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Exploring -Classic(Edited)

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Exploring Namibia-Classic(Edited) Mariental - Fish River Canyon - Luderitz - Sossusvlei - Swakopmund - Damaraland - Etosha South - Etosha East - Windhoek 15 Days / 14 Nights

Reference: SOAN-EN Date of Issue: 24 July 2019

Click here to view your Digital Itinerary

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Introduction

Accommodation Type Destination Basis Duration

Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge Mariental B&B 1 Night

Canyon Village Gondwana Collection Namibia Fish River Canyon B&B 1 Night

Luderitz Nest Hotel Luderitz B&B 2 Nights

Namib Desert Lodge Gondwana Collection Sossusvlei B&B 2 Nights Namibia

Swakopmund Plaza Hotel Swakopmund B&B 2 Nights

→ The Beach Hotel alternate

Damara Mopane Lodge Gondwana Collection Damaraland B&B 2 Nights Namibia

Etosha Safari Camp Gondwana Collection Etosha South B&B 2 Nights Namibia

Mokuti Etosha Lodge Etosha East B&B 1 Night

River Crossing Lodge Windhoek B&B 1 Night

Key B&B: Bed and Breakfast

Day 1: Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge, Mariental

Mariental Situated in south central Namibia, fringing the Kalahari Desert, the city of Mariental lies along the TransNamib railway and serves as the Hardap Region’s commercial and administrative capital. It provides an important petrol stop before heading west to Sesriem to view the red-orange dunes of Sossusvlei. Mariental is located close to magnificent the Hardap Dam, which is the largest reservoir in Namibia. The Hardap Irrigation Scheme has breathed life into this arid terrain, which is now fertile with farmlands covered in citrus, melons, lucerne, wine and maize, and dotted with ostrich farms. The dam is a popular holiday resort which draws city slickers from Windhoek and offers an array of watersports, scenic walks, and abundant wildlife in a 20000-hectare nature reserve set on its western bank; where visitors can spot rhino, ostrich, antelope, springbok and a variety of bird species.

Overnight: Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge The 12 rooms are styled the with crisp white linen on comfortable beds. The San-inspired décor compliments this stylish yet rustic style. The en-suite bathrooms are fitted with a large shower, air conditioning and a tea and coffee station. This lodge is designed to cater for the more young at heart and the rooms are therefore at an adequate

P a g e | 6 distance from one another. Each rondavel has a small stone patio from which the captivating scenes of the Kalahari Desert can be taken in.

An inviting, sparkling blue pool which attracts the odd Oryx despite there being a waterhole in close proximity is the first sight to catch your eye as you enter the main area of the lodge. The lounge has comfortable leather seating and is next to the bar that leads to a boma area where large fires are lit and barbecues can be enjoyed at night. An upstairs restaurant overlooking the majestic sights serves an alternative area where sumptuous meals are served. The kitchen is also replenished with organically grown vegetables from the neighbouring farm, Twilight and guests truly enjoy the finest and freshest culinary delights that the Kalahari has to offer.

Directions - Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH] to Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge

Distance: 233.28km Travel Time: 2:49 hours

GPS co-ordinates for Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge: S 24° 06' 49.560" E 17° 56' 29.825"

• Head south toward B6 (0.6 km) • Turn right onto B6 (14.4 km) • Turn left onto C23 (62.2 km) • Turn right onto C15 (101 km) • Turn left to stay on C15 (27.2 km) • Turn right onto C21 (9.9 km) • Turn left onto D1268 (18.3 km)

Basis Bed & Breakfast

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Day 2: Canyon Village Gondwana Collection Namibia, Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon Carving out an epic rocky wonderland in the south of Namibia, the Fish River has created Africa’s largest and the world’s second largest canyon. Hot, dry and stony, the Fish River Canyon measures a whopping 160 kilometres in length, at times 27 kilometres in width and 550 metres in depth. The awe-inspiring natural beauty of this ancient geological marvel draws visitors from around the globe. For those looking for adventure, the intense 85 kilometre Fish River Hiking Trail through1.5 billion years of geological history will definitely thrill avid adventure enthusiasts, and for visitors looking to relax, head over to the canyon's southern end to enjoy a soak in the mineral waters of the renowned hot springs of Ai-Ais, or take in the spectacularly scenic views from Hobas Restcamp as well as numerous other viewpoints along its rim. Other popular activities include: scenic chartered flights, horse riding, nature drives and seasonal kayaking.

