Africa Safaris Destinations |WildLife Gorilla Tours |East West & South African Travel Guide |Holiday Vacations: About Namibia Tour Attractions Travel Tips Tourism Weather National Parks Transport Currency ================================================================================ adminafrica on 29 May, 2008 03:03:00 Climate The country is mainly desert, dry, hot, receiving very low amount of rainfall which is also erratic. Thus, the country enjoys over 300 days of sunshine all through the year. However, the temperatures and rainfall vary considerably with the season and geography. Thus, at high altitudes and during winter, the nights are a bit cold, while the interior receives rain between the months November to April. Some parts are extremely hot between Decembers and March for instance the areas around the Namib-Naukluft and Etosha national park. It is worth saying that Namibia is liable to long periods of drought. Visas & Immigration Citizens of Angola, Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Cuba, Iceland, Japan, Kenya, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Malawi, Malaysia, Mozambique, New Zealand, Norway, Russian Federation, Singapore, South Africa, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and USA do not require visas for stays of up to 3 months. Passports must be valid for a minimum period of 6 months after the expected date of departure. Money Official Currency: The Namibian Dollar=100 cents Major credit cards are accepted, as are travellers cheques, which are best taken in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. The South African Rand is tolerable as currency throughout the country. Banking Hours Monday to Friday: 0900-1530 Saturday: 0830-1100 Note that Namibia is two (2) hours ahead of GMT Transport & Getting Around Air Transport International Flights from Europe to Namibia exist and the major airlines commonly used include British Airways and KLM. Domestic flights also operate with Compion Aviation Namibia (Pty) Ltd providing charter flights within Southern Africa, amid well maintained single and twin aircrafts with commercially licensed pilots. The company also arranges scheduled flights to SOssusvlei and owns a maintenance workshop. Railway Transport Train services operate with in Namibia with Windhoek acting as the hub thus it connects to Keetmanshoop, De Aar, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund Tsumeb and Luderitz. Refreshments are some times served there in and provide first and second class services. Road/Bus Transport Local minibus taxis run from Oshakati to Keetmanshoop and Windhoek to Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. There is also a luxury bus service available between Windhoek and major centres. Intercape Mainliner provides Luxury Inter City Transport in the whole of Southern Africa. Driving Tips Driving is on the left hand side and an International Driving Licence is required. Most of the roads are in a fair condition. Car Hire is expensive but it is also perhaps the easier way to see the country. Most agencies are only open weekdays during office hours. Check whether a 10% sales tax and collision damage waiver has been included in your quote. Public Holidays 1st January New Year's Day 21st March Independence Day 1st May Worker's Day 21st May Ascension Day 25th May Africa Day 26 August Heroes Day 10th December Human Rights Day 25th December Christmas Day 26th December Boxing Day Variable holidays Good Friday and Easter Monday Electricity Electric Power is 220V running at 50Hz. The Plug type used is: Round pins with ground Travel Insurance If you need medical care whilst in Namibia, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative. To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. TOURISM Namibia generally attracts eco-tourists with the majority visiting to experience the different climates and natural geographical landscapes such as the great eastern desert and plains. There are many lodges and reserves for eco-tourists to travel to and stay over. National Parks & Game Reserves Daan Viljoen Game Park Etosha National Park Fish River Canyon National Park Hardap Dam Recreation Resort & Game Park Khaudom Game Reserve Mahango Game Reserve Mamili National Park Mudumu National Park Namib-Naukluft Park Skeleton Coast Park Waterberg Plateau Park