Passports and visas
Swedish citizens can stay in Namibia for 3 months without a visa. The passport must be valid 6 months after departure. There must be 1 blank spread. (= 2 pages). When entering from South Africa, children must have their own passports.
Vaccinations and health
We recommend vaccination against jaundice (Hepatitis A) and possibly (Hepatitis B) before leaving for Namibia. Review your basic polio shooter. diphtheria and tetanus. consult a health center for advice. For trips to, for example, Etosha National Park, it may be relevant to bring malaria medicine as it is important to protect yourself against mosquito bites. Check your private insurance that your health insurance coverage is valid in Namibia. Remember to bring documentation on current travel / health insurance
Weather and clothing
Namibia is part of the cool desert along the Atlantic coast of southwestern Africa called Namib. In the coastal council of Namibia it almost never rains but it is very humid. At the coast, the temperature varies day and night, summer and winter between 10C and 16C degrees. Inland, summer temperatures reach 31 to 37 C degrees. Minus degrees sometimes occur in part of the desert. Rare rain comes as short-lived torrential rain and thunder in spring and autumn. The annual precipitation is about 50 mm. The best time to visit the country is April-May and Oct-Nov. In Etosha National Park, the best period is late March and early September. Best chance to see animals on safari: May to October (but that is also when it is most crowded) Clothes: light – medium desert clothing is recommended.
Do not forget to also put swimwear in the bag as some hotels and lodges have a pool. At restaurants and other visits, casual attire applies.
Currency and exchange
In Namibia, the Namibian dollar (NAD) is used 1 NAD = 100 cents 2NAD is about 1 SEK. 1NAD = 1 South African Rand (ZAR) which is also a valid means of payment in Namibia. It is possible to withdraw at ATMs with Visa and Mastercard, but Amex is not known in Namibia. You can bring Rand or take the opportunity to withdraw Rand at an ATM at the airport Most banks charge a fee when withdrawing.
Transport and communications
public transport (combies) between the major cities. They go when they are drunk and are often involved in accidents. TransNamib runs trains Windhoek – Swakopmund – Walvis Bay and it is a cheap and safe way to travel. If you want luxury, there is Desert Express which runs cruises of 7 to 10 hours.
Intercape buses run more frequently between most cities
Safety
In Namibia consult the guide and hotel staff on where it is appropriate or less appropriate to stay at night. Do not carry cameras, jewelry or other valuables open on the streets. Feel free to leave a copy of valuables such as passports and visas in a safe place. Take it easy in traffic, when traffic accidents occur. Watch out for credit card fraud which is common
Food and drink
Namibia’s specialty is Mielie Pap, a cornmeal, Mahango (millet). Both Mielie and Mahango are usually eaten with fish, goat, lamb or beef stew. Most Namibian meals are characterized by German influence. Some common drinks are mataku (watermelon wine) and distilled palm spirit
that tastes a bit like vodka
Shopping
Regular shops in Namibia are open from 09:00 to 17:00. Often the gates are closed but just call. There are some small craft markets that sell wood or rattan along the roads (pottery, toys, etc.). But do not buy with spices or clothes, where Namibia is more like Europe than in West Africa. However, there may be fine items made from ostrich eggshells, pearls, rugs and jackets made of karakul wool, etc. A large number of suppliers from Damaraland offer nationwide nuts from makalani palm and carved animals that are of a type of vegetable ivory. Even gemstones are affordable
General and mixed
Tips: Usually 10% if no service charge is included in the bill. Tipping is prohibited in national parks
Customs: Namibia is a mixture of Germanic, English and African traditions, but also a mixture of different African tribes’ lifestyles. Europe’s past shows significant traces in architecture, infrastructure, economics and education. However, this has not affected rural tribes which, unlike neighboring South Africa, maintain their customs and traditions. Thus, San (Bushmen), Herero, Ovambo, Tswana, and other Himba still adhere to animist and Christian religions that govern their lifestyles and traditions. They have a desire to live closer and in harmony with nature, which houses their ancestors body and soul
Electricity: It is 220 V but 3 plugs so an adapter should be brought. Can possibly be borrowed
Language: English is the official language and is spoken by a growing part of the population. Afrikaans, a South African language, is still the most common in the trade between whites and blacks and Africans, while German is still strong among Europeans. Oshivambo is a language spoken by Namibians. Lesan, Nama and Damara are languages with “click” heel sounds made with the tongue.
Travel insurance: Before you buy travel insurance, please check what your home insurance or your card insurance covers when traveling to Namibia.
