NAMIBIA
Capital: Windhoek
Language: English, Afrikaans, German
Population: 2 Million
Time Zone: EST plus 6 hours
Currency: Namibian dollar (NAD) &
Electricity: 220-240V/50HZ
Afrikan rand (ZAR)
Fun Facts
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Namibia gained independence from South Africa in March of 1990.
Namibia is the second least densely populated country on earth.
Some of the highest quality diamonds come from Namibia.
Namibia is one of the most lightly populated countries in the world, where vast open and wild lands truly
put our existence into perspective. Stunning landscapes permeate all reaches of the country from windblown sand dunes and rocky peaks and rugged coastline to grasslands. Wildlife here is not as dense as
other parts of Africa but this wild land makes up for it with truly authentic wildlife and cultural
experiences.
Sossusvlei (Namib Desert)
Rippling dunes of vibrant orange and red up against open grasslands capture the unique characteristics
of Sossusvlei in the desert of Namib, the oldest desert on earth! This exotic part of Namibia is home to
some of the world’s tallest sand dunes and on a clear night, the star gazing here is beyond compare.
Here you can venture out by vehicle to see ostrich, springbok, and oryx – all adapted to life in this harsh
landscape; then, drink in the desert atmosphere in the evening from the comfort of your hotel. As night
descends, the colors of this wild expanse shift and fade into a crisp desert night.
Damaraland
Enjoy more of the beautiful but harsh desert of Namibia in one of the most interesting and dramatic
regions – Damaraland. Here the night sky is uninterrupted by city lights as there are none within a
hundrend kilometers. Your visit will likely include views of giraffe, springbok, kudu, black-backed jackal,
and if you are lucky, the desert adapted elephant. The main attraction here is the desert adapted black
rhino. This area is actually home to the largest population of free-roaming black rhino in the world. The
black rhino can be elusive even in places with heavy tourist traffic. They are truly wild and not used to
seeing people on a daily basis so they are even harder to track. To increase odds, experienced trackers
leave early in the morning as you eat breakfast in an attempt to spot them. If they do you will exit your
safari vehicle and track them on foot. This requires a good deal of stamina and ability to walk on
uneven surfaces but the payoff is a truly magical experience that is not easily described in words.
Swakopmund
Between Sossusvlei and Damaraland, sitting on the rocky Atlantic coast of Namibia is Swakopmund.
Considered a local retreat, this small town welcomes visitors into its quaint seaside promenades and
promises ocean views and a pleasant summer climate. Reminiscent of a small German village you will
get the impression of “being stuck in time” in the best sense of the phrase. Because of this laid-back
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atmosphere, the coast of Swakopmund is the perfect opportunity to take in a slightly more sophisticated
yet relaxed experience. Some of the coastline here is inaccessible to the public, but a marine cruise in
the bay will allow visitors to see an abundance of birdlife as well as a large seal colony and dolphins
playing in the icy waters. For the more adventurous and fit you may want to try sand boarding on one of
the nearby sand dunes!
Etosha National Park
Namibia’s most famous wildlife haven, Etosha National Park is noted for its game viewing due to having
the country’s highest concentration of animals. Due to this it has more a traditional safari feel where
tourists and vehicles abound. Luckily we stay in a private concession nearby with fewer people so you
get the best of both worlds – more animals in Etosha and exclusivity in the private concession. Game
drives and walking safaris in the private concession, away from the crowds, feature great opportunities
to see lion and rhino amongst other things. In the national park the abundance of watering holes
provide the opportunity to see wildlife flocking to them – the chance to see cheetah, eland, waterbuck
and maybe even the elusive leopard. Etosha also adds a touch of luxury to a Namibian expedition –
enjoy views of this ecologically diverse environment teeming with exotic wildlife at every turn and the
hues of gorgeous African skies.
Exploring Namibia is unlike any other exploration on the continent, wondrous and strange, it will create
images never to be surpassed and change its visitors for life.
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VISAS AND PASSPORTS
Visas to Namibia are not required for U.S. citizens. If you hold a passport from another country, please
check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Namibia. All passengers traveling
internationally are required to have a passport. Please carry proper identification (your passport) on you
and do not leave in your suitcase or hotel room.
