Facts about Namibia
Key Facts
 Surface area: 824,000 km²
Capital: Windhoek, 240,000 inhabitants (15% of the population)
Total population: 1.8 million inhabitants
Population density: 2.2 inhabitants per km²
Official language: English (Afrikaans is spoken widely in central and southern areas  as well as Kavango region)
16 languages and dialects
13 ethnic groups
Independence from South Africa: 21st March, 1990
President: Hifikepunye Pohamba
Constitutional democracy
Entry Requirements for Production Crews
A passport valid for at least six months longer than the intended stay
A temporary work permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs
A general permission to film from the Film Commission Namibia
For filming in National Parks, special permission from the Ministry of
Environment and Tourism Please contact us in advance to arrange all your entry requirements.
Flight Connections
Direct flights from Europe and the USA to Namibia Airlines: Air Namibia, Air Berlin, South African Airways, British Airways
Namibia’s Hosea Kutako International Airport is situated approximately 60 km from the capital
Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg is the air travel hub of Africa
and is well connected to Windhoek Airport
Customs
Namibia is part of the South Africa Customs Union (SACU)
Equipment brought in for temporary use must be accompanied by an ATA Carnet
Vaccination Requirements
No vaccination requirements when travelling directly from Europe, but polio, tetanus and hepatitis vaccinations should be up-to-date
Yellow fever vaccination officially required for travellers who have stayed for up to six days in areas where yellow fever is prevalent
Risk of malaria in northern Namibia all year round, in other areas of the country
only a slight risk from November to June
Please seek advice from a tropical institute or contact your local doctor for current
information
Currency and Payment Methods
Namibia’s currency is the Namibia Dollar (NAD), which is linked to and equal in
value to the South African Rand (ZAR)
The South African Rand (ZAR) is legal tender in Namibia
Most Namibian banks exchange foreign currency and travellers cheques
International Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club cards are
accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels
Petrol stations do not accept credit cards, but do accept petrol cards
A 10% service tip is customary in restaurants
Transport
Traffic in Namibia drives on the left
A European driving license or an international driving license is required
Namibia is linked by a network of approximately 5,450 km of tarred roads and
37,000 km of gravel roads
Electricity
Supply voltage in Namibia is 220/240 Volt AC
Most sockets are three-pin (15A-plugs), adapters can be purchased
Generators are often used to provide electricity in rural areas
Communications
The international dialling code for Namibia is +264
GSM mobile phones can be used across most parts of Namibia
Satellite phones are used in remote areas
Internet connections are slow but there is a variety of internet connection options to
choose from, including broadband.
Infrastructure
There is a wide range of shopping areas and leisure activities in larger towns
In town centres there is a variety of restaurants serving international and African
cuisine
Supermarkets in main towns are well-stocked with a wide range of food and other
goods
Shops in remote areas offer only a very limited selection of fruit and vegetables
Sports and outdoor activities such as golf, balloon trips, fishing, swimming, tennis,
outdoor bowling, squash, badminton, football and rugby are all available in more
developed areas and some tourist centres
Namibia’s bigger hotels offer numerous opportunities for health and relaxation
Fitness centres are found in larger towns
Windhoek offers a regular and diverse cultural programme of music concerts,
cabaret and theatre
Climate
Namibia mostly has a semi-arid climate
Seasons:
- summer: November to March
- winter: May to September
- rainy season: December to April
Average temperatures:
- winter: 20-25°C (day) and 3-5°C (night); ·
- summer: daytime temperatures can reach up to 35°C and more
Time Zone
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the first Sunday in April and the first Sunday
in September)
Security
Namibia is considered to be a safe country. However, it is advised not to take
unnecessary risks and to take care in town centres, particularly after dark.
It is advised not to go out alone at night and not to leave items of value in the car.
Most hotels provide good safety in rooms as well as secure parking for vehicles.
Car guards wearing bibs operate in many streets and car parks, and a small
voluntary payment of about N$5 is customary for short periods of parking. |
