map of Namibia

Freedom of religion was adopted through Namibia's Bill of Fundamental Rights. About 90% of the population is Christian.

The Namibia Dollar (N$); the Namibia Dollar and South African Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia and can be used freely to purchase goods and services.

220 volts AC, 50hz. Outlets are of the round three-pin type.

All visitors require a passport for entry into Namibia, which must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in the county, and have sufficient pages for entry and exit stamps. All visitors must also have a valid return ticket.
Validity:
Visas are valid up to three months from the date of issue for stays of up to three months from date of entry. Extensions for a further three months are available from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek.
Applications Consulate (or Consular section at High Commission); see Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Application Requirements:
(a) Valid passport
(b) Completed application form
(c) Two passport-size photos
(d) Return or onward ticket or proof of accommodation
(e) Fee Private: (a)-(e) and,
(f) Letter of invitation from Namibian resident. Business: (a)-(e) and,
(f) Company letter
(g) Letter from sponsoring company in Namibia

Temporary Residence Permit:
Apply to the High Commission or Embassy; see Namibian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
* Please note that a minimum of three working days are required for processing applications

Although temperatures may vary from region to region, in general days are hot and nights can be surprisingly cool.

It's best to layer clothing. Cool, cotton fabrics are recommended for daytime, and a sweater or jacket in the evenings and mornings.

Essential items:
- A First-Aid Kit with insect repellent, malaria prophylaxis, bandages, diarrhea medication, etc.
- Sun block, moisturizing lotion, lip balm and a hat
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Swimsuits
- Binoculars
- Battery-operated or conventional razors if visiting remote areas
- Flashlight
- Emergency numbers and contacts
- A good camera
- Rehydrating solutions or concentrates

Medical Services
Medical services in Namibia are of a very high standard. However, the availability of most services is restricted to the main towns. Emergencies and accidents occurring in remote areas do attract a high cost when transport to the main towns is required. Host establishments should be able to organize these services when requested.

Vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccinations for travelers from Europe. If you arrive from a country where yellow fever vaccinations are mandatory, proof of immunization is required. Take the usual precautions: ask your doctor whether you should renew your vaccinations against polio, diphtheria and tetanus. It also may be advisable to take precautions against Hepatitis A and B. Unfortunately there is no vaccination against malaria.

Malaria
Malaria remains one of the most feared illnesses worldwide. In southern Africa malaria is second to HIV/AIDS in causing illness and death. In Namibia however, this applies primarily to the northern parts of the country, where protection often becomes too expensive. Tourists can protect themselves efficiently with a bit of planning and extra caution. Malaria is transmitted through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito, which has previously bitten a person infected with malaria. If there are no mosquitoes, there is no malaria either. Since Namibia does not have much stagnant water the risk of contracting malaria is minimal in most parts of the country, or limited to a specific time of the year.
High-risk areas are the river meadows in the north, northwest and northeast. If this is where you will travel, you are advised to take precautions year round.
Kaokoveld, Etosha National Park, the Otavi Mountains and the east including Bushmanland are areas of medium risk. Precautions are strongly recommended during the rainy season (November to April).
The risk is small in the area between Otjiwarongo and Windhoek. This does not mean, however, that you should not use mosquito repellent.
The coast, the Namib Desert and the south are regarded as almost risk-free.

Symptoms
The characteristic symptoms of malaria are similar to those of diarrhea or flu: high fever with shivering fits, headache and aching limbs, severe sweating and dizziness. Malaria can certainly be treated if recognized early, but without treatment it can become life threatening. Incubation for the disease is four to six weeks. Should you experience cold-like symptoms during this period see a doctor immediately.

Precautions
Although there is no vaccine against malaria, several prophylactic medicines are available, including homeopathic ones. In most European countries, malaria prophylaxis is available on prescription only, but in Namibia they’re sold over the counter and often costs less than overseas. Usually you need to start taking the tablets one week before you travel to a malaria area and continue for four weeks afterwards. Should you notice any of the symptoms despite taking prophylaxis, you should still see a doctor without delay. Some malaria tablets are known to cause nausea, illusions and upset stomachs, while others have little side effects albeit at a higher cost. With this in mind, many people discard the prophylaxis and rely on the most effective protection, which is avoiding mosquito bites altogether.

