Physical geography
The Republic of Namibia covers an area of 823 144 sq. km and is situated in the southwestern corner of the Continent of Africa. Namibia has four distinct regions: the 80 - 120km-wide belt of the Namib Desert, the semi-arid mountainous plateau which covers the central part of the interior, the low lying northeastern and southeastern areas which are extensions of the dry Kalahari and Karoo regions of Botswana and South Africa; and the bush-covered plains to the north of the Etosha Pan. The highest mountains are the Brandberg (2573 m) and the Molkteblick (2446m) in the Auas range south of Windhoek.Climate
The winter is generally mild but dawn temperatures may drop to freezing. Temperatures in midsummer may rise above 35°C, except at the coast, where it is cool even during December/ January. The rainy season lasts from October to April. Namibia averages 300 days of sunshine a year.
Economic geography
Mining is the most important industry of Namibia's economy. Although the country is renowned for diamonds and uranium other minerals such as copper, lead, zinc and tin are also mined in quantity.Of the other industries fisheries and stock farming come next in importance. Pilchards and anchovies are the basis of the fishing industry. Canned fish, fishmeal and oil are exported to many parts of the world as are thousands of kilograms of fresh and frozen rock lobster. Livestock farming provides a livelihood for about 70 per cent of the country's population. Beef cattle is farmed in the north and east and karakul in the south. The main agricultural exports are beef, mutton, karakul pelts and game products.
Tourism is the fourth most important sector of the economy in Namibia. The country has a well established tourist infrastructure and there is sufficient tourism potential to develop this sector of the economy to the full. About 14 per cent of the country has been set aside as national parks. These serve to protect rare and endangered species of animals, as well as wildlife in general, and plants and trees.
Demography
The country has an estimated total population of 1.6 million, giving it one of the lowest population density figures in the world - less than two persons per square kilometre. The largest ethnic group, consisting of eight different tribes, inhabits Owambo in the north. Then in descending numerical order come the Kavango, Herero, Damara, White, Nama, Coloured, East Caprivian, Kaokolander, Bushman, Rehoboth Baster and Tswana communities.A brief history
Namibia has a turbulent history. The struggle for survival started in the early days with tribal wars. During the mid-19th century, the German missionaries opened up the interior for stable settlement. In 1884 the territory was annexed by Germany which accounts for the picturesque German-colonial character of so many buildings and traditions. After the First World War, the second colonial period started with the conquest of the territory by the South African forces, resulting in the subsequent administration by South Africa under a League of Nations mandate. A long struggle towards independence followed, leading to the birth of a new nation.The country is ruled by a multi-party Parliament and has a democratic constitution which is regarded as a model constitution by the international community.
Languages spoken by the nationals
There is one official language: English. However German and Afrikaans are also spoken throughout the country.Time
Two hours ahead of GMT.Currency
The unit of the currency is the Namibia Dollar divided into 100 cents. There is no limit to the amount of money that visitors from overseas may bring in the form of traveller's cheques or foreign currency notes, but South African Reserve Bank notes in cash are restricted to R 500.00 per person. Traveller's cheques and notes in foreign currency must be cashed at banks, whereas those in South African Rand are accepted almost everywhere. Most hotels, shops or restaurants will accept credit cards. Namibia is part of the Rand Monetary Area, therefore South African Currency remains legal tender.Official holidays (Offices and shops closed)
New Year's Day: Mon. I Jan.-Independence Day: Thu. 21 Mar.-Good Friday: Fri. 5 Apr.-Easter Monday: Mon. 8 Apr.-Workers Day: Wed. 1 May-Cassinga Day: Sat. 4 May - Ascension Day:Thu. 16 May-Africa Day: Sat. 25 May-Hero's Day: Sat. 26 Aug.-Human Right's Day: Tue. 10 Dec. - Christmas Day: Wed. 25 Dec. - Family Day: Thu. 26 Dec.
*The act on Public Holidays, Act N° 26, 1990, stipulates that the Monday following on a public holiday which falls on a Sunday shall also be a public holiday, unless that Monday is a public holiday.
