Main Attractions (contd..)

CAPRIVI

The Caprivi strip is an exciting destination for the adventurous traveller. With rivers, forests, swamps and waterways, it is a total contrast to the arid grandeur of the rest of Namibia. With its abundant birdlife, the area is gaining a reputation as a retreat for birdwatchers and fishing enthusiasts. Among the better known reserves in the Caprivi are the Mahango Game Reserve, the Mudumu National Park and the Mamili National Park.

Cities & Towns of Interest

Windhoek (The heart of Namibia)

Namibia's capital spreads out in a wide valley between bush-covered hills and appears, at first sight, to be quite small. Driving from the international airport, you pass quickly through the suburbs and, reaching the crest of a hill, find yourself suddenly descending into the city centre. As you stroll through this centre, the pavement cafés and picturesque old German architecture conspire to give an airy, European feel, whilst street-vendors remind you that this is Africa. Look upwards! The office blocks are tall, but not sky scraping. Around you the pace is busy, but seldom as frantic as Western capitals seem to be.

Leading off Independence Avenue, the city's main street, is the open-air Post Street Mall, centre of a modern shopping complex. Wandering down it, between its bright, pastel-coloured roofs, you'll find shops selling everything from fast-food to fashion. In front of these, street-vendors crouch beside blankets spread with jewellery, crafts and curios for sale. Nearby, the city's more affluent residents step from their cars in shaded parking bays to shop in air-conditioned department stores.

Like many capitals, Windhoek is full of contrasts, especially between the richer and poorer areas, but lacks any major attractions. However, it is the centre of Namibia's administration, and the hub of the country's roads, railways and communications. If you need an embassy, good communications, or an efficient bank, then Windhoek is the right place for you. To prepare for a trip into the bush, Windhoek is by far the best place in Namibia to get organised and buy supplies.

Windhoek was initially known as Ai-gams, a Nama word meaning 'firewater', and Otjomuise, a Herero word meaning the 'place of steam' referering to the area's plentiful hot springs. The name dates back to 1844 when it was named Winterhoek, during the German colonial administration in 1890 the town was known as Windhuk, which later became Windhoek.

The hillsides overlooking the city towards the west are three castles built from local stone as residences at the beginning of the 1900s. Windhoek has an active and lively community of art and crafts people. Galleries where exhibitions are held, commercial galleries, Craft co-operatives , shopping complexes, a large number of curio shops and pavement displays of African drums and woodcarvings from the north contrast with elegant shops offering sophisticated gemstones and Swakara garments.

Swakopmund (the Jewel in the Desert)

Swakopmund is the premier holiday town of Namibia and popular amongst visitors because of its old world charm and relaxed atmosphere. Founded in 1892 during the period of German colonial rule it served as the territories main harbour town for many years.

A seaside resort town on the west coast of singular charm, and resembling a Bavarian village with magnificently ornate buildings dating back to the turn of the (20th) century - including the local jail, railway station and lighthouse. It has a restful and relaxing atmosphere with promenades, palm trees and beautifully tended public gardens.

Today this curious desert town, hedged by desert and sea, is enhanced by lush green lawns, palm trees and carefully tended public gardens. The sweep of coastline with its desert hinterland offers many options, both for adventure and for relaxation. Quaint architecture from a bygone era adds to the time-out-of-place atmosphere of the town. When approached from the interior, domes and towers on the skyline appear as a hazy desert mirage. Much of the distinct German colonial character has been preserved and today many of the town's old buildings house shops, offices and other utility services. Graced with many beautiful old buildings in a variety of architectural styles the best way to experience this small town is on foot. Various historical buildings, museums, coffee shops, shopping arcades with specialist shops, the National Marine Research Centre and Swakopmund aquarium can be visited.

Walvis Bay

Most visitors stay in Swakopmund, where they eat and relax, and venture down to Walvis Bay to go birdwatching, as there are a number of sites attracting huge flocks of seabirds and migrant waders, including the famous flamingos and pelicans.

