About Namibia
Namibia is a country of unspoilt beauty, immense solitude, of far horizons, deserts, and jagged mountain heights, hauntingly beautiful in its stark emptiness. The place needs to be perceived to be fully understood, and the experience will continue to linger in your memory long after your return home.
Visa Requirements
Citizens from the following countries are exempt from visa requirements provided they are in possession of a valid passport; good for a period of at least six months intended date of departure from Namibia, together with a return or onward ticket or proof of other means of transport enabling them to leave Namibia : Angola, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Germany, France, Lesotho, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macao, Malawi, Malaysia, Mozambique, The Netherlands , New Zealand, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Russia and CIS countries, Scandinavian countries, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tanzania, UK, USA, and Zambia.
Entry into Namibia is granted for a maximum of 90 days per year. Countries not listed above require Visa which can be obtained by Gayane Tours & Safaris in Namibia.
Namibian Cultural Background
When you travel to Namibia you will immediately see there is a diverse amount of cultures in the country. Some 2.1 million people live in Namibia. Namibia has 13 ethnic cultures, 16 languages and dialects. They form a fairly diverse population, sparse in much of the country, with only 2.1 people per square kilometer. Over 70% of Namibians belong to dark skinned, Bantu speaking peoples such as the Ovambo and Herero. The population of Khoisan, although small in comparison, is the largest in Africa. Other cultural minorities include the Damara, Caucasians (mainly Afrikaners and ethnic Germans), and people of mixed blood known as Coloured people.
General
Surface area: 824 268 km2
Capital: Windhoek
Independence: 21 March 1990
Population
2, 1 million. Density: 2, 2 per km2, 240 000 inhabitants in Windhoek (15% of total) Official languages: English, 13 regions, 13 ethnic cultures, 16 languages and dialects Adult literacy rate: 85%
Climate
Average summer temperatures vary from 20-34 degree Celsius (day) to 18(night) and in winter from 18-22 degree, Average rainfall figures range from 50mm along the coast to 350mm in the central and 700 mm in the far north-eastern regions
Drinking water
Most tap water is purified and safe to drink, Visitors should exercise caution in rural areas.
Economy
Main sectors: Mining, Fishing, Tourism and Agriculture
Biggest employer: Agriculture 46%
Fastest-growing sectors: Tourism
Money matters
The Namibian dollars (N$) is fixed to and equals to the SA rand. The South African rand is also legal tender. Traveler’s cheque, foreign currency, international visa, master card, American express and diners club credit cards are accepted.
Infrastructure
- 5450 km tarred roads, 37 000 km gravel roads
- Harbours: Walvis Bay, Luderitz
- Main airports: Hosea Kutako International Airport, Eros Airport, 46 Airstrips
- Rail network: 2382 km narrow gauge, Direct-dialling facilities to 221 countries
- Mobile communication system: GSM, CDMA, Agreement with 117 countries/255 networks
- Medical practitioners: 24-hour Medical Emergency Service
Communication
Namibia is networked by automatic telephone exchanges, with public telephones in even the most remote areas. The international access code when calling from Namibia is 00. The country’s code is +264. When calling international to Namibia, dial +264, then the area code, the first 0 and then the local number. When calling within Namibia, dial the area code including the 0 and then the local number.
Personal safety
Tourists in any country are preferred target, therefore we urge you to be on the alert for handbag snatchers and pick-pockets. Keep your vehicles locked, never leave valuables/bags visible in the vehicle, use registered car guards when parking in town. Leave cameras, electronic equipment, tickets, passports and excess cash in the safe at your hotel when out sight-seeing.
