. Visas are required from all visitors except nationals of Angola, Austria, Botswana, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Mozambique, Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Russia, United Kingdom, United States of America, Zambia and Zimbabwe. At present, visas can be obtained from Namibian missions in various countries and are valid for three months. Extensions for a further three months are available from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek.
Entry is normally for one month and immigration officials may ask to see a return ticket and for proof that you can support yourself during your stay. Entry regulations are subject to change, making it essential to consult the nearest Namibian mission or your travel agent for the latest information regarding entry requirements.
Customs
Formalities are kept to a minimum. Firearms must be declared at the point of arrival where a temporary import permit will be issued for hunting rifles. Handguns are not allowed and will be confiscated at the border post and retained until exit. There is a dutyfree allowance which includes personal effects and sporting or recreational equipment. Duty will have to be paid on items over these limits. A cash deposit may be required to cover the duty or tax on expensive personal articles such as television sets. This deposit will be refunded on departure.
For imports over and above the allowance, both customs duty and GST are levied. There are no facilities at any of the border posts for paying tax, thus visitors must pay the required amount at the Receiver of Revenue in Windhoek or at any magistrate’s office within twenty-one days of entering the country. A flat-rate customs duty of 20% may be paid on goods to the value of NAD 1,000.00, over and above the duty-free allowance. Goods up to the value of NAD 100.00 are also exempt from GST. The flat-rate assessment is not applicable if the value of the goods exceeds NAD 1,000.00 or if the importer does not make use of the flat-rate concession. In such cases, the appropriate rate of duty and GST must be paid on each item.
Visitors importing goods from any country within the Common Customs Area of Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa are exempt from paying import duty.
For tourists travelling overland from South Africa, there are customs and immigration posts at Ariamsvlei, Rietfontein and Noordoewer which remain open twenty-four hours a day. Other posts are at Noenieput and at Velloorsdrif. On the Botswana border there are posts at Buitepos, Ngoma and Mohembo. The Zambian post is on the Zambezi River at Wenela. The operating hours of these border posts vary and are all subject to change, thus it would be wise to check on these times before departure.
Business Information
Visiting businessmen wishing to establish contacts in Namibia can contact the Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Foreign investment is regulated by the Foreign Investment Act and prospective investors are advised to contact the Investment Centre.
The Windhoek Show Society organises two marketing fairs, the Windhoek Show and an international trade fair, usually held in October and May respectively.
In order to work in Namibia, a residence permit is required.
Applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Money
In September 1993, Namibia introduced its new currency, the Namibian Dollar (NAD), divided into 100 cents. The Namibian Dollar is linked and on par with the South African Rand (ZAR), which is also legal tender in Namibia.
Business Hours
Banks
Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 15:30. Some banks also open until 11:00 on Saturdays.
Shops
Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00 and Saturday from 08:30 to 13:00. Larger shops also open on Sundays.
Post offices
Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 16:30 (closed between 13:00 and 14:00) and Saturday from 08:30 to 12:00.
Liquor outlets
Bottle stores are open from 08:30 to 18:00 from Monday to Friday and from 08:30 to 13:00 on Saturdays. As liquor laws are fairly relaxed, it is possible to obtain a drink in a hotel bar at most times, including Sundays.
Government offices
Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 16:30.
Transport 
TransNamib Limited is the main transport organisation operating rail, road, harbour and air services in, to and from Namibia.
Roads
Namibia has a well-established road infrastructure totalling 54,500 km (33,865 miles), 4,080 km (2,535 miles) of which is tarred. Gravel roads make up 2,540 km (1,578 miles) of the total while earth surfacing makes up 47,880 km (29,751 miles) of roads and tracks. Roads are generally very good and the majority of towns and communities can be reached by the existing network. Low speeds should be maintained on dirt roads as they may be slippery. Care should be taken to avoid hitting wandering wildlife and stock, especially at night. The country is linked by road to Zambia, Botswana, Angola and South Africa. Projects presently underway include the Trans-Kalahari road linking Namibia to Botswana and South Africa, and the Trans-Caprivi highway to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Drivers require a valid international licence. Safety belts must be worn. The general speed limit is 120 km/h (74.5 mph) on open roads and 60 km/h (37.3 mph) in built-up areas. Road signs are international and drivers use the left-hand side of the road.
