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Namibia is the Land of Contrasts - from tranquil wide open desert plains to the lush riverbeds, from clear starlit skies to a cozy barbecue campfire, from a seeming lifeless desert floor to wild animals gathering at waterholes - Namibia will soothe your soul and spirit. The sheer beauty of Namibia will captivate you to return again and again.
Introduction
Namibia is the Land of Contrasts - from tranquil wide open desert plains to the lush riverbeds, from clear starlit skies to a cozy barbecue campfire, from a seeming lifeless desert floor to wild animals gathering at waterholes - Namibia will soothe your soul and spirit. The sheer beauty of Namibia will captivate you to return again and again.
Location and size
Namibia lies in Southwest Africa and borders the South Atlantic Ocean to the west, Angola to the north, Zambia in the northeast, Botswana in Southeast and South Africa to the South. The country encompasses broad geographical variations and can be divided into four regions. The dunes and desert coastal plains of Namib, the Skeleton Coast, the Kalahari Basin and the wooded bushveld of Kavango and Caprivi.
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.
Language
English is very widely spoken and so is German. All road signs and official documentation are in English.
Time
Namibia is two hours ahead of GMT
Money and Banks
1 Namibian Dollar is equal to 100 Cents. It is strongly linked to the South African Rand (R) and is exchanged on a 1 to 1 basis. 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.
Passports and visas
All foreign visitors must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended period of stay. Most nationalities don't need a visa.
Accommodation and Food
Throughout the easy accessible parts of the country the quality is high and sometimes on par with European standard. Local delicacies include biltong (dried strips of meat), droëwors (dried sausage), rauchfleisch (smoked meat) and venison (game meat) prepared in various ways. Accommodation range from numerous luxurious hotels and lodges (with exceptionally good facilities and service) to basic camping sites.
Health
There are a number of public and private health care facilities and hospitals available in the easy accessible parts of the country. Visitors should always ensure that they have adequate medical insurance.
Safety
Namibia has a very peaceful attitude and the crime rate is low. It has been noted that petty crime in Windhoek is increasing and extra care should be taken in this city especially in deserted areas and at night. The motto here is - be vigilant. The government does react very swiftly against criminality aimed against tourists and police are generally very helpful and friendly.
Driving
All visitors intending to drive require an international drivers permit.
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