Namibia - Cheap Holidays from Co-op Travel

Namibia Travel Guide

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.

Namibia Travel Guide

Need To Know

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.

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Electricity:

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round three-pin plugs are standard.

Language:

English is the official language, but many people also speak Afrikaans and German. There are also several indigenous languages spoken, mainly in the rural areas.

Health:

Typhoid and Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are reccommended for travel to Namibia. 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.

Tipping:

Tips of 10% are expected where a service charge has not been included in the bill. Tour guides, game rangers and trackers rely on tips for their income and should be tipped accordingly.

Safety:

The majority of visits to Namibia are safe and trouble-free, but beware of increasing street crime and pick-pockets in Windhoek and other town centres. Theft from vehicles, especially from service stations, is common and valuables should be kept out of sight and the car locked. Avoid using taxis if possible and never take one alone. Care should be taken when travelling in the Caprivi Strip; travel in daylight hours only (livestock wandering onto roads at night cause many accidents), and stay on the main tarred highway as there is a risk of landmines remaining from the Angolan civil war. Namibia is considered at very low risk of terrorism, and there have been no major incidents reported of violence against foreigners. Travellers should carry identification such as photocopies of their passport at all times.

Customs:

It is best to check before taking pictures of State House or properties where the President is residing, as well as any buildings guarded by the army or police.

Business:

Business in Namibia is conducted somewhat formally, although drinking and socialising are an important part of building good working relationships. Standard business etiquette applies; dress tends to be formal with more lightweight materials worn in the hotter seasons, punctuality is important, shake hands on greeting and leaving and in general be polite and professional. English is the language of business, though German and Afrikaans are widely spoken. Business hours are usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Duty Free:

Travellers to Namibia over 16 years do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco; 2 litres wine and 1 litre spirits or liquor; 50ml perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; and gifts to the value of N$50,000.

Communications:

The international access code for Namibia is +264. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)61 for Windhoek. Most towns are covered by a GSM 900/1800 mobile network. Internet access is available from some hotels and Internet cafes are available in Windhoek and Walvis Bay.

Namibia Travel Guide

Namibia Attractions

Sossusvlei

Description:

One of Namibia's highlights is the clay pans of Sossusvlei, in the Namib Desert, enclosed by magnificent ochre sand dunes. The Sossusvlei dunes are among the highest in the world, reaching more than 960 feet (300m), and are a wondrous sight of endless rolling shapes and sharp wind-sculpted crests. Although they have been developed over a period of millions of years, their forms are constantly changing, rising and falling at the mercy of the wind. A climb to the top of one of these 'hills' is well worth the effort, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the view of shifting sand, stretching as far as the eye can see, is an ethereal landscape of shapes and colours. The most impressive pan is Dead Vlei, a vast hollow depression of dry cracked mud scattered with ancient camel-thorn trees. The colours and contrasts here are a photographer's delight. The pans (vleis) are only ever filled with water after heavy rainfall, which happens only every couple of years, but the solid clay layers hold the water for a long time, providing a habitat for countless water birds and a drinking hole for animals. The beautiful black and white Oryx (a large, spiral-horned antelope) is occasionally spotted in the meagre shade of the thorn trees, lizards leave their tiny trails on the pristine mounds of sand, and the black 'tok tokkie' beetle is commonly seen stumbling over the sun-baked jigsaw puzzle pieces of the red clay surface. The area is also home to ostriches and springbok.Visitors should note that the sand dunes of Sossusvlei are located roughly 37 miles (60km) from the Sesriem Gate, which is the entrance to the park. The drive from the gate takes about an hour.

