Namibia

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Introduction & traveling

With its pleasantly warm and dry climate, clean air, good water and an unspoilt coast, vast untouched scenery and nature conservation areas, and excellent infrastructure, Namibia is healthy by nature and sheer bliss for body and soul. It is in fact one of the few countries in Africa where tourists do not have to worry unduly about picking up health problems. But should it so happen that you do require medical assistance you can rest assured that health care in towns and cities matches European standards. In cases of dire emergency there is a 'flying' rescue service. For your financial security it is advisable that you take out travel insurance.

History

Relatively little was known by the outside world about Namibia, which for many years was referred to by its geographic location: South West Africa, before the middle of the nineteenth century when explorers, ivory hunters, prospectors and missionaries began to journey into its interior. The country was colonized by Germany in 1884. Information about this huge and geographically daunting land began trickling out to the rest of the world when early missionaries, who commenced their work in the south at places like Warmbad and Bethanie began sending out reports of their findings and their work. Conflict between the Nama and the Herero people resulted in the arrival of the Schutztruppe, German Protective Forces, whose task was to end this conflict. Eventually conflict broke out between the Schutztruppe and the Namas, as well as between the Schutztruppe and the Hereros.

When diamonds were discovered at Lüderitz in 1908, serious attention was drawn to German South West Africa, as it was known at the time. After the German capitulation in 1915, martial law prevailed until 1919, when South West Africa became a mandate under the supervision of the Union of South Africa. In 1966 the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) launched the war for liberation for the area soon-named Namibia. In 1971 the Republic of South Africa rejected an International Court of Justice ruling that the UN could cancel the mandate. The struggle for independence intensified and continued until South Africa agreed in 1988 to end its Apartheid administration in accordance with UN Resolution 435. After democratic elections were held in 1989, Namibia became an independent state on21 March 1990. The Walvis Bay enclave was returned to Namibia and reintegrated on 1 March1994.To date, Namibia boasts a proud record of uninterrupted peace and stability.

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Travel Tips

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

Time Zone
Summer time: GMT + 2 hours from the 1st Sunday in September to the 1st Sunday in April
Winter time: GMT + 1 hour from the 1st Sunday in April to the 1st Sunday in September
Physical Infrastructure

5,450km – tarred roads
37,000km – gravel roads
Main harbours: Walvis Bay and Lüderitz
Rail Network: 2,382 narrow gauge
6.2 telephone lines per 100 inhabitants
Direct dialing facilities to 221 countries
Mobile communication system: GSM
Roaming agreements with 40 countries/80 networks

Emergency (from cell) 112
Emergency (from fixed phone) 081-112
Police (flying squad) 10111

Shopping
Windhoek offers a selection of fashionable shops. Local crafts can be bought in some specialised shops, as well as at the Windhoek Street Market, held every second Saturday.

Good buys include diamonds and semi-precious stones, Herero dolls, hand-carved wooden objects, jewellery, karosse rugs, liqueur and chocolates made in Windhoek and Swakara garments. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0900-1300. Some bigger supermarkets are also open Sun 1100-1300 and 1600-1900. Craft vendors sell their goods every day of the week.
Crafts

Etiquette
Suits should be worn in winter, safari suits in summer. Prior appointments are necessary. English is widely spoken in business circles. The best times for business are February to May and September to November. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700

Communication
Mobile telephone roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone operators. Coverage is limited to urban areas but changing every year. Before booking please ask us for the moste recent information.

Internet
There are Internet cafes situated throughout the country.

Media
Freedom of the press is provided for by the constitution and largely respected by the government. Newspapers are printed Monday to Friday. English-language dailies include The Namibian, The Namibian Economist and New Era; weeklies include the Windhoek Observer. Die Republikein is a daily Afrikaans-language newspaper. Allgemeine Zeitung is published daily in German. The state-owned Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) broadcasts nationwide. One Africa Television is a Windhoek-based private TV station. State-run radio is operated by NBC. Private music stations include Radio Kudu, Radio Wave, Radio Energy and Radio Kosmos, amongst others.

Post
Good postal service. Airmail to Europe takes approximately four days to two weeks. Postal service affiliated with Universal Postal Union.

Travelling by Air
The national airline is Air Namibia (website: www.airnamibia.com.na). British Airways, South African Airways, LTU and TAAG also fly to Namibia.

