Geographical position
It cannot be said that Namibia is a small country, because the population reaches more than two million people. The dry, tropical climate brings with it frequent droughts, but this country has a fairly diverse flora and fauna, which makes it very interesting. Namibia is lucky with its location because it is washed in the west by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It occupies a place in southwest Africa, Namibia borders South Africa in the south and southeast, and Angola and Zambia are located next to it in the north. And most of all, Namibia resembles a corridor running between Angola, Zambia and Botswana. This location provides access to the Zambezi River. Until 1990, Namibia had a different name - South West Africa, and at that time was under the full control of South Africa. But on March 21, 1990, it was proclaimed an independent republic.
Namibia is a semi-desert that experiences frequent droughts. The climate of the country is dry and tropical. The warmest time in Namibia is the period from September to March, the hottest month is July, when the air temperature reaches 18 degrees above zero, and on the ocean coast up to 27 degrees above zero. The coldest winter month is July, during which time the air temperature does not rise above 12 degrees Celsius. Summers in Namibia are wet, but most of the precipitation immediately evaporates or simply seeps into the dry soil. As you move further south, the air temperature rises and drought is more common, but in the winter months the air temperature is much cooler. And in the coastal area there are always cold and thick fogs. In such a climate, in agriculture, in order to give the crops more moisture, there is an irrigation system, which is a system of canals.
Visas, entry rules, customs rules
A trip to Namibia for residents of Russia and Ukraine will not cause any difficulties, because residents of these countries do not need a visa to enter. At the Namibia airport upon arrival, a stamp is placed, which allows you to stay in the country for three months. At the airport, a declaration containing general questions is filled out. In Namibia there are no taxes on departure or arrival. It is allowed to import personal hygiene items free of charge, as well as cigarettes up to 400 pcs., wine up to two liters and spirits up to 1 liter. There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency, and a limit of up to 50 thousand Namibian dollars is set on the export of national currency. But since this currency is not used anywhere else, there is no point in exporting it outside the country.
It is prohibited to import drugs, weapons and ammunition without the appropriate permit, as well as any canned meat products. In addition, it is strictly prohibited to carry out independent work on processing diamonds and other minerals on the territory, or to conduct hunting, unless there is permission from the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Population, political status
In Namibia, the main national languages are African and English, in addition to them there are other dialects. Namibia has a population of about 2 million people, divided into 9 ethnic groups. Of these groups, 6 belong to the Bantu family, the remaining 3 groups belong to the Khoisan family. The country is home to a large number of different nationalities, which include Russians, Germans, Portuguese, British and Italians. Half of the population, which is classified as Bantu, is engaged in agriculture and cattle breeding, many of them work in mines. Most of the Khoisan family are also engaged in farming and cattle breeding. The rest of the population earns a living in large cities or on farms. And only 3% of this group lead a nomadic life in the Kalahari Desert and are mainly engaged in hunting and gathering. These people live separately from the main population of the country.
The new constitution of Namibia was adopted in 1990 and on its basis the country has the status of a mixed type republic, more precisely, parliamentary-presidential. The head of the country today is the president, and the National Council and the National Assembly act as the legislative body.
What to see
If you think that there is nothing to see in an arid country, then you are deeply mistaken. In fact, Namibia has quite a rich flora and fauna and a very picturesque coastline. Just look at one of the most ancient deserts in the world - the Namib Desert. This desert is several tens of millions of years old. An extraordinary landscape, sand dunes interspersed with small islands of oases. Despite the fact that sometimes there is not a drop of rain falling here for several years, the fauna in Namibia is considered extensive. Thirsty animals in all their diversity gather near small bodies of water and this is an excellent opportunity to capture all the species on camera. You should pay attention to the city of Otjiwarongo, which is famous for its nursery of crocodiles, herding dogs and the cheetah conservation center. In addition, it may be interesting to explore one beautiful and enchanting place called Damaraland. This is the only place where you can simultaneously admire mountains, dry river beds with lush vegetation, dry deserts and unexpected waterfalls. For those who cannot leave without various souvenirs or other purchases, you should visit the cities of Ondangwa and Oshakati, which are the most important shopping centers in the country and historical places of the country. The city of Tsumeb is no less interesting for its smooth and well-groomed streets, and, of course, the capital of Namibia, Windhoek. There are many places in Namibia that deserve special attention, such as the Old Fort, the National Museum of Namibia, the National Gallery and many other equally intriguing places.
Information about the first inhabitants of Namibia comes from rock paintings that depict hunters and scenes of the hunt itself. They united in small groups and led a nomadic lifestyle, engaged in hunting and gathering, and each such group had its own separate territory in which they obtained food. Over time, in the south of the country, some of these scattered tribes also began to engage in cattle breeding. But for a long time, a general unification did not occur, because the pastoralists also led a nomadic lifestyle, moving from one pasture to another. In the 18th century, Europeans began to invade the territory of Namibia, which led to the fact that the tribes were forced to take up arms. But the influence of Europeans turned out to be so great that Christianity gradually came to the territory of Namibia, thanks to the active actions of the missionary organization. There were often internecine wars between the tribes, which undermined their strength, resulting in constant theft of livestock. Therefore, the Europeans decided to trade; the Namibians had to stop their military operations in order to develop barter trade. Throughout time, many countries have been interested in Namibia, but the Germans were the first to colonize it in 1884. The influence of Germany was so great that even now many cities in Namibia resemble German settlements. England became the next colonizer of Namibia after Germany lost its first war. And already in 1945, Namibia came under the wing of the UN, and in 1990 it was proclaimed an independent republic.
