Namibia

In a Nutshell
Situated along the south western coast of Africa, Namibia is a large, dry, sparsely populated land of remarkable scenic contrasts. An exceptional tourist destination for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts.

Top attractions

• Etosha National Park - one of Africa's premier reserves, almost 5000 sq kms in size and mostly dry, with exceptional game viewing concentrated around the Pan and the main waterholes. Accommodation is available at Namutoni and Okaukuejo camps.

• Namib-Naukluft Park - a huge desert area containing such sights as the world's largest sand dunes at Soussusvlei, the Sesriem Canyon, the lunar-like landscape along the Welwitschia Drive and the Naukluft Mountains with their steep gorges and sandstone cliffs.

• The Fish River Canyon - the second largest in the world, surpassed only by the Grand Canyon. A popular hiking destination.

• Swakopmund - an oasis of German culture and a popular tourist destination with plenty of outdoor activities.

• The Skeleton Coast Park - a long, desolate, eerily beautiful coastline and a graveyard for shipping.

• Kaokoland - arid and remote, among the world's last great wilderness areas

• The Waterberg Plateau Park - high in the mountains, a sanctuary for rare and endangered species of game.

• The Erongo Mountains - fascinating volcanic rock formations in the Omaruru district.

Connections

By Air. Windhoek is connected by air to Cape Town, Johannesburg, London and Frankfurt. Air Namibia, British Airways/Comair and SA Airways fly to Johannesburg and Cape Town


By Bus Intercape Mainliner runs to Cape Town, Upington and Johannesburg


By Car There are various entry points into Namibia from South Africa. Within Namibia, you'd be best advised to hire a car or four-wheel drive in the main centres or at Windhoek airport, or to take one of the many tours on offer.

Size 824,290 sq kms

Population approx 8 million

Biggest city (cities) Windhoek

Official language (s) English

Religion Mainly Christian

Climate Hot, dry

Best time to visit May-Sept

Visas Required, except for US, UK, SA and certain other nationalities

Health Anti malaria precautions advised

Time GMT + 1 (April-Sept one hour behind SA time)

Unit of currency Namibian dollar (= SA Rand)

Electrical current 250 volts AC

Driving On the left

Credit cards Generally accepted

Public holidays 1 Jan; 21,29,31 Mar; 1 Apr; 1,4 May; 9 Jun; 25 Aug; 10,25,26 Dec

Dialling code 09264

Water tap water is safe to drink

Useful numbers

Namibia Tourist Office 09264 61 284 2111
In SA 011 784 8024
Windhoek Information and Publicity 0926461 290 2911
Namibia Wildlife Resorts (for park bookings) 09264 61 256 446
Air Namibia 0926461 298 2370
Intercape Mainliner 0926461 227 847

Links to Useful Sites

www.tourism.com.na
www.namibweb.com