Namibia Package (self-drive) - Family of 4

Located in southwestern Africa, 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, which boasts remnants of the country’s German influence, reflected in its architecture, culture, cuisine, and the annual Oktoberfest celebrations. To properly appreciate this extraordinary country, you will have to venture out of the cities to explore the remarkable natural landscapes Namibia has to offer. These include: the impressive Fish River Canyon; the vast Etosha National Park teeming with abundant wildlife, such as lions, desert-adapted elephants and the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra; the hauntingly beautiful Kalahari Desert; and, ofcourse, the Namib Desert stretching for over 2000 km along the magnificent Atlantic Coast. Namibia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African experience in a uniquely beautiful, untamed wilderness.

Australia, Canada, USA, Great Britain, Russia, Brazil, New Zealand and EU (*) citizens do not need a visa for up to to 3 months visit.

* Nationals of Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia do require a visa.

All visitors travelling to Namibia for business purposes must arrange a visa in advance

Currency

Namibia uses the Namibian Dollar (N$) this is linked on a one to one exchange with the South African Rand. The Rand is legal tender in Namibia, but the N$ 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 populace, and is confined to main roads between major population 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 easy to travel around Namibia by car, and a 2WD vehicle is perfectly adaquate for most journeys. However, long distances, poor mobile phone coverage outside of main towns and infrequent petrol stations that only accept cash mean that planning ahead is vital.

There are major airlines that fly into Windhoek and Swakopmund. Other destinations are reachable by car or charter flight.

Namibians drive on the left and all signposts are in English. Seat belts must be worn at all times and 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. In built up areas, the speed limit is 60km/h.

A small malaria risk exists in the entire northern third of the country (Oshana, Oshikoto, Omusati, Ohangwenga, Otjozondjupa and Omaheke) from November to June and along the Kunene river and in Kavango and Caprivi regions throughout the year. Although visitors who plan to remain in the southern part of the country (Sossusvlei, Windhoek, Walvis Bay etc.) do not need to take anti-malarial drugs, they are recommended for those travelling further north.

Travellers from or passing through countries affected by yellow fever require a vaccination certificate.

Tap water meets WHO standards, but most visitors prefer to drink bottled water, which is widely available.

It is advisable to bring a supply of personal medication and ensure that you have full medical and evacuation cover before travelling.

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 from various animals. However, there is usually a vegetarian and seafood section offered by most camps and restaurants.

In the supermarkets you'll find pre-wrapped fresh fruit and vegetables (though the more remote the areas you visit, the smaller your choice), and plenty of canned foods, pasta, rice, bread, etc. Most of this is imported from South Africa.

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

Partially covered by the Namib, one of the world’s driest deserts, Namibia’s climate is generally very dry and pleasant. The cold Benguela current keeps the coast cool, damp and free of rain for most of the year. Inland, all the rain falls in summer (November to April). January and February are hot, when daytime temperatures in the interior can exceed 40oC (104oF), but nights are usually cool. Winter nights can be fairly cold, but days are generally warm.

Safaris in Namibia are available year-round, although the best game-viewing periods are during the dry winter months of May through September. However, since winter temperatures can dip below freezing at night and ground frost may be common, spring or fall months such as October or April are the mildest. The best months for bird viewing are November to April.

Light clothing suitable for Namibia’s hot climate is recommended and visitors should prepare themselves for the sunny weather. Do pack something warm for the cool to cold evenings, especially in winter.

Bring hats, sunglasses and adequate UV protection - SPF30+ is advisable. It is important to remember that even on an overcast day the African sun is still strong and able to cause unpleasant sunburn.

A camera is an absolute must!

Casual eveningwear (long trousers for men), together with appropriate footwear, is necessary for dining out and for gaining entrance to casinos and most hotels.

Sturdy walking shoes are recommended if you intend to take guided walk and trail excursions.

Tourism

Namibian Tourism Board, Windhoek: +264 61 2906000

http://www.namibiatourism.com.na

Namibian Embassies

Namibian Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 986 0540
Namibian Embassy, London, United Kingdom +44 20 7636 6244
Namibian Embassy, Paris, France: +33 01 441 73265

Namibia Embassy, Brussels, Belgium: +32 2 771 1410

Foreign Embassies in Namibia

United States Embassy, Windhoek: +264 61 295 8500
British Embassy, Windhoek: +264 61 274 800

French Embassy, Windhoek: +264 61 276 700

Brazilian Embassy, Windhoek: +264 61 237368/9