Country Information Namibia

Namibia is a particularly sunny country with an average of 310 sunny days per year. The prevailing climate in most of the country is subtropical continental. The rainy season lasts from November to March. During this time, heavy thunderstorms and downpours occur in large parts of Namibia, turning the otherwise dry riverbeds into raging streams. The optimal travel time for Namibia is considered to be from March to June. During this time, rain is very rare and daytime temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius. The winter months from July to September are also considered a good time to travel due to the pleasant temperatures of about 20 degrees Celsius. However, frost can occur during the nighttime hours in many parts of the country.

The south, southwest, and west of Namibia are characterized by desert steppes due to low rainfall. The landscape of the central part is predominantly marked by thorn savannah. To the east, the country borders the Kalahari Desert. In the north of the country, the biodiversity is significantly larger due to the somewhat more humid climate. Northern Namibia is home to a particularly diverse, exotic flora and fauna. While predominantly succulents and some acacia trees grow in the rest of the country, the north features numerous other tree species such as baobabs, palms, and fig trees. This African country is considered one of the most species-rich countries on the continent. Visitors can encounter numerous wild animals such as lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, monkeys, and hippos. The national parks and desert regions of the country are home to more than 130 mammals and over 600 bird species.

Namibia's official currency is the Namibia Dollar (NAD). Tourists should note that it is strictly forbidden to take photos or drawings of the Namibian currency or share them on the internet. In addition to the Namibia Dollar, the South African Rand is also accepted throughout the country. The exchange rate of the Namibian currency is firmly tied to that of the Rand. Usually, it is even possible to pay in shops and restaurants with a mix of both currencies. Change is also often given in both currencies. ATMs occasionally dispense both currencies mixed.

Travelers can withdraw money in the national currency at the airport upon arrival or exchange Euros into the local currency. In all major cities of the country, there are banks and exchange offices where exchange is easily possible. In the cities, there are also numerous ATMs that accept all common EC and credit cards. However, ATMs outside the major cities accept only VISA cards in most cases. In most lodges, hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, card payment is usually possible. However, in rural areas and in smaller shops and restaurants, cash payment is often the only accepted method. Therefore, travelers are advised to always carry a sufficient amount of cash in the local currency.

For a trip to Namibia, comfortable, loose and robust clothing is recommended. Particularly advisable is long-sleeved, light-colored clothing made from natural materials such as cotton or linen. This provides protection from the sun's rays as well as mosquitoes and still keeps the body pleasantly cool. On safari tours, wearing clothing in bright colors should be avoided, as bright colors can influence the behavior of wild animals. To protect against the strong African sun, it is advisable to pack a good head covering and sunglasses. Sturdy footwear for hiking tours as well as a warm sweater and a jacket for the nighttime hours are especially important. If you are planning a stay on the coast, you should also think about swimwear.

Since Namibia is considered a safe travel destination, there is generally no increased security risk when traveling to the African country. However, to minimize the risk of thefts and robberies, travelers should make sure never to wear their valuables openly. It is also recommended to store valuables and travel documents in the hotel safe and to carry copies instead of the original documents.

Special caution is advised when driving in a rental car. Travelers should make sure to always lock their rental car well and not to leave any valuables in it. During the night, there is an increased risk of criminal attacks and there are often wild animals on the roads. Therefore, traveling overland during the darkness is completely discouraged. Since some roads are in poor condition, drivers are advised to drive with particular caution at all times. During the rainy season from February to April, there are often severe floods that also affect the roads. In the event of flooding, not only are there disruptions to road traffic, but there is also an increased risk of malaria.

Namibia is considered a multilingual country due to its great linguistic diversity. About 30 different languages and dialects from three different language families are spoken in the African country. English has been the only official language of Namibia to this day due to its colonial past. It is used in administration, among other things, and serves as a means of communication between the various peoples. Since Namibia was once a German colony, German was also an official language of the country for a long time. To this day, a certain proportion of the locals have basic knowledge of German. Travelers can usually communicate with the locals in English without any problems, and in some cases even in German.

In addition to English and German, Afrikaans, Portuguese, and about 25 African languages and dialects are widespread in the country. The African languages include various Khoisan and Bantu languages. These are particularly widespread in rural areas. The most spoken Bantu language in Namibia is called Oshivambo.

The urban and tourist areas of Namibia have a relatively stable power supply. The country generates a large part of its energy in various power plants. In addition, it imports electricity from other African countries such as South Africa and Zambia. Lodges, hotels, and restaurants are usually supplied with power continuously. In rural areas, however, power supply is not always secured.

The mains voltage of the electricity is 220 to 240 volts at a frequency of 50 hertz. Since the voltage is almost identical to that in Germany, travelers can use their electrical devices without any problems. However, since predominantly three-pin sockets of types D and M are widespread in Namibia, you will need an adapter. You can buy this on the internet before your trip or locally in supermarkets.

