Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Namibia

Namibia Flag



Why visit Namibia?
Ideal for the experienced traveler seeking off the beaten path Africa destination to enjoy beaches, birdwatching, canyons, culture, deserts, eco-tourism, game reserves, hiking, parks, sand boarding, skydiving, and wildlife refuges.



Photo Credit: Nhelia/Pixabay 



At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, diamonds, dolls, ostrich eggshell jewelry, and semi-precious stones.
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Biltong (marinated meat). Hake (fish). Mahangu (soup). Mopane (worms). Potjiekos (stew). Vetkoek (fried bread).
  • Local Drink to Try: Camelthorn (beer). Oasis (mineral water). Oshikundu (millet). Vigo (soft drink).


Photo Credit: Tee Farm/Pixabay



Fun Facts
  • Home (Hoba Farm) to the world's largest meteorite.
  • Namib Desert is the oldest in the world.
  • Dragon's Breath Cave (Grootfontein) is the world's largest underground lake.
  • One of the most democratic and free African countries.
  • Namib Desert (south) is in the colors of brick red, light cream, and violet.
  • One of the least densely populated countries in the world.
  • Cost of living is relatively high due to the necessity to import goods.
  • Has the least rainfall compared to any sub-Saharan Africa country.
  • World's fourth largest producer of uranium.
  • Exports German lager brewed beers (Tafel and Windhoek).


Windhoek, Namibia. Photo Credit: Jürgen Bierlein/Pixabay



Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (February) Bank Windhoek Arts Festival, (March) Enjando Street Festival, (April) Crayfish Festival, Windhoek Carnival, (May) Africa Day, (June) Masubia Festival, Namibia Tourism Expo, (August) Africa Day, College of the Arts Music (COTA) Festival,  Maharero Day, Olufuko Festival, (September) Harvest Festival, Lusata Festival, Oruuano of Namibia Arts Festival, Summer Sound Festival, (October) AE Gams Arts Festival, Oktoberfest, Oruuano of Namibia Arts Festival, Soul Desert Festival, and (November) Oranjemund Diamond Festival.
  • Holidays: New Year, March Equinox, Independence Day, Good Friday. Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Workers' Day, Cassinga Day, Africa Day. Ascension Day, June Solstice, Heroes' Day, Christmas Day, and Family Day.


Photo Credit: Linux_RT/Pixabay



Good to Know
  • Cold water and rough sea conditions are not conducive to swimming.
  • Birdwatching is best between November - March.
  • Baboons are known to scavenge travelers' belongings. 
  • Fish River Canyon is popular for hiking.
  • Ivory goods will be confiscated by Customs.
  • Illegal to photograph airports, borders, government buildings, military installations, ports, or train stations.
  • Accessibility-friendly is limited.
  • Avoid standing in still waters due to Bilharzia (parasitic worms).
  • Cool evening temperatures require a sweater.
  • Most roads are gravel or unpaved.
  • Avoid exploring at night.
  • Avoid the use of public transportation.
  • Non-violent crimes targeting tourists are known to occur.
  • Homosexual acts are illegal.
  • Illegal to capture or kill protected wild animals without appropriate permits.  
  • Prevalent Diseases: African Tick Bite Fever, Chikungunya, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, Dengue, Hantavirus, Hepatitis A & B, Leishmaniasis, Leptospirosis, Malaria, Measles, Rabies, Rift River Valley, Ross River Virus Disease, Schistosomiasis,Tuberculosis, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever.
  • Avoid walking alone.
  • ATMs card skimming is common. 
  • Tourism is unevenly regulated and safety inspections do not commonly occur.
  • Seat belts are required for all vehicle occupants.
  • Air quality is worst during Spring Season (September - November).
  • Illegal diamond dealing is subject to a $20,000USD fines and/or 5 years in prison.  
  • Ambulance Service is not widely available.
  • Keep your credit card within your sight at all times while being processed.
  • Lüderitz  Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay are the most visited coastal towns.
  • Most visited places are Caprivi Strip, Etosha Pan, Fish River Canyon, Sesriem, Skeleton Coast Park, Sossusvlei, and Windhoek.
  • Drive with doors locked and windows closed. 
  • Most healthcare and treatment is below our standards.
  • Exporting ivory and rhino horn is illegal, subject up to 1.1USD million and 15 years in prison.
  • Traffic drives on the left.


Photo Credit: Franziska/Pixabay



This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport with six months of validity and three blank pages for entry stamp.
  • Tourist VISA required.
  • Yellow Fever vaccination required from select countries. 


Photo Credit: Jürgen Bierlein/Pixabay


  • Best Time to Visit: March - October
  • Coolest Months: June - August
  • Hottest Months: October - February
  • Peak Season: June - September


Etoshia National Park, Namibia. Photo Credit: Jürgen Bierlein/Pixabay



Your Must-See & Do
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Namib and Twyfelfontein.

 

Epupa Falls, Namibia. Photo Credit: Kuloser/Pixabay




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                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.  

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