|
Currency: |
Namibian
dollar (NAD); South African rand (ZAR) |
|
Language: |
English
7% (official), Afrikaans common language of
most of the population and about 60% of the
white population, German 32%, indigenous languages:
Oshivambo, Herero, Nama |
|
Climate |
With
an average rainfall of 270 mm a year, Namibia
is generally considered an arid country.
More than 70 per cent of the countrys rain
is recorded between January and April and
in general the rainfall, as well as the
length
of the rainy season, increases from the coast
inland and from south to north.
Rain
usually falls in the afternoons as thunderstorms
which soon pass over.
The
months between May and September are usually
considered the best time to visit the interior.
Daytime temperatures are pleasant, but evenings
are generally cold. The following table
will give a good idea of temperatures throughout
the country. Do not forget that they
are average figures and summer temperatures
of over 35C often occur. |
|
Credit
Cards |
Major
credit cards such as Master Card and Visa
are accepted throughout the country. However,
vendors in remote areas and some service stations
only accept cash. |
|
Currency |
Namibia
has its own currency, the Namibian dollar,
which is divided into 100 cents. Notes
are available in N$200, N$100, N$50, N$20,
and N$10 denominations, while coins are available
in N$5, N$1, 50c, 10c, 5c.
The Namibian dollar is on par with the South
African Rand, which is also legal tender in
Namibia. The Namibian dollar is, however,
not accepted in South Africa and other southern
African countries. It is, therefore,
important to convert Namibian dollars to foreign
currency before leaving the country. |
|
Electricity |
Electricity
of 220 volt AC is supplied and sockets are
for round three-pin plugs, 15 amp types. |
|
Language |
English
is the official language and travelers should
generally have little difficulty communicating,
except in some of the remote rural areas.
Prior to independence in 1990, Afrikaans was
the official language and it is still the
lingua franca; the only exception is
the Caprivi Region, where English is spoken.
German is widely spoken in Windhoek, Swakopmund,
Lüderitz and some smaller towns.
Oshiwambo is the most widely spoken of Namibia’s
indigenous languages. |
|
Public
Holidays
|
The
following public holidays are observed in
Namibia:
| New Years
Da:y 1 January |
Ascension
Day: 40 days after Easter |
| Independence
Day: 21 March |
Africa
Day: 25 May |
| Good Friday
March-April |
Heroes
Day: 26 August |
| Easter
Monday March-April |
Human Rights
Day: 10 December |
| Workers
Day: 1 May |
Christmas
Day: 25 December |
| Cassinga
Day: 4 May |
Family
Day: 26 December |
|
|
Time |
Namibia
introduced differentiated standard times for
summer and winter in 1994. Summer time
is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time
(GMT +2) and commences at 02:00 in the first
Sunday of September, ending at 02:00 on the
first Sunday of April the following year.
Winter time is one hour in advance of GMT
(GMT + 1) and commences at 02:00 on the first
Sunday in April, ending at 02:00
on the first Sunday of September. Namibian
Winter Time is hence one hour behind South
African Standard Time. In the northeast
of the country, however, many shops, businesses
and offices continue to operate on Namibian
Summer Time, as this region lies much further
to the east than the rest of the country. |
|
Booking in advance |
Namibia is a popular tourist
destination and it is advisable to make your
travel arrangements as far in advance as possible
to avoid disappointment. This includes accommodation,
flights and car hire reservations. |
|
Shopping |
Most major shopping centres
and malls are open 7 days a week from 09:00
to 17:00. In some cases, Sunday shopping hours
are from 09:00 - 14:00 and in some smaller
towns shops are closed on a Saturday afternoon
and on a Sunday. |
|
Petrol/Gas stations |
Petrol or gas stations
are widespread throughout Namibia and many
are open 24-hours.
If you are planning a long distance trip through
a remote area, ensure that your tank is full
to avoid running low. A petrol attendant will
fill your tank for you and will often wash
your windscreen. Petrol stations do not accept
credit cards and petrol must be paid for in
cash or with a local petrol card. |
|
Road
safety: |
Namibia has an excellent
infrastructure of good quality roads, however
the country is large and travelling distances
can be long. If you are planning a self-drive
holiday, make sure that you allow yourself
ample time to reach destinations and make
provisions for stop-overs en-route. One of
the biggest causes of road accidents on long-distances
is fatigue and loss of concentration.
In general, try to avoid driving in unfamiliar
areas after dark and in rural areas be aware
of cattle or other animals such as buck wandering
into the road. Do not stop in remote areas
after dark and always park in well-lit, designated
parking areas. |
|
Personal
safety : |
As in any foreign country,
visitors are advised to be aware and alert
when travelling to avoid falling prey to petty
theft and crime. Most areas and attractions
of Namibia can be safely visited. However,
use common sense, be discreet with expensive
camera equipment and jewellery and be aware
of your surroundings. Avoid walking in deserted
areas after dark and when driving, always
park in a well lit and designated parking
area. In you have any doubts, speak to your
hosts and ask for their advice on potential
areas to avoid. |