Buses
Intercape-Mainliner runs a service between Windhoek and the South African cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg on a twice-weekly basis. Their luxury coaches have air conditioning and reclining seats. Tickets must be prepaid and reservations can be made at the Intercape-Mainliner Depot, Galilei Street, Windhoek. The telephone number is 26461227847/8 or 228285. Ekonoliner runs a service between Walvis Bay and Cape Town, but passengers can also board in Windhoek. Reservations can be made at Troost Truck and Coach Hire, telephone 2646425935, fax 6505. There is a regular bus service which runs between Windhoek International Airport and the Kalahari Sands Hotel, a distance of approximately 45 km (48 miles).
Taxis
The base for most taxis in Windhoek is the car park in front of the Kalahari Sands Hotel. Many of these are radio cabs which can be called from your hotel. Most taxis have meters and charge a fixed rate between Windhoek and the airport.
Trains
The railway network comprises 2,382 km (1,480 miles) of narrow gauge track with the main line running from the South African border via Keetmanshoop to Windhoek, Okahandja, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. A long northern branch connects with Omaruru, Otjiwarongo, Otavi, Tsumeb and Grootfontein. TransNamib’s rail network connects to all major towns. Apart from the primary north-south line, all TransNamib rail services run slowly and stop frequently. There are three classes and reservations must be made at the station you wish to return from, not from the starting point. Trains run infrequently and schedules change from week to week.
Air travel
Namibia has a well-developed domestic and international air network, with Air Namibia being the major carrier. There are two major airports and a number of smaller aerodromes dispersed throughout the country, as well as numerous landing strips. Air Namibia operates scheduled domestic, regional and international passenger and freight services in, to and from Namibia.
Ports
Walvis Bay and Lüderitz handle imports and exports, besides being the centres for the fishing industry. Of the two, Walvis Bay is the more important and offers superior berth and wharf facilities and direct transport links to Windhoek and other major towns.
Public Holidays
Namibia has twelve public holidays and most businesses close on these days. Supermarkets in Windhoek and the larger towns sometimes open for a few hours, but not on religious holidays.
Peak Seasons
Some resorts close for a few months. Ai-Ais Hot Springs in the Fish River Canyon is closed from November to mid-March. The best time to visit the Namib is between May and September as the heat is less intense. Visitors should book in advance for the school holiday periods over Christmas and Easter.
Post & Telecommunications
Namibia has a modern postal infrastructure, putting it on par with the rest of the world as regards communications. Namibia Post Ltd, affiliated to the Universal Postal Union, is the service provider. The system is supported by a network of post offices and postal agencies, with the remote areas being served by mobile post offices. As there are no street deliveries, mail should be addressed to a post box or private bag.
Namibia offers an efficient telephone service and customers can dial direct to more than ninety countries. The code for overseas calls to Namibia is 264 followed by the area code (omit the 0 in most cases) and the number of the subscriber. Coin- and cardoperated call boxes are normally found outside post offices. Phone cards are available from post offices and some shops. For a reverse charge call, dial 0020 and ask the operator for the required number. There is an international telephone bureau at Windhoek Post Office on Independence Avenue which offers cheap telecommunication services. Telegrams can be sent from all post offices, automatic telex services are available, and international calls can be made to teletext subscribers. There are fax as well as cellphone facilities available.
Electricity
Namibia’s national electricity grid provides a reliable supply to all major towns and settlements. The power supply is 220/240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Plugs are of the round, 3pin, 15amp type.
Disabled Travellers
Although there are an estimated 40,000 disabled people living in Namibia, the facilities for the disabled are limited.
Budget Travel
There is a wide range of accommodation available to suit all budgets and tastes. These range from hotels, guest farms and lodges to caravan parks and campsites.
History
It has been established with certainty that for most of the prehistoric period Namibia was inhabited by hunter-gatherers. Hand axes, cleavers, pebble choppers and other tools dating from the Early and Middle Stone Age have been found throughout Namibia. In addition, a wealth of San rock art, fossilised remains, metal workings, pottery and evidence of the domestication of animals and of horticultural activity provide extensive evidence that early man lived and hunted in the area. Artefacts have even been found in the heart of the Namib desert, indicating that major climatic changes must have taken place in the recent history of the region.
By the beginning of the ninth century the area was inhabited by indigenous San and Khoikhoi and Damara. These populations were steadily pushed southwards when groups of migratory Bantu-speaking people from central Africa started to move into Namibia from the north.
