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About Namibia
Click here to see a map of NamibiaNamibia is located between the Kalahari and the cold South Atlantic. It is one of Africa's most intriguing destinations, with its vast deserts and annual quota of around 300 days of sunshine. The must see attractions in Namibia are Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Windhoek, Etosha National Park, Kavango & Caprivi and the Fish River. Namib Desert is possibly the most spectacular desert scenery in the world. It is made up of miles of mountainous red sand dunes amidst the cold waters of the Atlantic and the cutting edge of the Central Escarpment. Swakopmund is a small coastal town in the centre of the country. It is a unique
Bavarian village full of early German colonial architecture and beer gardens. Windhoek is the capital of Namibia and has some beautiful German colonial structures and pastel-coloured buildings dating from around the turn of the century. Some great examples are the Christuskirche, the Tintenpalast, the Alte Feste and the railway station. Etosha National Park is the third largest National Park in the world. During winter, there are large concentrations of birds, elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras and a few cheetahs and leopards. The wildlife in Etosha can also include such protected species as the black-faced impala and black rhino. If there has been a fair bit of rain you will have the chance to see flocks of flamingoes and pelicans arrive to feed and breed. Kavango & Caprivi are located in the north east of the country. The landscape is quite different here in comparison to the rest of the country as a result of higher rainfall. The people live by the rivers in small kraals, making a living by a mixture of farming and fishing. It is here you will be surrounded by the peaceful scenery of, spectacular swallowtail butterflies, herds of hippos and a thriving population of crocodiles. The Fish River Canyon is the most spectacular of Namibia’s natural wonders. A giant 160km long and 27km wide, it is often compared to the Grand Canyon. Nowhere else in Africa can you see such magnificent views.
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Culture
Namibia's population includes more than 11 ethnic groups. The country still displays influences of its German and Afrikaner colonisers. The Owambo is the largest tribe and live mainly in the north. Other tribes include the Kavango, Herero, Himba, Damara, Nama and Basters. Namibia’s cultural traditions involves music, dance, and visual and architectural arts. Musical instruments include drums, flutes, stringed instruments, marimbas, gourd rattles and animal horn trumpets. The main food eaten in Namibia for the Ovambo people is mielie pap, a cornmeal porridge, eaten with fish, goat, lamb or beef stew. Pumpkins, peppers and onions are also popular ingredients in meals. Traditional alcoholic drinks include mataku (watermelon wine) and walende, a distilled-palm spirit that tastes like vodka.
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Local_Currency
The currency in Namibia is the Namibian dollar.Major foreign currencies and travellers cheques can be exchanged in any bank. Rates for travelers cheques are better than cash. When changing money, you can choose between Namibian dollars or South African rand; for changing leftover money after your trip, rand is better. Credit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels. A 15.5% sales tax is applied to most purchases, including meals and accommodation, but it's not normally included in marked prices. Tipping is only expected in up-market restaurants. Tipping is prohibited in national parks and reserves.
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Transport
The best, easiest way to get around Namibia is to hire a car, there are cars, motorbikes and 4WDs available for hire, however it is quite expensive. There is also a bus and minibus service, however, they don’t service all areas. Trains are very slow, but are reliable and inexpensive. There are many regular domestic flights around Namibia, however it is expensive.
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Visa_Information
Most visitors to Namibia do not require a visa.
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