LANGUAGE, CULTURE & HISTORY

History of Namibia

Namibia’s prehistory dates back more than 750,000 years, when the first settlers moved in to brave the hostile Namib and Kalahari heat. Although the earliest people were basic hunter-gatherers, the Boskop – ancestors of the San people – had developed a structured society more than 20,000 years before the birth of Christ, making it one of the world’s oldest civilisations.

Sadly for the Boskop and the San who followed, their period of dominance was not to last with Bantu and Khoikhoi agriculturalists moving in and displacing them. Later, during the 16th century, the Herero people arrived from the Zambezi Valley, followed in the 19th century by a new Bantu group, the Owambo, who settled along the Kunene and Okavango rivers.

Although European had known about Namibia since 1486, when Portuguese Captain Diago C5o sailed along the coast as far as Cape Cross, it wasn’t until the 17th century when Dutch settlers from Cape Colony (now South Africa) began to take an interest. In 1844, the first German settlers appeared, followed by the British who, attracted by its huge sardine shoals, promptly annexed Walvis Bay.

German colonisation proper began with Luderitz and quickly extended outwards and upwards to include the whole of Namibia, barring Walvis Bay, which remained in British hands. Settlement began as the Nama-Herero wars raged, giving the Germans the opportunity to sweep in and take over. Then followed one of the darkest periods in Namibia’s history – the German extermination of nearly 80 per cent of the Herero population. The genocide was interrupted by the outbreak of World War 1 intervened and from 1918 onwards, Namibia became a British protectorate overseen by the South Africa.

Although South Africa became fully independent in 1967, Namibia did not and as a result, the full force of apartheid was visited on the country. Throughout the 1950s, despite pressure from the UN, South Africa tightened its grip on Namibia leading to uprisings among the black population, as well as some whites, and the eventual formation of SWAPO (South West African Peoples Organisation). SWAPO spent the next 30 years battling to rid Namibia of the South African occupiers, at one point asking for help from Cuba. In 1988, a ceasefire was negotiated between SWAPO, Cuba and South Africa and independence followed two years later.

Did you know?

• Tourism accounts directly or indirectly for nearly 20 per cent of all jobs in Namibia.
• After Mongolia, Namibia has the second lowest population density of any country.
• Although the Namibian music industry is largely undeveloped, local folk music is popular as are Western music styles.

Namibia Culture

Religion in Namibia

Christians make up 80-90% of the Namibian population, of which 50% are Lutheran. Other denominations include Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Dutch Reformed and Mormon. Between 10 and 20% hold indigenous beliefs. The Muslim and Jewish populations are tiny with the two religions making up less than 3% of Namibian believers.

Social Conventions in Namibia

Thanks to the high number of religious believers, Namibians are on the whole a conservative people. Asa result, homosexuality isn’t really understood and is barely tolerated, while modest clothes, although not expected, are appreciated. Generally though, Namibians are friendly, entertaining people who will deal with you politely and expect the same in return.

Western customs are generally accepted as the norm, so usual courtesies should be shown when meeting new people or visiting someone’s home. In rural areas, visitors should follow the advice of a local guide when it comes to indigenous etiquette. Giving a proper greeting is particularly important and those who are standoffish or blunt are regarded as extremely rude. Many can be fairly blunt themselves, particularly among straight-talking Afrikaaners.

Language in Namibia

English is Namibia’s official language but is the mother tongue ofjust 7% of the population. Until 1990, Afrikaans and German were also official languages but have since been demoted to two of the countrys many ‘recognised’ languages. Others include Rukwangali, Silozi, Setswana, Damara/Nama, Herero and Oshiwambo.

GOEGRAPHY & WEATHER

Weather and climate

Best time to visit

With a staggering 300 days of sunshine each year, Namibia is a year-round destination, although some may prefer to avoid the heat of high summer. The cold Benguela current keeps the Atlantic coast of the Namib Desert cool and rain-free for most of the year, with a thick coastal fog that lends a mysterious edge to the area. January and February are the hottest months, when daytime temperatures in the heart of the Namib can exceed 40°C (104°F), but nights are usually cool. Winter nights can be fairly cold, but days are generally warm and pleasant

Inland, the rain falls exclusively in summer (November to March). The Caprivi Strip has unique tropical climate, with heavy rainfall that often leads to flooding between December and March. The weeks following the March rains are ideal for birdwatching, but less good for spotting game, as the animals are more dispersed than in the dry seon. The Fish River Canyon hiking route is closed from mid-September to mid-April due^asto the risk of floods.

