Namibia - Wikivoyage, the free collaborative travel and tourism guide - Namibie — Wikivoyage, le guide de voyage et de tourisme collaboratif gratuit

Namibia ​((in)Namibia(af)Namibia)
An oryx in the MamibRand nature reserve
Flag
Information
Capital city	Windhoek
Altitude	Between 0 and2 573 m
Area	825 615 km²
Population	2 630 073 hab. (2020)
Nice	Namibian
Ocean	South Atlantic
Watercourse	Orange, Fish, Ugab, Zambezi
Form of State	Republic
Official language	English
Cash	Namibian dollar (NAD)
Electricity	220 V/50 Hz, D and M type sockets (3 cylindrical pins)
Telephone prefix	264
Internet suffix	.n / A
Flow direction	Drive to the left
Spindle	UTC 1
Location
23 ° 0 ′ 0 ″ S 17 ° 0 ′ 0 ″ E
Official site
edit

The Namibia, in long form the republic of namibia (in EnglishRepublic of Namibia), is a country located on the southwest coast ofSouthern Africa and borderAngola, of the Zambia, from Botswana andSouth Africa. Ancient colony German, Namibia is administered by South Africa under the mandate of the League of Nations after the First World War. After the Second War, it was annexed as a province of South Africa. SWAPO (South African Organization of African Peoples) began a guerrilla war for independence in 1966, but was not successful until 1990.

Namibia is home to natural wonders like the Namib Desert, the Fish River Canyon, Etosha National Park and the Kalahari Desert. The locals speak nine different languages, including clickable languages ​​that will intrigue you greatly, if you are not used to them. Namibia is a producer of high quality diamonds.

Understand

Having been a colony of South Africa for much of the twentieth century, the two countries are similar in many ways. As the region was ruled by the apartheid system, Namibia still has many problems linked to this racist system.

It should be noted that the notion of race is an element of frequent speech of Namibians. They will often refer to someone's race. Because of apartheid, race has become a daily criterion. Despite all of this, the many ethnic varieties get along well in Namibia, and racial tensions are rare to be felt. Apartheid has never been installed so harshly as in South Africa.

Namibia is like South Africa, and if you are used to traveling in one of the two countries, traveling in the other will be easy for you. There are a few subtle differences. For example, in South Africa, colored people (they call themselves "colored") will talk to you easily English, while in Namibia, they prefer to speak Afrikaansbecause they are proud of their culture. Ignoring these differences will not be offensive, but lets understand.

Regions

Regions of Namibia

Caprivi Band An enclave in the northeast of the country. With two large rivers, the Caprivi strip is one of the few regions from Namibia that has water. Northern Namibia From the north of the mouth of the Ugab river to the border with Angola. Central Namibia Between the Tropic of Capricorn and the mouth of the Ugab river. Southern Namibia Region located south of the Tropic of Capricorn.

Cities

• -22.5717.0831 Windhoek  – The capital and the "big" city of the country. In Afrikaans, Windhoek means "place where the wind blows". Situated at 1 650 m altitude in the heart of a semi-desert region, the city and its agglomeration have more than 300,000 inhabitants. Windhoek's city center is European in type. (last update Feb. 2018)
• -26.58318.1332 Keetmanshoop  – Small town along the road and the railway. Starting point for hikes in Fish River Canyon Park. (last update Feb. 2018)
• -26.64715.15773 Luderitz  – Colonial coastal town from the German era. (last update Feb. 2018)
• -17.815.6834 Oshakati  – City in the heart of Owamboland, northern Namibia. (last update Feb. 2018)
• -20.108916.1545 Outjo  – Gateway to Etosha, Koakoveld and Damaraland National Park. (last update Feb. 2018)
• -22.683314.53336 Swakopmund  – Coastal town, a paradise for Namibians on vacation. (last update Feb. 2018)
• -19.23317.71677 Tsumeb  – Mining town east of Etosha (last update Feb. 2018)
• -19.620.58 Tsumkwe  – Rural desert town surrounded by Sans (Bushmen) villages. (last update Feb. 2018)
• -22.9514.59 Walvis Bay  – Namibia's only deep water port, Desert Sports. (last update Feb. 2018)

Other destinations

• -18.9316.131 Etosha national park  (last update Feb. 2018)
• -19.8713.122 Skeleton Coast National Park  (last update Feb. 2018)
• -21.82472215.1941673 Spitzkoppe  – Mountain nicknamed the "Matterhorn of Namibia" (last update Feb. 2018)
• -28.05388917.0347224 ǀAi-ǀAis / Richtersveld Transfrontier Park  (last update Feb. 2018)
• -24.54638915.3297225 Namib-Naukluft National Park  (last update Feb. 2018)

To go

Formalities

Citizens of countries shown in green on the map are exempt from visa requirements to enter Namibia for a stay of less than 90 days.