The first Spanish explorer, Diego Cao reached the coast in 1484 and erected crosses at Cape Cross and Angra Pequena (Lüderitz). As the Namibian coastline provided no promise of sustenance or riches, it was only towards the end of the eighteenth century that visits became more frequent. Whalers and seal catchers joined the passing India trade while the areas around Lüderitz and Walvis Bay were harvested for guano.
The Dutch government claimed Walvis Bay, Angra Pequeana and Halifax Island in 1793. Two years later the British also laid claim to parts of the country, thus sparking the dispute over Walvis Bay which was to continue for many years. The discovery of the Orange River in 1793 opened the area up to traders, hunters and missionaries and thus to many more years of conflict and strife. This warfare led to the practical obliteration of many communities and the wholesale slaughter of commercial game.
For many years, German and British missionaries had pleaded with their governments to annex the territory, and thus restore peace. Although these appeals failed, the actions of a trader named Adolf Lüderitz heralded the start of Namibia’s colonial period. In 1884 the Germans annexed the entire territory and with the formal birth of German South West Africa came the start of a reign of terror. The indigenous tribes vigorously attempted to preserve their independence and, by 1904, when it became clear that this would not take place by peaceful means, the Herero rose in rebellion. The colonial authorities responded with a year of genocide in which about 60% of the native population of the south was wiped out.
During World War I, the territory was placed under a military government and, in 1915, it was handed over to the British king. South Africa, as a member of the British Commonwealth, assumed the role of administrator. This mandate was renewed following World War II but South Africa was denied the right to annex the country. The South Afrian government continued to increase its control over the territory despite almost total worldwide condemnation. In 1960, the South West Africa People’s Organization was formed, at that time a nonviolent pressure group. It was led by Andimba Herman Toivo ja Toivo and Shafiishuna Samuel Njoma, the man destined to become first president of Namibia. Their task at the time was to unite the people of the country and to create a society free of apartheid, discrimination and the migrant labour system. The hard-handed manner of the South African government caused SWAPO to abandon their peaceful campaign and a guerilla war was mounted, leading to the first clash in 1966.
The struggle was to continue for many years and, in the end, it may not have been the activities of SWAPO alone or international sanctions which forced South Africa to negotiate. The dissatisfaction among white Namibians over the effects of the war on their personal lives and on the economy, the attitude of the multinational companies towards the extraction of the country’s mineral resources and South Africa’s own internal troubles had a significant effect. After a turbulent past and seventy-five years under South African rule, the country at last became independent on 21 March 1990, and is now peacefully approaching the twenty-first century.
Population
Of the approximately 1.6 million people living in Namibia, 6.6% are White, 7.4% are of mixed race and 86% are Black. About 50% of the population belong to the Ovambo tribe and 9% to the Kavango tribe. Other ethnic groups include the Herero 7%, Damara 7%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, Bushmen 3%, Baster 2% and Tswana 0.5%. The average population density is 1.9 people per km² (0.4 mile²) and there is an estimated annual population growth of 3.2%.
Government
Namibia is a multiparty democratic republic and a sovereign, secular, unitary state. The executive power is vested in the president and the cabinet. The latter comprises the prime minister and ministers appointed by the president. The president is elected by direct popular vote for a term of five years and can be re-elected for a second term in office. President Sam Nujoma is currently in power.
The constitution provides for a two-chamber legislature consisting of a 72-member national assembly and a national council. Members of the national assembly are elected by popular vote for a term of five years. The national council consists of two members from each geographical region as defined by an act of parliament. Namibia is divided into thirteen regional councils each with local authorities ranging from municipalities to towns and villages. Members of the national council are elected for six years from members of the various regional councils. The national council can thus only be constituted once the elections for regional councils have taken place. The national council reviews bills passed by the national assembly and recommends legislation on matters of regional concern. Regional and local authority councils are elected as local units of government. A council of traditional leaders advises the president on the utilisation of communal land and on issues pertaining to customary law.
Namibia has an independent judiciary consisting of a supreme court and a number of magistrate and lower courts. The independent judiciary is presided over by the chief justice. There is an ombudsman to report any irregularities.
The constitution lays down the division of power between the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority of the national assembly.
The thirteen political regions of Namibia are Karas, Hardap, Khomas, Erongo, Omaheke, Otjozonjupa, Kunene, Omasuti, Oshana, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Okavango and Caprivi.
