NAMIBIA
Capital: Windhoek
Languages: German and English
Currency: South African rand, Namibian dollar. Exchange rate: 1 NAD = ± 0.06 EUR
Tourist Office: namibiatourism.com.na
Did you know? The Kalahari is the sixth-largest desert in the world. It covers more than 930,000 square kilometres and is the second-largest desert in Africa after the Sahara. It's also one of the driest deserts. Nevertheless, the oryx, a type of antelope, can survive there very well thanks to a system of blood vessels that protects its brain from the heat, and nostrils that cool the air it breathes in.
Are you travelling to Namibia? Here are a few useful tips:
Travel documents and customs formalities
Belgian citizens do not need a tourist visa to visit Namibia. A valid passport or ID card is required to enter the country. To get through customs smoothly, we advise you to note down the address of where you're going. In case of a problem, you can contact the Belgian consulate in Windhoek.
The healthcare system in Namibia
Although embassies recommend vaccinations against hepatitis and tetanus, there are no compulsory vaccines. It's advisable to take out travel insurance to cover healthcare costs in Namibia. Due to the sometimes harsh climate and the presence of wild animals during excursions, the risk of injury or infection cannot be completely ruled out. The quality of healthcare facilities is generally average; it's preferable to choose a private hospital.
Safety in Namibia
When you book a fully organised trip through a travel agency, you benefit from experienced drivers and the best transport options available. However, if you decide to rent a car and cross Namibia yourself, you must observe certain safety rules. Most of the roads crossing the country, for example, are not in excellent condition. They are sandy roads that are difficult to drive on. That's why it's important to have an off-road vehicle. Another useful tip is to carry at least two spare wheels and always enough fuel and water.
It is recommended that you register your trip to Namibia on Travellers Online. This allows the Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs to contact you should an emergency arise.
Before you leave, read the latest travel advice for Namibia on the website of the Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs.
Which travel insurance should I choose for a trip to Namibia?
At Redion, you can take out either temporary or annual travel insurance.
All travel insurance policies include the following benefits:
- Reimbursement of medical expenses
- Organisation of, and assistance with, your repatriation and that of your travelling companions if necessary
- Early return in the event of hospitalisation or death of a relative in Belgium
- Assistance in case of lost documents
If you only travel abroad once a year, temporary travel insurance may be useful. If you travel several times a year, annual travel insurance will be the more cost-effective option.
Climate and religion in Namibia
Summer is the best time to visit Namibia. From May to October, the climate there is at its mildest. For safari enthusiasts, the dry season (corresponding to our winter) is certainly not recommended, due to the low presence of animals.
The vast majority of Namibians are Christian (80 to 90%). The predominant strand within this Christian community is German Lutheranism. However, some territorial communities still practise centuries-old shamanistic and animist beliefs.
African cuisine
The basis of the traditional cuisine of Namibia's indigenous peoples relies on exotic fruit and vegetables, but also on various types of meat such as game, ostrich, antelope and, above all, kudu. However, in most restaurants and lodges you'll find traditional European dishes, mainly of English or German origin. In addition, they also offer excellent South African wines, among the best on the continent.