Tourists can enter Namibia for a maximum of 90 days.

Nationals of the following countries or territories do not need a visa to visit Namibia: South Africa, Germany, Angola, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Belarus, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Denmark, Spain, United States of America, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malawi, Mauritius, Moldova, Mozambique, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Uzbekistan, Portugal, UK, Russia, Singapore, Swaziland, Sweden, Swiss, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Ukraine, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Visitors from countries not listed above should apply for a visa at the Namibian consulate in their home country or at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs Private Bag 13200, Windhoek,   264 61 292-9111, fax : 264 61 22-3817 (last update Feb. 2018)

If you need a visa to enter Namibia, you should be able to apply at the Embassy. British, the high commission or a consulate in the country where you legally reside if there is no Namibian diplomatic post. For example, British embassies / consulates in Khobar, Jeddah and Riyadh accept Namibian visa applications (this list is not exhaustive). British diplomatic posts charge £ 50 to process a Namibian visa application and an additional £ 70 if the Namibian authorities demand that the visa application be submitted to them. Authorities in Namibia may also decide to charge additional fees if they correspond directly with you.

All visitors must present a passport valid for at least six months after the date of entry into Namibia.

You need a return ticket when traveling to Namibia; if you don't have one the airline will not board you. Declare that you will take the bus to theSouth Africa not enough.

They won't let you in if you don't have an address to go to, so make sure you have one.

Always check the dates stamped in your passport, as there have been cases where corrupt officials print the wrong date so they can charge foreigners for overruns when they leave, and these fines are huge.

By plane

Airports of Grootfontein, Katima Mulilo, Keetmanshoop, Luderitz, Ondangwa, Oranjemund, Rundu, Walvis Bay and Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek have customs and immigration services, but only airports in -22.49417.451 Windhoek and -22.98214.6382 Walvis Bay are served by regular international flights.

On a boat

The two entry points into the country are the ports of Walvis Bay and Luderitz.

By train

The regular night train of Upington in South Africa To Windhoek, operated by TransNamib, has been discontinued. It is no longer possible to enter or leave Namibia by train.

By car

Legislation

The customs pass is mandatory if you want to bring in your own vehicle, but insurance is not mandatory, because personal coverage is guaranteed when purchasing fuel.

If you have a vehicle with the steering wheel on the left, it is compulsory to affix a plate at the rear mentioning "LEFT HAND DRIVE".

Border crossing

Angola

• -17.3918.4093 Katitwe  6 h-18 h. (last update March 2018)
• -17.391814.56684 Omahenene ,   264 65 259504 summer:8 h-19 h, winters:7 h-18 h. (last update Feb. 2018)
• -17.39115.8915 Oshikango (Santa Clara) ,   264 65 26-4615, fax : 264 65 26-4616 summer:8 h-19 h, winters:7 h-18 h. (last update Feb. 2018)
• -17.391714.22256 Ruacana ,   264 65 27-0290, fax : 264 65 27-0010 summer:8 h-19 h, winters:7 h-18 h. (last update Feb. 2018)
• -17.890819.77297 Rundu (Calai)  6 h-18 h. – Ferry. (last update March 2018)

Botswana

• -22.28219.9968 Buitepos (Mamuno) ,   264 62 56-0404, fax : 264 62 56-0418 summer:7 h-24 h 00, winters:6 h-23 h 00. – On the Trans-Kalahari-Highway, connects the B6 and the A2 Between Gobabis and Ghanzi. (last update March 2018)
• -19.577219 Tsumkwe (Dobe)  6 h-18 h. (last update March 2018)
• -18.25921.75910 Muhembo (Shakawe) ,   264 66 25-9900, fax : 264 66 25-9902  6 h-18 h. (last update March 2018)
• -17.92124.71611 Ngoma  6 h-18 h. – Bridge over the Chobe River. (last update March 2018)

