Namibia

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance

CLIMATE

Everywhere in Namibia enjoys a minimum of 300 days of sunshine a year, but temperatures and rainfall vary considerably both seasonally and geographically. The cold Benguela current keeps the coast of the Desert cool and free from rain. In the interior most the rain fall from November to April. At high altitudes the nights, and during the winter night it can get a bit cold but the country is pleasant to visit all year round. Most people find it is best to avoid the Namib-Naukluft and Etosha national parks in the extreme heat between December and March. Mainly desert, hot, dry, rainfall very low and erratic. Prone to long periods of drought.

Climate Chart for Windhoek

For today's weather forecast see     CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

National of Angola, Australia ,Botswana, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Cuba. Iceland, Japan, Kenya, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Malawi, Malaysia, Mozambique, New Zealand, Norway, Russian Federation, Singapore, South Africa, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and USA do not require visas for stays of up to 3 months. Passports must be valid for a minimum period of 6 months after the expected date of departure.

Listing of Namibian Tourist offices and/or embassies located around the world

MONEY

Official Currency:    The Namibian Dollar=100 cents
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

Major credit cards are accepted, as are travellers cheques, which are best taken in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. The South African Rand is acceptable as currency throughout the country.

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banking:    Monday to Friday: 0900-1530   Saturday: 0830-1100

LOCAL TIME

Namibia is two hours ahead of GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air:	International Flights from Europe to Namibia Click for flights from Europe with KLM Click for flights from Europe with BA.com Domestic Flights Compion Aviation Namibia (Pty) Ltd Fly-In's / charter flights within Southern Africa. Scheduled flights to Sossusvlei. Well maintained single and twin aircraft. Commercially licensed pilots. Own maintenance workshop.
Train:	The train service is good operating daily between Windhoek and Keetmanshoop, De Aar, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund Tsumeb and Lüderitz. First and second class are available and refreshments are sometimes available Starline Timetable
Bus:	Local minibus taxis run from Oshakati to Keetmanshoop and Windhoek to Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. There is also a luxury bus service available between Windhoek and major centres. Intercape Mainliner Luxury Inter City Transport provider covering Southern Africa. Travel in the lap of excellance with Intercape Mainliner.
Self Drive / Hire Cars:	The Africa Guide's recommended Map Globetrotter Travel Map of Namibia - (Maps Worldwide) A map of Namibia which caters specifically for the needs of tourists and visitors. Special features include: nature reserves, parks and places of interest; highlighted scenic routes; town maps of major tourist centres, including hotels; and legends in English, French and German Other Maps & Atlases for Sale
	Driving is on the left hand side and and International Driving Licence is required. Most of the roads are in a fair condition. Car Hire is expensive but it also perhaps the easier way to see the country. Most agencies are only open weekdays during office hours. Check whether a 10% sales tax and collision damage waiver has been included in your quote

ELECTRICAL POWER

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Namibia, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.
	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....
	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .
	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.