Accommodation Options - Link to Namibia: Places to Stay

National Parks - Link to National Parks: Namibia

• ETOSHA NP
• SKELETON COAST NP
• NAMIB NAUKLUFT NP
• FISH RIVER CANYON NP
  
  

Private Reserves - link to Private Reserves & Conservancies

• NamibRand Nature Reserve
• Intu Africa Kalahari Private Game Reserve
  Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve is approx. 160 000 ha. It is the vision of the owner that the eco-tourism projects and operations of the reserve will promote the sustainability of the development, conservation and preservation of the area and its natural resources. It is believed that by applying sound resource management principles, in conjunction with indigenous communites, benefits will ultimately flow to the land, its animals and people. Read More..
• Khaudom Reserve -an untouched area where lions, elephant, cheetahs, leopards, Roan, Tsessebe and Eland are to found.
• Okonjima (and the Africat Foundation). Read More..
• Huab Nature Reserve Read More..

Travel Considerations

BEST TIME TO GO:

Namibia is a year round ecological and wildlife destination. However there are certain seasons for special interest groups to take note of:

• · Best birding safaris are during the summer months because of the greater variety of species to be found.
• · Best botanical months are Dec - May when the vegetation turns green, and also when most plants are in flower.

Climate

SUMMER :

November - April, days are generally hot and sunny. Daytime temperatures can rise to 35ºC and night temperatures drop to around 14ºC - 18ºC. The coastal region is cool and dry throughout the year. The rainy season runs from February to March and average rainfall varies from less than 50mm along the coast to 350mm in the central and 700mm in the far north-eastern regions.

WINTER :

May - October, days are dry, sunny and mild to warm while evening temperatures drop sharply. Daytime temperatures generally reach 23ºC and can drop to as low as 0ºC - 10ºC at night. It can be quite cold and windy at the coast, for which warm clothing and a windbreaker are necessary.

Health Issues

If you are visiting the area north of Windhoek, you should obtain Malaria Prophylactics before entering Namibia.

There is Polio in the south but not north of Windhoek.

Entry Requirements

Citizens from the following countries are exempted from visa requirements if they are entering Namibia as bona fide tourists and they meet the minimum requirements stipulated below:

Angola, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Republic of South Africa, Russian Fed., Singapore, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, U.K., U.S.A., Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Minimum Requirements for Tourists exempted from visa requirements to enter Namibia:

• · To be in possession of a valid passport which is valid for at least 6 months beyond intended departure date from Namibia.
• · To be in possession of valid return / onward air ticket or proof of other means of transportation enabling him to leave Namibia.
• · Entry into Namibia will be permitted for a maximum period of 90 days, (extension possible on application to immigration authorities during stay in Namibia.)

Communications

A direct international dialing service is available from all major hotels and lodges in Namibia including fax services. Remember that hotels levy a substantial surcharge on all calls. Mobile (cell phone) services are now fairly widespread and improving year by year - check with youe local service provider to have call roaming activated on your account.

Lodges in the more remote areas of Namibia may not have telephone communication facilities. These lodges are generally able to communicate with the outside world via radio.

Electricity

250 Volts AC. Lodges in the more remote areas of Namibia do not have electricity. These lodges generally utilise generator power by day for lighting and refrigeration, although only at critical times of the day. Please be aware that you will not find plug sockets in your room/tent at these lodges.

Concerns

None.

Other Considerations

LANGUAGES: Languages spoken include Ovambo, Damara, Kavango, Herero, although the official language is English with German and Afrikaans being widely spoken. Your safari will likely be conducted in English (or possibly German if that is your home language).

WATER: Throughout Namibia at hotels, inns, lodges and other public places, tap water is purified and safe to drink. Kindly remember that water is as precious as diamonds in this drought-stricken land so please be respectful and make every effort to help conserve Namibia's water.

TOURISM LEVY: Please note that the Namibia Government recently established the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB). The NTB has indicated its intention to establish a mechanism for the collection of Tourism Levies to fund part of its operations. Indications are that such a Levy system will be implemented before the end of 2005. To date however no firm dates for implementation have been indicated and the basis of collection is still not apparent. African Encounter retains the right to effect changes to pricing where necessary to take accommodate the collection or recoupment of said Levies. We will endeavor to keep you informed as more information becomes available.

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