Holidays to Namibia

Location

The Republic of Namibia is bordered by Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to the north, Botswana to the east, and South Africa to the south.

Geography

The Namibian landscape consists primarily of central highlands, of which the highest point is the Brandberg at 2,606 metres (8,550 ft). The central plateau runs from north to south, bordered by the Namib Desert and its coastal plains to the west, the Orange River to the south, and the Kalahari Desert to the east.

History

Namibia is by a diverse set of peoples and cultures. The country’s predominant (85%) black population is composed of several different ethnic groups, including the San, the Khoi-Khoi, the Herero, and the Ovambo. The small European population is composed of Germans and Afrikaners, and there is also a significant Asian minority. The great majority of Namibia’s 1.5 million people live in the north, where there the climate is less arid and generally more hospitable.

The history of habitation in Namibia begins with the San, who were living there at least two thousand years ago. As a nation, however, Namibia is relatively young, having gained its independence after prolonged struggles only in march of 1990. The country was largely spared the attentions of the European powers until the end of the nineteenth century, when it came under the control of Germany. In 1920 the territory was awarded by the League of Nations to South Africa, which resisted Namibian independence for decades as a result of the area’s enormous mineral wealth. Although the UN voted to end South African control in 1966, widespread regional warfare prevented the establishment of an independent government for almost two decades.

Climate

Average Monthly Temperatures

Summer is from October to April. Average interior temperatures range from 20-34ºC during the day (above 40ºC recorded in the extreme north and south). The coastal regions are influenced by the cold Benguela current with stable temperatures of 15-25ºC

Visas

No visa is required for entry into Namibia for visitors from the EU, most Commonwealth countries and the USA. Passengers must hold a return/onward ticket and sufficient funds.

Flying Time
From Uk – Windhoek directly ppprox 10 ½ hrs
From Uk via Johannesburg approx 12 ½ hrs including transit stop.

Time Difference
GMT + 2 hrs

Currency
Namibia Rand (NAD)
Prior to your visit check the Exchange Rate.

Health

Immunisations that are recommended for Namibia are Yellow Fever, Typhoid and Tetanus. Yellow Fever is required for those travelling from a Yellow Fever infested country.Anti-malarial drugs are recommended and should be taken prior to arrival and should be continued for 4 weeks after leaving Namibia.  It is also advisable to try and avoid mosquito bites by using repellent and by wearing suitable cover-up clothes in the evening.

It is absolutely essential that all visitors carry some form of medical insurance to cater for any eventualities.

Hotels and lodges supply clean drinking water but whenever in doubt, please drink only bottled mineral water (which is available in hotels and safari camps).  Drinking water from the tap is not encouraged.

Always consult your GP before travelling