Language
English is the official language. Afrikaans and German are widely spoken. There are twelve indigenous languages, which, together with their dialects, can be divided into two main groups, namely Bantu and Khoisan. Kwanyama, a dialect of Oshiwambo, is the mother tongue of the largest population group.
Religion
Approximately 80% of the population is Christian, with German Lutheran being the main denomination.
Art & Culture
Namibia has one of the highest concentrations of rock paintings in Africa. The San artists belonged to the group of hunter-gatherers who lived in southern Africa 20,000 years ago. Although none of the paintings has been dated effectively, experts agree that they belong to the late Stone Age. Prime examples of this legacy can be viewed at the Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, the Erongo Mountains and the Spitzkoppe. There are art galleries in Windhoek and Swakopmund. There are museums in Swakopmund, Lüderitz, Omaruru, Rehoboth, Helmeringhausen, Bethanie, Keetmanshoop, Kolmanskop, Windhoek, Grootfontein, Otjiwarango, Outjo, Rundu, Walvis Bay and Tsumeb.
Food & Drink
Most Namibian hotels offer European or German menus. Food is basic, with grills of meat, fish and chicken being popular. Namibia is developing a local culinary tradition and many of the dishes served in the restaurants have a distinctive German flavour. Specialities include Kalahari truffles, German cakes and breads, Lüderitz oysters, rock lobsters, smoked catfish and calamari. More exotic dishes include mopane worms, flying ants, warthog, zebra, crocodile and buffalo. As Namibia is a meatproducing country, steaks, veal, lamb, venison and other meat dishes can be found on most menus. More than 200 processed meat products are manufactured in Namibia. Fruit and vegetables tend to be rather expensive as most of Namibia’s fresh produce is imported from South Africa. A wide variety of imported wine is available and the local beer is good. Free tours to the Hansa Brewery in Swakopmund are available during December and January.
Entertainment
There is a marine aquarium in Swakopmund. There are cinemas in Swakopmund and Windhoek which offer daily screenings. A variety of plays and other theatrical entertainment is staged throughout the year by the National Theatre of Namibia. Most of the productions are local but occasionally companies touring South Africa also include Namibia on their itinerary. For bookings and more information phone 26461234633 or 237966.
Sport
There are various sports clubs and recreation facilities in Namibia. The Namibia Sports Council can be contacted at 2646142353/4.
Shopping
Items worth buying while in Namibia include jewellery, gemstones, local craftwork, animal skins, leather goods and woodcarvings.
Shows & Festivals
The most important cultural event in Windhoek is the Windhoek Carnival which usually takes place around the end of April or early May. Festivities continue for a week and include a masked ball, a youth carnival, a kiddies’ carnival and a ladies’ night. Although the carnival has a largely German tradition, there is an international evening which is usually held on the Tuesday. Windhoek also hosts an annual Oktoberfest. The Windhoek Show Society organises two marketing fairs, the Windhoek Show and an international trade fair, usually held in October and May respectively.
The annual Kuste Karnival takes place in Swakopmund towards the end of August. The highlight of this carnival is a masked ball. Vast quantities of traditional German beer are consumed during the festivities.
The annual Maharero Day celebrations of the Red Flag Hereros take place in Okahandja on the weekend closest to 26 August. This is one of Namibia’s most spectacular events, with units of uniformed men, mounted horsemen and women in Victorian dresses making their way to the graveyard in order to pay homage to their ancestors. Military drills, chanted poems and ululating women add colour to the ceremony. The Green Flag Hereros, otherwise known as the Mbanderu, pay homage to their ancestral leaders on the weekend before 11 June each year, in Okahandja. On this occasion, the women wear green Victorian dresses. The White Flag Hereros converge on Omaruru on the weekend before 11 June for their annual event.
Otjiwarongo and Tsumeb also host small annual carnivals.
Parks & Reserves
Namibia is the first country in the world to include protection of the environment and sustainable utilisation of wildlife in its constitution. Approximately 15.5% of the country has been set aside as national parks.
Parks and reserves include Cape Cross Seal Reserve, Daan Viljoen Game Park, Etosha National Park, Hardap Game Reserve, Kaudom Game Reserve, Namib-Naukluft Park, Skeleton Coast Park, Tsaobis-Leopard Nature Reserve and Waterberg Plateau Park.