What one should not fail to see
Central Region
Windhoek, Namibia's capital, with delightful reminders of the German colonial past, among them the old Administration Buildings, the Alte Feste Museum, three 'castles' overlooking the town, the German Lutheran Church and the old railway station. Housed in a modern building are the State Museum, Library and Archives. Rock Paintings at the Erongo Mountains and the Spitzkoppe. Damaraland with its remarkable geological formations and other phenomena: Vingerklip, the Petrified Forest, the rock engravings at Twyfel Fontein, the Burnt Mountain and the Brandberg.Southern Region
The Kokerboom (quivertree) Forest and Giants' Playground near Keetmanshoop. The Fish River Canyon - one of the greatest natural wonders of Africa. Duwisib Castle.Namib Region
The Namib region where the strange prehistoric plant welwitschia mirabilis grows. The Sandwich area which is a haven for huge numbers of coastal and freshwater birds. The Sesriem and Sossusvlei areas where the highest sand dunes in the world are found. The old German colonial buildings of Luderitz and the 'ghost town' Kolmanskop. The Swakopmund Museum. The Cape Cross Seal Reserve.Northern Region
The Hoba Meteorite near Grootfontein, Lake Otjikoto near Tsumeb and the Etosha National Park.Most favourable seasons for sojourns and touring
The fine climate with its generally dry conditions permits touring throughout the year, although it should be noted that the Ai-Ais Hot Springs Resort is closed during the summer season - 1 November up to the second Friday in March the following year.How to dress
The winter is generally mild and summer clothing is therefore suitable. It can, however, become very cold, especially at night, and warm clothing is recommended. Summers are very hot, except at the coast, where warm clothing may be needed even during December/January.Main holiday resorts
Central Region: The Daan Viljoen Game Park situated 24km from Windhoek in the Khomas Hochland. Gross Barmen, a modern hot spring resort near Okahandja. Bernabe de la Bat Rest Camp in the Waterberg Plateau Park, about 60km to the east of Otjiwarongo, Khorixas Rest Camp, 4km south of Khorixas, Reho Spa 90km south of Windhoek.Southern Region: Hardap Recreation Resort, 24km northwest of Mariental. Ai-Ais Hot Springs 90km from the main look-out point of the Fish River Canyon.
Namib Region: The Namib-Naukluft Park has three camping sites namely the Naukluft area situated north-west of Matlahohe, the Sesriem area west of the Naukluft Mountains and the Namib area between the Kuiseb and Swakop rivers. The coastal towns of Luderitz and Swakopmund. Terrace Bay in the Skeleton Coast Park, 350km north of Swakopmund.
Northern Region: tosha National Park with its three rest camps namely Okaukuejo, 12km north of Outjo, Halali 55km to the east of Okaukuejo and Namutoni 107km north-west of Tsumeb, Popa Falls, a rest camp on the banks of the Kavango river.
There are numerous delightful guest farms and hotels all over the country.
Main holiday sports
Fishing, hunting, all water sports.What to eat and drink
Fresh fish (Kabeljou and Steenbras), crayfish and oysters. Beef, mutton and game meat. Smoked meat and fish. Namibian beers, South African wines, German and South African spirits and liqueurs. Chocolates made in Windhoek.What to buy
Diamond, tourmaline, aquamarine, amethyst, rose quartz and topaz jewellery; polished and rough gemstones and semi- precious stones such as tiger's eye and agate, mineral samples, original paintings; Karakul coats and jackets; kuduleather shoes, karakul-wool carpets and wall hangings, karosses (rugs made of animal pelts) basket ware; wood carvings; dolls in traditional Herero-style dresses.Frontier formalities
Passports and visas
Foreign nationals must be in possession of a valid passport to visit Namibia. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of intended departure from Namibia.A return or onward air, bus or train ticket, or alternatively proof of another means of transportation enabling a visitor to leave Namibia, is also required.
No visas are required for bona fide tourists from South Africa, Great Britain, Eire, Liechtenstein, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, France, The United States, America, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Russia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Angola, Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, Kenya, the Nordic Countries and Brazil.
Entry into Namibia is permitted for a maximum duration of 60 days (with possible extention on application at the Ministry of Home Affairs).
In countries where Namibia has no diplomatic representation, inquiries about the necessity for visas and health certificates should be directed - well in advance of a visit - to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Private Bag 13200, Windhoek; tel: (061) 398-9111, fax: (061) 22-3817.
