cassinga day in namibia

Let us share with you the basic information you need to know when travelling to Namibia. If there is anything else, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

 

 

General Information:

Capital: Windhoek

Government: Republic

Area: total 824,292 sq km

Population: 1,973.900 (2004)

 

Languages

English; Afrikaans; German; other languages Oshivambo, Herero and Nama.

English is the official language and travellers should have little difficulty communicating with locals, except in some of the remote rural areas. Prior to independence in 1990, Afrikaans was the official language and it is still the lingua franca; the only exception being the Caprivi region where English is spoken. German is widely spoken in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Luderitz and some of the smaller towns. Oshiwambo is the most widely spoken of Namibia’s indigenous languages.

 

 

Electricity

Electricity of 220 volt AC is supplied and sockets are for round, three pin plugs, and 15 amp types.

 

Public Holidays unsecured loans

The following Public Holidays are observed in Namibia.

New Years Day:                  01 January

Independence Day:              21 March

Good Friday:                       March –April

Easter Monday:                   March- April

Workers Day:                      01 May

Cassinga Day:                     4 May

Ascension Day:                   40 days after Easter

Africa Day:                         25 May

Heroes Day:                       26 August

Human Rights Day:             10 December

Christmas Day:                   25 December

Family Day:                        26 December

 

Climate

With an average rainfall of 270mm per year, Namibia is considered to be an arid country. More than 70 percent of the countries rain is recorded between January and April, the rainfall as well as the length of the rainy season increases from the coast inland from south to north. Rain usually falls in the afternoon in the form of thunderstorms which soon pass.

The months between May and September are considered the best time to visit the interior. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, but the evenings can be cold. The following table will give a good indication of the temperatures throughout the country. The figures given are average figures; please bear in mind that temperatures of over 35 degrees Celsius often occur.

 

 

Health and Personal Safety

Health

Although the country is virtually free of tropical diseases, visitors to the Northern regions must be aware of Malaria and bilharzias.

Tap water in the towns is purified and perfectly drinkable. Water obtained from boreholes is very often brackish and can taste unpleasant but is not generally a health risk. In all instances, especially rural communal areas, caution should be exercised.

 

Personal Safety

Tourists visiting any country are a preferred target and Namibia is no different. Always be on the alert for handbag snatchers and pick-pockets. Exercise caution by keeping your vehicle locked. Do not leave valuables or bags visible in the vehicle. When sightseeing in the towns leave cameras, electronic equipment, tickets, passports and excess cash safely at your hotel. It is recommended that you take out insurance to cover personal effects and medical emergencies.

 

Posts and Telecommunications

The postal service in Namibia is operated by Nampost, a government owned enterprise, with post offices throughout the country. The service offered is efficient and reliable.

Telecommunication services in Namibia are provided by Telecom Namibia, an independent state-owned enterprise with more than 50 offices throughout the country.

Namibia has an excellent telecommunications system, with direct dialling to over 200 international destinations. The international dialling code for overseas calls to Namibia is +264, while area codes in the country are preceded by a 0. When calling from outside of Namibia, the 0 of the area code must be submitted.

 

Coin and card public phones are provided at Post-offices, police stations and public places. Cards are sold at Teleshops and Nampost offices.

 

The cellular network is operated by Mobile Telecommunications Ltd (MTC). The network covers Windhoek and virtually all major towns and their immediate surroundings.

 

Time

Namibia introduced differentiated standard times for summer and winter in 1994. Summer time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2) and commences at 02:00 on the first Sunday of September, ending 02: 00 on the first Sunday of April the following year. Winter time is one hour in advance of GMT (GMT+1) and commences at 02:00 on the first Sunday in April, ending 02:00 on the first Sunday of September.

Namibian winter time is hence one hour behind South African Standard time. In the Northeast of the country many shops, businesses and offices continue to operate on Namibian summer time, as this region lies much further east than the rest of the country.

 

Water

Water from all Namibia’s taps is suitable for drinking. Water is one of Namibia’s scarcest commodities and as such visitors are earnestly requested to make a meaningful water-saving contribution while in the country.

 

 

Here are some simple measures that can be taken:

Shower instead of bath. An average 10cm bath uses about 80 litres of water, while a short shower uses about 24 litres. bad credit loans

 

If a shower is not available then remember that it is not necessary to fill the bath to the rim. You can also share a bath – its fun.

 

Don’t leave water running while washing your hands, brushing your teeth or shaving, use the plug.

 

Use a glass or keep a container of water in the refrigerator rather than drinking water from the tap or letting it run until it is cold.

 

If you notice a leaking tap, report it to the venue’s host.

 

It is illegal to use a hose pipe to wash your car, use a bucket and cloth instead.

 

Thank you for helping us conserve Namibia’s water.

 

What to pack when visiting Namibia

The temperatures in Namibia are clear indications of the type of clothing required.

During the summer months, for both day and night, light clothing is necessary i.e. Cotton shirts, shorts and skirts. Long sleeved shirts and long cotton trousers are a good idea if your skin is sensitive to the sun; they also help to keep mosquitoes at bay after sunset.

This clothing is also adequate for winter day-wear but for early mornings, evenings and night time, warm trousers, jerseys, tracksuits, balaclava, gloves and warm socks may be needed.

Do not forget your sunhat, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, binoculars, sturdy walking shoes and bathing costume.