International trade
Many countries in the world would not refuse to enter into an alliance with Namibia for the export or import of locally produced goods. The basis of the entire Namibian economy is foreign trade. The countries with the most exports are South Africa, East Asia and North America. And the bulk of Namibia's imports come from South Africa and only small portions from other countries. Namibia's main export product is diamonds, from the export of which a significant share of the country's total capital is earned. This is followed by seafood and fish, which are also receiving increased attention from the authorities as one of the main export products; and already in small shares there is an export of live cattle and meat products. In addition, Namibia is considered the main supplier of astrakhan skins. But Namibia does not stop there and continues to expand its position in the foreign market. The country is constantly looking for new trading partners.
The shops
On weekends, almost all city shops are open only until lunch, and on weekdays, the opening hours are generally from 8.00 to 18.00. It should also be taken into account that alcohol is served only in specialized stores and only on weekdays. On weekends, the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
In Namibia there is something to buy and something to wander around the markets and shops for. This country is engaged in the cultivation of astrakhan sheep, whose wool is very smooth, beautiful and pleasant to the touch. You can purchase skins of young lambs of excellent quality, but it is worth considering that prices here are set in accordance with quality. And believe me, the high cost of these skins and wool is worth it, because you won’t be able to find anything like it anywhere. The most popular souvenirs in Namibia include ostrich eggs, which are hand-painted and decorated and are therefore highly prized. This will be an original and wonderful gift not only for you, but also for your friends. Everyone can find something truly interesting on the shelves of souvenir shops. Well, since Namibia is a country that is in the forefront in the extraction of precious stones, then you should not pass by jewelry shops where you will be offered a wide variety of jewelry and products made from precious stones.
Demography
The total population of the country is about 2 million people. The main percentage of the population is young people, of which 45% are young people under 18 years of age. Both Africans and whites live here, as well as people of mixed origin. The average annual population growth is slightly more than 3%, life expectancy reaches 61 years. The mortality rate among newborns is up to 60 people per 1000, the birth rate is about 40 people per 1000. The distribution of the population is quite uneven: in places where industrial zones are founded, a larger number of people live, a much smaller percentage of the population lives in cities. Due to the peculiarities of natural conditions, people try to settle in areas where it is easier to find work or engage in agriculture. As a result, there are large areas of the country that remain empty and unused.
In addition, in 1998, Namibia experienced a wave of infections with the most terrible disease in the whole world - AIDS. In addition, there is a high mortality rate from tuberculosis, malaria and malnutrition. Children suffer the most and their mortality rate is higher in areas where there is an increased risk of these diseases. But the adult population of the country is also susceptible to these diseases to a large extent.
Industry
The main industry of the country is mining, which is much better developed than everything else, which is why foreign capital has been attracted to it. The mining industry includes the extraction of diamonds, zinc, copper and uranium. There are also enterprises in non-ferrous metallurgy and light industry. The country provides itself well with electricity; its production amounts to 1 billion kWh. Agriculture and manufacturing industry come in second place. Agriculture is well developed. Most of all, agriculture is aimed at breeding livestock, which includes astrakhan sheep, the skin of which is so valued and is exported. In this regard, very large areas of the entire country are occupied by pastures and meadows.
Flora and fauna
Namibia's climate is dry and tropical. The basis of the country is deserts and semi-deserts. For such a country, the vegetation of deserts and savannas is more typical. The flora in Namibia is quite diverse and represents all types of desert plants. The most interesting plant that can be found in the northern part of the country is a plant called Welwitschia; it consists of a short trunk and two dense leaves that can reach a length of up to 2 m. The main representatives of the animal world for the desert and savannah are giraffes, rhinoceroses, elephants and zebras. And of course, you can’t do without the king of animals - the lion and typical representatives of the savannas - jackals and hyenas. On the coast of the Atlantic Ocean there are seals, various birds, and the waters are full of fish. In the desert you can also come across snakes, small rodents, and lizards.
Banks and money
Almost all cities in the country are connected by railways, so short-distance trains are the main mode of transport. In addition, many major cities in Namibia can be reached using the services of local airlines. Traffic on city roads is limited to a speed of 60 km/h, on highways to 120 km/h. But due to the strong instability of cars on the road, the risk of rollovers and frequent accidents is very high. You can use taxi services, the cost of which is considered moderate - for relatively little money you can travel around the entire capital of Namibia. Renting a car in Namibia will not be difficult; even an ordinary Russian “license” is enough for this. Car rental is carried out by both local and foreign companies, but it is better to order a car from local companies, since their prices are much lower.
Minerals
Namibia is famous for its diamond deposits and is one of the leading countries in their production. Diamond mining and processing plays a leading role in the country's economy, because diamond export comes first. Diamond deposits are very large and it is strictly prohibited in the country to engage in independent mining. In addition to diamonds, deposits of aquamarine, topaz and other precious and semi-precious stones have also been found. Namibia has small reserves of gold and larger deposits of base metals, as well as the world's largest deposits of vanadium ores. Large sums of foreign capital are invested in the mining industry, so a lot of attention is paid to this type of industry.
