Namibia
Capital:
Windhock
Official Language: English
Religions:
90% Christian and 10% Other
Currency:
Rand = 100 cents
Placements:
Namibian Guest Farm
Map
Background
Wedged between the Kalahari and the chilly South
Atlantic, Namibia has deserts, seascapes, bushwalking and boundlessness. Blessed
with rich natural resources, a solid modern infrastructure and diverse
traditional cultures, it is a beautiful country of vast potential.
Special Events
Major events.
Climate
Although it's predominantly desert, Namibia enjoys regional climatic
variations. The most arid climate is found in the central Namib, where summer
daytime temperatures climb to over 40°C (105°F) but can fall to below freezing
at night. Daytime temperatures in the mountainous and semi-arid Central Plateau
(including Windhoek) are generally lower than in the rest of the country. Fog is
common on the coast. December is the hottest month everywhere, when daily
temperatures hit an average high of 30°C (86°F). There are two rainy seasons:
the 'little rains' from October to December and the main rainy period from
January to April. Low-lying areas in the eastern part of the country are
generally much hotter than the Central Plateau and, except for Kavango and
Caprivi in the northeast, receive little rain.
Travel Info
Major airlines fly from Europe, Australia and the US to Windhoek; however,
flights are limited and it's often cheaper to fly into South Africa and go
overland or by plane into Namibia from there. South African Airways and Air
Namibia operate daily flights between Johannesburg (Jo'burg), Cape Town and
Hosea Kutako International Airport, 42km (26mi) east of Windhoek. Air Namibia
also flies twice weekly between Windhoek and Harare, Victoria Falls, Lusaka,
Maun and Gaborone. There are border crossings from Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe
and South Africa and bus companies service these routes. Driving between South
Africa and Namibia is quite comfortable on well-made roads, and it's also
possible to hitch, although truckies expect to be paid these days (about 1.50 per 100km/62mi).
Visas
Visitors from Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, the UK, Ireland,
Canada and the US do not require a visa.
Safety
Terrorism
The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be
aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be
against civilian targets in public places, including places frequented by
foreigners.
Crime
Theft from vehicles, particularly at
service stations, and street crime are common. Take sensible precautions. Keep
your vehicle locked, and valuable possessions out of sight.
Beware of
pickpockets in town centres; avoid using taxis if possible, and never enter one
on your own. Do not enter townships at night unless accompanied by someone with
local knowledge.
Take sensible precautions. Safeguard valuables and cash.
Deposit them in hotel safes, where practical. Keep copies of important
documents, including passports, separately.
Local Travel
If
you travel along the Trans-Caprivi Highway between Rundu and Katima Mulilo (in
the Caprivi Strip), travel during daylight hours and stick to well travelled
routes. The Namibian authorities are clearing unexploded ordinance from areas
that are barred to public access.
Road Safety
It is easy to
lapse into a false sense of security on Namibian roads, because most are well
maintained and there is little traffic. But there have been a number of fatal
accidents on gravel/dirt roads, especially on the bends. Avoid driving at night
outside the towns as wildlife and stray livestock can pose a serious hazard.
Tyre punctures are common on the gravel road; if possible, carry two spare
tyres. Keep your petrol tank topped up, as there are long distances between
petrol stations.
UK Photo Driving Licences are acceptable. They must be
carried at all times, and produced on request at roadblocks leading in and out
of Windhoek and other major towns and cities. It is prohibited to use a mobile
phone whilst driving.
The EU has published a list of air carriers that
are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Drugs penalties can be severe but there is no death
penalty.
Homosexuality is tolerated.
There are no formal rules and
regulations limiting photography by tourists in Namibia, but we are aware that
some people have been detained for taking pictures of State House and properties
where the President is residing. There are also parts of Namibia that require a
permit to enter and it would be wise to check about photography when applying
for these permits. Likewise, if the army or police are protecting a building or
place, check before taking any photographs. If in doubt, err on the side of
caution.
Health
During the last few months, an increasing incidence of
rabies amongst dogs in Windhoek has been noted. This can be a fatal disease to
humans and the local authorities are taking the matter seriously. You may wish
to consider consulting your GP before travelling.
Malaria is endemic in
the North of Namibia, and presents a serious health risk during the main rainy
season from January – April.
Namibia has one of the highest rates of
HIV/AIDs infection in the world. You should be alert to the dangers of
unprotected sex.
Some people suffer skin problems from Namibia's hot and
dry climate. There is, for the same reason, a serious risk of dehydration. When
travelling outside main cities, you should ensure that you carry a good supply
of drinkable water with you.
There are good medical facilities in
Windhoek. Evacuation from remote areas can take time.
Injections required
Immunisations advised
Diptheria/Tetanus, Poliomyelitis, Hepatitis A,
Typhoid, Yellow fever
Immunisations that maybe required
Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Meningococcal
Malaria Yes
Reciprocal Health Care None
