The Republic of Namibia

The Republic of Namibia, which takes its name from the Namib desert, is a large and sparsely populated country on the south-west Atlantic coast of southern Africa. Namibia shares borders with Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east, and South Africa to the south. The capital city is Windhoek. Namibia safari holidays are very popular with British visitors and it is particulalry well suited to for self drive safari holidays.

• Recent History 

  Germany took control of the area which it called South West Africa in the late 1800s. The discovery of diamonds in 1908 prompted an influx of Europeans. South Africa seized it during World War I and administered it under a League of Nations mandate.

  Namibia gained full independence in 1990 following South Africa’s withdrawal from Angola. Namibia is one of Africa’s most developed and stable countries, with a stable multiparty parliamentary democracy and an estimated population of 1,820,916. Tourism and diamond mining form the backbone of Namibia’s economy.

  Government

  The president, who shares executive power with the cabinet, is limited to two five-year terms. The current president is Hifikepunye Pohamba, from the ruling Swapo party, won a landslide victory in presidential elections in November 2004.

  Landscape 

  The Namibian landscape consists generally of five distinct geographical areas: the Central Plateau, the Namib Desert, the Escarpment, the Bushveld, and the Kalahari Desert. Each area has characteristic geological and natural environment with variation and overlap between each. The climate is generally extremely dry.

  Wildlife 

  Namibia’s parks and reserves range from the open bush of the centre and the north where wildlife is relatively plentiful, to the rather barren  coastal strip with its huge sand dunes. The three main tourist attractions for wildlife in Namibia are Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau National Park and Cape Cross Reserve.

  Namibia’s abundance of  flora and fauna include many endangered species such as  the Wild Dog, Black Rhino, Oribi and Puku. The Puku antelope is limited to about 100 individuals along the Chobe River in Botswana and the Linyati marshes in Namibia. The Black and White Rhino have suffered the most from poaching and would have become extinct in the wild twenty years ago had not a great effort been made to save them.  

  Although both species still occur naturally in Namibia, you will find in many of the reserves that they have been reintroduced. The country also has the largest population in southern Africa of cheetah not contained within National Parks. There are over twenty species of antelope in Namibia ranging from largest, the Eland, to smallest, the Damara dik-dik. The Gemsbok, a striking antelope with long symmetrical horns and distinctive black and white markings is featured on the Namibian coat of arms. Namibia also harbours a wealth of small mammals including Mongoose, Jackal as well as the less common Antbear and Honey Badger, these are not often seen as they are solitary and nocturnal.

• Currency 

  Namibia Dollar as well as the South African Rand are accepted all over Namibia with the exception of ZAR200.00 notes, which are NOT accepted. The 2 currencies are values exactly the same. You are not able to use Namibian notes in South Africa, but they can be changed in banks.

  Smoking Law in Namibia 

  Please take note that as of January 2011 a new smoking ban will be implemented in Namibia. This law forbids the smoking of tobacco in a public place or any area within a certain distance of a window, ventilation inlet, door or entrance. Offenders to this law will be liable to a fine.

  Drivers License in Namibia

  Only drivers licences are accepted in English and travellers to Namibia need to ensure they have an international drivers license or the new EU drivers license when visiting Namibia. Please note there are a number of police checks throughout the country.

  For practical advice about travelling to Namibia, look at our Frequently Asked Questions about Travelling to Namibia page.

  Namibia High Commission in London 

  Tel: 020 7636 6244 www.namibiahc.org.uk

  Country Information 

  Population: 2.1 million (2008) 

  Capital: Windhoek 

  Area: 824,292 sq km (318,261 sq miles) 

  Major languages: English (official), Afrikaans, German, Oshivambo, Herero, Nama 

  Major religion: Christianity 

  Monetary unit: 1 Namibian dollar = 100 cents 

  Internet domain: .na 

  International dialling code: +264 

  Voltage 230V Plug type: South African three pin plug.

  (sources:  Oxford History of the British Empire, Wikipedia, BBC)

Our Namibia safari holidays can be tailored to be as relaxing or as exhilarating as you wish. Let us help you plan your next Namibia holiday, tailor-made to suit your interests and your budget.