Agriculture
In such a dry country, it is quite difficult to develop agriculture; special irrigation systems have to be installed to ensure that the plants receive enough moisture. Small farmers have a pretty hard time and the government is doing everything possible to raise the level of private farming. The main population is engaged in breeding cattle, which fully supplies the country with meat and is exported. In Namibia, they breed astrakhan sheep, the skin of which is very valuable as an export product. As for agricultural crops, in the first place is the cultivation of cotton, maize, groundnuts and beans, which are mainly practiced in the northern regions of the country. Dates, grapes and tobacco are also grown. All fruits in Namibia ripen very early due to the abundance of sunshine and heat, and this greatly influences the pricing policy in the markets. In general, the climate of Namibia gives additional excellent qualities to all products grown here, so all goods from Namibia are of high value and are in demand.
Namibia opened to tourists only recently, but has already gained its fans. Despite little tourism experience, the country has acquired some of the features of large resorts. It is customary here to always give tips to everyone; they are accustomed to them and always expect a small, but good increase. There is no fixed tip amount in Namibia, although in some large restaurants the tip is around 10% of the order. Hotel staff will always expect additional payment from you and perform their duties conscientiously. You can also tip conductors, taxi drivers if they help you or run errands for you, and of course, guides. Tips are not a good way to earn money for Namibians, but as additional financial assistance, they will come in very handy.
National characteristics
The majority of Namibia's population are Christians and those who consider themselves to be members of this religion. The country celebrates all major Christian holidays, as well as national holidays and carnivals. Representatives of churches take an active part in the lives of the poor, refugees and those affected by drought, and always fight for human rights. Despite this, before going to any country, you need to become at least a little familiar with its national characteristics. In Namibia, people are very friendly and treat visitors very well, they are always hospitable and greet guests like good old friends. There are still tribes of nomads here, many of whose representatives are happy to serve as guides to the interior of the country, and this should not be surprising. You can be sure that you will be shown the best attractions.
Electricity
Namibia Plug/Socket/
The country can easily provide itself with electricity, the production of which is equal to 1 billion kWh. If Namibia suffered from a lack of electricity, the government would not be able to open the country's doors to tourists due to the inability to provide comfort to tourists. In addition, rich deposits of precious stones attract foreign capital to the country, which contributes to its development. The government is seriously engaged in the development of the tourism business, so it is doing everything to make the stay of foreigners in Namibia truly convenient and comfortable. Hotels and inns are provided with everything necessary; the electricity voltage in the network is 220\240 W, which is quite enough. Sockets everywhere are of a European type, so we advise you to have adapters with you or purchase them in any specialized stores. Although many experienced tourists are already starting to carry adapters with them in order to avoid minor inconveniences that occur on the road associated with the use of various household electrical appliances.
Healthcare
To visit Namibia, you must take out medical insurance and it is advisable that it be of an international standard. All medicine in the country is paid and is provided only if you have health insurance. There are quite a few people infected with AIDS in Namibia, so you need to be extremely careful. It is not recommended to swim in local reservoirs, because you can become a victim of a crocodile or become infected with schistomatosis, dangerous bacteria of which are present in the aquatic environment. If you decide to visit the interior of the country, we advise you to take with you a first aid kit, which must contain anti-snake bite serums. In addition, in the northern regions there is a risk of contracting malaria and fever, and it is advisable to be vaccinated against these diseases before traveling. There are also pockets of hepatitis in Namibia.
Useful information for tourists about Namibia, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Namibia, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions in Namibia.
Geography of Namibia
Namibia is a country in southwest Africa. In the north it borders with Angola and Zambia, in the east - with Botswana, in the southeast and south - with South Africa. From the west it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The bulk of Namibia consists of highlands occupying the center of the country. The highest point is located there (Mount Königstein (Brandberg), 2,606 m). From the west, the central plateau is bounded by the Namib Desert, facing the Atlantic Ocean, from the south by the Orange River, from the east by 20 m and 21 m degrees east longitude and the Kalahari Desert. The Caprivi Strip and the far north of the country are occupied by jungle.
State
State structure
Namibia is a republic. The head of state is the president. The legislative branch is a bicameral parliament: the National Council and the National Assembly.
Language
Official language: English, Afrikaans
80% of African Namibians speak Bantu languages. Of these, the most common languages are Ovambo (spoken by 70% of the total Bantu-speaking population), Herero (9%) and Lozi (6%). Afrikaans is spoken in the southern regions.
Religion
Christians make up about 90% of the population (most Protestants (mostly Lutherans), Catholics - 14% of the population), 10% adhere to traditional African beliefs (animalism, fetishism, cult of ancestors, guardians of the hearth, forces of nature, etc.).
Currency
International name: NAD
The Namibian dollar is equal to 100 cents. In circulation are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 N$, coins in denominations of 1 (out of circulation), 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1, 2 and 5 N$.
Currency exchange can be done at exchange offices at the international airport, as well as at banks and their branches throughout almost the entire country. As a rule, Namibian dollars cannot be exchanged back for hard currency.