Airports
Hosea Kutako International Airport - 40km (25 miles) from Windhoek
Eros airport
Katima Mulilo
Rundu
Ondangwa
Walvis Bay
Lüderitz
Keetmanshoop

There are over 300 known airfields, of which only 16 are licensed. Travelers are cautioned not to land at unlicensed fields. Aircraft fuel is not usually available at landing strips and landing must be arranged in advance.
Plane

Approximate flight times
From London to Windhoek, flying time is 11 hours 15 minutes. From Frankfurt to Windhoek, flying time is 11 hours. Flying time between Windhoek and Johannesburg/Cape Town is approximately 2 hours.

Departure taxes
None.

Travelling by Rail
TransNamib (website:www.transnamib.com.na) operates a luxury train from Windhoek to the coast and a regular service to Tsumeb in the north, and Upington, just across the border in South Africa. However, there are no onward trains from Upington to other South African destinations.

Road and Travel
Traveling by Road
A tarred road runs from the south through Upington in South Africa to Grünau, where it connects with the tarred road from Cape Town. The trans-Kalahari highway, which was completed in 1998, links Walvis Bay and Windhoek with Gaborone, Botswana and Gauteng, South Africa.
Gravel Road

The trans-Caprivi highway runs through the Caprivi strip and via Botswana into Zimbabwe. Bus: Intercape Mainliner (website: www.intercapemainliner.co.za) runs direct overnight services from Windhoek to Cape Town four times a week, as well as services to
Johannesburg via Upington. Other bus services go to Botswana and Zambia.

Traveling by Air
Flying is the quickest and often the most economical way to travel around the country. Air Namibia (SW) links the major towns in the territory. Planes can also be chartered.
Plane

Traveling by Rail
The main rail routes in Namibia are Windhoek-Keetmanshoop-Upington, South Africa, Walvis Bay-Swakopmund-Tsumeb, Windhoek-Tsumeb and Lüderitz-Keetmanshoop. First and second class carriages are available on these routes. Light refreshments are offered on some services. On overnight voyages, seats in first class compartments convert to four couchettes and those in second class to six couchettes. Local passenger and goods trains run daily.

Children under two years of age travel free and children aged two to 11 pay half fare. The Desert Express, a luxury train aimed at tourists, runs between Swakopmund and Windhoek. The 19 hour 30 minute journey includes several stops which give travellers 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. More details on rail services are available from TransNamib(website:www
.transnamib.co.na)

Traveling by Road
Traffic drives on the left side of the road. Roads are generally well
maintained. There are 64,799km (40,266 miles) of road, of which 7841km (4872 miles) are tarred. Bus: There is a local bus service in Windhoek, and taxis are also available. A luxury bus service exists between Windhoek and all major centres in Namibia and South Africa. Car hire: Self-drive cars are available at the airport and Windhoek city centre, as well as some other major centres. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required

Visa Requirements for Foreigners traveling to Namibia
Nationals from the countries listed below are not required to obtain Visas to travel to Namibia for visits shorter than three months:

Validity
Visas are valid up to three months from 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.

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Money Matters

Currency Information
The Namibian Dollar (NAD; symbol N$) is in note denominations of N$200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of N$5, N$1, 50 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents. It is linked to the South African Rand (R) on a 1:1 basis (South African Rand = 100 cents). The South African Rand is also legal tender in Namibia, although the N$ cannot be used in South Africa.
Windhoek

Currency Exchange
Traveler’s cheques can be exchanged during normal banking hours at any of the commercial banks, or at bureau de change offices. A better rate of exchange can be obtained on travelers cheques than on cash.

Credit / Debit Card Information
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Credit cards are not usually accepted at petrol stations.

Travelers Cheque Advice
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler’s cheques in US Dollars or South African Rand.

Currency Restrictions
The import and export of local currency is limited to NAD50,000. The import of foreign currency by visitors is unlimited, provided it is declared upon arrival. Export of foreign currency is unlimited up to the amount imported and declared as long as the departure is within 12 months. No limits exist for travel between Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland as these countries are members of the same common monetary area.

Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1530, Sat 0900-1100.

Tax and Customs
General Sales Tax (GST) in Namibia is 8% on goods and 11% on services. Bona fide tourists to Namibia are exempt from paying sales duty or excise duty on luxury items such as jewellery or Swakara (fur) garments. All formalitie sconcerning trophies are handled by the professional hunter concerned, who contacts a forwarding agent to make arrangements for the trophy to be sent to the hunter's destination. Firearms must be declared on arrival.

