Namibia

Since Namibia has one of the most uninviting and desolate coastlines in the world, it was neglected by European explorers like the Portuguese, who limited their activities to setting up navigational crosses along the desert shoreline. Today visitors have discovered the vast potential of a country rich in natural resources, with desert landscapes, sunshine, wildlife and a rugged, barren beauty.

It was only later, during the last half of the 19th century, that the race for colonies among the world powers began, and so ensued the German control that became Namibia's colonial reign of terror. The indigenous tribes tried vigorously to retain their independence, and in 1904 a major uprising by the Herero and Nama people resulted in massive genocide retaliation by the colonialists, with an estimated 60 percent of the native population in the south being wiped out. Today the population consists of 11 main ethnic groups, and the towns still reflect the influence of German colonisation evident in the architecture, food and language, particularly in the capital city of Windhoek.

Namibia has a diversity of natural habitats: the rugged coastline and haunting beauty of the Skeleton Coast, the endless stretch of undulating ochre-coloured sand dunes at Sossusvlei, the impressive gorge of the Fish River Canyon winding through the arid landscape of the great plateau, and the vast salt pan of Etosha National Park, one of the world's greatest wildlife viewing venues. These are the attractions that draw travellers to one of Africa's more intriguing destinations, the unspoilt wilderness of Namibia.

With a total population of just over two million, a holiday in Namibia is the opportunity of a lifetime to experience the beauty of a pristine natural environment teeming with wildlife.

Climate

Rainfall occurs exclusively in the summer months, between November and February, when heavy thunderstorms can be expected. Summer is very hot and the Namib Desert should be avoided at this time as temperatures are often above 104ºF (40ºC). The coast is cooler and often foggy. The best time to visit is during the winter months from March to October (April and June are preferable) as days are warm and dry, and wildlife easier to spot as they tend to congregate at waterholes. Nights can be very cold with frost.

Money

The official currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD) divided into 100 cents. Its value is equal to the South African Rand, which is also accepted as legal currency in Namibia. Major credit cards are accepted. Travellers cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at any bank or bureau de change, though cash is more expensive to exchange than travellers cheques. ATMs are available in larger towns only.

Passport Visa

All foreign passengers to Namibia must have confirmed return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Additionally, visitors should ensure that they have at least two blank pages remaining in their passports, for entry and departure endorsements from the Namibian Immigration Service. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Namibia, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Namibia. No visa is required, for touristic or business-related stays of up to three months.
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Namibia. No visa is required, for touristic or business-related stays of up to three months.
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Namibia. No visa is required, for touristic or business-related stays of up to three months.
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Namibia. No visa is required, for touristic or business-related stays of up to three months.
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Namibia. No visa is required, for touristic or business-related stays of up to three months.
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Namibia. No visa is required, for touristic or business-related stays of up to three months.
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Namibia. No visa is required, for touristic or business-related stays of up to three months.

Health

Safety regulations in Namibia require all visitors to have a yellow fever certificate if arriving from an infected area. Travellers should ensure their polio vaccinations are up to date. There is a malaria risk in the northern region during the rainy season (January to April). HIV/AIDS is prevalent and precautions are essential. Cholera outbreaks do occur and visitors should drink or use only boiled or bottled water, and avoid ice in drinks. There has been an increase in the incidence of rabies among dogs in Windhoek. There are good medical facilities in Windhoek, but medical insurance is essential as treatment is expensive. Travellers to Namibia should take medical advice at least four weeks prior to departure.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of Namibia, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 986 0540.
• Namibia High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7636 6244.
• Namibia High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 481 9100.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Windhoek: +264 (0)61 295 8500.
• British High Commission, Windhoek: +264 (0)61 274 800.
• Canadian Consulate, Windhoek: +264 (0)61 251 254.
• Australian High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Namibia): +27 (0)12 423 6000.
• South African High Commission, Windhoek: +264 (0)61 205 7111.
• Irish Embassy, Lusaka, Zambia (also responsible for Namibia): +260 211 291 298.
• New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Namibia): +27 (0)12 435 9000.