Sunrise Tours - Über Namibia

Useful Information about Namibia

Namibia – Land of contrasts
After years of foreign rule Namibia got its Independence on the 21st of March 1990. The influences of the different nations left significant traces on Namibian soil. This can clearly be seen in the different architecture styles and languages which are apparent in Namibia.
The people on the streets reflect the energy and happiness of the all-year round shining sun. They are happy, laughing, singing and talking to one another whilst the economic routine carries on. The onlooker gets the impression that in Namibia hectic does not exist.
Namibia has lots to offer from its jewel case. The impressions which the visitor gets from a journey through Namibia’s fascinating landscapes will stay forever engraved in your memory. The climate, landscape, fauna and flora are totally different in each region. Each of the regions has its own charm and attraction.

General Information

The total surface area of Namibia consists of app. 824 268 km². Of this surface area about 15% were allocated as National Parks. In Namibia the total population counts to 2.1 million people (last official census). This calculates to 2.5 people per square kilometres.
More than 322 500 people live in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. The highest mountain is the ‘Königsstein’ in the Brandberg Mountain which is 2 573 meters in altitude. Namibia has only permanent rivers at its boarders. These rivers are the Kunene River, Okavango-, Kwando-, Linyanti-, Chobe- and Zambezi River which form the north western-, northern – and north-eastern boarders of Namibia. The southern boarder runs along the Orange- or Gariep River. Namibia’s neighbours are from the north clockwise Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. To the west of the country is the Atlantic Ocean.

Currency

Namibia's currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD), and this has been interchangeable with South Africa's Rand for many years. Note that South African Rand notes can be used in Namibia at face value; whereas in South Africa Namibian Dollar notes are worth fractionally less than Rand notes. Foreign currency may be exchanged at banks; most shops, hotels and restaurants take credit cards (Visa & M/card), although petrol stations require cash. Credit and debit cards can also be used to withdraw cash at bank ATMs.

Fauna

Health requirements

Several vaccines are sensible (typhoid, polio and tetanus), though none is required. Malaria is not widespread, but if you are traveling to the north of the country, or from December to March, you should contact your doctor for recommendations. AIDS is prevalent in Namibia; HIV infection rates are high. For travelers, this is usually not an issue, but they should always be aware of the situation, and take similar precautions to avoid infection which are wise in most countries.

Language

Population

Approx 2.1 million people live in Namibia,(2006), it is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world with a population density of just 2.2 people per square kilometre. Life expectancy is around 51 years. Population rate is growing at 2.6% per year over the past 15 years. It is estimated that 21% of the population is believed to have HIV/AIDS. Literacy rate is just over 84%. The exact population of Windhoek is difficult to define at any time due to continual growth of informal settlements as people flock from rural areas to the city but it is now thought to have recently broken through the third of a million mark (approx 330,000).

Roads

Telephone

Visas

Travellers from Germany, England, Switzerland etc., staying less than 90 days, do not need a visa when travelling to Namibia. Please ensure that you have at least 2 empty pages left in your passport and that the passport is still valid for at least 6 months after the day of departure. Check on the stamp given to you on the day of arrival, that the visa period is not shorter than you intended stay. Travelling with children under the age of 18: when a child travels with both parents, they should produce an unabridged birth certificate (in English) and a valid passport / a child who travels with just one parent, should be able to show an unabridged birth certificate (in English), a valid passport and a court order/death certificate/affidavit, confirming the parents have given permission for the child to travel. Please inform yourself as well, what document you would need.

Weather and climate

About Namibia