Joanna James
Namibia is an amazing country which has so many special sights you need to see. However, it isn't the easiest place to travel to unprepared. Mind-blowing landscapes, wildlife, friendly locals and delicious food are few things you can expect to find in this stunning country.
The second least densely populated country in the world Namibia has only 2.2million inhabitants. The sights to see are quite spread out and require quite a bit of travelling between. If you are travelling to Namibia make it as long a trip as possible; then you won't have to spend days travelling in a rush from place to place but can actually take in the country at a leisurely pace.
Before the 19th century and the arrival of the British and German colonisers Namibia had been inhabited for thousands of years by a few groups of nomadic Bushmen; namely the San, Damara, Herero and Nama.
Just as in South Africa, apartheid existed in Namibia and the social divide can still be seen to this day even though it was abolished in the 1990s.
Namibians will generally speak 2 or 3 languages; English, a native dialect such as Oshiwambo and German or Afrikaans. In certain parts like Swakopmund, German is quite widely spoken, however, Afrikaans serves as the common language between locals.
A few of the must-see places in Namibia include; Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon, Kolmanskop, the Swakopmund coastline, Walvis Bay, Skeleton Coast, Etosha National Park, and Spitzkope.
Most of Namibia is very safe to travel and the people are friendly but when in Windhoek it is best to take precautions you would take anywhere else because gangs and petty crime are quite rampant –but can be avoided.
Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho are all part of a common monetary zone and hence the value of the Namibian Dollar is on par with the South African Rand.
For the most part food, drink and accommodation in Namibia are quite cheap however when you travel into the desert the prices increase dramatically. Fuel prices can also be very high.
Mobile service isn't the greatest in Namibia and getting things organised once you're there can be quite tough. If you are planning to make a trip make sure to plan an itinerary and compare prices and book accommodation well in advance it'll really make your trip all that more enjoyable.
Most travellers to Namibia try to head-out of Windhoek as soon as possible but that is quite a shame. There are many things to do in Windhoek and the city deserves a day or two at least on your itinerary. Of the places to stay and actually have a good time Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino probably comes with the best recommendation.
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