President
His Excellency Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba
Area
824,269 km².
Population
The last official census (2001) gives the population as 1,8 million, although a 1996 estimate puts Namibia’s population in the region of 1,65 million. According to the 2001 census the annual population growth is about three percent and Namibia has a population density of 1,7 people per km², one of the lowest in the world.
Languages
The official language is English. German, Afrikaans, Oshivambo,
Herero, Damara and Nama are widely spoken.
Capital & seat of government
Windhoek, approx. 290 000 inhabitants
Banks
The office hours are as follows:
Monday to Friday: 08h30 till 15h30
Saturday: 08h30 till 10h00
Check-in/check-out
The general rule is: check-in earliest 14h00 and check out latest 10h00.
Customs
With entry to Namibia you may only carry 200 cigarettes and 1 lt. of spirits per person (from 18 yrs), as well as 50ml perfume and 250ml-eau-de toilette. Hunting rifles must be declared at arrival. No import of hand guns allowed.
Drivers-license
An international drivers-license is compulsory. In case of hiring a rental car, the driver must have had his drivers license for at least 5 years. The driver may not be younger than 23 years.
Foreign exchange
Namibia’s currency, the Namibian Dollar (NAD) is linked to the South African Rand (ZAR). The Rand is still widely accepted in Namibia, however you cannot use the Namibian Dollar in South Africa. There is no limit on the amount of foreign monies you can import to Namibia. We suggest that you purchase Namibian Dollar upon arrival in Namibia, due to better exchange rates (for your benefit). All major credit cards (Master card and Visa) are accepted in hotels and shops. Please note that most shops and hotels DO NOT accept American Express and Diners Cards.
Greetings from Namibia
- Postcards: N$ 3,30
- Letters (10g): N$ 3,70
Health
Namibia’s climate is mostly dry and hot, therefore tropical diseases are practically non-existent. During the rainy season (November to April) however, we suggest you take Malaria prophylactics. Please consult your GP.
Some tips, how to avoid a mosquito bite:
 |
Sleep under a mosquito net |
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Wear light-coloured, long
sleeved shirts and long pants. Dark clothing attracts
Mosquitoes. |
|
Apply a mosquito repellent
onto your skin regularly. |
Personal medications should be brought with from home, because you will most probably not be able to find your personal medication in the pharmacies.
You should apply for a personal accident insurance and medical aid before you leave your country.
Insurance
The tour operator is not liable for any losses or damage to personal goods of the tourist. We suggest that you take out travel-, luggage- and medical insurance before you travel out of your home country.
Luggage restrictions
Lufthansa and Air Namibia permit a maximum of 20kg luggage per person in their tourist/economy class. For a stay exceeding 28 days LTU allows 30 kg per person in luggage. Additionally you may carry hand luggage of 5 kg.
Your luggage
We suggest the following personal outfit:
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Hiking boots & Sandals |
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Light, midsummer clothes:
Cotton wool shirts, t-shirts, shorts |
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Light pullover or
windbreaker |
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One set of long pants (i.e.
jeans). You do not need evening attire. |
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A hat with wide brim |
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Sunglasses (Polaroid) |
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Sun cream (high protection
level) |
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Bathing suite/pants |
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Towels (some guest farms do
not supply them) |
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Malaria prophylactics |
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Possible personal
medicines |
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Photo equipment |
|
Binoculars |
Your luggage should be in soft travelling bags, due to the
limited amount of luggage space in the vehicles. Rather take
two small bags instead of one large one.
Petrol
Petrol price: appr. N$ 6,21 per litre 95 octane super unleaded and appr. N$ 6,26 per litre diesel. Fuelstations do not accept Credit Cards. Payment in cash only.
Photography
All equipment should be geared to your personal requirements. Only take the necessary equipment with you and leave the “excess” at home.
If you are not a professional/hobby photographer and only want to take snapshots, an auto focus camera with accessories should be sufficient.
If you own a reflex camera, we suggest a 35mm wide-range objective and a 200 – 300mm telephoto lens.
We advise you to use an A1 diaphragm, because the lighting conditions in Namibia are extremely bright. Please remember to cover your photo-equipment when not in use, because of dust. The best results were experienced with FUJI photographic film. Don’t forget to bring spare batteries for your camera.
Immigration / Passports
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after the termination date of your tour. You need to have a valid return ticket or have enough spending money for the duration of your stay. Belgium, Dutch, American and English Passport Holders do not require a visa.