Credit cards, as well as travel checks, are accepted at most major hotels, stores, restaurants and gas stations. They can also be used to obtain cash through the ATM system operated by First National Bank (“BOB”). One-time withdrawals are limited to N$1,000.
You can cash travel checks at bank offices, but the bank may not have US dollars in cash, so such transactions should be carried out by calling the bank in advance. Preference is given to checks in US dollars and South African rands.
Popular attractions
Tourism in Namibia
Office hours
Banks are open from 9.00-10.00 to 15.30-16.00 from Monday to Friday, on Saturday - from 8.30 to 11.00.
Purchases
Shops are open from Monday to Friday from 8.00 to 17.00 or 17.30, on Saturday from 8.00 to 13.00, on Sunday most shops are closed. Grocery stores are open all week from 8.00 to 19.30 or 20.00. Stores selling alcoholic beverages are open Monday to Friday from 8.00 to 18.30, Saturday from 8.00 to 13.00 and closed on Sunday.
Bargaining, especially in rural areas, is customary always and everywhere; in large stores prices are fixed, but often at the end of the day or week there are significant discounts.
Safety
The Skeleton Coast has been declared a national park, accessible only with a special permit (approximately $40 per person). Some areas adjacent to Angolan territory are recommended to be visited only in large groups, which must be accompanied by an armed escort of local security forces.
Emergency numbers
Police and rescue services - 10-111.
Ambulance - 211-111 (Windhoek), 405-731 (Swakopmund), 205-443 (Walvis Bay).
Namibia is a unique country with a rich flora and fauna, a rare combination of landscapes and geological structures. There are almost 365 sunny days a year, a long ocean coast, endless desert sands and green foothills, rich hunting grounds, a distinctive population and many natural monuments.
It is located in the tropical latitudes of southwestern Africa, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Its territory, which has a wedge-shaped shape, tapering to the south, is crossed by the Tropic of the South (Tropic of Capricorn), the length from north to south is more than 1,400 km, from west to east - about 1 thousand km. Territory area – 825,418 square meters. km.
Namibia gained its independence from South Africa not so long ago - on March 21, 1990 (on this day the country celebrates a national holiday). After independence, the country is divided into the following 13 regions, Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena and Oshikoto in the north, Kunene in the northwest, Kavango and Caprivi in the northeast, Erongo, Ochizondupa, Omaeke, Komas and Hartap in the central part of the country and Karas on South.
Namibia is a country of vast uninhabited spaces and unusual nature. Only here you can see dunes of pink sand, the size of which resembles small mountains or a fur seal rookery, located almost at the edge of the desert. The coastline, with a total length of ~1500 km, is quite flat, there are only two convenient bays - Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, although approaches to them are complicated due to strong winds, sea swell, surf and constant fog. In the northern and southern regions the coast is composed of crushed stone and pebbles, and in the central regions it is sandy.
In the area of Walvis Bay, there is sometimes a dull rumble, the water boils and turns almost red, and masses of dead fish wash up on the shore. A column of fetid smoke mixed with hydrogen sulfide rises above the waves, and islands of sulfur form in shallow areas, which last only a few days and then disappear.
There were often shipwrecks off the coast of Namibia, which was reflected in local toponymy. Particularly notorious is the area north of Cape Cross, called the Skeleton Coast. Here, the reefs contain wrecks of sunken ships and bleached human skeletons. From time to time, the storm throws ancient coins, ceramic vessels, swords and even cannons onto the sand. Wind, ocean currents and "swimming" sands constantly change the landscape of the Skeleton Coast - harbors become lagoons, coastal islands either disappear into the abyss or reappear. And thanks to the cool current, coastal waters are one of the richest areas of the world's oceans in fish. The Skeleton Coast has been declared a national park, accessible only with a special permit (approximately $40 per person).
The Namib Desert stretches along the coast, reaching a width of 50 to 130 km and occupying about 20% of the country's territory. The wind moves coastal sands from south to north and forms white-yellow dunes up to 40 m high. Behind the coastal dunes stretches a chain of long narrow lagoons. There are also salt marsh depressions of round or oval shape.
With distance from the coast, the color of the dunes gradually turns red due to an increase in the content of iron oxides. This feature is a good guide for pilots. The dunes in the interior of the Namib Desert rise up to 300 m and are the highest in the world.
In the east, the surface of the Namib rises in steps to the Great Escarpment. Numerous remnant plateaus and mountains rise here in places. One of them is Mount Brandberg (2579 m), which is the highest point in the country. It is surrounded by lower mountains, which are called the "Twelve Apostles". In the caves and on the slopes of the Brandberg, rock paintings of primitive people have been preserved.
The Great Escarpment serves as the western boundary of a plateau composed of crystalline rocks, mainly granites and gneisses, which are in places overlain by quartzites, sandstones and limestones. The plateau slopes gently into the interior of the continent and is divided into separate massifs (Kaoko, Ovambo, Damara, Nama, etc.) by tectonic depressions. The largest of them - Kalahari - is located at an altitude of ~ 900 m above sea level. It is made of red and white sands covering crystalline basement rocks. The sands form dunes up to 100 m high.