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Twyfelfontein

Description:

Translated as 'Uncertain Fountain', Twyfelfontein was so named by a farmer who doubted the ability of the spring to sustain his cattle for a long time. The spring is still there, but Twyfelfontein is famous for its prehistoric rock paintings and engravings rather than its water supply. It boasts the largest concentration of ancient rock art in the country (about 2,500 designs), and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The petroglyphs primarily depict game animals such as giraffe, antelope, elephant and lion, and are believed to be around 3,000 years old. Visitors are no longer allowed to enter the site without a guide, due to previous vandalism. The uniquely-designed visitor information centre features an exhibition, kiosk and souvenir shop. There are a few other stunning sights in the area around Twyfelfontein, including a unique rock formation called the Organ Pipes, the Doros crater, and the Petrified Forest.

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Christuskirche

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The church is a prominent landmark in Windhoek's historic centre that was built in 1910 to accommodate the Lutheran congregation in the city. Today the sandstone church is a national monument topped by its 79-foot (24m) spire. Its gothic revival facade, made unique by Art Nouveau elements, is made up of quartz sandstone, while the portal and altar are Italian marble. Three bronze bells in the tower bear the inscriptions "Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe" (Glory to God in the highest), "Friede auf Erden" (Peace on earth), and "Den Menschen ein Wohlgefallen" (Goodwill towards men). An interesting fact about the church is that the stained glass windows, a gift from Emperor Wilhelm II, were installed backwards until the late 1990s when a tourist noticed the error.

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Corner of Fidel Castro Str and Robert Mugabe Ave

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Skeleton Coast National Park

Description:

Encompassing the northern part of the Namibian coastline and extending a bit into southern Angola, Skeleton Coast National Park is known for its inaccessible shores and rough waters. The park was named for the hulls of wrecked ships found washed up along the shore, as well as the bleached whale and seal bones found there during the years the whaling industry was active there.Skeleton Coast National Park has some interesting attractions, including the Agate Mountain salt pans, the clay castles of the Hoarasib, and the large Cape Fur Seal colony at Cape Fria. The inland riverbeds are home to a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, lions, baboons, rhinoceros, springbok and elephants.

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The Spitzkoppe

Description:

The natural beauty of the Spitzkoppe, or Spitzkop, is spectacular; an island of bald granite peaks situated in an endless grassy plain that is visible for miles around. Groot Spitzkop is often referred to as the 'Matterhorn of Africa' because of its similarity in shape, and it is one of Namibia's most famous mountains. Nearby are the Little Spitzkoppe and the Pontok Mountains. The area is a paradise for climbers, although only those with a lot of experience and the correct equipment should attempt to climb the Spitzkoppe itself. The enormous granite rocks were formed hundreds of millions of years ago due to volcanic activity and subsequent erosion has resulted in fascinating rock formations and memorable outlines, which should not go unexplored. The area is also renowned for its breathtaking sunrises that turn the rocks from pale orange to flaming gold.

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Brandberg

Description:

The Brandberg massif is famous for its thousands of rock paintings and engravings, most notably the 'White Lady', which is estimated to be about 2,000 years old. Guides accompany visitors on an hour walk to the Tsisab Ravine where the famous painting is located on an overhang under a shelter, surrounded by a variety of painted animal forms. Although faded over the years, the trip to see it is well worth the effort. Contrary to early belief, the painting is not actually of a white lady, but is the image of a male, the white colour of the body representing body paint, which suggests it is a medicine man. Since it was discovered in 1955, there has been a great deal of controversy over the meaning and origin of the painting. Brandberg's highest peak is Königstein, and at 8,550 feet (2,606m) it is the highest mountain in Namibia, reachable on an organised three-day hike.

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Alte Feste (Old Fortress)

Description:

Situated on a high point overlooking the CBD, the Schutztruppe Fort served as the German colonial powers' military headquarters until 1915 and today houses the state museum. It foundaiton stone was laid in 1890 making this one of the oldest buildings in Windhoek and a singificant national monument. The museum's exhibition informs visitors of Namibia's history from its san (bushmen) origins to German occupation in 1884 and the resulting struggle for independence.

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Robert Mugabe Avenue

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(0)61 293 4362

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Namibia Travel Guide

Need To Know

Namibia Attractions

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