For travellers seeking a real wildlife experience, the winter months of April and June are the best time to visit, as the bush will be sparser and the dry weather will lead to frequent congregations at the waterhole.

Required clothing

Pack light cottons, with slightly heavier cottons or light woollens for evening. Inland, shoes are essential during the day as the ground is very hot. For walking or trekking, ankle-height boots are recommended as there are poisonous snakes in the desert including the Cape Cobra. Neutral colours are recommended for safaris and game viewing. At Sossusvlei, a pair of sunglasses is crucial, as the reflection of the sunlight on the dunes and Dead \lei is near-blinding.

Light cottons, with slightly heavier cottons or light woollens for evening. Inland, shoes are essential during the day as the ground is very hot

Geography

Namibia is a large, mostly arid country in southwest Africa with Angola to the north, Botswana to the east, and South Africa to the south. In the northeast corner, the Caprivi Strip, a narrow panhandle of tropical Namibian territory juts towards Victoria Falls, forming borders with Angola, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. To the west is a 1,280km long stretch (795 miles) of perhaps the loneliest coastline in the world, with foggy shores lashed by the Atlantic and littered with shipwrecks.

Along the entire length of the country, the huge shifting dune fields of the Namib Desert spread inland for up to 130km (81 miles). The most stunning sand dunes can be found in Sossusvlei National Park. In the for northwest, the Kaokoland Mountains run parallel to the Skeleton Coast, while further inland lies the Etosha Pan, a dried-out saline lake surrounded by grasslands. The Etosha National Park is the third largest in Africa, remaining largely free of human influence.

In the interior, the Central Plateau runs from north to south, sloping away into the vast sand basin of the Kalahari. Windhoek, the capital, perches on this plateau. The Kalahari has a geography all of its own, with inselbergs, or isolated mountains that create microclimates and habitats for organisms not adapted to life in the desert.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Doing Business in Namibia

Lightweight suits are advised. Prior appointments are necessary. English is widely spoken in business circles, although a grasp of Afrikaans is an advantage. The be. Ames for business are February to May and September to November.

Office Hours

Mon-Fri 0800-1700.

Economy

The mining industry is one of Namibia’s key sources of income and provides more than half of the countrys foreign exchange income. Namibia is on of the largest producers of uranium in the world. Other minerals extracted include silver, copper, lead, zinc, tungsten and some of the world’s highest-quality diamonds.

Livestock dominates the agricultural sector, with huge cattle and game farms making up the largest part of the industry. A substantial proportion of the workforce is engaged in subsistence farming of crops such as wheat, maize and millet but their yield is under constant threat from desertification. Even in a good year, Namibia only grows around 50% of the cereal its population consumes and has to importthe remainder. Namibia also has an active commercial fishing industry centred around Walvis Bay and its sardine-packed waters. Manufacturing is mainly devoted to processing raw materials and agricultural produce.

Tourism, particularly eco-tourism, is a key part of the economy and one of the country’s biggest employers. Although it is dominated by the white Afrikaaner population, the industry is increasingly geared towards beneffiting the local people who live in remote safari areas via initiatives such as conservancies and training schemes for would-be chefs, guides and hotel managers.

Namibia’s biggest trading partner is South Africa, followed by the UK, the USA, Angola, the Netherlands and Spain, and generally involves 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 but inflation has recently accelerated. Annual growth in 2012 was 4.6% with inflation at 6.3%. Official unemployment figures hover around 50%, although this does include subsistence farmers and tribal hunter-gatherers.

GDP

US$12.3 billion (201 2).

Main exports

Diamonds, uranium, lead, beef, fish.

Main imports

Food, petroleum products and fuel, construction materials, machinery, chemicals.

Main trading partners

South Africa, UK, Spain, Angola and USA

Keeping in Touch in Namibia

Telephone

Namibia has an excellent fixed-line telephone network run by Telecom Namibia (www.telecom.na). Domestic calls are reasonably priced, although international calls can cost upwards of N$20 161 .40) per minute.

Mobile Phone

MTC (www…c.com.na) is Namibia’s service provider but has roaming arrangements with international provider. However, it operates on GSM 900/1800, which is compatible with European and Australian networks but not with those from North America or Japan. Check with your mobile provider whether they will be able to provide coverage through the MTC network during your stay. MTC does offer prepaid service called Tango, which involves a one-off purchase of a sim card and pay-as-you-go thereafter. Although coverage is generally good, it can be sporadic outside urban areas.

Internet

There are interne[ cafes in Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Windhoek. Most youth hostels and some game lodges will offer interne[ services. Expect to spend around N$15

(61 .04) per hour.

