The Namibian Dollar (N $ or NAD) is the currency of Namibia and was introduced in 1993, three years after independence. The Namibian Dollar replaced the South African Rand (ZAR), which had also been valid in Namibia until then, as the official currency. However, there is a 1: 1 parity between the two currencies, so that the South African Rand is still accepted as a means of payment everywhere in Namibia (but not the other way around, areas close to the border are an exception). Since 1993 banknotes to the value of 100, 50 and 10 Namibia dollars, coins to the value of 5 and 1 Namibia dollars as well as 50, 10 and 5 cents have been in circulation. Since 1996 there has also been a banknote worth 20, and since 2001 also worth 200 Namibia dollars. 

Foreign currency can be changed in local banks and exchange offices. You can also withdraw money from ATMs with your master card.

We recommend that you either travel as part of an organized tour with a guide or by rental car. Public transport is practically non-existent.

There are some basic health issues that require care and attention. The following points are recommended as a guideline. Please ask your doctor for information and check with the health department for any changes in health regulations before you leave.

Malaria  

Malaria is particularly common in northern Namibia. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for travelers in southern Africa. Please remember that the best preventive care is to:  

• Avoid getting bitten with the help of good mosquito repellent. Some lodges offer homemade insect repellants, but please bring something with you if you have sensitive skin. 

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers and thick socks in the evenings. 

• If available, please use the mosquito net over the bed. 

• If you are staying in a bungalow or tent, please spray the room with a suitable insecticide so that the mosquitoes that come into your room are quickly killed. 

• Mosquito incense sticks are also effective.

safety instructions 

First of all, Namibia is one of the most relaxed and safest travel destinations in Africa with a friendly, unobtrusive population and an excellent travel infrastructure. Of course, there are also a few points in Namibia relating to general safety for tourists, dangerous animals, diseases, risks in road traffic, etc. that should be considered and observed:  

For rental car tours:  

The greatest risk may surprise most holidaymakers. Driving on Namibia’s large and empty roads is actually easy and relaxed despite left-hand traffic. Your self-drive trip will be pleasant and safe if you drive calmly, expect obstacles at all times and are prepared for death-defying overtaking maneuvers by oncoming traffic on the country’s few asphalt roads. 

The wrecked car exhibited by a rental company in Windhoek is also intended to create awareness for the second side of the coin. Out of 200 cars in this rental, a total of 15 rolled over in 2013! 

Unfortunately, the vastness of the country, the empty streets and the beefy all-wheel-drive vehicle invite you to race. Distances are often underestimated, in the evening time is running out, high wheels, engine capacity and horsepower make men’s hearts beat faster.  

But suddenly a kudu, a cow or a car appears behind the hilltop. And with a bold turn of the steering wheel, thanks to the high weight and center of gravity, you can somersault into the ditch. Your safety in Namibia is above all in your own hands!  

Poverty-related risks:  

The differences between rich and poor are much greater in Namibia than in Europe. Glittering jewelry, handbags and expensive cameras are correspondingly tempting. You won’t have any problems with it on the lodges, on the typical travel routes of the country and in the small towns of Lüderitz and Swakopmund. 

But as the largest city in the country, Windhoek unfortunately brings with it a certain risk. Be careful there! 

Even in daylight, cameras or handbags are snatched away from untrodden street corners from time to time. And car windows are a popular target when there are bags behind them with perhaps valuable content. 

When it is dark, the best way to get around Windhoek is by car or taxi to avoid any risks. 

There is very little extra-domestic violence in Namibia compared to many other countries. And there is practically no xenophobia towards whites that could fatal tourists. And compared to other capitals in the world, Windhoek remains a very manageable, quiet and relatively safe city! 

“Biltong” – the typical dish consists of dried meat from the ostrich, kudu, antelope, oryx or beef. It is eaten dry or soaked and then processed like fresh meat. There is grilled meat everywhere, and often fish. The beer is brewed according to the German purity law.

The seasons in Namibia are reversed to the northern hemisphere due to its location south of the equator. The predominant climate is a very dry desert climate with a mild winter with moderate temperatures during the day and sometimes cold temperatures at night. The summer is very warm, sometimes even very hot. Pleasant temperatures can be found along the coast (due to the Benguela Current), but cold days must also be expected in some cases. The rainy season is from January to March.

In Namibia people usually dress casually and comfortably. 

Bring cool, light and comfortable clothing in the Namibian summer, as temperatures can quickly hit 30 degrees in some areas. Bring an umbrella or raincoat in the Namibian summer as this is the time when it rains the most. A light jacket or poncho is recommended. Don’t forget your swimsuit. 

The Namibian winters are generally mild. Even so, there are days when the temperature drops, especially at night, so bring a sweater and jacket with you too.  

Always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as the sun exposure can be very strong, even in the winter months. 

Sturdy shoes are important all year round, with warm socks in winter. 

During game drives, we advise you to wear neutral-colored clothing. 

What else to pack:  

Binoculars, bug spray, camera and cell phone charger.

The voltage is 220/240 volts. Mostly three-pin plugs are required, but adapters are available at the receptions of guest houses and hotels.

The Republic of Namibia is located in the southwest of the African continent and borders in the north on Angola and with the Caprivi tip on Zambia, in the east on Botswana, in the south-east and south on the Republic of South Africa and in the west on the Atlantic Ocean.