Visitors may reclaim VAT at Hosea Kutako International Airport, Eros Airport and Walvis Bay Airport.

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The Weather

The cold Benguela current keeps the coast of the Namib Desert cool, damp and free of rain for most of the year, with a thick coastal fog. Inland, rain falls in summer. Summer temperatures are high while the altitude means that nights are cool. Winter nights can be fairly cold, but days are generally warm and pleasant.
Namibian Coast

Winter (May-September)
Temperatures in the interior range from 18C-25C during the day. Below freezing temperatures and ground frost are common at night.

Summer (October-April)
Average interior temperatures range from 20C-34C during the day. Temperatures above 40C are often recorded in the extreme north and south of the country. The coast influenced by the cold Benguela current, boasts a relatively stable range of 15C-25C. Heavy fog is fairly common at night.

Humidity
Humidity is generally very low in most parts of Namibia, but can reach as high as 80% in the extreme north during summer. The rainy season is from October-April. The everage annual rainfall varies from less than 50mm along the coast to 350mm in the central interior and 700mm in the Caprivi. The sporadic rains do not affect road travel significantly, however, tourists should exercise caution when crossing or camping in riverbeds during the rainy season, as flash foods are a common occurrence.

Visitors should pack both warm and cold weather clothing for any visit to Namibia. Windhoek boasts a number of excellent safari outfitters and tourists are advised to shop for clothing upon arrival.

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Health

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 that occur 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 travellers from Europe. If you arrive from a country where yellow fever vaccinations are mandatory you need to produce proof that you have been vaccinated. Take the usual precautions: ask your doctor whether you should renew your vaccinations against polio, diphtheria and tetanus. S/he might also advise to take precautions against Hepatitis A and B. Unfortunately there is no vaccination against malaria.

Malaria
Malaria remains one of the most feared illnesses world-wide. In southern Africa Malaria is second to HIV/Aids in causing illness and death. In Namibia, however, this applies primarily to the local population in the northern parts of the country, as protection becomes too expensive in the long term. Holidaymakers can protect themselves efficiently. Please note that the following information is not intended to replace an individual consultation with a doctor or pharmacist!

Malaria is transmitted through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito which carries the pathogen in it because it has previously bitten a person already infected with malaria. This means that if there are no mosquitoes there is no malaria either. Do note, however, that where there are mosquitoes there is not necessarily malaria. 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, north-west and northeast. If this is where you will travel, you are advised to take precautions at any time of the year.

Kaokoveld, the 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.

The characteristic symptoms of malaria are similar to those of diarrhoea or flu: high fever with shivering fits, headache and aching limbs, severe sweating and dizziness. Malaria can cetainly be treated if recognised early; 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 you see a doctor immediately and inform them that you have been to a malaria area!

Although there is no vaccine against malaria, several prophylactic medicines are available, including homeopathic ones. Ask your doctor or one of the many institutes for tropical diseases for advice. In most European countries malaria prophylaxis is available on prescription only. In Namibia it is sold over the counter and it often costs less than overseas. Doctors and pharmacists in Namibia can also advise you on which prophylactic to choose. Usually you need to start taking the tablets one week before you travel to a malaria area and continue for four weeks afterwards. Unfortunately there is no protection on which you can rely 100%. Should you notice any of the symptoms despite taking prophylaxis, you should still see a doctor without delay. However, due to the prophylaxis the test may show positive even if you only suffer from a cold and you might be treated for malaria without having the illness. In addition, malaria tablets are known to cause nausea, illusions and upset stomachs. With this in mind, many people discard the prophylaxis and rely on the most effective protection - avoid mosquito bites!

This is how you keep mosquitoes at a distance:
Put on 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 clothes which cover arms and legs and choose light colours.

Use insect sprays or repellent incense sticks and spirals in your room. These are available in supermarkets and pharmacies.

Sleep under a mosquito net which is usually fixed above your bed if you are in a high-risk area.

If you sleep in a tent, make sure that the flap and windows are fitted with mosquito gauze.

Stomach & Bowels
Stomach upsets are quite common when travelling internationally. Diarrhoea is a reaction to bacteria which are unfamiliar to your intestines. Change in climate can also play a role. Make sure that you have a remedy for diarrhoea 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, don’t maintain a high meat diet while travelling

Potable Water
The quality of tap water is excellent in most places, although taste may vary: in Windhoek the water is highly chlorinated, in Swakopmund and Sesriem for example there is a slightly soapy taste. You might want to use bottled water, available at supermarkets and petrol stations, 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 and/or treated with purifying tablets (e.g. Puritabs), which are available in pharmacies.