Overnight: Canyon Village Gondwana Collection Namibia View iBrochure Canyon Village is located 20 km east of the Fish River Canyon on the C 37.

Suitable for a striking film set, Canyon Village lies at the foot of a sweeping rock face. Exhibiting authentic canyon character, the sprawling lodge explores the story of the south in murals, traditional Nama dress and even a donkey cart to convey baggage to rooms.

Directions - Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge to Canyon Village Gondwana Collection Namibia

Distance: 448.52km Travel Time: 4:56 hours

GPS co-ordinates for Canyon Village Gondwana Collection Namibia: S 27° 39' 6.312" E 17° 46' 24.667"

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• Head south on D1268 (45.4 km) • Turn right onto C20 (12.1 km) • Turn left onto B1 (234 km) • Keep left to stay on B1 (6.9 km) • At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto B4 (31.1 km) • Turn left onto D545 (33.4 km) • Turn left onto C12 (48.1 km) • Turn right onto D601 (29.9 km) • Turn left onto C37/D324 (5.7 km) • Turn left. Destination will be on the left (1.7 km) • Directions supplied by Google

Basis Bed & Breakfast

Day 3: Luderitz Nest Hotel, Luderitz

Luderitz Sandwiched between the rugged and stark Atlantic Coast and the arid Desert, the town of Luderitz is set in an incredibly unique geographical setting. This seaside town is something of an anomaly frozen in time – a piece of 19th-century Bavaria bordering the pinkish sand dunes of the Namib Desert. Lutheran churches, German bakeries, and colonial buildings boasting German art nouveau architecture are dotted about the settlement, while its windswept beaches are home to flamingos, ostriches, seals and penguins. The nearby of Kolmanskop, which has been taken over by the desert dunes, is one of the most fascinating area attractions, located approximately 10 kilometres from Luderitz central. Visitors can also take a trip to discover the wild desert-adapted horses located near the small town of Aus.

Overnight: Luderitz Nest Hotel View iBrochure The Lüderitz Nest Hotel enjoys a superb on the rocks and sea location, with far reaching uninterrupted views. The hotel’s private tidal beach with walk-on jetty, unique in Namibia, allows the guest to get close-up to the sea. All rooms and suites have direct sea views. The outdoor sparkling residents' pool with sun-loungers and parasols is surrounded by verdant gardens. Facilities include free Wi-Fi throughout, complementary full-buffet breakfasts, free sauna and free secure parking. The hotel delivers a friendly service in a relaxed environment.

Since 1998, management and staff have hosted guests from around the world and very much look forward to welcoming you. Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) Excellence Awards 2016 winner.

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Directions - Canyon Village Gondwana Collection Namibia to Luderitz Nest Hotel

Distance: 405.80km Travel Time: 4:36 hours

GPS co-ordinates for Luderitz Nest Hotel: S 26° 39' 10.427" E 15° 08' 58.055"

• Head northwest toward C37/D324 (1.7 km) • Slight right onto C37/D324 (5.7 km) • Turn right onto D601 (29.9 km) • Turn left onto C12/M28. Continue to follow C12 (76.4 km) • Turn left onto B4 (291 km) • Continue straight onto Bay Rd (0.1 km) • Slight left onto Nachtigall St (0.2 km) • Turn left onto Dias St (0.6 km) • Slight right (0.1 km) • Directions supplied by Google

Basis Bed & Breakfast

Day 4: Luderitz Nest Hotel, Luderitz

Basis Bed & Breakfast

Day 5: Namib Desert Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia, Sossusvlei

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Sossusvlei Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red dunes to make this one of the most scenic natural wonders of Africa and a photographer's heaven. This awe-inspiring destination is possibly Namibia's premier attraction, with its unique dunes rising to almost 400 metres-some of the highest in the world. These iconic dunes come alive in morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to a variety desert wildlife including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles. Visitors can climb 'Big Daddy', one of Sossusvlei’s tallest dunes; explore Deadvlei, a white, salt, claypan dotted with ancient trees; or for the more extravagant, scenic flights and hot air ballooning are on offer, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime champagne breakfast amidst these majestic dunes.

Overnight: Namib Desert Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia View iBrochure Namib Desert Lodge is located 60 km north of Sesriem on the C 19 (Sossusvlei Area).