Namibia is rich in mineral resources. The most important of them are diamonds, uranium, copper, lead, zinc, tin, silver, gold, pyrites, manganese, etc. Diamond placers are concentrated on the Atlantic coast, especially in the area from Lüderitz to the mouth of the Orange River, as well as in the adjacent area shelf. The Orange Mouth diamond mines (north of the mouth of the Orange River) are the largest in the world. The total diamond reserves exceed 35 million carats, of which 98% are high-quality jewelry. In a number of areas (Karibiba, Omaruru, Swakopmund) there are deposits of precious and semi-precious stones - tourmaline, aquamarine, agate, topaz. Gold was discovered in the Rehoboth and Swakopmund areas.
In terms of uranium reserves, Namibia is one of the first places in the world. They are estimated at 136 thousand tons. The largest uranium mine, Rossing, is located north of Swakopmund.
Almost 90% of explored reserves of non-ferrous metals are concentrated in the northeast of the country (Tsumey, Grootfontein, Otavi). Local ores are characterized by high contents of lead, zinc, copper, cadmium and germanium. Here, rhinerite, tsumebite and stottite, which have semiconductor properties, were first discovered as accompanying minerals.
In the Abenab area, north of Grootfontein, there is one of the world's largest deposits of vanadium ore with reserves of 16 thousand tons. In the Karibiba area and near the southern border of the country there are deposits of beryllium and lithium ores, in Kaoko - iron ores (total reserves of 400 million tons ), and in Otjiwarongo - manganese (5 million tons).
The climate of Namibia is very dry, tropical. There are wet summers (September – March) and dry winters. Their alternation is most pronounced in the northeast of the country and least of all in the coastal strip, where the entire annual amount of precipitation (from 25 to 100 mm) falls within a month, and 50–70% of the moisture immediately evaporates or seeps into the sand layer. Thick cold fogs constantly hang here.
The average temperatures of the warmest month (January) are 18 C on the ocean coast and +27º C in the interior, the coldest month (July) is +12º C in the south and +16º C in the north. Precipitation falls mainly in summer, reaching a maximum in the extreme northeast (500–700 mm). The further you go south, the hotter and drier the summers and colder the winters.
Agriculture relies heavily on irrigation. Of great importance are the northern rivers of the Kunene and Zambezi basins, the Ovamboland canal system and individual wells, reservoirs in the beds of temporary rivers and reservoirs. The waters of the Orange River are difficult to use because it flows in a canyon 120 m deep. Navigation on constantly flowing rivers is hampered by rapids, sediment at the mouths and floating accumulations of plant debris.
The Cunene River is famous for the Ruacana waterfalls, where the water cascades from a height of 70 m, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow. A large hydroelectric power station with a capacity of 320 MW was built here, but it operates no more than six months a year due to the strong shallowing of the river in summer.
In the north of Namibia, in a drainless basin, there is the Etosha salt marsh with an area of about 5 thousand square meters. km, the largest in Africa. When its flat bottom, covered with a lime-clay crust, is filled with water every few years, a temporary lake up to 1.5 m deep is formed. Salt has been mined here for a long time.
The coastal strip of the Namib Desert is devoid of vegetation. Only in the valleys of temporary watercourses do xerophytes and succulents grow (acacia, aloe, euphorbia and Welwitschia, typical of these places, living for more than 100 years). In the interior of the Namib Desert, only succulent shrubs and subshrubs grow, but after the rains a carpet of flowering plants appears for a short time. Towards the east, the succulent desert gives way to cereal-shrub desert, which is characteristic of the Great Escarpment and part of the plateau. In the most humidified places of Damara and Kaoko, areas of park savannah with white acacia appear. Park savannas are also characteristic of the eastern part of Ovambo and the Caprivi strip. Here, the species composition of trees is more diverse (acacias, palm trees, baobabs, etc.), and the grass stand is dominated by grasses up to 5 m high. A significant part of the territory of Namibia is occupied by semi-desert and deserted savannas of the Kalahari.
The islands and bays along the Atlantic coast are home to many birds and seals, and the coastal waters are rich in fish. The dunes on the coast are home to lizards, snakes, small rodents and insects. Large animals include hyenas and jackals.
On the Namibian plateau, some species of antelope (kudu, springbok, duiker) and zebra have been preserved. Predators (hyenas, jackals), rodents (tree and mountain dormouse), as well as some exotic insectivores (aardvark, golden mole) lead a nocturnal lifestyle. The richest fauna is in Etosha National Park in the north of the country, where Africa's largest population of lions is preserved, as well as very rare species of mammals - black rhinoceros and aardwolf.
Etosha National Park is the pearl of Namibia, the habitat of many thousands of representatives of South African flora and fauna, the birthplace of the unique plant Welwitschia mirabilis, a large tourist center with many artificial reservoirs, some of which are even illuminated at night for ease of photography, a developed security system (and yet For safety reasons, it is recommended to leave the car only for camping) and recreation.
In general, great attention is paid to nature conservation in Namibia, as evidenced by the extensive network of national parks and reserves.
Namibia's wildlife is among the most beautiful in Africa. But perhaps the most amazing thing is the people living here who managed to adapt to the harsh conditions: San Bushmen and Herero. The women with their banana-shaped headdresses, dressed in light Victorian style, came here with the wives of the early German missionaries.