Media

Press freedom is provided for by the constitution and respected by the government. Opposition views are broadcast. English-language dailies include The Namibian (also printed in Oshiwambo) and The Namibia Economist, while the main Afrikaans newspaper is Die Republikein. Allgemeine Zeitung is published daily in German. The state-owned Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) broadcasts nationwide and most homes will also subscribe to South African satellite channels. NBC’s output varies in quality and the channel caused a scandal a few years ago by accidentally broadcasting porn (being watched by an inept controller at the time) during peak viewing time. Desert TV is a Windhoek-based private station. State-run radio is operated by NBC but there are several private music stations including Radio Kudu, Radio 99 and Radio Energy. BBC World Service and Voice of America are broadcast on short wave.

Post

While Namibia’s internal post is annoyingly slow, international post is more reliable and well will usually get to its destination within two weeks.

Post Office hours

Mon-Fri 0800-1600; Sat 0830-1200.

NIGHTLIFE & SHOPPING

Shopping in Namibia

Namibia may not have much of a reputation for retail therapy, but there’s plenty on offer if you know where to look. Windhoek is where you’ll find international brands, most of which are South African. The capital has several shopping malls, the best of which is Post St Mall, although its worth noting that most of the curios on offer there are cheap imports from Zimbabwe.

Local crafts such as wood carvings, karosse rugs and Herero dolls can be bought in curio shops and at the Windhoek Street Market, held every second Saturday. Precious gems are another big draw for Namibian shoppers, and the best are to be found at the House of Gems in Windhoek, which sells gorgeous jewellery. Also worth picking up are Swakopmunder leather shoes, most of which are made from kudu skins. Swakopmund also has plenty of gift shops for souvenirs.

In Rundu and other areas in the north east, you’ll find traditional San handicrafts including arrow heads and ostrich egg jewellery. Crafts and curios can also be found at regional craft centres and safari lodges. Visitors may reclaim VAT on goods of a minimum value of N$250.00 at Hosea Kutako International Airport Eros Airport and Walvis Bay Airport although the process is notoriously tricky to understand and follow.

Shopping Note

Be extremely careful if you’re contemplating buying a piece that looks as if it could be made from an exotic skin or material. Buying and selling products made from protected animals such as elephants, black rhinos, cheetah and leopards is forbidden and attracts harsh punishment However, you are likely to see some ivory on sale in and around Windhoek. This is usually the legitimate product of park culling operations and will be clearly marked.

Shopping hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1700; Sat 0900-1300. Some bigger supermarkets are also open Our 110°- 1300 and 1600-0900.

Nightlife in Namibia

With most visitors to Namibia heading into the wildemess on safari, nightlife tends to be concentrated around the camp bar. Most of these are convivial, if quiet, and you’ll find staff ever ready to come and share a drink with you. The majority of towns will have a lithe pub, many attracting a crowd of local farmers supping on pints of beer and chewing the fat over a plate of biltong. For more serious party opportunities, head to Windhoek, Walvis Bay or Swakopmund, all of which offer a variety of activities after dark. Windhoek, as you’d expect has the most to offer and benefits from a growing range of cigar bars, jazz clubs, arty cafes, cinemas, theatres and dubs. Visit during Windhoek Karnival in March or Oktoberfest to get the best of the action.

foes Beerhouse (www.joesbeerhouse.com) is a local institution, which serves up a game-heavy snack selection, washed down with local beer. Its fun and friendly, with boozing sessions extending into the small hours. Also worth a visit is Club Thriller, which is located in a rough part of town and is best done as a group. Beyond the unnerving weapons search at the door, you’ll find upbeat African tunes and a friendly crowd. At to Dee Da’s nightclub, you can dance to African beats beneath Namibia’s largest national flag. Swakopmund’s night scene is concentrated around several lively late-night pubs, often filled with overlanding groups. The old train station has been renovated into a casino if you fancy a flutter.

MEALS & BEVERAGES

What you eat in Namibia depends largely on where you are and who you’re with. Although certain foods are common to all of Namibia’s ethnic groups, each has their own specialties – some more appealing than others. Game meat, particularly kudu, oryx and other antelope is very common and even forms part of the in-flight offering on Air Namibia flights (much better than the chicken, it should be noted). Other game meat on offer includes buffalo, and occasionally, giraffe, while seafood is plentiful and excellent – particularly in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Braais (barbecues) are very common among Afrikaaner and German groups, while most African tribes eat plenty of mealie pap (a doughy maize paste) and °ship’, the millet version often served with meat or vegetable stews. South African dishes such as bobotie (a meat pie with a savoury egg custard crust) are also common.