Set below striking fossilised dunes, the comfortable lodge provides a spectacular experience of ancient desert. 65 rooms, two swimming pools and a waterhole are surrounded by sandy splendour. Breathe in the grandeur on a sunset drive and feel the earth underfoot. Relax in the arms of the Namib.

Directions - Luderitz Nest Hotel to Namib Desert Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia

Distance: 519.85km Travel Time: 6:35 hours

GPS co-ordinates for Namib Desert Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia: S 24° 06' 59.184" E 15° 54' 19.663"

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• Head northeast (0.1 km) • Slight left (0.3 km) • Continue onto Dias St (0.3 km) • Turn right onto Nachtigall St (0.2 km) • Continue onto Bay Rd (1.1 km) • Continue onto B4 (126 km) • Turn left onto C13 (105 km) • Continue onto C14 (60.2 km) • Turn left onto D831 (42.4 km) • Turn left to stay on D831 (30.6 km) • Turn left onto C19 (79.8 km) • Sharp right to stay on C19 (1 m) • Sharp left to stay on C19 (67.8 km) • Turn left. Destination will be on the left (5.6 km) • Directions supplied by Google

Basis Bed & Breakfast

Day 6: Namib Desert Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia, Sossusvlei

Basis Bed & Breakfast

Day 7: Swakopmund Plaza Hotel, Swakopmund

Swakopmund Set along Namibia's spectacularly scenic coast, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide-open avenues, colonial architecture, and its surrounding otherworldly desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for , Swakopmund is often described as being more German than . Now a seaside resort town, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laid-back atmosphere and cool sea breeze make it a very popular Namibian destination. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including: quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing and fascinating desert tours.

Overnight: Swakopmund Plaza Hotel Swakopmund Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre is ideally located in the heart of Swakopmund and surrounded by a number of historic buildings and restaurants. The hotel offers a variety of 6 room types including stylish comfort rooms, suites, family rooms and an unique luxury suite. All rooms offer en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, heating, mini bar, safe, TV, tea and coffee facilities, telephone and free internet. The multi conference and event

P a g e | 12 centre is fully equipped with the latest technology and convertible into more that 30 setups and can cater for 6 to 240 people. The perfect venue for weddings, seminars, conferences and all other kind of events.

Alternate: The Beach Hotel View iBrochure Situated a stone's throw from the world renowned Hobie Beach, and adjacent to the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World, The Beach Hotel is probably the most attractive landmark along the Friendly City's magnificent beachfront. The safe, gently sloping stretch of golden sand on Hobie Beach is the ideal watersport playground with bathers, windsurfers, yachts and surfers enjoying this stretch of ocean.

The Beach Hotel also offers a choice of 3 unique dining venues, a beautiful pool and deck for those lazy summer days.

Directions - Namib Desert Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia to Swakopmund Plaza Hotel

Distance: 297.34km Travel Time: 3:56 hours

GPS co-ordinates for Swakopmund Plaza Hotel: S 22° 40' 43.438" E 14° 32' 16.209"

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• Head north toward C19 (5.6 km) • Turn left onto C19 (29.5 km) • Turn left onto C14 (222 km) • Turn right onto D1984 (33.1 km) • Merge onto C28 (2.8 km) • Turn left onto Sam Nujome Ave (1.6 km) • At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on Sam Nujome Ave (1.5 km) • At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on Sam Nujome Ave (0.9 km) • Turn left onto Aukas (0.2 km) • At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Albertina Amathila Ave/Libertina Amathila Ave (0.4 km)

Basis Bed & Breakfast

Day 8: Swakopmund Plaza Hotel, Swakopmund

Basis Bed & Breakfast

Day 9: Damara Mopane Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia, Damaraland

Damaraland This vast desert landscape is known as one of the most beautiful regions in Namibia. Huge, untamed and ruggedly beautiful, Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape featuring open plains, ancient valleys and spectacular rock formations. The major attractions are the sacred Spitzkoppe, the Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Vingerklip and the otherworldly Petrified Forest. Visitors can take in the dramatic vistas, catch a glimpse of the rare desert-adapted elephant, and enjoy spectacular stargazing in crystal-clear night skies from one of the many safari camps dotting Damaraland. Other popular activities include: guided drives, nature walks and visiting the local communities. Don’t miss the opportunity to view the Damaraland's world-famous ancient rock art.

Overnight: Damara Mopane Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia View iBrochure Damara Mopane Lodge is located 20 km east of Khorixas on the C 39 (Damaraland).