The largest city in the country, the capital Windhoek, has about 240 thousand inhabitants, including colored and black areas, as well as numerous suburbs. The city is located in the mountainous central part of the country, at an altitude of more than 1500 meters above sea level. A settlement on this site has been known since approximately the 40s of the 19th century, when Jonker-Afrikaner, at that time the leader of the Orlam clan (settlers from the Cape Colony) and the Nama united with them, made it his capital. Since 1884 to 1915 Windhoek is the administrative center of German South-West Africa. Namibia's colonial history has left Windhoek with a large number of historical sites.
Swakopmund, a small resort town founded in 1892, during the period of German colonial rule, has long remained the main port of these territories. Today, Swakopmund has become even more beautiful, thanks to vast green lawns, avenues of ancient palm trees and carefully tended gardens and squares. The city is located on the border of the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean and is famous for the huge sand dunes along the coast and excellent fishing spots. In December-April, the water here warms up to 25-26 degrees, which makes the area a popular seaside resort.
Here you can find a wide selection of hotels, boarding houses, restaurants, and cozy cafes offering traditional German cakes and pastries. The influence of German culture is very noticeable in the city; the architecture of the bygone era of German rule has been well preserved to this day. A beautiful panoramic view of the desert and sea opens from the ancient Voormann Tower, built at the beginning of the twentieth century. From a platform installed on the tower, in the old days, ships entering the harbor were greeted by raising the flag. Another famous place in the city is the Lighthouse, the construction of which was completed simultaneously with the breakwater in the port in 1903.
One of the greenest regions of the country, Caprivi, with its Mudumu and Mamili national parks, is ideally suited for a resort holiday. One of the few thermal resorts in Namibia, the town of Rehoboth is famous for its cozy hotels, healthy hot baths and the crater of the ancient extinct volcano Boukkaros.
The town of Ai-Ais is famous for its hot springs and the fact that it is here that the Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world after the Grand Canyon in the USA, originates. And not far from the Fish River itself, in the Apollo 11 cave discovered in 1969, there are the oldest rock paintings in Africa, their age is estimated at 27 thousand years.
Fish River is the second largest canyon in the world after the Colorado Canyon. Its depth is 550 m. The giant gorge stretches 160 km through the Koubis mountain range to Ai-Ais. It arose about 500 ml years ago not only due to erosion, but mainly due to shifts in the earth's crust. In winter, the bottom of the canyon is almost dry, or in some places you can see isolated puddles of water on it.
Anyone interested in astronomy will be interested in visiting another small Namibian city - Grootfontein. It was here that a huge meteorite weighing more than 50 tons fell 80 thousand years ago. Now the meteorite is incredibly popular among tourists, and local residents keep signs and legends associated with the huge “heavenly stone”.
In the cities of Ondangwa and Oshakati, you can visit famous markets with a wide range of goods made by craftsmen of the Ovambo people. Ndonga farms are also located here, offering traditional African dishes and an introduction to the life and culture of the local population.
Namibia is a country of two deserts - the Kalahari and the Namib, a country of unique nature and rich wildlife, and most importantly, you will always be welcome in Namibia.
Namibia - Republic of Namibia (Republic of Namibia, Republiek van Namibia )
State in South Africa. Namibia is 100 percent African exotic, a large number of sunny days a year, a very rich flora and fauna, unusual “lunar” landscapes, a wide selection of fairly high-quality hotels, as well as lodges and campsites, simply excellent conditions for active recreation - everything this makes Namibia an incredibly popular tourist destination in Africa. Popular tourist centers in the country are the Namib Desert, national parks, and the Skeleton Coast. The main types of tourism in the country are beach holidays, ecotourism, fishing, safari, hiking.
general information
Location, territory and landscape
It borders on Angola and Zambia in the north, Botswana in the east, and South Africa in the southeast and south. From the west it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Territory of the country is 824.3 thousand km².
The bulk of Namibia consists of highlands occupying the center of the country. The highest point is located there (Mount Königstein (Brandberg), 2606 m). From the west, the central plateau is bounded by the Namib Desert, facing the Atlantic Ocean, from the south by the Orange River, from the east by 20 m and 21 m degrees east longitude and the Kalahari Desert. The Caprivi Strip and the far north of the country are occupied by jungle.
Population: over 2 million 350 thousand people.
Capital: Windhoek (English) Windhoek, African.Windhoek, German. Windhuk,population - 335 thousand people).
Largest cities: Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Oshakati, Grootfontein, Keetmanshoop, Tsumeb, Gobabis.
Languages: Afrikaans (spoken by the majority of the population), German (spoken by 32% of the population), English (official language, spoken by 7% of the population), Ndonga, or Oshiwambo, Herero, Nama, or Damara.
Religion: over 90% of Namibian citizens identify themselves as Christians. Most Christians belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Namibia (ELCIN). Catholicism occupies second place among Christian movements.
Timezone: GMT/UTC +1 .
Telephone code: +264.
Currency: Namibian dollar. 1 Namibian dollar is equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Namibian dollars and coins of 1 and 5 Namibian dollars and 5, 10 and 50 cents. Well 1.00 USD ≅ 10.23. NAD, 1.00 EUR ≅ NAD.
Credit cards of payment systems: Visa, MasterCard. Cashless payment for services is developed in large hotels, shops and restaurants in most cities in Namibia.