Health regulations
Health certificates are not normally required.Customs
Tourists may import duty-free: 2 litres of wine, 1 litre of alcoholic beverages, 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars. No hand-weapons may be imported. One rifle for hunting purposes per person. Necessary permit issued by Customs upon arrival .Representatives abroad
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA (OAU). Embassy of the Republic of Namibia; Higher 17, Kebel 19, House N° 002. P.O. Box 1443, Addis Ababa. Tel: 09251- 1- 611 966/612 055. Fax: 09251- 1-612677.BONN, GERMANY. Embassy of the Republic of Namibia, Mainzer Strasse 47, 53179 Bonn. Tel.: 0949-228-346021. Fax: 0949-228-346025/858407. Direct-line: 0949-228-858889.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM. Embassy of the Republic of Namibia, Ave Tavuren 454, B-1150 Brussels. Tel: 0932-2-7711410. Fax: 0932-2-7719689.
GABORONE, BOTSWANA. High Commission of the Republic of Namibia, Private Bag 0016, Gaborone Sun Hotel, Room 412. Tel: 09-267-35111. Fax: 09-267-302555.
HAVANA, CUBA. Embassy of the Republic of Namibia, P.O. Box 92, Hotel Neptuno, Miramar, Havana. Tel.: 0953-7-331430. Fax: 0953-7 331 431.
LAGOS, NIGERIA. PMB 800015, Victoria Highlands. Lagos. Tel: 09234-1-619589/618-606. Fax: 09234-1 619323. Telex: 5090522650 EKOHTL.HC Direct-line: 613-269.
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM. 6, Chandos Street, London WIM OLQ Tel: 0944-71-636 6244. Fax: 0944-71-637 5694.
LUANDA, ANGOLA. Rua Dos Conqueiros, P.O. Box 953, Luanda. Tel: 092-442- 395 483/396281. Fax: 092-442-333923.
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA. 6968, Kabanga Rd Addis Ababa Drive, Rhodes Park (PO Box 30577), Lusaka. Tel. 092-601-252250. Fax: 092-601-252497
INDIA, NEW DEHLI. D-6/24 Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, India 110 057. Tel: (91-11) 611-0389/0390. Direct-line: 611-0391. Fax: (91-11) 611-6120.
MOSCOW, RUSSIAN FEDERATION. 2nd Kazachy Lane, House No.7, Moscow. Tel: 097-095-230-0113. Fax: 097-095-230-2274.
PARIS, FRANCE. Avenue Foch 17, Square de l'Ave Foch, 75008 PARIS. Tel: 0933-144-17-3265. Fax: 0933-144-17-3273.
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA. Tulbagh Park, Eikendal Flat Suite 2, Church Street, Colbyn, Pretoria. P.O. Box 29806. 0132. Tel: (012) 342-3520. Fax: (012) 342-356.
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN. Luntmakargatan 86-88,11122 Stockholm P.O. Box 26042, S-100 41 Stockholm, Sweden. Tel: 0946-8- 612-7788. Fax: 0946-8-612-6655 .
UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK. 135 East 36 Street, New York. Tel: 091-212-685-2003. Fax: 091-212-685-1561.
WASHINGTON, USA. 1605 New Hampshire Ave, N.W. Washington, D.C., 20009 . Tel: 091-202-986-0540. Fax: 091-202-986-0443.
ITALY, ROME. Via Monte delle Gioie 24, 00199 Rome. Tel: (0939) 862-11-047. Fax: (0939) 735-83-021.
ITALY, MlLAN. P.S. Iniziative Industriali. Piazza Berromed 12, 20123 Milan. Fax: 02-720 00926.
INDIA, BOMBAY. Tata Exports limited. Block A. Sivsagar Estate, Dr. Besant Road, Worli, Bombay 40018.
CHINA, HONG KONG. RM 509 Manning House, 38-48 Queen's Road, Hong Kong. Tel: 852-586-1339. Fax: 852-877-1264.
CYPRUS, NICOSIA. Tymvios Building, 23 Pindaros Avenue, Flat 203, 2nd Floor, Nicosia.
GREECE, ATHENS. Import & Export Agencies. 15-17 Thermopion Street, 175 63 P Faliro, Athens.
AUSTRIA. Abgeordneter Zum Nationalbrat der Republic Osterreich, 8280 Furstenfeld, Hauptplatz 13, Austria.
AUSTRALIA, SYDNEY. PO Box 54, Mosman NSW 2088.
We have been able to publish the present tourist information on Namibia thanks to the co-operation and the participation of the Namibia Tourism Office in Windhoek.