Built in a labyrinth design, this innovative lodge has 55 chalets, each with its own vegetable garden. Savour the charm from your stoep where sunflowers peep over walls, refresh in the pool, visit the Twyfelfontein rock engravings 100km away and watch the sun sink into mopane woodland.

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Directions - Swakopmund Plaza Hotel to Damara Mopane Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia

Distance: 315.41km Travel Time: 3:54 hours

GPS co-ordinates for Damara Mopane Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia: S 20° 18' 4.695" E 15° 10' 29.305"

• Head west on Albertina Amathila Ave/Libertina Amathila Ave toward Kanh (0.4 km) • Turn right onto Moses Garoeb St (0.2 km) • Continue onto Henties Bay Rd/Nordring (1.6 km) • At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Henties Bay Rd/Nordring/C34 (74.5 km) • Turn right onto C35/M76 (115 km) • Turn left to stay on C35/M76 (15.4 km) • Turn left onto D2319 (41.5 km) • Turn left onto C35 (50.8 km) • Turn right onto C39 (13.2 km) • Turn left (3.2 km) • Directions supplied by Google

Basis Bed & Breakfast

Day 10: Damara Mopane Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia, Damaraland

Basis Bed & Breakfast

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Day 11: Etosha Safari Camp Gondwana Collection Namibia, Etosha South

Etosha South Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. Ongava Private Game Reserve shares the southern boundary with Etosha National Park and offers an array of luxury lodges overlooking picturesque landscapes dotted with abundant wildlife. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: game drives, tracking rhinos on foot, guided nature walks, or watch the sunset over this magnificent landscape.

Overnight: Etosha Safari Camp Gondwana Collection Namibia View iBrochure Etosha Safari Camp is located 10 km south of Andersson Gate on the C 38 (Etosha National Park).

Tap toes to an African beat in the novel Oshebeena Bar and relax at this friendly Camp, 10 kilometres from Etosha National Park. 50 chalets, shaded by mopane trees, and a grassy campsite provide a comfortable home from which to explore the abundant animal kingdom. Legendary.

Directions - Damara Mopane Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia to Etosha Safari Camp Gondwana Collection Namibia

Distance: 199.20km Travel Time: 1:51 hours

GPS co-ordinates for Etosha Safari Camp Gondwana Collection Namibia: S 19° 24' 38.197" E 15° 55' 26.463"

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• Head southwest toward C39 (3.2 km) • Sharp left onto C39 (109 km) • Turn left onto C38 (86.5 km) • Turn left (0.1 km) • Directions supplied by Google

Basis Bed & Breakfast

Day 12: Etosha Safari Camp Gondwana Collection Namibia, Etosha South

Basis Bed & Breakfast

Day 13: Mokuti Etosha Lodge, Etosha East

Etosha East Located in Northwestern Namibia, Etosha East is a protected sanctuary in the eastern part of the world-renowned Etosha National Park, known as one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa. Etosha East boasts vast open plains scattered with semi-arid savannah grasslands dotted with watering holes and secluded bush camps. An impressive 5000-square-kilometre Etosha salt pan makes up a large area of the eastern side of the park and can even be seen from space. This remote area teems with abundant wildlife such as lions, elephants, black rhinos and giraffes, as well as a variety of birdlife featuring flamingos, ostriches, eagles, hornbills, and owls.

Overnight: Mokuti Etosha Lodge View iBrochure Mokuti Etosha Lodge is the perfect venue for travellers wanting to explore the famous eastern side of Etosha National Park and is located on its own private 4 000 hectare nature reserve, which shares a common border with this impressive wildlife reserve. Known for its excellent and diverse wildlife encounters, it has become a popular venue for meetings, incentives, weddings and honeymoons. This intimate lodge has 90 rooms and 16 luxury rooms. Recently refurbished, they are all air conditioned and come equipped with satellite TV, a mini-fridge, safes, free Wi- Fi, tea/coffee-making facilities and en-suite bathrooms. The lodge also offers the Tambuti Dining Room and Marula Bar, the Pool Bar and Terrace, two tennis courts, a spa, a gym and the only open air African Boma in the area.