Climate and average temperature
Most of Namibia's territory is dominated by a tropical desert climate. In the northeast of the country, a subtropical climate type prevails. Namibia is located in the southern hemisphere, so winter here occurs in April-August, and summer in September-March.
In winter, daytime air temperatures in the central and southern parts of the country reach +20..+22 degrees, in the north +23..+25 degrees, and on the Atlantic coast +17..+19 degrees, night temperatures in these regions are respectively equal : +6..+8 degrees, +8..+10 degrees and +10..+12 degrees. In summer, during the daytime in the central and southern parts of the country the air warms up to +28..+30 degrees, in the north to +32..+34 degrees, on the coast up to +22..+24 degrees, at night in the above regions the air cools down to +18..+20 degrees, +19..+21 degrees and +15..+17 degrees, respectively. The climate of the interior of the Namib Desert differs sharply from the climate of the rest of the regions of Namibia; it is the coldest desert in the world; frosts can occur here even in summer at night.
The "rainy season" lasts from September to March and is most pronounced in the northeast of the country. The amount of precipitation on the Namibian coast does not exceed 25 mm per year, and most often it falls here only in the form of fogs. In the central and southern parts of the country, about 400 mm of precipitation falls annually, and in the extreme northeast - up to 700 mm.
Flora and fauna
Most of the Namib Desert is devoid of vegetation, only along the river banks are aloes, acacias, milkweeds and Welwitschia trees found, and in the interior parts of the desert you can see scattered desert shrubs and subshrubs. The western part of the Central Plateau and the Great Escarpment are occupied by grass-shrub desert vegetation with areas of acacia shrouds. In the eastern part of the country, semi-desert vegetation and devastated savannas predominate on the eastern borders of the Central Plateau and the Kalahari Desert. In the far north of the country there are subtropical forests.
The northern part of Namibia boasts the greatest biodiversity; it is home to various species of antelope, elephants, lions, giraffes, rare black rhinoceroses, aardwolves, Hartmann's mountain zebras and honey badgers. In the central highlands of the country you can see antelopes, zebras, hyenas, jackals, rodents and such rare insectivores as the aardvark and the golden mole. In the sands of the Namib Desert, the most numerous species are lizards, snakes, small rodents and insects. The Atlantic coast is home to a variety of birds, and the coastal waters are home to a variety of fish and Cape seals.
What's the best way to get there?
There are no direct flights to Namibia from Ukraine or the CIS countries. A possible flight option is transit through Frankfurt (Lufthansa airline) or through South Africa (Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways). The flight duration is about 14 hours excluding connections.
Best time to visit
The best time to travel to Namibia in winter is between May and October, when there is the least chance of rain.The hunting season lasts from February 1 to November 30.
Popular tourist sites
Windhoek - the capital of Namibia, a city located in central part of the country at an altitude of 1650 m. He was founded in 1840 and is now a modern city, where numerous colonial-era buildings and modern buildings coexist. Architectural monuments of the colonial era include three castles that were built at the beginning of the 20th century: Heinzburg, Sanderburg and Schwerinsburg; white stone Old Fort "Alte Feste"(1890), "Tintenpalace" where Parliament sits Namibia and the neo-Gothic Christukirche church. Besides, in Windhoek It’s worth walking along the pedestrian street Post Street Mall, where there are many shops and souvenir shops, and visiting the Crafts Center Namibia in the Katatura and Zoo area.
West of Windhoek Hochland lies on the slopes of the Homas MountainsDan-Vilhun Park with an area of about 4000 hectares. Despite its small territory, the park is very popular among tourists. Firstly, it is located near the capital, and, secondly, a wide variety of animals live here. There are hiking trails throughout the park (tourists can travel along them without fear, since there are no predators) and a 6.4 km long safari road. In the park you can see such animals as kudu, wildebeest, eland, gemsbok and impala, the rare Hartmann's mountain zebra and giraffes.
Most Famous Landmark Namibia , where all tourists go first, -Etosha National Park . It was created in 1907 and covers an area of 22 thousand square meters. km. Natural complexes of saltwort semi-deserts, thorny acacia thickets, mopane forests, swamps, grassy plains and the water area of the largest salt marsh in Africa, Etosha, are protected here. In Etosha National Park you can see all the diversity of animal life Namibia : 114 species of mammals (oryx, wildebeest, springbok, dik-dik, impala, black rhinoceros, elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard), 340 species of birds (ostrich, pink flamingo, pelican, marabou) and 50 species of snakes.
In the northern part of the Namib Desert, from the Kunene River extends 700 km to the south"Skeleton Coast" . This part of the coast is known for numerous shipwrecks. Since ancient times, the frequent fogs of this region have led sailors astray, whose ships settled on the reefs. The lack of drinking water and harsh climatic conditions left people no chance of survival. The remains of the lost ships can still be seen to this day.
The northern part of the Skeleton Coast from Torra Bay to the very border with Angola coversSkeleton Coast National Park with an area of 16,000 sq. km. The park is divided by Muve Bay into two zones: southern and northern. You can enter the northern part of the park only with a special permit and only as part of groups of tourists organized by licensed travel agencies. A base camp, Skeleton Coast Camp, has been built here to accommodate tourists. During trips you'll see springboks, oryxes, gemsboks, kudu, jackals, hyenas, desert elephants, black rhinoceroses, giraffes, lions and ostriches. Access to the southern part of the park is free; people mainly come here to fish. The main fishing spots are Torra Bay and Terrace Bay. Additionally, Terrace Bay is famous for its "Roaring Dunes" suitable for sandboarding.
