Southern Namibia Explorer (ITT)

Located in the south western reaches of the African continent, Namibia boasts a well-developed infrastructure, some of the best tourist facilities in Africa and an impressive list of breathtaking natural wonders.

Visitors can explore the capital of Windhoek and discover the lovely coastal town of Swakopmund, boasting remnants of the country’s German influence reflected in the architecture, culture, cuisine and the annual Oktoberfest celebrations. But to properly appreciate this extraordinary country, guests need to venture out of these two towns to explore the remarkable natural landscapes Namibia has to offer. These include the impressive Fish River Canyon, the world's second largest canyon, the vast Etosha National Park teeming with abundant wildlife, the hauntingly beautiful Kalahari Desert and of course the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world, stretching for over 2000 km along the Atlantic Coast.

Namibia is undoubtedly an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African experience in a uniquely beautiful and untamed wilderness. (ITT)

Currency

Namibia uses the Namibian Dollar (N$) this is linked on a one-to-one exchange rate with the South African Rand. The Rand is legal tender in Namibia, but the N$ cannot be used in South Africa.

If you are wishing to purchase currency before arriving in Namibia, it is easiest to buy Rand as the Namibian Dollar is seldom available in banks outside of Namibia.

Banking

Banks are found in most towns, and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays and public holidays. Most of them offer foreign exchange services - with cash, bank and credit cards as well as travellers cheques.

You can also obtain cash from many of the ATMs. Several international banks have branches in main city centres. Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they have not been informed.

Public transport in Namibia is geared towards the needs of the local population and is confined to main roads between major centres. Although cheap and reliable, it is of little use to the traveller as most of Namibia’s tourist attractions lie off the beaten track.

It is relatively easy to travel to the most well known highlights of Namibia by car. However, the region from Sesfontein towards Angola should not be regarded as a self-drive destination. This part of Namibia is best visited on a guided tour, as the roads are not signposted, nor are they in the condition of the other gravel roads in Namibia.

A car with a high clearance is required, as most of the roads to the tourist highlights are gravel roads. A 4WD vehicle is strongly advised for travel in the rainy season, from about November till March. Due to the long distances, poor mobile phone coverage outside of main towns and infrequent petrol stations that only accept cash, it is imperative to plan the trip long in advance and to pre-book all accommodation, even some activities.

There are major airlines that fly directly into Windhoek and Swakopmund. Windhoek can also be reached via Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Victoria Falls. Other destinations in Namibia are reachable by car or charter flight.

Some rules to abide by:

• In Namibia one drives on the left.
• All signposts are in English.
• Seat belts must be worn at all times.
• Talking in a mobile phone while driving is prohibited.
• The general speed limit is 120km/h on tarred roads outside of towns and 100km/h on gravel roads, though a maximum speed of 70km/h is recommended for safety reasons, In built up areas, the speed limit is 60km/h.

There are a few basic health matters that require care and attention. Please consult your doctor if in doubt and check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Malaria, including celebral malaria, is common during the summer months in northern Namibia and the Caprivi, as well as northern Botswana (year round) and northern Zimbabwe. This is particularly the case during the rainy season and just thereafter. As the strains of malaria as well as the drugs used to combat them, change frequently, it is advisable to seek medical advice before departure. Wearing long sleeves and trousers, closed shoes, sleeping under a mosquito net, using repellants and mosquito coils are some of the precautions that can be taken to avoid being bitten. The following website www.malaria.org.za gives up-to-date information regarding Malaria and precautions to be taken.

Visitors are advised to take necessary precautions against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Bilharzia is a treatable, but unpleasant disease brought about by parasites found in fresh water in Southern Africa, particularly water that is stagnant or does not move. Swimming in such water is not recommended. Enquiries should be made at the accommodation establishment of the area for up to date information about the prevalence of bilharzia there.

The intensity and effects of the sun and heat are often underestimated. It is essential to take preventative measures to avoid problems related to this, such as drinking sufficient water, using sunscreen, wearing a wide brimmed hat, avoiding excessive exposure to the sun and limiting the intake of alcohol, as this causes dehydration.

Traditional Namibian cuisine is rarely served and so the food at restaurants tends to be European in style and is, generally, of a very high standard.

Namibia is very meat-orientated, and many menu options will feature steaks, including venison. However, there is usually a vegetarian and seafood section offered by most restaurants and camps. To avoid disappointment it is advisable to let the lodging know of any dietary requirement in advance, as the distance to shops is great.

In the supermarkets visitors will find fresh fruit and vegetables, although the more remote the destination, the smaller the choice. Canned foods, pasta, rice, bread, etc., most of which are imported from South Africa, are readily available.

The water in Namibia's main towns is generally safe to drink, though it may taste a little metallic if it has been piped over a long distance. Natural water-sources should usually be purified, although water from underground springs and dry riverbeds seldom causes any problems. However, filtered and bottled water is readily available in most towns and all camps, lodges and hotels.

Partially covered by the Namib Desert, one of the world's driest deserts, as well as the Kalahari Desert, Namibia's climate is generally dry and pleasant. Namibia's coastline, however, has an entirely different climate, due to the cold Atlantic. It can get unpleasantly cold here, even during the day in summer. Northern Namibia, previously known as the Caprivi, is more humid than any where else, but all in all, Namibia can be visited all year round.

Namibia only receives a fraction of the rain experienced by countries further east. December to March you will find that some days will be humid and rain may follow, often in localised, afternoon thunderstorms. These are more common in the centre and east of the country, and more unusual in the desert. The weather pattern is however changing in Namibia, as it is in many parts of the world.

April and especially May are lovely months in Namibia. It becomes  increasingly dry, with a real freshness in the air, and much greenery in the landscape. At this time the air is clear and largely free from dust.

From June to August Namibia cools down and dries out more; nights can become cold, dropping below freezing in some desert areas. As the landscape dries, so the wildlife in the north of the country gravitates to waterholes, and is more easily seen by visitors. By September and October it warms up again; game-viewing in most areas is at its best, although there is often a lot of dust around and the vegetation has lost its vibrancy.

November is a highly variable month. Sometimes the hot, dry weather will continue, at other times the sky will fill with clouds and threaten to rain. Guests who are lucky enough to witness the first rains of the season, will never forget the drama.

Namibians have a relaxed attitude to dress codes. A jacket and tie is very unusual. In fact, long trousers and a shirt with buttons are often quite adequate for a formal occasion or work wear. A pair of sensible shoes, jeans and a t-shirt is recommended.

During the day it is generally hot, so pack light weight loose fitting clothes in natural fabrics, such linen or cotton, that will keep you cool and are easy to wash and dry.

Avoid blue clothing - the tsetse flies are drawn to the colour blue, and their bite can give you African Sleeping Sickness.

Long sleeved shirts and long trousers will protect your against mosquitoes at night.

Telecom Namibia offers a service called wi-space. You purchase a wi-space voucher that allows you to connect to WiFi wherever you see the wi-space logo (about 40 locations in Namibia). 

Alternatively good WiFi access is available at most holiday accommodation venues across the country (free / paid). 

The current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. Most wall-sockets take a 3-prong plug, but almost all hotel rooms have an adaptor (or these can be obtained from reception), which enables the regular 2-prong (round pin) central European plug to be used. Such adaptors are also available at major airports.

In many outlying areas, electricity runs on generators and is not available the entire day. If wishing to recharge your equipment, please enquire from management about this.

Important – Plastic bags:

No person may enter a Game Park or Nature Reserve with a PLASTIC BAG. A person who contravenes this commits an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding N$500 or to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or to both such fine and such imprisonment. (ITT)