South Africa

• -28.09519.99812 Araimsvlei (Naroegas) ,   264 63 28-0057, fax : 264 63 28-0058 24 hours a day. – Connects the B3 and the N14 Between Karasburg and Upington. (last update March 2018)
• -26.75619.99813 Klein Manasse (Rietfontein) summer:8 h-16 h 30, winters:7 h-15 h 30. (last update March 2018)
• -28.7617.62214 Noordoewer (Vioolsdrift) ,   264 63 29-7122, fax : 264 63 29-7021 24 hours a day. – Connect the B1 and the N7 Between Keetmanshoop and Springbok. (last update March 2018)
• -28.560316.515 Oranjemund (Alexander Bay) ,   264 63 23-2756, fax : 264 63 23-3483 summer:6 h-22 h 00, winters:7 h-23 h 00. (last update Feb. 2018)
• -28.122616.889416 Sendelingsdrif summer:7 h-24 h 00, winters:6 h-23 h 00. – Ferry. (last update March 2018)
• -25.76819.99817 Velverdiend (Mata mata) summer:8 h-16 h 30, winters:7 h-15 h 30. (last update March 2018)
• -28.73119.30518 Verloorsdrift (Onseepkaans) ,   264 63 26-9134 summer:8 h-16 h 30, winters:7 h-15 h 30. – Connects the C10 and the R358 Between Karasburg and Pofadder. (last update Feb. 2018)

Zambia

• -17.475224.244619 Wenela (Sesheke) ,   264 66 25-3430, fax : 264 66 25-2293  6 h-18 h. (last update Feb. 2018)

Circulate

By plane

By train

Map of the Namibian railway network.

TransNamib is the company that operates Namibia's railways. There are two types of trains available to travelers. the Desert Express, a luxury train for wealthy tourists and regular trains Starline often night trains.

Desert Express

• Desert Express ,   264 61 298 2600, 264 61 298 2175 (cellphone), fax : 264 61 298 2601, e-mail : [email protected] (last update Feb. 2018)

Starline

• Starline ,   264 61 298 2032 (last update Feb. 2018)

The table below shows the train schedule starline passengers of TransNamib.

By car

Some paved roads run through the few major axes of the country. However, it is common to have to take tracks to travel across the country. They are generally of good quality, but it is necessary to be careful.

You should avoid driving as much as possible at night. Indeed, the many Namibian wild animals are attracted by the light of lighthouses. Their presence is often indicated by signs.

What is the speed limit 120 km / h on rural roads, on the other hand, they vary according to the agglomerations.

Possession of an international driving license is recommended. Renting a vehicle is generally accepted from the age of 21. Be careful in the event of an accident with another vehicle, the law does not require you to take out civil liability insurance in this country.

To speak

English is the official language and it is spoken by the local population, more or less well. Otherwise, Afrikaans is widely spoken, especially by the white population of the country but also understood by the black population. It is also common to hear German or Portuguese spoken (due to a large Angolan community).

To buy

Ticket 10 NAD (~0,58 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 0.64 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 0.87 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ $ 0.7 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 380.81 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021), pieces of 5 NAD (~0,29 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 0.32 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 0.43 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ $ 0.35 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 190.41 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021), 1 NAD (~0,06 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 0.06 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 0.09 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ $ 0.07 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 38.08 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021) and 50 cents

Namibia (with the Lesotho, the'South Africa and the Swaziland) is a member of the Southern African Common Monetary Zone and as such the Namibian dollar (N $, NAD) is pegged at a fixed rate of 1: 1 to the South African Rand (ZAR). Both the Namibian Dollar and South African Rand are legal in Namibia but the exchange is usually done in Namibian dollars. The Namibian dollar is divided into one hundred cents.

Banks in Namibia convert Namibian dollars into South African rand and vice versa without fees or paperwork. From any bank or bureau de change outside of Namibia (including other members of the common currency area), you will be charged a significant fee to change Namibian dollars, so it is advisable to change your dollars in a Namibian bank before leaving the country.

It is also advisable to have proof (for example, ATM tickets) that the money you take when leaving the country is money you had when entering.

