T he Land of Open Spaces, as Namibia is affectionately known, with its undiscovered landscapes and unspoiled nature, makes for a perfect and widely diverse travel destination. The well-developed road infrastructure, abundance of scheduled tours and charter companies, and the friendly welcoming people will ensure that your visit to Namibia is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re in search of the perfect romantic breakaway, ultimate adventure or are just wishing to lose yourself in the wildlife, cultural diversity and mesmerising scenery reflecting Namibia’s untouched beauty, the following information and tips will leave you well equipped to explore even the remotest parts of the country.

Quick Facts

Surface area: 824, 268 km²

Capital: Windhoek

Independence: 21 March 1990

Current president: Hage Geingob

Multiparty parliament

Democratic constitution

Division of power between executive, legislature and judiciary

Secular state – freedom of religion (90% Christian)

Freedom of the press/media

Nature reserves: 15% of surface area

Highest mountain: Brandberg

Other prominent mountains: Spitzkoppe, Moltkeblick, Gamsberg

Perennial rivers: Orange, Kunene, Okavango, Zambezi and Kwando/Linyanti/Chobe

Ephemeral rivers: Numerous, including Fish, Kuiseb, Swakop and Ugab

14 vegetation zones

120 species of trees

200 endemic plant species

100 plus species of lichen

Living fossil plant: Welwitschia mirabilis

Main sectors: Mining, fishing, tourism & agriculture

Biggest employer: Agriculture (46%)

Fastest growing sector: Tourism

Mining: Diamonds, uranium, copper, lead, zinc, magnesium, cadmium, arsenic, pyrites, silver, gold, lithium minerals, dimension stones (granite, marble, blue sodalite) and many semi-precious stones

Roads: 5450 km tarred, 37 000 km gravel

Harbours: Walvis Bay, Lüderitz

Main airports: Hosea Kutako International Airport, Eros Airport, 46 airstrips

Rail network: 2 382 km narrow gauge

Telecommunications: 6.2 telephone lines per 100 inhabitants

Direct dialing facilities to 221 countries

Postal service: affiliated to the Universal Postal Union

One medical doctor per 3 650 people

Three privately run hospitals in Windhoek with intensive care units

Medical practitioners (world standard)

24-hour medical emergency services

2.3 million

Density: 2.2 per km²

400 000 inhabitants in Windhoek (15% of total)

Official language: English

14 regions, 13 ethnic cultures, 16 languages and dialects

Adult literacy rate: 85%

Population growth rate: 2.6%

Educational institutions: over 1700 schools, various vocational and tertiary institutions

Big game: Elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, giraffe

20 antelope species

240 mammal species (14 endemic)

250 reptile species

50 frog species

676 bird species

Endemic birds including Herero chat, rock runner, Damara tern, Monteiro’s hornbill

More than 50 countries have Namibian consular or embassy representation in Windhoek.

All goods and services are priced to include value-added tax of 15%. Visitors may reclaim VAT.

Enquiries: Ministry of Finance Tel (+264 61) 23 0773 in Windhoek

Currency: The Namibia Dollar (N$) is fixed to and on par with the SA Rand. The South African Rand is also a legal tender. foreign currency, international Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club credit cards are accepted.

Most tap water is purified and safe to drink.

Visitors should exercise caution in rural areas.

Public transport is NOT available to all tourist destinations in Namibia.

There are bus services from Windhoek to Swakopmund as well as Cape Town/Johannesburg/Vic Falls. Namibia’s main railway line runs from the South African border, connecting Windhoek to Swakopmund in the west and Tsumeb in the north. There is an extensive network of international and regional flights from Windhoek and domestic charters to all destinations.

Summer time: GMT + 2 hours from the first Sunday in September to the 1st Sunday in April.

Winter time: GMT + 1 hour from the 1st Sunday in April to the 1st Sunday in September.

220 volts AC, 50hz, with outlets for round three-pin type plugs

Ai-Ais Game Park, Etosha National Park, Namib-Naukluft Park (Sesriem entrance), Waterberg Plateau Park, Skeleton Coast Park:

Children

  • Under 16 – no charge

Adults

  • Foreign N$80.00
  • SADC N$60.00
  • Namibian residents N$30.00

Vehicles

  • 10 seats or less N$10.00
  • 11-25 seats N$40.00
  • 26- 50 seats N$300.00
  • 51 plus N$500.00

All other parks where usage fees are charged:
Caprivi Game Park, Daan Viljoen Game Park, Hardap Recreation Resort, Khaudom Game Park, Mahango Game Park, Mamili National Park, Mudumu National Park, Namib-Naukluft Park (other entrances), Naute Recreation Resort, Von Bach Recreation Resort

Children

  • Under 16 – no charge

Adults

  • Foreign N$40.00
  • SADC N$30.00
  • Namibian residents N$10.00

Vehicles

  • 10 seats or less N$10.00
  • 11-25 seats N$40.00
  • 26-50 seats N$300.00
  • 51 plus N$500.00

1. Fees are valid for a 24 hour period beginning at time of entry, per person, for one park.
2. Park fees are payable for every day, for visitors and vehicles.

3. The minimum amount payable is for 24 hours (1day), and thereafter in units of 24 hours (1 day).
4. Fees are non-refundable, and non-transferable.
5. Namibian and SADC discount rates are available on production of valid identification