About Namibia
This section provides a general overview of Namibia, including its history, natural environment, and key characteristics. It highlights the country’s climate, diverse landscapes, and rich flora and fauna. It also briefly touches on important aspects such as malaria risk in certain regions and other environmental factors.
Namibia’s History
Early History
Ancient historians such as Herodotus mentioned early Phoenician sailors along the coast. In 1486, the Portuguese explorer Diego Cão erected a stone cross at Cape Cross, followed by Bartolomeu Dias in 1488 at Angra Pequena (today’s Lüderitz). The first European to enter Namibia overland was Jacobus Coetsé in 1760. Missionaries arrived in 1805, and explorers such as Thomas Baines and Charles John Andersson travelled through the region in the 19th century.
Geological Development
Namibia’s landscape was shaped over hundreds of millions of years. Around 600 million years ago, major rock formations developed. The area was once part of the supercontinent Gondwanaland. About 120 million years ago, continental drift separated Africa and South America, forming the Atlantic Ocean and leaving Namibia with its defining feature, the Namib Desert.
Earliest Inhabitants
The earliest inhabitants were the San (Bushmen), hunter-gatherers, along with the Nama and Damara peoples. Later migrations brought the Owambo, Herero, Himba, Tjimba, Tswana, Caprivians, and Kavango peoples, many of whom practised cattle farming and agriculture, particularly in the more fertile northern regions.
Political History
In 1884, Germany declared Namibia a protectorate. After Germany’s defeat in World War I, South Africa took control under a League of Nations mandate in 1920. Following World War II, the United Nations oversaw Namibia’s status. South Africa continued to govern the territory despite international opposition.
In 1966, an armed liberation struggle began between South African forces and SWAPO (South West Africa People’s Organisation). The UN declared South Africa’s presence illegal in 1971. After UN-supervised elections in 1989, Namibia gained independence on 21 March 1990 after 106 years of colonial rule.
Namibia's presidential history began with Sam Nujoma, who was succeeded by Hifikepunye Pohamba, followed by Dr. Hage Geingob, and the current president, Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
d rich flora and fauna. It also briefly touches on important aspects such as malaria risk in certain regions and other environmental factors.
Climate
Namibia is one of the driest countries south of the Sahara. About 70% of the annual rainfall occurs between December and March.
During the summer months (October–April) temperatures often exceed 35°C.
In winter (May–September) days are generally warm, while nights can become very cold and may drop below 0°C.
Geographically, Namibia lies between the Namib Desert in the west and the Kalahari Desert in the east, which strongly influences its dry climate.
Flora & Fauna
Namibia has a diverse plant life, including:
• about 120 species of trees
• around 200 endemic plant species
• more than 100 lichen species
One of the most iconic plants is Welwitschia mirabilis, often referred to as a “living fossil” due to its ancient evolutionary origins and unique adaptation to desert conditions.
Namibia is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the famous Big Five:
• Lion
• Leopard
• Elephant
• Rhino
• Buffalo
In addition, the country hosts:
• Cheetahs and giraffes
• about 20 species of antelope
• hundreds of mammal and reptile species
• more than 670 bird species
Rivers and Protected Areas
Approximately 15% of Namibia’s land surface is protected as nature reserves.
The country has only a few perennial rivers, mainly located:
• in the south: Orange River
• in the north: Kunene, Okavango, Zambezi, and Kwando/Linyanti/Chobe Rivers
Many other rivers are ephemeral, flowing only during the rainy season (December–March). Examples include:
• Fish River
• Kuiseb River
• Ugab River
• Swakop River
Malaria in Namibia
Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, but it can be serious and even fatal if not diagnosed and treated in time. It is transmitted through the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito, which carries the malaria parasite in its saliva. These mosquitoes are active mainly after sunset and during the night.
Risk Areas in Namibia
The wetter northern regions of Namibia are considered high-risk malaria areas, especially during and after the rainy season. Other parts of the country occasionally report cases but are generally regarded as low-risk.
Travellers planning to visit northern Namibia should take appropriate preventive measures before departure.
Prevention Measures
The risk of contracting malaria can be significantly reduced by:
• Wearing long sleeves and long trousers after dark
• Applying mosquito repellent to exposed skin
• Sleeping under a mosquito net
• Staying in properly screened or air-conditioned accommodation
• Taking prescribed malaria prophylaxis before travel
Malaria Prophylaxis
Because anti-malarial medication can cause side effects, travellers should consult their general practitioner several weeks before departure to receive a suitable prescription.
Common anti-malarial medications include:
• Chloroquine-based tablets
• Mefloquine
• Doxycycline
• Malarone
• Quinoline-related compounds
• Artemisinin-based derivatives
The choice of medication depends on individual health conditions and current medical guidelines.
Symptoms and Treatment
Malaria symptoms may resemble flu and include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Chills
• Fatigue
If symptoms develop during or after travel to a malaria-risk area, medical treatment must be sought immediately, as early diagnosis greatly reduces the risk of complications.
Currency and Financial Information
The official currency is the Namibian Dollar (N$), which is pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand (ZAR). Both currencies are accepted as legal tender in Namibia.
Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Banking Hours
• Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 15:30
• Saturday: 08:30 – 11:00
VAT Refund
Foreign tourists can claim a 15% VAT refund on purchases exceeding N$250, provided that all original receipts are presented at the port of exit.
Tourism Levy
Accommodation establishments are required by law to charge a tourism levy:
• 1% on all-inclusive rates
• 2% on bed-only or B&B rates
Telecommunications
Namibia has direct international dialing facilities to over 221 countries.
Mobile communication is well supported, with several service providers offering international roaming agreements with more than 100 countries.
Dialing Codes
• From outside Namibia: +264 + area code (without the leading 0) + phone number
• Example: +264 61 123456
• From inside Namibia: Area code (e.g., 061, 067, 064) + phone number
• Example: 061 123456