Snakes & Scorpions
Just to put you at ease: 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 – they pick up the tremors caused by footsteps. 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 favourite 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.

Other Illnesses
Bilharzia is transmitted by worms. They occur only in stagnant water in some places in the north-eastern 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 / 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'. Doctors’ listings are located in '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 Service & 'Flying Assistance'
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

Insurance
It is advisable to take out foreign travel health insurance which includes cover for repatriation. Such insurance is offered by tour operators and other organisations such as credit card companies or automobile associations. When signing for insurance ensure that the cost for emergency flights within Namibia is covered. Also enquire whether the insurer will settle directly immediately. 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. Tour operators often offer additional insurance cover.

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 recognised standard methods and are regularly submitted to strict quality controls.

Even though this information has been compiled with great care, it is supplied without guarantee. Suggestions are always welcome.

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What to pack

As Namibia has a typical semi-dessert climate with hot days and cool nights, it is recommended that you pack both summer clothing as well something warm for the evenings. It is advisable to pack a sweater and/or jacket as it becomes quite cool in the evenings and early mornings.
Landscape

Check list
• First-aid kit containing, amongst others, insect repellent, possibly a malaria prophylaxis, bandages, diarrhoea medication and painkillers; sufficient supplies of your regular medicines
• Sunglasses, sun protection and a hat (year-round sunshine)
• Moisturising lotion and lip balm
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Swimsuits
• Binoculars
• Battery-operated or conventional razors (if visiting remote areas)
• Torch
• Travel insurance policy and repatriation insurance
• Telephone list with all the emergency numbers, including the numbers of family and friends back home
• Rehydrate solutions or concentrates.

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Country Profile

Although not as well known as some of its African neighbours, Namibia is a gem for those in search of the wilderness. Namibia is a large, and sparsely populated country on Africa's south-west coast, which has enjoyed more than a decade of stability since achieving Independence on 21 March 1990.

Today Namibia is a peaceful country which is economically prosperous as a result of its productive mining, fishing, tourism and agricultural industries. Essentially a desert country, Namibia offers contrasting landscapes. The desolate Namib Desert is said to be the oldest in the world, with its high dunes and awe-inspiring sense of space. The central plateau, with its thorn bush savannah and rugged mountains, rising abruptly from the plains, gives way to the majestic Fish river Canyon in the south. In the north of the country, landscapes range from dense bush and open plains of the great Etosha Pan, to woodland savannah and lush vegetation.

The Etosha national park, the third largest in Africa, owes its unique landscape to the Etosha Pan, a vast shallow depression of approximately 5 000km². A series of waterholes along the southern edge of the pan guarantee rewarding and often spectacular game viewing. Germanic influence can still be found in the country's good road infrastructure, well-equipped rest camps throughout the country and most cities' architecture. The perfect choice for nature lovers and amateur photographers alike.

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

Population
2 million (UN estimate 2005)

Population Density
2.43 per sq km

Capital City
Windhoek. Population: 223,364 (2001)

History

Relatively little was known by the outside world about Namibia, which for many years was referred to by its geographic location: South West Africa, before the middle of the nineteenth century when explorers, ivory hunters, prospectors and missionaries began to journey into its interior. The country was colonized by Germany in 1884. Information about this huge and geographically daunting land began trickling out to the rest of the world when early missionaries, who commenced their work in the
Elephants

south at places like Warmbad and Bethanie began sending out reports of their findings and their work. Conflict between the Nama and the Herero people resulted in the arrival of the Schutztruppe, German Protective Forces, whose task was to end this conflict. Eventually conflict broke out between the Schutztruppe and the Namas, as well as between the Schutztruppe and the Hereros.

When diamonds were discovered at Lüderitz in 1908, serious attention was drawn to German South West Africa, as it was known at the time. After the German capitulation in 1915, martial law prevailed until 1919, when South West Africa became a mandate under the supervision of the Union of South Africa. In 1966 the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) launched the war for liberation for the area soon-named Namibia. In 1971 the Republic of South Africa rejected an International Court of Justice ruling that the UN could cancel the mandate. The struggle for independence intensified and continued until South Africa agreed in 1988 to end its Apartheid administration in accordance with UN Resolution 435. After democratic elections were held in 1989, Namibia became an independent state on21 March 1990. The Walvis Bay enclave was returned to Namibia and reintegrated on 1 March1994.

