Few people have discovered what a fantastic country Namibia is to travel in, and that only makes this country northwest of South Africa all the more attractive. Glorious sunshine 300 days a year, fabulous deserts and national parks - these are only a few of the treasures that Namibia has to offer. Furthermore the country is blessed with a decent infrastructure and many nature reserves. Namibia is a beautiful country that is relatively undiscovered and truly great to travel in.
Find your travel arrangement to Namibia here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
Namibia
Capital
Windhoek (161.000)
Size
824.292 km2
Principal Languages
English. Afrikaans, German, Herero and Owambo are also widely spoken.
Principal Religion
Christianity
Inhabitants
1.643.000 (1999)
Government
Republic
Geography
A great deal of Namibia consists of desert with endless sandbanks. Nevertheless, there are also lush areas in Namibia. Amongst other places, the capital Windhoek is quite like an oasis because it rains regularly here. During the summer it can be scorching hot in the desert. The country lies on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and borders with Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
The most pleasant time to visit Namibia is definitely during the dry winter season, which is from May to October. From December to March it gets extremely hot, and it can be unbearable to spend time in the national parks, which are normally some of the most popular attractions.
Literature
Lonely Planet Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana
Footprint Namibia Handbook: Travel Guide
Insight Guides Namibia
Footprint Namibia Handbook: Travel Guide
Insight Guides Namibia
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
Following weight and measurement units are used in Namibia:
Length: the metric system
Weight: kilos
Length: the metric system
Weight: kilos
Photography
You can take pictures everywhere in Namibia, however you should be aware of specific rules that may apply when taking pictures in nature reserves. You should ask permission before taking a picture of a person.
Drinking water
It is inadvisable to drink tap water in Namibia.
Electricity
The following power source is used in Namibia:
220/240 volts AC/50 Hz
220/240 volts AC/50 Hz
Behaviour
Western norms are prominent in Namibia, which means that you can behave as you would at home. This includes visiting private homes.
Food and drink
The colonial era has left a mark on Namibian cuisine. This is why the food in restaurants and in cafés is largely inspired by Germany. Schnitzels and beer are widely available, but local Namibian food includes biltong, which is air-dried flesh, or ausfleisch, which is smoked flesh.
Disabled travellers
Disabled travellers will find few facilities in Namibia. The Namibian people are very friendly though, and are often willing to help out. However, it is not recommended that you travel alone if you are disabled and require special aid or installations.
Holidays
New Year's Day, January 1st
Independence Day, March 21st
Worker's Day, May 1st
Cassinga Day, May 4th
Africa Day, May 25th
Heroes' Day, August 26th
Goodwill Day, October 7th
International Human Rights Day, December 10th
Christmas Day, December 25th
Family Day (Boxing Day), December 26th
Independence Day, March 21st
Worker's Day, May 1st
Cassinga Day, May 4th
Africa Day, May 25th
Heroes' Day, August 26th
Goodwill Day, October 7th
International Human Rights Day, December 10th
Christmas Day, December 25th
Family Day (Boxing Day), December 26th
Accommodation / Hotel
In Namibia there are hotels within all price ranges, from one-star to five-star hotels. It is also quite normal to rent huts in Namibia's nature parks and reserves. Some of the national parks also have camping grounds with good facilities.
Book your Hotel in Namibia here
Book your Hotel in Namibia here
Camping
There are camping sites in Namibia's nature parks. Etosha National Park in particular has very good facilities.
In Namibia there are hotels within all price ranges. They range from one star to five star hotels. However, luxury hotels are found mainly in the capital.
Bed og breakfast or guesthouse
B&Bs can be found in Namibia, but mainly in the larger towns. It is possible to rent huts in the national parks.
Hostels
There are few hostels in Namibia.
Other Accommodation
You can rent huts in nature reserves and parks in Namibia. Etosha National Park in particular has very good facilities.
Local transport
It is possible to fly between the largest cities in Namibia. The country also has an extensive railroad where you can choose to travel on first- second- or third-class. However, there are hardly any buses in Namibia, and taxis are only accessible in the larger cities. If you want to drive yourself, you have to rent a car.
Planes
Air Namibia has daily Flights between the large cities in the country. Domestic Flights are very cheap.
Bus
Buses are practically non-existent in Namibia. However there are luxury buses which go from Windhoek to other large cities in the country.
Trains
The railroad is quite extensive, and there are different classes on which you can travel. Trains connect large and medium sized towns, but it takes a substantial amount of time to travel by train here.
Taxi
Taxis are accessible in Namibia's larger cities. This is a cheap method of transport.
car rental
Cars can be rented in the large cities and in airports.
Boat or Ferry
There are no large ferries in Namibia. It is possible to go for a sail on small boats from Lüderitz.
Other Transport
The Desert Express is a luxury train that goes between Swakopmund and Windhoek. The train is aimed at tourists, and the trip includes several stops in areas where you can see lions and take a walk in the desert sand.
Special conditions
Some places in Namibia offer balloon safaris. This is a very special way of experiencing the desert landscape.
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