In the southern part of the Namib Desert, on an area of 50 thousand square meters. km, extendsNamib-Naukluft National Park . It is the largest national park in Africa and the fourth largest in the world. The park was opened in 1979. The local landscapes vary from majestic mountain ranges to desert plains and sand dunes, from canyons to lagoons. Here you can see zebras, antelopes, elephants, rhinoceroses, giraffes, hyenas, jackals and lions, as well as the national symbol Namibia - Velvichia. In the center of the park rise the limestone Naukluft Mountains with a height of up to 2 km. There are hiking trails of 55, 61 and 120 km in length across the Naukluft Mountains.In the mountains you can see Hartmann's mountain zebra, kudu, springbok, oryx, klipspringer pygmy antelope, stingbok, leopard and many birds.
And its main features.
Where is Namibia located on the world map?
Speaking about the geographical location of Namibia, it is worth noting that this country is located in the south of the continent and borders on 4 countries: Angola and Zambia in the north, Botswana in the east, South Africa in the south. In the west, the country is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, which contributes to the development of beach holidays in this region.
Climate and Geography
Namibia's area is 825,615 square meters. km, thereby providing it with 34th place in the ranking of countries in the world in size (after Venezuela). The local landscape consists mainly of 5 geographical regions: the Central Plateau, the Great Escarpment, the Bushveld and the Kalahari Desert. Another interesting fact about Namibia: the country's unique location between 2 deserts gives it the least rainfall of any country in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, more than 300 sunny days a year are registered here, which makes the Republic one of the sunniest regions in the world.
To understand when is the best time to travel to Namibia, you should look at the weather conditions in the country as a whole. Namibia has a subtropical desert climate, characterized by large differences in day and night temperatures, low rainfall and overall low humidity. The dry season lasts from May to October, with average temperatures of +22...+24°C. The rainy season covers the period from November to April, and it is at this time that the thermometer rises by several degrees and reaches +30...+32°C.
Population and religion in Namibia
Today, about 2.436 million people live in Namibia. Thus, this sunny African republic occupies penultimate place in the list of countries in terms of population density (Mongolia is in last place). More than 50% of the inhabitants belong to the Ovambo tribe, another about 9% are Kavangos people. Other major ethnic groups are the Herero and Himba people (7%), Damara (6.5%), Nama (5%), Bushmen (4%), etc. It is important to note that in recent years, education and medical care in this country have improved significantly, due to which the literacy rate among the population has increased significantly (84%), and the incidence of AIDS, on the contrary, has decreased.
As for religion, more than 90% of residents consider themselves Christians. The largest group is the Lutheran Church, the second largest is the Christian denomination - Roman Catholicism. Other religions practiced in the country include Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and the Baha'i faith.
State structure
For many centuries, one of the most beautiful states in Africa was a colony of other countries, and only recently, in 1990, it gained long-awaited independence. Today, the form of government in Namibia is a unitary semi-presidential representative democratic republic. The head of state and at the same time of government is the president, elected by the population for a 5-year term.
Mention should also be made of the most important national symbols of Namibia - the flag and coat of arms. Both are made in bright colors (blue, green, red, yellow), which serve as a reflection of the courage, determination and pride of the entire people. The central place in the image of the state emblem is occupied by a shield made in the colors of the flag. It seems to be supported on both sides by 2 oryx, and a screaming eagle sits on top. At the base of the shield is a yellow figure - a symbol of the desert, and below it is written the motto of Namibia: "Unity, freedom, justice."
Despite the fact that most of the residents speak local dialects, the only official state language of Namibia is English, which only 3% of the population speaks well. At the same time, the common languages are Oshiwambo, Damara, Afrikaans and Kavango.
Economy
The Republic of Namibia is the most controversial state in economic terms. The country is considered one of the richest on the entire continent, and at the same time, unemployment and poverty are rampant here. The mining industry (uranium and diamond mining) is best developed in this region, agriculture is in second place, and only 10% of GDP comes from tourism in Namibia.
As for the monetary unit, the national currency of Namibia is the Namibian dollar (NAD), adopted and legalized in 1993.
Cities and resorts of Namibia
Being a kind of visiting card of Africa, the country of Namibia offers tourists many interesting places to relax. The most visited cities are:
Entertainment and attractions in Namibia
Looking at the photos of Namibia, it becomes clear that this country, unique in all respects, is rich in unusual places and interesting sights. The most famous of them are:
Also worthy of attention is the underground lake that was discovered in the north of Namibia, and the numerous national parks of Namibia and the beaches of Palm Beach (Swakopmund), Terrace Bay (Skeleton Coast), etc.
Hotels and restaurants in Namibia
Tourism infrastructure in Namibia is currently at an average level. However, every year this sector of the economy is developing better and better, and a large number of cozy catering establishments are appearing for visiting holidaymakers. The best accommodation options are:
- 5* Hotel Heinitzburg and 5* Hilton Windhoek (Windhoek);
- 3* Grootberg Lodge (Damaraland);
- Swakopmund Luxury Suites (Swakopmund).