Most restaurants will offer Teutonic or international fare, although thanks to Namibia’s desert environment which makes fruit and vegetables especially expensive, menus tend to be heavy on the meat More German influence can be seen in Namibia’s konditoreien (cake shops), where you can tuck into classics like apple strudel, sachertorte (chocolate cake) and kirschtorte (Black Forest gateau). Afrikaaners also know their way around the dessert trolley, with koeksesters (mini doughnuts dripping with honey) and melktart (milk tart) among the nicest. Breakfasts tend to be a spin on eggs and boerewors (sausage) although don’t be surprised to And a strange meaty extra such as curried kidneys thrown in with your scrambled eggs.

Specialties

• Biltong (an air-dried meat, which is a her snack staple, usually made from beef or kudu).
• Rouchfleisch (smoked meat).
• Game such as antelope, ostrich or zebra cooked on a braai (barbecue).
• Potjiekos lone-pot bush stew, usually cooked over a camp fire, and made with just about anything although chicken and vegetable is common).
• Seafood, especially oysters, on the coast.
• Kalahari truffles (a distant cousin of the European black and white truffle varieties found on Swakopmund restaurant menus, served up thinly sliced and drizzled with olive oil alongside a thick ostrich steak.)

Tipping

10% is customary.

Drinking age

18.

Regional drinks

With a beer culture the equal of anything in the UK, Namibia has endless varieties of beer, many traditional African millet versions. Despite the desert heat, the country has recently started making its own wine – most of which is excellent.

• Windhoek lager (drunk by everyone, the perfect ice-cool sundowner).
• Oshikundu (a yeasty-tasting millet beer that is brewed and drunk the same day).
• Neuras Namib red wine (dubbed the driest vineyard in the world, Neuras is only possible because of a unique set of underground springs. Produced to South African standards, both the Shiraz and Namib red are excellent).
• DAS Pilsner (light beer that is considered a soft drink in Namibia and even forms part of the breakfast menu).
• Matoku (strong fortified watermelon ‘wine found in northern Namibia; comes in non­alcoholic version).

MEALS & BEVERAGES

What you eat in Namibia depends largely on where you are and who you’re with. Although certain foods are common to all of Namibia’s ethnic groups, each has their own specialties – some more appealing than others. Game meat, particularly kudu, oryx and other antelope is very common and even forms part of the in-flight offering on Air Namibia flights (much better than the chicken, it should be noted). Other game meat on offer includes buffalo, and occasionally, giraffe, while seafood is plentiful and excellent – particularly in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Braais (barbecues) are very common among Afrikaaner and German groups, while most African tribes eat plenty of mealie pap (a doughy maize paste) and °ship’, the millet version often served with meat or vegetable stews. South African dishes such as bobotie (a meat pie with a savoury egg custard crust) are also common.

Most restaurants will offer Teutonic or international fare, although thanks to Namibia’s desert environment which makes fruit and vegetables especially expensive, menus tend to be heavy on the meat More German influence can be seen in Namibia’s konditoreien (cake shops), where you can tuck into classics like apple strudel, sachertorte (chocolate cake) and kirschtorte (Black Forest gateau). Afrikaaners also know their way around the dessert trolley, with koeksesters (mini doughnuts dripping with honey) and melktart (milk tart) among the nicest. Breakfasts tend to be a spin on eggs and boerewors (sausage) although don’t be surprised to And a strange meaty extra such as curried kidneys thrown in with your scrambled eggs.

Specialties

• Biltong (an air-dried meat, which is a her snack staple, usually made from beef or kudu).
• Rouchfleisch (smoked meat).
• Game such as antelope, ostrich or zebra cooked on a braai (barbecue).
• Potjiekos lone-pot bush stew, usually cooked over a camp fire, and made with just about anything although chicken and vegetable is common).
• Seafood, especially oysters, on the coast.
• Kalahari truffles (a distant cousin of the European black and white truffle varieties found on Swakopmund restaurant menus, served up thinly sliced and drizzled with olive oil alongside a thick ostrich steak.)

Tipping

10% is customary.

Drinking age

18.

Regional drinks

With a beer culture the equal of anything in the UK, Namibia has endless varieties of beer, many traditional African millet versions. Despite the desert heat, the country has recently started making its own wine – most of which is excellent.

