Highlights

Sossusvlei

The stunning Sossusvlei is the most amazing red sand dunes in the world.

Etosha National Park

Game drives in the Etosha National Park in search of the big five.

Damaraland

Dramatic geological formations and the possibility of seeing some of the largest free-ranging population of desert-adapted black rhino in Africa.

Swakopmund

Swakopmund is a quaint desert seaside town.

Skeleton Coast

Along the northern Atlantic coast of Namibia lies a virtually uninhabited stretch peppered with shipwrecks and seal colonies

Fish River Canyon

The second largest canyon in the world offers spectacular views at sunrise as well as endemic wildlife and day hikes.

Useful information

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Communications

Country Code for Namibia: +264
Visa Global Assistance: Call the US on +1 303 967 1096
Emergency Services: Ambulance - 203 2276 Fire - 203 2270 Police - 1011 These emergency services numbers may not be available in all areas of Namibia.

Customs

Extended greetings and handshakes are very important in most Namibian cultures. When food and drink is offered, it is polite to accept. There is a general emphasis on emotional restraint in public, and public displays of affection between spouses or lovers are frowned upon, especially in rural areas.

Electricity

Electrical Socket types: Indian and the larger South African.

Voltage: 220-240 volts (same as Australia, no voltage/frequency converter required).

Modem Plug Type: South African.

Getting around

Transfers and game drives in Namibia are usually conducted in open-sided 4X4 vehicles.The country's good infrastructure means that many visitors to Namibia hire a car for a self-drive holiday which makes for independent, flexible travel within the ambit of a pre-planned itinerary. Self-drivers staying at private reserves join the other guests for guided game drives in 4X4s.

Language

English, German, Afrikaans, Bantu and Khoisan.

Health

The following information is intended as a guide only and in no way should it be used as a substitute for professional medical advice relative to a travellers individual needs and vaccination history. No guarantee is made as to its accuracy or thoroughness. For further information, please contact The Travel Doctor on 1300 658 844. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended for travellers to Namibia. Frequent or long stay travellers should consider vaccination against hepatitis B. Vaccination against rabies (particularly if working with animals) and typhoid (particularly when travelling to areas with poor sanitation and hygiene) should be considered by travellers to Namibia. There is a risk of malaria in some parts of Namibia and dengue fever also occurs, thus insect avoidance measures and anti malarial medication may be necessary depending on your itinerary. Travellers are advised to drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes and raw/undercooked food. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to diseases such as schistosomiasis (bilharzia). Regardless of destination, all travellers should be up-to-date with their routine "background" vaccinations including a recent annual influenza vaccination. Please consult a medical practitioner or contact The Travel Doctor for your specific risk to these preventable diseases and the appropriate avoidance measures. Australians travelling to Namibia should ensure that they have adequate travel insurance to cover the length of their stay. Medications that are legal in Australia may be illegal in other countries. For further information on insurance, taking medication overseas and other issues please visit www.smartraveller.gov.au/tips.

Tipping

Tipping for good service is only expected in upmarket tourist establishments but is officially prohibited in national parks and reserves. A service charge is included in many restaurant bills – if not, and the service was satisfactory, a tip of 10% is standard.

Shopping

With rich deposits of natural minerals, Namibia can be a good place for the enthusiast to buy crystals and gems – but don't expect many bargains, as the industry is far too organised. For the amateur, the desert roses (sand naturally compressed into forms like flowers) are unusual and often cheap, while iridescent tiger's eye is rare elsewhere and very attractive.

Visas

The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool.

FIND OUT WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR YOUR TRIP


Official travel advice is available by visiting the SmartTraveller Website

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