Tips for keeping mosquitoes at a distance.
- Always use repellent, especially in the evening, at night and in the morning. Effective repellents like 'Peaceful Sleep' and 'Tabard' are widely available in Namibia.
- At dusk and during the night wear light colored clothes that cover arms and legs.
- Use insect sprays or repellent incense sticks and spirals in your room. These are available in supermarkets and pharmacies.
- If you are in a high-risk area sleep under a mosquito net fixed above your bed .
- If you sleep in a tent, make sure that the flap and windows are fitted with mosquito gauze.
- If you need a mosquito net, purchase one. They are available at most NamPost branches and safari outfitters, and they are sold directly by 'Mossi Nets' in Otavi (P.O. Box 163, Otavi, Tel and Fax +264 (0) 67 234011, additional Fax 242899).

Potable Water
The quality of tap water is excellent in most places, although taste may vary. You might want to use bottled water for making coffee and tea. Water from the boreholes of farms and lodges usually has a wonderfully pure taste. Water from stagnant bodies, however, should always be boiled or treated with purifying tablets, such as Puritabs.

Snakes & Scorpions
Most visitors never see a snake or scorpion during their stay in Namibia. In any event, about 75% of Namibia's snakes are not poisonous. Most snakes beat a hasty retreat when humans approach and therefore are never spotted. The lazy Puff Adder may become dangerous, as it is not able to disappear fast enough and you might unwittingly get too close. When walking in the "wilds" you should always wear sturdy shoes, preferably covering the ankle. Watch your step and listen to sounds'snakes usually warn you before they attack. Refrain from picking up or turning pieces of rock, and do not put your hand into holes in the ground or into rock crevices, as these are favorite hiding places for snakes and scorpions. Always carry a torch in the dark. When camping, zip your tent completely and shake out your shoes before putting them on in the morning.

Stomach & Bowels
Stomach upsets are quite common when travelling internationally. Diarrhea is a reaction to unfamiliar bacteria in your intestines. Change in climate can also play a role. Make sure that you have a remedy for diarrhea in your first-aid kit. Fruits and vegetables as well as ice cream are mostly imported from South Africa. In general, fresh produce is sprayed and washed or otherwise pre-treated and can be enjoyed without hesitation. It's recommended to avoid a high meat diet while travelling.

Other Illnesses
Bilharzia is transmitted by worms. They occur only in stagnant water in some places in the northeastern Kavango Region and in the Kwando-Linyanti-System.
Sleeping Sickness is transmitted by the Tsetse Fly, which resembles a horsefly. This sickness occasionally occurs in the Caprivi.
Rabies can be transmitted by all warm-blooded animals. Be careful if untamed wild animals (like ground squirrels) behave very friendly.
Tick Fever and Meningitis is transmitted by ticks. Visitors usually encounter them only when in close contact with cattle, game or dogs or when spending time in sandy riverbeds. Both illnesses occur very seldom.

Medicines & Pharmacies
Namibian pharmacies are more like a traditional chemist's shop. The pharmacy section is usually limited to an area behind a counter in the back of the premises. Most pharmacists are available to give sound advice. Many types of medicines are available without prescription and cost less than in Europe or North America. Stock up on your supply of medicines in time, as only the larger towns have pharmacies. Some pharmacies have extended hours and some run emergency services. Pharmacies are listed in the Yellow Pages of the telephone directory. Contact the local hospital in emergencies during weekends and after hours.

Doctors & Hospitals
Medical care in towns and cities is excellent, especially in the capital city, Windhoek. There are several private clinics, which maintain international standards. Most remote towns have a modest hospital or first-aid-clinic. All of them are listed on the first page of the local telephone directory under 'Emergency Services'. Doctor listings are located in the Orange Pages under 'Classified Medical Listings'. Alternatively, ask your accommodation establishment for recommendations. Since Namibia is scarcely populated and the distances between towns and villages are vast, bear in mind that in some places it may take the majority of a day to reach a doctor or a hospital.

Rescue Services
Competent assistance by ambulance or ambulance plane is offered by International SOS:
P.O. Box 31220, Windhoek 24 hour emergency service Tel +264 - (0)61 - 23 05 05 Fax +264 - (0)61 - 24 81 13

Stored Blood
Namibia's Blood Transfusion Service only uses blood donations by unpaid volunteers. Donations are thoroughly tested for transmittable diseases, including HIV. Tests are carried out according to internationally recognized standard methods and are regularly submitted to strict quality controls.

It is advisable to carry foreign travel health insurance that includes coverage for repatriation.
Such insurance is offered by tour operators and other organizations, such as credit card companies or automobile associations. When signing for insurance, ensure the costs for emergency flights within Namibia are covered, and preferably settled directly. Depending on the distance, the cost of air rescue service can easily amount to several thousand Namibia Dollars, which you may be required to settle immediately in cash or by credit card.

Foreign visitors can also take out travel insurance directly in Namibia. It covers air rescue within the country, and is valid three days beginning three days after signing for it.
For further details contact the following providers:
Tourism & WildLife Risk Consultants Wiltrud Rugheimer Tel. +264 - (0)61 23 10 12 Fax. +264 - (0)61 23 14 08 Email: travel@gfare.com.na

Most visitors enter Namibia at Hosea Kutako International Airport located 45km east of Windhoek.

International flights arrive multiple times throughout the week from Johannesburg and Frankfurt via a number of carriers including Air Namibia. Other airlines with scheduled flights to Namibia include British Airways, South African Airways, LTU and TAAG, the Angolan national airline.

The airport terminal offers a bevy of shops and restaurants, also ATM's and other helpful services, including taxi and shuttle transportation that is also available to and from Windhoek.

Flight Times:
To Windhoek from Frankfurt. Approximately 11 hours.
To Windhoek from the USA via South Africa. Approximately 19 hours.
To Windhoek from Johannesburg/Cape Town. Approximately 2 hours.
To Windhoek from London. Approximately 12 hours.

Domestic Flights
From Hosea Kutako International Airport, you can flight Air Namibia to the following domestic destinations:
- Walvis Bay Airport
- Luderitz Airport
- Oranjemund Airport

From the regional Eros Airport in Windhoek, Air Namibia flies to:
- Ondangwa Airport
- Rundu Airport
- Mpacha Airport

Car Rentals:
If you are not on a tour where ground transportation is provided, the best way to see Namibia is by car. Arterial paved roads, like the TransCaprivi and TransKalahari highways, safely link all corners of Namibia and allow visitors to explore the country at a fraction of the cost. Where these paved roads end, the adventure begins, though even the gravel routes are more than manageable in most cases.

That said, while self-driving is completely safe and recommended, it's not for everyone. You need to work in adequate time into your itinerary, not just for the actual drive, but also for stops along the way. Prices for renting a vehicle of course vary by model, but the extra charge for a sturdy 4x4 is something worth considering for the added clearance and power benefits should you venture off the beaten path. Something you're bound to do.Many major rental companies operate all throughout Namibia, including at Hosea Kutako airport: Avis, Budget, Imperial, Triple Three Car Hire.

Trains:
Trans-Namib Railwaysconnects most of the major towns, but be prepared for lengthy journeys as trains tend to stop at every post. First and second-class carriages are available with light refreshments offered on some services. On overnight voyages, seats in first class compartments convert to four couchettes and those in second class to six couchettes.

The Desert Express, a luxury train aimed at tourists, runs between Swakopmund and Windhoek. The 19 hour 30 minute journey includes several stops giving travelers the opportunity to watch lions feeding, see the Namib Desert, walk in the sand dunes and admire the stars. A three-course dinner and overnight accommodation are included in the ticket price.Chartered Flights: An entire network of charter flight services offer a quick and easy way to explore Namibia. The advantage is more can be seen in a shorter period of time, although the cost for such a convenience is obviously higher and space is limited.

Air Namibia also offers many scheduled domestic flights between cities such as Tsumeb, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Luderitz, Swakopmund, and Oshakati and Ondangwa.

Bus:
A few bus lines operate in Namibia and in surrounding counties providing an affordable alternative when travelling between some of the large cities and towns.
- Intercape Mainliner runs direct overnight services from Windhoek to Cape Town four times a week, as well as services to Johannesburg via Upington.
- Trans-Namib's Star Line Buses travel to Bethanie, Buitepos, Gobabis, Gochas, Grootfontein, Helmeringhausen, Henties Bay, Kamanjab, Khorixas, Luderitz, Mariental, Opuwo, Oshakati, Outjo, Rundu, Walvis Bay and other destinations.