To date, Namibia boasts a proud record of uninterrupted peace and stability.

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Nature

Flora
Namibia has about 200 endemic plant species, 4,300 higher plant species and 422 grass species within the 14 vegetation zones, ranging from several variations of desert vegetation to semi-desert, mopane, mountain, thorn bush, highland, dwarf shrub, camel thorn and mixed tree and shrub savannahs and the forest savannahs and woodlands of the north east. A desert plant that has caused much interest amongst botanists worldwide is the living fossil, Welwitschia mirabilis, endemic to the Namib Desert and one of the oldest plants known to man. Lithops also known as Stone Flowers or Bushmens Buttocks are one of the many small succulents that hide in the arid regions, as well as sensitive Lichens.
Typical trees found in the north are:
Mopane, terminalia, marula, giant figs, baobabs, makalani palms and commercially exploitable timber species, Tamboti and Transvaal teak.
Common trees of the arid central and southern regions:

Kokerboom or quiver tree, Aloe dichotoma, Species of the Leadwood tree, Combretum imberbe and various species of Commiphora. Many of these species are perceived holy by local cultures.

Other plants like the Devel’s Claw and Hoodia are making medicinal break-throughs in the health industry.

Many spectacular species can only be seen when specific weather conditions persist in the arid regions, some of those species are unidentified or only seen in as much as fifteen year cycles.

120 species of trees
200 endemic plant species
100 species of lichen

Fauna
The country has an abundance of animal species. Some of these species are rare to sight, given either their nature or limited population. Sighting a “Black Zebra” in Etosha is spectacular given the fact that it is a genetic “kick-back” that causes their unique appearance. Black Face Impala are only found in the North Western region of country. Other unique species to sight include Honey Badgers, Wild Dogs, Sable Antelope, Pangolins and desert dwelling moles.

Some species are not rare, although through unique adaptations they are unique in their own right. Some of these include desert-adapted elephants and giraffe. Desert river-dwelling lions and jackals that survive solely of nutrients gained from scavenging seal colonies at the Skeleton Coast.
Big game:
Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Buffalo, Cheetah, Leopard, Giraffe, Antelope
20 species of antelope
240 species of mammals (14 endemic)
250 species of reptiles
50 species of frogs
about 630 species of birds

Parks and Game

National Reserves and Game Parks
Namibia's national reserves and game parks are owned by Government and managed on its behalf by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Since independence, the private sector has become increasingly involved in wildlife conservation and there has been a rapid escalation in the number and size of private conservation areas. Most park accommodation is managed by Namibia Wildlife Resorts and bookings can be done via their central reservations office.

Many private reserves and lodges are situated either bordering or in close proximity and offer visits to the park in their scheduled activities. For further assistance please contact one of our offices.

1. Mahango Game Reserve:
Found on the perennial Okavango river.
Significant to it are the riverine forests, flood plain, baobabs, herds of elephants, red lechwe, over 400 bird species.
Visitors should exercise caution as there are crocodiles and hippos in the river.

2. Caprivi Game Park:
Found between Angola and Botswana, extends about 180km from the Okavango River in the west to the Kwando River in the east.
Significant to it are the woodlands dominated by trees e.g. wild seringa, copalwood, Zambezi teak, wild teak, sanctuary to 35 small game species, elephant, roan, kudu, buffalo and 339 bird species.
Visitors with small vehicles might not see many of these animals, as the terrain is extremely sandy, however there are 4X4 tourist tracks along the western bank of the Kwando River.

3. Mudumu National Park:
Found in Eastern Caprivi, an expanse of dense savannah and mopane woodlands with the Kwando river as its western border.
Significant to it are small populations of sitatunga and red lechwe, and spotted necked otter, hippo and crocodiles in the waterways.
Other animals found here are elephant, buffalo, roas antelope, kudu, impala and Burchells zebra as well as 430 bird species.

4. Mamili National Park:
The area has the largest wetland area with reed beds, oxbow lakes and tree-covered islands and two large islands in the Kwando/Linyanti River. Same bird and animal species occur as in Mudumu National Park.
Visitors have to be completely self-sufficient in terms of water, food, fuel, etc no facilities are provide at the campsites.

