Namibia

Capital: Windhoek
Population:  2.459 million
Currency: Namibian dollar (NAD)
Languages: English, Oshiwambo, Khoekhoe, Afrikaans, Kwangali and Herero. 
Drives on the: Left
Time zone: WAT (UTC +1)

Consult your doctor about Malaria suppressants if you plan to visit the northern part of Namibia. The HIV infection rate in Namibia is about 25%.

Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization

Namibia has more than 300 days of sunshine per year. It is situated at the southern edge of the tropics; the Tropic of Capricorn cuts the country in half. The winter which lasts between June and August is generally dry. Both rainy seasons occur in the summer. The small rainy season begins in September and ends in November. The big rainy season occurs between February and April. Humidity is low, and average rainfall varies from almost zero in the coastal desert to more that 600 mm in the Caprivi Strip. Rainfall is however highly variable, and droughts are common. 

Weather and climate in the coastal area are dominated by the cold, north-flowing Benguela current of the Atlantic Ocean which accounts for very low precipitation, frequent dense fog, and overall lower temperatures than in the rest of the country. In Winter, occasionally a condition known as Bergwind or Oosweer occurs. This is a hot dry wind blowing from the inland to the coast. As the area behind the coast is a desert, these winds can develop into sand storms with sand deposits in the Atlantic Ocean visible on satellite images.

The Central Plateau and Kalahari areas have daily temperature ranging up to 86° F.

Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card while traveling.

In Namibia, you may find a wide variety of souvenirs to shop for. Some of the more common objects bought here are woven mats and baskets, hand-carved wooden objects, gemstones, bows and arrows, and leather pouches. The traditional medallion worn by the women of the Ovamban tribe, known as epikas, are very popular souvenirs. These medallions are typically made from vegetable ivory and the fruit of the makalani palm. Another item of interest is the ostrich egg. which is typically drained, painted, and decorated in extravagant detail.

220/240 volts, 50 HZ. Plug M. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit.

Learn more about electrical standards around the world.

Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad.