DIVERSE NAMIBIA - 10 DAYS

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 boasting remnants of the country’s German influence, reflected in the 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 of course 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.

A passport valid for at least six months beyond your last date of stay in Namibia is mandatory.  One blank page (in addition to any pages required by other countries in your itinerary) is required.

Visas are not required for US passport holders entering Namibia. Requirements for passport holders of other countries vary.  

Proof of yellow fever inoculation (administered at least 10 days before arrival) is required whenever travelers are arriving after having stayed in or transited (more than 12 hours) through the airport of any yellow fever country. Your (yellow) official medical card must be presented.

Any person under the age of 18 years at time of entry must have specific official government documentation in all cases: whether arriving with one or both biological parents, with a guardian, or travelling independently.  Please inquire for details.

It is the sole responsibility of the traveler to understand and fulfill any entry requirements.

Currency

Namibia uses the Namibian Dollar (N$), and this is linked on a one-to-one exchange with the South African Rand. The Rand is legal tender in Namibia, but the N$ 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 9AM to 3.30PM on weekdays and 8.30AM to 11AM 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 centers. Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they have not been informed. 

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 per hour on tarred roads outside of towns and 100km per hour on gravel roads. In built up areas, the speed limit is 60km per hour.

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.

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, camps, lodges and hotels.

Partially covered by the Namib Desert, one of the world's driest deserts, Namibia's climate is generally very dry and pleasant – it's fine to visit all year round. Namibia only receives a fraction of the rain experienced by countries further east. Between about December to March some days will be humid and rain may follow, often in localised, afternoon thunderstorms. These are more common in the center and east of the country, and more unusual in the desert.

April and especially May are often lovely months in Namibia. 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 game in the north of the country gravitates more to waterholes, and is more easily seen by visitors. By September and October it warms up again, although there's 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, but if you're lucky enough to witness the first rains of the season, you'll never forget the drama.

Namibians have a somewhat relaxed attitude toward dress codes.  Casual clothing is recommended.  During the day it is generally hot, so pack light weight loose fitting clothes in natural fabrics.  Avoid blue clothing since tsetse flies are drawn to the color blue.  Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers will protect your against mosquitoes in the evening. 

The current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. A three-point round-pin adapter plug (Type M) should be brought for your electrical appliances - such adapters are also available for purchase at many major airports.