5. Khaudum Game Park:
Found in the north east of the country bordering on Botswana.
Densely wooded wilderness that harbours several big game species e.g. elephant, giraffe, lion, leopard, hyena, jackal and African wild dogs and about 320 bird species
4x4 vehicles are available to visitors but fuel is only available at Bagani, Divundu, Mukwe and Rundu in the Kavango region.

6. Mangetti Game Reserve:
Found in the Kavango Region
Area is used for game breeding by the Ministry.
Excess Game is captured and translocated from other reserves like Daan Viljoen Game Park andHardap Game Reserve to Mangetti.

7. Etosha National Park:
One of the largest game reserves in Africa.
Significant to it is the Etosha Pan, the area that makes Etosha game viewing experience unique.
114 Mammals species are found, several are rare and endangered e.g. rhino, cheetah and black-faced impala.
Etosha's elephants are the largest in Africa. The tallest measure up to 4m. Blue wildebeest, zebra, hyena, lions, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, antelope species and about 340 bird species are also found in the area.
The area has about 30 springs and waterholes that provide excellent game viewing and photographic opportunities.
Visitors should approach and depart from waterholes slowly and with little noise so as not to disturb the game.

8. Skeleton Coast Park:
The long stretch of coast north of Swakopmund.
Significant to it is the colour, changing moods and untouched profile of its landscape. The dense coastal fogs and cold sea breeze caused by the cold Benguela Currrent. Clay castles, the salt pans near the Agate Mountain and the seal colony at Cape Frio.
Animals found are gemsbok, springbok, jackal, ostrich and hyena, while desert-adapted elephant, black rhino, lion and giraffe roam up and down the dry river courses.

9. Cape Cross Seal Reserve:
Situated about 130 km north of Swakopmund.
Significant to it is the Arctocephalus pusillus, the largest of the world's nine fur seals species. During November/December breeding season as many as 150 000 of these animals gather at Cape Cross.
It was here that a Portuguese navigator, Diego Cao erected a stone cross in 1486.

10. National West Coast Recreation Area
This is the 200km stretch of coastline between the Swakop and Ugab rivers.
The lichen fields are found here extensively. They depend on coastal fog for survival, are extremely slow growing and are destroyed when vehicles drive over them.
Visitors are cautioned that off road driving is not allowed in the National West Coast Recreation Area.
Along the coast at Mile 14, 72, 108 and Jakkalsputz are campsites providing basic amenities for anglers.

11. Waterberg Plateau Park
The park is situated 60km east of Otjiwarongo and 300km north east of Windhoek.
The park is home for about 25 game and over 200 bird species.
Vegetation changes dramatically from acacia savannah at the foot of the plateau to lush-green sub-tropical dry woodland with tall trees and grassy plains at the top.

12. Von Bach Game Reserve
This reserve is situated 3.5 km south of Okahandja and extends over an area of 43 km.
This has become a popular venue for aquatic sports e.g. water skiing, yachting, wind surfing and boating.
Visitors can explore the surrounding nature reserve on foot however game viewing opportunities are limited.

13. Daan Viljoen Game Park
Situated in the rolling hills of the Khomas Hochland.
It is a small park (3,953ha) but home to a relative large population of game species such as kudu, springbok, gemsbok, eland, red hartebeest, hartmanns mountain zebra, blue wildebeest, baboon, klipspringer, steenbok and rock dassie. Ideal for viewing at sunset.
Interresting species to look out for are Ruppell's parrot Monteiro's hornbill, Carp's tit, Rockrunner and Whitetailed shrike.

14. Hardap Game Park
With the capacity of 323 million m3 and a surface area of 25km, Hardap is Namibia's largest dam.
The reserve is divided by the dam into a norther andwouthern section and the largest game concentration is found in the southern section. The game to be seen in this area are kudu, gemsbok, springbok, Hartmann's mountain zebra, red hartebeest and steenbok.
The dam is home to one of Namibia's three largest colonies of white pelicans. Pnback pelicans, greater flamingos, white breasted and reed cormorants, darters, African spoonbills, osprey and African fish eagles are also found in this ares.

15. Namib-Naukluft Park
This is one of the Country's major tourist destinations. The vast wilderness of almost 50 000 km contain key features uch as Sossusvlei, Sesriem, the Welwitschia Trail, Sandwich Harbour, the Naukluft Mountains and the Kuiseb Canyon.