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Directions - Etosha Safari Camp Gondwana Collection Namibia to Mokuti Etosha Lodge

Distance: 174.40km Travel Time: 3:00 hours

GPS co-ordinates for Mokuti Etosha Lodge: S 18° 48' 51.331" E 17° 02' 56.015"

• Head southeast toward C38 (0.1 km) • Turn left onto C38 (160 km) • Turn right to stay on C38 (13.2 km) • Turn right (0.1 km) • Continue straight (0.1 km) • Turn right (1.3 km) • Directions supplied by Google

Basis Bed & Breakfast

Day 14: River Crossing Lodge, Windhoek

Windhoek Situated in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek serves as the capital of the country. It is home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the . Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and

P a g e | 18 modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste an old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.

Overnight: River Crossing Lodge View iBrochure “Feel the pulse of the city from the heart of the bushveld.” River Crossing is 5 km from Windhoek, situated on the airport road and only 5 minutes from the heart of Windhoek. The lodge is situated on top of a koppie on a pristine 6500 hectare reserve, offering unparalleled sunset views. River Crossing will allow you to rediscover the nuances of a bygone era of farm life and offers the discerning traveler all the modern comforts.

Directions - Mokuti Etosha Lodge to River Crossing Lodge

Distance: 536.54km Travel Time: 5:23 hours

GPS co-ordinates for River Crossing Lodge: S 22° 36' 9.863" E 17° 08' 32.486"

• Head northeast (1.3 km) • Turn left (0.2 km) • Turn right onto C38 (21.9 km) • Turn right onto B1 (75.9 km) • Turn right to stay on B1 (355 km) • Turn left to stay on B1 (69.0 km) • Take the ramp to B1 (0.8 km) • Turn left onto B1 (69 m) • Turn left onto Kalie Roodt Street (52 m) • Turn right onto Jan Marais Street (0.3 km) • Sharp right toward B1 (32 m) • Turn left toward B1 (9 m) • Turn left onto B1 (0.2 km) • Continue straight (0.2 km) • At the roundabout, take the 1st exit (1.8 km) • Turn left onto Nelson Mandela Ave (3.1 km)

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• Slight left toward Sam Nujoma Dr (64 m) • Slight left onto Sam Nujoma Dr (1.7 km) • Turn left onto B6 (2.6 km) • Turn right (19 m) • Turn left (2.5 km) • Directions supplied by Google

Basis Bed & Breakfast

Day 15: End of Itinerary

Directions - River Crossing Lodge to Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH]

Distance: 39.18km Travel Time: 29 minutes

GPS co-ordinates for Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH]: S 22° 29' 32.697" E 17° 27' 54.773"

• Head northeast (1.9 km) • Turn left (0.6 km) • Continue straight (19 m) • Turn right onto B6 (36.1 km) • Turn left (0.6 km)

Basis Bed & Breakfast

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Urgent Contact Numbers Company Name Telephone Email Address Contact Person

Tokkies Travel +26464463267 [email protected] Mare-lize Peddie

Service Provider Directory Service Provider Ref. Number Telephone Address

Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge +264 61 37 5300 C21 D1268 Kalkrand No postal code for Location ID: 2081

Canyon Village Gondwana Collection +264 61 42 7200 Canyon Village Namibia Fish River Canyon Keetmanshoop Region

Damara Mopane Lodge Gondwana +264 61 42 7200 Damara Mopane Lodge Collection Namibia Khorixas Region

Etosha Safari Camp Gondwana Collection +264 61 42 7200 Etosha Safari Camp Namibia Outjo Region

Luderitz Nest Hotel +264 63 20 4000 820 Diaz Street Ostend Lüderitz

Mokuti Etosha Lodge +264 67 22 9084 C38, next to Etosha, Von Lindequist Gate

Namib Desert Lodge Gondwana +264 61 42 7200 Namib Desert Lodge Collection Namibia Solitaire Region

River Crossing Lodge +264 61 24 6788 70 Townlands, Avis B6 - airport road

Swakopmund Plaza Hotel +264 64 426500 42 Libertina Amathila Avenue, Swakopmund

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Travel Information

Located in southwestern Africa, Namibia boasts a well-developed infrastructure, some of the best tourist facilities in Africa, and an impressive list of breathtaking natural wonders. Visitors can explore the capital of Windhoek and discover the lovely coastal town of Swakopmund boasting remnants of the country’s German influence, reflected in the architecture, culture, cuisine and the annual Oktoberfest celebrations. To properly appreciate this extraordinary country, you will have to venture out of the cities to explore the remarkable natural landscapes Namibia has to offer. These include: the impressive Fish River Canyon; the vast Etosha National Park teeming with abundant wildlife, such as lions, desert-adapted elephants and the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra; the hauntingly beautiful Kalahari Desert; and of course the Namib Desert stretching for over 2000 km along the magnificent Atlantic Coast. Namibia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African experience in a uniquely beautiful untamed wilderness.