• Namibian Central Bank  – Official exchange rates in effect (last update Feb. 2018)

ATMs are available at Windhoek, Swakopmund, Luderitz, Tsumeb, and other cities. It is best to only use ATMs that are located in a mall or other building. Always be careful to make sure no one is looking at you when entering your passcode, and watch out for the usual scams.

Prices in stores are fixed, but prices in open markets or at street vendors are open for negotiation.

In most cities you will be approached by a lot of locals to buy souvenirs, when that happens a 'no thanks' is usually sufficient and they will leave you alone. It is common to haggle.

Cross-border money transfers are limited and expensive, with poor buying and selling rates, as the government wants to limit capital flight. There are no Western Union money transfer offices in Namibia.

Eat

There are some specialties, not very local, especially from South Africa which deserve to be tasted. Among other things, Biltong, dried antelope meat, excellent and keeps very well (it's ideal as a snack in the car, much less risky than a chocolate bar that melts like snow in the sun). Otherwise, the meat is of exceptional quality and really inexpensive. We find all the wild antelopes (Springbook, Kudu) but also ostrich, zebra and more common meats such as beef or pork. Afterwards, don't be surprised in food stores to find European and especially German products, such as deli meats or homemade sauerkraut from the caterer.

Prices in 2019 in the vegetable sector of Grootfontein

Have a drink / Go out

Namibia has its own beer, the Windheok Lager. Otherwise, the Rock Shandy is a very refreshing drink, a mixture of lemonade, soda and Agusturas. The price of drinks is cheap, whether with or without alcohol. A beer in a restaurant costs N $ 5 a pint.

With the exception of the towns of Windhoek and Swakopmund, there are not many places to have a drink, go to the bars of the Lodges.

Housing

First there is the Lodge and the hotels / B & Bs which are often expensive but of good quality. But the best way to "experience" Namibia is camping, there are some great ones, campsites are often very busy and well maintained. It really is the ideal and inexpensive form of accommodation. It is possible to go wild camping in some areas.

To learn

To work

It is extremely difficult for foreigners to obtain a work permit in Namibia. With over 50% unemployment, the government is not keen on letting in people who might take jobs from Namibians. All semi-skilled and unskilled positions must unconditionally be filled by Namibian citizens. It is possible to obtain a work permit for volunteering, although it requires going through the same process established for the regular work permit.

An employee's salary is normally paid in Namibian dollars and income taxes (maximum rate is 37%) are based on different income thresholds and deducted by the employer. The capital, Windhoek, is currently ranked as the 150th most expensive city in the world for expats.

Holidays

Communicate

Namibia's country code is 264. Each city or region has a two-digit area code. When making a long distance call to Namibia, it is necessary to dial the area code preceded by a '0'. Mobile phones are very common and operate on the GSM network, using the same frequency as in Europe and the rest of Africa. There are Internet cafes at Windhoek, Swakopmund and Opuwo and most hotels or youth hostels give free access.

Manage the day-to-day

Health

The rate of infection with AIDS in Namibia is around 25%.

Namibia's medical system is modern and able to take care of anything you may need. The staff are well trained and therefore the transmission of AIDS in hospitals is not a particular problem. This applies to both public and private hospitals. Queues are often shorter in private hospitals, however, and there have been cases of misdiagnosis in public hospitals.

The part northern Namibia is located in an area at risk of malaria, therefore consult a doctor before leaving, and take the usual precautions against malaria when you travel to these areas.

Tap water is usually potable in Namibia, unless otherwise specified. Campsites located near rivers often pump their water directly into the river, in these cases do not drink it!

That being said, it is a good idea to consult a doctor who specializes in health issues in Southern Africa.

Security

Emergency telephone number: ​All emergency services:112

Government travel advice

• Belgium (Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation)  (last updated Apr 2018)
• Canada (Government of Canada)  (last updated Apr 2018)
• France (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)  (last updated Apr 2018)
• Swiss (Federal Department of Foreign Affairs)  (last updated Jan 2016)

Respect

Quad in the desert.

Environmental issues must be taken into consideration.

Around

		Angola	Zambia
	South Atlantic	NOT	Botswana
		O    Namibia    E
		S
		South Africa	South Africa

The article from this country is a sketch and needs more content. The article is structured according to the recommendations of the Style Manual but lacks information. He needs your help. Go ahead and improve it!