16. Naute Recreation Resort
Situated 50 km south west of Keetmanshoop
Namibia's third largest cam is found here. It is surrounded by flat-topped ridges and large rust-coloured boulders.
Tarea harbours a variety of birds, including aquatic species, has a peace full atmosphere and appeals especially to fresh-water anglers and watersports enthusiasts, although as yet there are no facilities here other than rudimentary picnic sites.

17. Fish River Canyon Park
The Fish River Canyon Park including the Ai-Ais Hot Springs Resort and Huns Mountains are incorporated into one conservation area. The Huns Mountains section is not yet open to the public.
This is the second largest natural gorge in Africa.

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Economy

Statistics

GDP: US$5.5 billion (2004).
Main exports: Minerals, beef, cattle and fish.
Main imports: Foodstuffs, construction material and manufactured goods.
Main trading partners: South Africa, UK, Spain, Japan and USA

The pillars of the Namibian economy are mining, fishing, tourism and agriculture. The largest single contributor to employment in Namibia is government, followed by the agricultural and fishing sectors. Commercial shipping activity has picked up since the return of Walvis Bay, the best deep-water port in Africa on the Atlantic side, to Namibian Zebra and Oxry

jurisdiction (the apartheid government in Pretoria tried to hang on to the port, even after independence). The establishment of a free-trade zone at Walvis Bay has further enhanced its status as a centre for regional trade. Manufacturing in Namibia is mainly limited to the processing of raw materials and agricultural produce. Most of the country's trade is with South Africa, essentially involving the exchange of raw materials for manufactured goods. Recent economic policy has seen many former state enterprises transferred to the private sector. The economy has performed reasonably well during the last decade. Annual growth in 2004 was 5.7 per cent and inflation was 4.1 per cent. However, unemployment hovers at around 35 per cent.

Mining
The mining industry is the backbone of the economy, the kernel of Namibia's export economy, and accounts for about 20 per cent of GDP. Extracted minerals include silver, copper, lead, zinc, tungsten and uranium, magnesium, cadmium, arsenic, pyrites, gold, lithium minerals, dimension stones. Semi-precious stones such as agate, amethyst, tourmaline, rose quartz, aquamarine, garnet, chrysolla, chalcedony and dioptase are also extracted in Namibia.

Namibia is also the source of the world's highest-quality gem diamonds, which are the largest earner of foreign exchange earner. Despite being a medium-sized producer of these diamonds, Namibia averages the highest carat value in the world. Namdeb Diamond Corporation is involved in onshore and offshore mining operations and recovery plants and has satellite mines at Elizabeth Bay and Auchas.

Fishing
Namibia is one of the leading countries in the international fishing industry. Effective conservation and fisheries management policies have ensured the post-independence recovery of the country's seriously depleted fish stocks (as a result of uncontrolled fishing prior to March 1990), ensuring exceptionally rich fishing grounds. The main commercial fish found in Namibian waters are hake, monk, pilchard, anchovy and Cape hors-mackerel. Rock lobster, orange roughie, alfonsino, kingklip, tuna, sole, crab and snoek are also plentiful, while oysters and mussels are framed and Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Lüderitz.

Agriculture
The Namibian government encourages agricultural diversification and commercialization. The commercial agricultural sub-sector is the major contributor to agriculture (78%), while the communal sector contributes 2.6%. Livestock dominates the agricultural sector.
Sheep

Namibia exported 32,000 tons of beef to the value of N$594 million in 2004 and is also the largest exporter of small stock in Southern Africa.
Major crops in the agronomy sector are mahangu (pearl millet), wheat, maize, groundnuts, beans, cotton and sorghum. Some non-traditional crops are table grapes, dates, cotton, oriental tobacco and lucerne. Approximately 600 tons of devil's claw are exported annually.
Namibia is the driest country south of the Sahara and agriculture becomes increasingly challenging over time as the desert encroaches on previously fertile soil; it has also suffered chronic damage from recurrent drought afflicting the whole region

Energy
The energy sector plays a vital role in Namibia's economy as all the other sectors, such as tourism, transport and communication, are largely dependent on petroleum fuel for transporting good and services. Natural energy resources found in the country are natural gas, wind, sun and biomass. Because of limited water resources, the country depends largely on imports of electricity to meet national demands.

The Kudu Gas Field was discovered in 1973 off the Orange River in the southern offshore area, about 170km from Oranjemund. Development of Kudu Gas Field commenced in 2003 and production is envisaged to commence by late 2006.

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please note: all information given is subject to change without notice