Banking and Currency Currency

Namibia uses the Namibian Dollar (N$) this is linked on a one to one exchange with the South African Rand. The Rand is legal tender in Namibia, but the N$ cannot be used in South Africa.

If you are wishing to purchase currency before arriving in Namibia, it is easiest to buy Rand as the Namibian Dollar is seldom available in banks outside of Namibia.

Banking

Banks are found in most towns, and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays and public holidays. Most of them offer foreign exchange services - with cash, bank and credit cards as well as travellers cheques.

You can also obtain cash from many of the ATMs. Several international banks have branches in main city centres. Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they have not been informed.

Travel, Transport and Getting Around Public transport in Namibia is geared towards the needs of the local populace, and is confined to main roads between major population centres. Although cheap and reliable, it is of little use to the traveller as most of Namibia’s tourist attractions lie off the beaten track.

It is easy to travel around Namibia by car, and a 2WD vehicle is perfectly adaquate for most journeys. However, long distances, poor mobile phone coverage outside of main towns and infrequent petrol stations that only accept cash mean that planning ahead is vital.

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There are major airlines that fly into Windhoek and Swakopmund. Other destinations are reachable by car or charter flight.

Namibians drive on the left and all signposts are in English. Seat belts must be worn at all times and talking in a mobile phone while driving is prohibited. The general speed limit is 120km/h on tarred roads outside of towns and 100km/h on gravel roads. In built up areas, the speed limit is 60km/h.

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice Traditional Namibian cuisine is rarely served and so the food at restaurants tends to be European in style and is, generally, of a very high standard.

Namibia is very meat-orientated, and many menu options will feature steaks from various animals. However, there is usually a vegetarian and seafood section offered by most camps and restaurants.

In the supermarkets you'll find pre-wrapped fresh fruit and vegetables (though the more remote the areas you visit, the smaller your choice), and plenty of canned foods, pasta, rice, bread, etc. Most of this is imported from South Africa.

The water in Namibia's main towns is generally safe to drink, though it may taste a little metallic if it has been piped for miles. Natural sources should usually be purified, though water from underground springs and dry riverbeds seldom causes any problems. However, filtered and bottled water are readily available in most towns and all camps, lodges and hotels.

Climate and Weather Partially covered by the Namib Desert, one of the world's driest deserts, Namibia's climate is generally very dry and pleasant – it's fine to visit all year round. Namibia only receives a fraction of the rain experienced by countries further east. Between about December to March some days will be humid and rain may follow, often in localised, afternoon thunderstorms. These are more common in the centre and east of the country, and more unusual in the desert.

April and especially May are often lovely months in Namibia. Increasingly dry, with a real freshness in the air, and much greenery in the landscape; at this time the air is clear and largely free from dust.

From June to August Namibia cools down and dries out more; nights can become cold, dropping below freezing in some desert areas. As the landscape dries so the game in the north of the country gravitates more to waterholes, and is more easily seen by visitors. By September and October it warms up again; game-viewing in most areas is at its best, although there's often a lot of dust around and the vegetation has lost its vibrancy.

November is a highly variable month. Sometimes the hot, dry weather will continue, at other times the sky will fill with clouds and threaten to rain – but if you're lucky enough to witness the first rains of the season, you'll never forget the drama.

Clothing and Dress Recommendations Namibians have a somewhat relaxes attitude to dress codes. A jacket and tie is very unusual. In fact, long trousers and a shirt with buttons are often quite adequate for a formal occasion or work wear. A pair of sensible shoes, jeans and a t-shirt is recommended.

During the day it is generally hot, so pack light weight loose fitting clothes in natural fabrics, such linen or cotton, that will keep you cool and are easy to wash and dry.

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Avoid blue clothing - the tsetse flies are drawn to the colour blue, and their bite can give you African Sleeping Sickness.

Long sleeved shirts and long trousers will protect your against mosquitoes at night.

Electricity and Plug Standards Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. A three-point round-pin adapter plug should be brought for your electrical appliances. Such adapters are also available at major airports.