• Windhoek lager (drunk by everyone, the perfect ice-cool sundowner).
• Oshikundu (a yeasty-tasting millet beer that is brewed and drunk the same day).
• Neuras Namib red wine (dubbed the driest vineyard in the world, Neuras is only possible because of a unique set of underground springs. Produced to South African standards, both the Shiraz and Namib red are excellent).
• DAS Pilsner (light beer that is considered a soft drink in Namibia and even forms part of the breakfast menu).
• Matoku (strong fortified watermelon ‘wine found in northern Namibia; comes in non­alcoholic version).

HEALTHCARE

*A small malaria risk exists in the entire northern third of the country (Oshana, Oshikoto, Omusati, Ohangwenga, Ottozondjupa and Omaheke) from November tolune and along the Kunene river and in Kavango and Caprivi regions throughout the year. Although visitors who plan to remain in the southern part of the country (Sossusvlei, Windhoek, Walvis Bay etc) do not need to take anti-malarial drugs, they are recommended for those travelling further north.

** Namibia is not an infected area but does border countries that are. Asa result, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from an infected area.

Health Care

Because Namibia’s size medical facilities are spread out, with most lodges offering hole more than basic medical care. As a result, serious accidents will require an expensive transfer to hospital in Windhoek, or in extreme cases, to medical facilities in South Africa. Asa result, travel insurance is essential, and taking out a comprehensive policy is worthwhile. This is doubly the case if you’re planning to take part in sports such as quad biking or off-roading.

While Namibia isn’t plagued by the tropical diseases that afflict its northern neighbours, it does experience the occasional outbreak of malaria, while dysentery (most often seen in campers who haven’t properly treated their water supply) can also occur. It is advisable to consult your doctor well in advance of travelling about immunisations and assembling a first aid kit if you’re planning to drive long distances or stay in a remote area.

Food and Drink

Mains water is normally chlorinated and, while safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Water taken from lakes and rivers is generally a bad idea and cannot be regarded as entirely safe to drink without prior boiling. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other Risks

Vaccinations against meningococcal meningitis, tuberculosis and hepatitis 13 are sometimes recommended. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is also recommended for travellers born after 1956 who have not previously received the inoculation. A rabies vaccination is sometimes required, particularly if your plans involve some degree of interaction with wild animals.

HOLIDAYS

Below are listed Public Holidays in Namibia

New Year’s Day

01 January 2020

Independence Day

21 March 2020

Good Friday

10 April 2020

Easter Monday

13 April 2020

Workers’ Day

01 May 2020

Cassinga Day

04 May 2020

Ascension Day

21 May 2020

Africa Day

25 May 2020

Heroes’ Day

26 August 2020

International Human Rights Day

10 December 2020

Christmas Day

25 December 2020

Family Day

26 December 2020

DUTY FREE & CURRENCY

Currency and Money

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 acceptable as currency in Namibia.

Credit cards

American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa are accepted. Credit cards are not usually accepted at petrol stations, so bear this in mind when you visit the ATM. Setting aside an emergency petrol cash fund is a good idea if you’re planning to drive.

ATM

Although ATMs can be found in most towns, Cs worth making sure that you’ve got enough cash handy at all times, as towns can be few and far between. Make sure you notify your bank of your travel plans before you go: Namibia is among the countries that trigger an automatic account freeze (fraud protection) if you fail to tell your bank beforehand.

Travellers cheques

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or South African Rand. In general, you can expect a better exchange rate for travellers cheques than for cash.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1530; Sat 0900-1100. Note that at the end of the month, when many government employees are paid, queues at the banks can be several hours long.

Currency restrictions

The import and export of local currency is limited to N$50,000. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided sums equal to or exceeding NADS,000 are declared on arrival. Export of foreign currency is unlimited up to the amount imported and declared.

Currency exchange

Available in banks and at bureaux de change, as well as at Hosea Kutako International Airport

Namibia duty free

Overview

The following may be imported into Namibia by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty.

• 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco.
• 2L of wine and 1L of spirits.
• 50m1 of perfume and 250m1 of eau de toilette.
• Gifts to the value of N$1,250.

Banned Imports

Prohibited imports include narcotics, automatic weapons, military weapons, unnumbered weapons, toxic and poisonous substances.

Hunting rifles need a permit issued by customs when entering the country. Special authorisation is required for the import of endangered species. Plants or plant materials require a permit obtained in advance.

Banned Exports

Prohibited exports include endangered species, narcotics, stolen property, ivory, rhino horn, and protected cultural artefacts.

You must obtain permits in order to export the following: military weapons, ammunition, explosives, firearms, conflict diamonds and minerals, pornography, and products which violate national intellectual property protection law leg counterfeit goods).