COUNTRY CODES
The country code for Namibia is 264. When calling to Namibia from overseas, you dial your international
access code (011 from the U.S.) followed by the country code, area code, and phone number. Phone
numbers in Namibia are 7-9 digits in length (including the area code). Dialing from the U.S.: 011 264 ##
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CURRENCY AND BUDGETING
The official currency of Namibia is the Namibian dollar, but the South African Rand (ZAR) is also widely
used and accepted.
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Banknote denominations: $10, $20, $50, $100, $200
Coin denominations: 5 cents, 10 cents, 50 cents, $1, $5
The Namibian dollar and Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia, but they are virtually
interchangeable; however, the Namibian dollar is much more difficult to exchange when outside the
country.
For the most current exchange rates, please go to our Web site at www.globusfamily.com/currency
ATMs are available in major cities.
Credit cards are accepted in Namibia in major city centers, hotels, and shops. Use may be limited
outside major cities, but most lodges and restaurants accept them. Visa and MasterCard are most
accepted; American Express and Discover are much harder to use. Smaller shops may ask you to pay
in cash or have a minimum amount required to use a credit card.
TO HELP YOU BUDGET:
The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per
person. Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city within a country but below are some
averages as provided by our experienced personnel.
The approximate cost of a soft drink/mineral water/coffee is N$ 7-10
An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water will cost approximately N$ 3050.
A steak dinner at a mid-range restaurant, with desert and a non-alcoholic beverage will cost
approximately N$ 150-200.
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TIPPING
Tipping is common in Namibia and wait staff and service personnel rely on tips as a large part of their
income. Tips should be left in cash in the local currency and not in US dollars or any other currency.
For restaurant we recommend a tip of 5-10% of the total bill.
For taxi service using “radio taxi” (characterized by a black number in a white square) or other transfer
service, tip N$ 5- N$ 10. If using a normal inner city taxi shared with others, pay the exact fare and do
not tip to avoid unwanted attention to wealth.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS:
Voltage for outlets is 220-240V. American voltage is generally 110V. Therefore, a converter may be
necessary for your travels. Adapters will be necessary to adapt your plug into the outlet but may not
convert the voltage, so both devices are necessary. The outlets in Namibia look like
Type D
TEMPERATURES
Namibia has a warm, dry climate with an abundance of sunshine year round, typical of a semi-desert
terrain. It can get cool at night and early in the mornings.
To help you plan, below are average low and high temperatures (in Fahrenheit) for Namibia:
Month
Windhoek
Swakopmund
Sosussvlei
Etosha National
Park
January
62/87
60/71
59/87
66/91
February
62/86
60/73
60/87
62/87
March
60/86
60/71
62/91
60/87
April
57/80
57/69
59/89
59/86
May
50/77
53/69
55/87
50/80
June
44/71
51/68
51/80
44/77
July
44/71
50/68
50/80
44/77
August
48/77
50/64
48/82
48/84
September
55/84
51/64
50/84
55/91
October
59/87
53/66
51/84
62/95
November
60/89
57/69
55/86
64/95
December
62/89
59/71
57/86
64/96
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FOOD SPECIALTIES
There is a wide variety of cuisine in Namibia influenced by the indigenous people of the region, as well
as some European and South African influences. Common foods are grilled local game, corn, fresh
seafood, beef, chicken, rice, tomatoes, couscous, and a plethora of fresh produce.
A FEW WORDS OF THE LOCAL LANGUAGE
Afrikaans:
Hello!: Hallo! , How are you?: Hoe is jy?, Fine, very well: Fine, baie goed, Bad: Bad, Yes: Ja, No:
Geen, Thank you very much: Baie dankie, Please: Asseblief, Goodbye: Totsiens, Welcome: Welkom,
Friend: Vriend, Sorry: Jammer, How much?: Hoeveel kos dit?, Where is...?: Waar is...?, Today:
Vandag, Tomorrow: Môre, Yesterday: Gister, Toilet: Toilet, Water: Water, Coffee: Koffie, Tea: Tee,
Milk: Melk, Sugar: Suiker, Ice: Ice, 1: Een 2: Bili 3: Twee 4: Vier 5: Vyf 6: Ses 7: Sewe 8: Agt 9: Nege
10: Tien.
Last updated 12/27/12
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