Portages
Portages are not included in the prices in restaurants. A minimum of 10 % is customary.
Public Holidays 2007
| January 1 |
New Year |
| March 21 |
Independence Day |
| April 06 |
Good Friday |
| April 09 |
Easter Monday |
| May 1 |
Worker‘s Day |
| May 4 |
Cassinga Day |
| May 17 |
Ascension Day |
| May 25 |
Africa Day |
| August 26 |
Heroes’ Day |
| August 27 |
Public Holiday |
| December 10 |
Human Rights Day |
| December 25 |
Christmas Day |
| December 26 |
Day of Goodwill |
Reconfirmation of your return flight
You should reconfirm your return flight at least 72 hours before departure.
Repairs/precaution
We suggest that you let all minor repairs be fixed at the next filling station (or at each Lodge). Should your vehicle have a serious defect, then contact the car rental company, who will most probably supply you with a substitute vehicle? When collecting the car, please examine the vehicle carefully and put any defect into writing and give it to the rental car representative. Also make sure that the spare tire, jack, spare fan belt and proper tools are in the car. Please check the cars’ oil and water every day.
Restaurants
The cuisine in Namibia is international. Most restaurants serve Namibian game/beef, fish specialities, dairy products, and vegetables.
Roads
Please drive on the left side of the road. Namibia has a well-established network of roads, which are mostly gravel roads. Please drive carefully!
School terms 2007
From 17.01.2007 to 27.04.2007
From 22.05.2007 to 17.08.2007
From 04.09.2007 to 05.12.2007
School starts again 2008: 16.01.2008
Taxis
Please only use registered Taxis, e.g. Exclusive Transfer Services Tel. 081 – 122 9844; Crown Taxis Tel: 081 129 2116
Travel-Season
The warm, dry climate of Namibia allows travel at any time of the year.
Some Tips: Game viewing in Etosha National Park is best during the winter-months – the dry season. The countryside is at it’s best during the months January to March - the rainy season. Freak showers might occur suddenly. The months November and December are the hottest months of the year, our midsummer.
Valuables
We advise you to store your valuables in the safes of the lodges/hotels.
Value Added Tax
VAT (15%) is included in all purchasable articles. VAT can be deducted from purchased gold, jewellery, and fur coats if you present your passport and your valid return air ticket. Please inquire at the customs office.
Videos
If you possess a Camcoder, then we suggest that you take it with you! You will be able to catch the wide, open spaces of the Namib Desert much better on video than on a photograph.
You should consider the following:
|
Please bring enough cassettes,
because you will not be able to buy cassettes on the way. |
|
You need at least three charged
Batteries and/or charger. |
Voltage
In Namibia the voltages are between 220 V and 240 V alternative current. Threepole plugs are used in Namibia. Some hotels offer adapters. You can also purchase these at hardware and household stores.
Water supply/Drinking water
Tap water is drinkable throughout the country. In Windhoek itself, we recommend Mineral water (available in shops & restaurants).
Weather
Due to Namibia’s size, the weather is very versatile. In summer (November to March) the temperatures can go up to approximately 45°C. The humidity varies between only 10-25%. Therefore the heat is bearable. The rainy season is only during summer, mainly between January and March. The clouds rarely reach the desert. If it rains in the desert, then it usually is one short thunderstorm during early afternoon. At night, temperatures drop to about 25 - 18°C. During the winter months (June to August) the night temperatures in the desert areas and the Khomas Hochland can drop to 0°C (or even less).
Tour Guides
All guided tours are accompanied by local experienced driver guides. The driver guides are responsible for the smooth conduct of tour are available for any questions at all times.
Additional costs on guided tours
As most entrance fees, meals, transport and accommodation costs are included the tour price, the additional costs whilst on tour are limited.
Age Restriction on guided tours
There is no age restriction for travelling in Namibia. However person above the age of 70 years should consult their paediatrician or alternatively the tour operator.
Drinks on guided tours
Non – alcoholic drinks like Mineral Water, Fruit Juices etc. are provided on board the Cheetah Tours & Safaris vehicles. Drinks taken with meals in restaurants and hotels are not included in the tour price.
Vehicles on guided tours
All guided tour are conducted in suitable, well-maintained, air-conditioned vehicles with the necessary prescribed insurance cover.
Updated: 11.01.2007
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