The telephone network in Namibia is now relatively well developed. Since landline phones are not always available, it is recommended to use mobile phones. Cell phones are widespread in the country. On average, there are 1.1 mobile phones per inhabitant of Namibia. Despite the wide distribution, mobile network coverage is usually limited to larger towns. With a German SIM card, it is often possible to log into the state network via roaming. Since this can be associated with high costs, it is advisable to buy a Namibian SIM card. Starter packages are available at reasonable prices in all major cities of the country and at the airport. Alternatively, you have the option to purchase a SIM card on the internet before starting your journey. This is valid in several African countries.

Internet & WLAN are now widespread in Namibia. In the larger cities of the country, there are many internet cafes, which are mostly visited by locals. Also, hotels, lodges, and restaurants usually have a relatively stable internet connection. The internet speed is usually rather slow. Mobile internet mostly works only in larger places, but there it is usually very fast and reliable. If you want the best possible internet connection during your trip, you should prefer to rely on mobile internet via a Namibian SIM card.

The medical care in Namibia is, compared to other African countries, of a high standard. However, the standard is significantly below that of Western European countries. Most medical practices and hospitals are located in the major cities of the country. While basic care is largely guaranteed in small towns, there is often no access to medical care in rural areas. In the event of an accident in a remote area, transport to the nearest hospital can become very costly due to the long distances. In such cases, helicopters are usually used.

Pharmacies in Namibia are generally equipped with most of the important medicines. Travelers who regularly take medications should nevertheless pack a sufficient supply as a precaution. Since the north of Namibia is considered a malaria region, you should take suitable medications and insect repellents with you when traveling to this area for safety reasons.

Since statutory health insurance does not cover treatments in Namibia, travelers should take out additional travel health insurance. This must always be completed before entering the destination country. In many cases, this is even possible on the day of departure. The additional protection should also cover costly treatments, longer hospital stays, and repatriation to Germany.

Since tourists in Namibia are mostly treated in private clinics, the costs for treatments can be very expensive. These are often significantly higher than treatment costs in Germany. As a rule, impending costs must be settled before treatment or discharge. In case of illness, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Upon presentation of the invoices, you will receive a reimbursement of the incurred costs after returning to your home country.

Namibia is considered a safe travel destination and the political situation is seen as stable. Nevertheless, you should observe some basic safety precautions during your stay in Africa. Since the security situation can change quickly, you should always be well informed. You should heed the current security advice from the Foreign Office and avoid visiting potential danger areas.

In some urban and rural areas, there is an increased rate of crime, especially after dark. Tourists should move in groups during the night and only on well-lit streets. In some cases, there are armed robberies and theft. Since there is occasionally credit card fraud, special caution is advised when making credit card payments. Travelers in a rental car should not stop at unguarded rest stops and should drive with locked doors, especially in cities. In addition, travelers are advised against getting into taxis in which there are other people besides the driver.

In Namibia, Christmas, New Year's Day, Easter, and Labor Day are celebrated on the same days as in Germany. In addition, there are several public holidays. These include Independence Day on March 21, Cassinga Day on May 4, Africa Day on May 25, Heroes' Day on August 26, Namibian Women's Day on December 10, and Family Day on December 26.

Namibia is popular with visitors from all over the world due to its spectacular landscapes and diverse flora and fauna. Especially on tours through the fascinating country, you can discover many sights. The Etosha National Park is home to more than 100 mammal and 300 bird species, making it one of the most species-rich regions of the African continent. The Namib Desert also offers visitors unique experiences and insights into the exciting nature of Africa. Dunes in spectacular yellow, orange, and red tones provide warm feelings. The country's coast also attracts with breathtaking sandy beaches, inviting for extended walks and swimming.

The cities and villages of Namibia offer visitors colorful and authentic insights into the lives of numerous African peoples. Various cultures, speaking around 30 different languages, live here side by side. The vibrant cities of the country are contrasting and combine ancient traditions with modern life. The capital Windhoek is home to numerous museums that tell exciting stories about the eventful past and present of the country.

The national cuisine of Namibia convinces with a varied offer. Numerous exotic types of game meat such as springbok, kudu, ostrich, zebra, and crocodile provide culinary experiences of a special kind. Fish and seafood are also an integral part of Namibian cuisine. Popular dishes include meaty stews called Potjiekos, which are cooked in a tripod pot over an open fire. The most widespread food of the population is Pap, a porridge made from cornmeal. This is served with vegetables, kidney beans, cabbage, and meat. However, due to the special climatic conditions, the cultivation of vegetables in Namibia is severely hampered. Most vegetables are therefore imported from South Africa.

Meals are predominantly accompanied by water. For safety reasons, tourists should drink only boiled tap water, clean spring water, or bottled water. Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits are available throughout the country in special stores. Namibian beer is considered high-quality and tasty, as the German purity law has prevailed due to the colonial past. South African beer and cider are also widespread.