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Namibian Info
Geographic Location
The Republic
of Namibia is a vast, sparsely
populated country situated along the South Atlantic coast of Africa
between 17 and 29 degrees south of the Equator. With its surface area of 824
268 square kilometers, Namibia
is the 31st largest country in the world. It stretches for about 1 300 km from
south to north and varies from 480 to 930 km in width from west to east. Namibia, previously known as South West Africa,
is bordered by South Africa
in the south, Angola and Zambia in the north and Botswana and Zimbabwe in the east. The oldest
desert in the world, the Namib Desert stretches along
the whole west coast of the country, while the Kalahari Desert runs along its
southeastern border with Botswana.
The Namibian landscape varies from vast
expanses of desert and sand dunes to rock formations in the south, contrasting
starkly to the savannah and woodlands of the central regions and the lush and
forested scenery of the northeast. The Brandberg with
a height of 2 579 meters in the southern Kunene
Region is Namibia's
highest mountain. Other mountains are the Auas Mountain
with its 2 479 meters Von Moltkeblick peak, the Gamsberg (2 347 metres), the Erongo Mountain (2 319 meters), the Karas Mountain (2 202 meters), the 1 900
meters Eros Mountain and Brukkaros (1 603 meters), a
well known sight between the southern towns of Keetmanshoop
and Mariental. In the south the Fish
River Canyon
is one of the wonders of Africa. The 161 km
long, 27 km wide ravine with a maximum depth of 550 meters is surrounded by
high, forbidding cliffs, and is gashed into the plateau with startling
abruptness. The awesome grandeur of the canyon is surpassed only by the Grand
Canyon in the United States
of America.
The Namibian climate varies from arid and
semi-arid to subtropical with the generally temperate desert coast offering
sometimes fog-ridden days with temperatures between 5° C and 20°C. The central,
southern and coastal areas constitute some of the most arid landscapes south of
the Sahara. The hottest months are from
November to January, with average day temperatures varying between 9°C to 35°C.
During the winter months that stretch from May to September minimum temperatures
can fluctuate between -6°C and 10°C at night to recover to 20°C and more after
11:00 in the day.
Overall Namibia
is a summer rainfall area, with limited showers occurring from October and
building up to peak in January and February.
Languages Spoken in Namibia:
English is the official language, but Namibia's relatively
small population is extraordinarily diverse in language and culture. More than
11 languages are indigenous to Namibia
but with its cosmopolitan society, languages from around the world are spoken
in Namibia.
People commonly speak two or three languages and more than 50% of the
population speak Oshiwambo. Due to the country's
colonial history Afrikaans, the language of the previous South African
occupiers is still widely spoken. Namibia has a small number of Khoisan speaking people, known as the Bushmen or San.
Indigenous languages are included in the school syllabus at primary level. From
secondary level English is the medium of instruction. Among European languages
spoken in Namibia
are German, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Arabic and Chinese.
The Constitution of the Republic of Namibia
is the fundamental law of the country which recognizes the inherent dignity,
equal and inalienable human rights of all members of the Namibian society. It
provides for a sovereign, secular, democratic and unitary State founded on the
principle of democracy and the rule of law. Fundamental human rights and
freedoms, including freedom of speech and expression are enshrined in the
Constitution and it furthermore lays down the division of power between the
executive, the legislature and the independent judiciary.
Entry Requirements :
A valid passport is required to enter Namibia. Visas
are needed except for nationals from Angola, Austria, Belgium, Botswana,
Canada, Germany, Luxembourg, France, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Liechtenstein,
Mozambique, the Netherlands, the Nordic Countries, Russia, Singapore, Malaysia,
Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, South-Africa, the United Kingdom, the
United States of America, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Visas are obtained from the
Ministry of Home Affairs, Private Bag 13200, Windhoek,
at Namibian Embassies and at Namibia Tourist Offices in Johannesburg
and Cape Town.
Currency :
The unit of currency is the Namibia Dollar
(N$) which has the same value as the S.A Rand and is divided into 100 cents.
The South-African Rand is still accepted as legal tender in Namibia.
Travelers cheques are accepted almost everywhere.
Those in foreign currencies must be cashed in at banks. In general credit cards
are accepted by most hotels as well as in rest camps of the Ministry of
Environment and Tourism, where Master, Visa, Diners Club cards, Namibia Dollars
and Rand travelers cheques
and bank guaranteed cheques are also acceptable.
Health :
All water from taps is purified and visitors
need have no hesitation in drinking it. Travelers to the northern parts are
advised to take anti-malaria precautions, especially in summer.
What to Pack :
Winter days are mild to warm, so you should
bring light summer clothes. Nights can be quite chilly - even in summer at the
coast. Warm clothes are thus also necessary. A good pair of sunglasses,
sunscreen, lip balm, a sun hat, swimming costume, camera and flash or video
camera are all standard equipment and can be bought in all large centers. All
international-standard videotapes are available in Windhoek, as well as one hour film processing
services.
Traffic Rules and Regulation :
Remember to drive on the left hand side of
the road in Namibia.
There is a general speed limit of 120 km/h on open roads (although it is
recommended you reduce speed on gravel roads). Safety belts must be worn.
Overseas visitors (not residents of neighboring countries) must be in
possession of a valid international drivers license if they plan to hire or
drive a vehicle in this country.
Road signs are internationally recognized symbols, and road and turnoffs are
clearly signposted. Road signs warning against animals, particularly kudu,
should be taken seriously, especially at night when they are blinded by
headlights.
Rifle Import Requirements:
Hunters entering Namibia with a rifle, must complete
a temporary import permit application form for all rifle's and/or ammunition in
their possession.
Crime:
Crime is a factor as it is all over the world.
Look after your valuables. Don’t leave valuable
things in a car. Be sure that Passports and Money are stored safely.
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