Emergency Numbers:
You can find the relevant contact numbers etc. listed on
the Town Pages and Site Map
Firearms:
Visitors are not allowed to
carry handguns in Namibia. Only properly licensed hunting rifles with
valid permits for Namibia are permitted. License and permits should be
applied for well in advance as attempting t0o do so at the border is a
lengthy process. Hunting rifles are not allowed in Botswana and have
to be carried sealed if in transit to Namibia. All arms and ammunition
should be declared even if in Possession of a valid South African
permit. Firearms in Namibia
Language:
The official language is English. All documents and signs
are in this language. English is spoken widely. However, you will find
that the majority of Namibians still communicate with each other in
Afrikaans, German, or an ethnic language.
Namibia Public Holidays:
Peoples:
With an estimated (2003) 1,83 million people
in a land area of 825,418 sq km Namibia is one of the most sparsely
populated countries in the world. More than half of the population live
in the northern area of Owamboland. The ethnic grouping is: black 87%; white 6%; mixed 6.5%.
note: about 50% of the
population belong to the Owambo tribe and 9% to the Kavango tribe; other
ethnic groups are: Herero 7%, Damara 7%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, Bushmen
3%, Baster 2%, Tswana 0.5%
Personal Safety:
A tourist in any country is often the
preferred target of thieves and pick-pockets. Take care to lock your
car. Remove all goods from the passenger area of the car and place them
in the trunk when leaving the vehicle parked. make use of 'registered'
car guards.
Personal Safety in Southern Africa
Pets:
Pets are not allowed in Game Parks, Reserves, or Lodges.
Check on veterinary entry requirements
before leaving your home country.
Check with accommodation establishments
as to whether they will accept pets.
Public Transport:
Public transport in Southern Africa is
not of the standard that one finds in Europe. There are scheduled bus
services between the major towns, but these are limited and should you
intend to make use of this form of transport you should pre-book your
ticket.
Travel By Rail:
Scheduled Bus Service
Namibia Time:
Namibia summer time is from the first Sunday in
September to the first Sunday in April which is GMT + 2 hours. During
this period Namibia time is the same as Botswana and South Africa.
Namibia winter time is from the first Sunday in
April to the First Sunday in September which is GMT + 1 hour. During
this period Namibia time differs by 1 hour from Botswana and South
African time. Note well that the Caprivi Region of Namibia does not
alter its' time during this period and remains on the same time as
Botswana and South Africa.
Travel Insurance:
Before commencing your journey it is
advisable to take out travel insurance in your home country.
VAT:
All goods and services in Namibia are subject to VAT. The
standard rate for most items is 15%. Visitors can claim back VAT paid
for goods purchased in Namibia. There is an office at Windhoek's Hosea
Kutako International Airport where refunds can be claimed. Telephone
enquires for further information to the Ministry of Finance Information
Centre in Windhoek at +264 61 2092642 or 2092644.
VAT Reclaim