Climate
The climate is typical of semidesert country, with hot days and cool nights. The country averages 300 days of sunshine a year. In midsummer, temperatures can rise above 40 °C (104 °F). January and February are the hottest months. Winter days are usually mild but the nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing point just before dawn.
Rainfall
The Namibian interior experiences two rainy seasons, with the short rains falling between October and early December. The long rains fall from mid-January until April. The coastal region is characterised by dense fogs which occur mainly in the late afternoon and which last until midmorning.
Health
The doctor-patient ratio is one of the best in Africa, with one doctor for every 3,650 people, and a bed per population ratio of 5.2 beds per 1,000 people. Hospitals and clinics exist in all major urban centres. Standards range from private hospitals and clinics with modern equipment to fairly basic government hospitals and clinics. Names and addresses of doctors and dentists are listed in the Namibian telephone directory. Most towns have chemists but, in the rural areas, medicine may only be available from the dispensary of the state hospital or clinic. Visitors should obtain medical insurance before leaving home as Namibia does not have a national health welfare scheme.
All water from taps is purified and ready for consumption. In some of the rural areas, the water may have a high alkaline salt content. Despite the salty taste, it is safe to drink.
A yellow fever inocculation is mandatory for those who have travelled through countries in which the disease occurs.
Malaria occurs in the northern areas of the country and it is important to use antimosquito measures, to take a drug to prevent malaria and to consult a doctor should you get sick either during the trip or in the months which follow. Avoiding the bites of Anopheles mosquitoes, which usually bite only between dusk and dawn, is the best way to prevent infection. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when venturing out at night and spray an insecticide or repellent on clothing, as mosquitoes may bite through thin cloth. Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. When sleeping, use a mosquito net over the bed and, for additional protection, treat the room and the mosquito net with insecticide. It is strongly recommended that all visitors take a course of tablets, starting at least four days before entering these areas and continuing for four weeks after leaving.
Bilharzia occurs in the Kavango and Caprivi and visitors should refrain from swimming, washing or standing in stagnant or slow-flowing water. Although there is no preventative medication against this snail-borne disease, it can be cured with a course of tablets available at pharmacies.
Tick-bite fever does occur and can be avoided by regularly checking for ticks, especially after walking in a bushy area.
Aids has shown a rapid increase over the past few years and currently stands at 41 per 100,000 of the population. The Namibian Blood Transfusion Service does, however, screen all donated blood for both the Aids virus and hepatitis B.
Safety
Although Namibia is generally a friendly, well-policed country, some petty crime occurs and violent crime is on the increase. Visitors should observe sensible precautions, not carry large sums of money around or leave valuables in hotel rooms. Most hotels provide safes for valuables and money. In an emergency phone 10111 for the police flying squad. The loss or theft of a passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest embassy or consulate. Travellers should exercise extra caution when near the Angolan border, where banditry is on the rise.
Capital: Windhoek
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Brandberg and the White Lady Rock Painting: Spectacular desert and mountain area.
- Cape Cross Seal Reserve: Nov-Jan is best time to see the pups.
- Daan Viljoen National Park.
- Etosha National Park.
- Fish River Canyon: Second biggest after Grand Canyon.
- Luderitz: Part of the old diamond mining area among the sand dunes on the coast.
- Namib Desert.
- Skeleton Coast
- Sossusvlei: Said to be the tallest sand dunes in the world.
- Twyfelfontein: Famous for bushman rock etchings.
CURRENCY:
Namibian dollar, currently fixed at the same value as the South African rand. Both dollar and rand are legal tender in Namibia, but you can’t use Namibian dollars in South Africa. Credit cards are accepted, most major towns have ATMs where you can draw cash with Visa or Mastercard.
EXCHANGE RATE:
fixed to rand at £1 = R6.71
LANGUAGE:
English, some German, Bantu.
GETTING AROUND:
Air Namibia offers domestic air services to various destinations.
Bus services are cheap and range from luxury buses to minibuses.
Trans-Namib operate a rail service between major towns, but they are very slow.
Excellent road system makes travelling by car or motorbike the easiest way to get around.
NIGHTSPOTS:
Windhoek is the entertainment capital with a range of bars, clubs, discos, theatre, concerts and sporting events. In the north the social scene is dominated by bush bars, bottle stores and roadside discos. |
