This fascinating and unique country is full of wide
horizons, endless stretches of golden desert dunes and unusual rocky
plains, as though not of this world. Its vast open spaces are home
to a wealth of birds and animals, some rare protected species, and
some exquisite plant life, found nowhere else in the world!And
that’s what makes Namibia such an exciting holiday destination, a
unique wonderland.
There are so many unusual things to see ... the
apricot glow of the desert dunes at sunset, the magic of the
constant silvery shimmer of Etosha Pan, surreal rock formations, sun
baked plains full of immense fossilized trees, extinct volcanoes and
mountain slopes which have been fused by some ancient cataclysm.
Namibia’s rich
blend of cultures and traditions offer a diversity
of experiences.
Stay in safari lodges and explore untouched wilderness
of major wildlife sanctuary, Etosha National Park or the
Namib-Naukluft region, home to some of the world’s most unusual
plantlife, including the Welwitschia. Travel through stark, desolate
scenery to visit the magnificent Fish River Canyon, and the hot
spring resort, Ai Ais. Enjoy the surreal desolation of the
incredible Skeleton Coast Park and the magic of Luderitz, where
Bartholomew Dias first set foot on African soil. There’s also the
charming seaside playground of Swakopmund, the untamed magic of
Damaraland, Bushmen relics at Twyfelfontein and the Waterberg
Plateau, the unique geological curiosity of Organ Pipes and Burnt
Mountain, and great fishing and game viewing on the Caprivi
Strip.
Namibia is a vast country, and ideally requires some
time to see it properly. For the hardier traveller, a self-drive
holiday is probably the best way to experience the country. However,
Namibia also lends itself to escorted tours, and for those
with
less time, a weekend breakaway out of Johannesburg or Cape
Town, South Africa will still leave the visitor with a wonderful
taste of the country
Popular Tours to Nambia: (click on the links below for more information)
Republic of
Namibia (formerly German Southwest Africa)
VISA
The following
information on entry requirements has been confirmed with the
Namibian authorities. However, these requirements are subject
to change at any time. It is the traveler's responsibility to
check with the Embassy of the Republic of Namibia and its consulates for up-to-date
information.
A visa is not required for Canadian
Citizens traveling to Namibia.
HEALTH
Health
requirements can change at any time. The Public Health Agency
of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include
contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to
eight weeks before departure.Based on your individual
riskassessment, a health care professional can determine your
need for immunizations and/or preventive medication
and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travelers are
reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood)
immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles)
are up to date
A yellow fever vaccination certificate
is required of travelers arriving from infected areas.
POPULATION
2,055,080
LOCATION
In Southern
Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and
South Africa
LANGUAGES
English 7%
(official). Afrikaans: common language of most of the
population and about 60% of the white population. German; 32%,
Indigenous languages
AREA
Total 825,418
square km
Land 825,715 square km
Water 0 square
km
(Slightly more than half the size of Alaska)
COASTLINE
1,572 km
RELIGION
Christian 80% to
90% (Lutheran 50% at least), indigenous beliefs 10 – 20%
CLIMATE
desert; hot, dry;
rainfall sparse and erratic.
CURRENCY
Namibia dollar
(NAD); South African rand (ZAR)
TIME
GMT +1 (4 April –
4 September)
GMT +2 (5 September – 3 April)
