namibia

area
population
capital
head of state
official language
currency
exchange rate

(source: lonely planet)

824,000 sq km
1.73 million
windhoek
sam nujoma
english
namibian dollar
check out oanda.com
for current exchange rates

this information comes from a visit to the country in december 2002. things might have changed since then. these are my personal impressions and it's well possible that other travellers will not share my views.

most europeans don't need a visa. you'll get you passport stamped upon entry. (check if you need a visa before going to the border).

getting in and out

from angola: the border closes at 17:00 during weekdays (don't know about the weekends). there is a time difference between the two countries, so make sure you get there in time!

the namibian officials had been a pain in the arse when i came across from angola (in stark cotrast to their friendly collegues in angola). they harrased me where they could. make sure you get your carnet de passage stamped. you'll have to pay a road tax (about usd 7.-- for a motorbike). they might check if the lights and other stuff on you vehicle works.

from ruacana (namibia) to angola: no problem on the namibian side. angolans are nice and curious, not many tourist come through here. patience and a good sense of humour will get you through within no time. read in the anoglan section about how to proceed, once inside angola.

from and to south africa: quick and easy, no hassles

places to stay

swakopmund: "the alternative space" - probably the best place to stay in africa!
it's at the outskirts of town (20 minutes walk from the centre) and close to the dunes. frenus and sybille make you feel at home in their house. it's full of modern art and every room has a different shape. there are "open sky" outdoor showers and so many other things that make the place very special. rooms are well worth the 175 namib dollars! +264 (0)64 402 713 / nam00352@mweb.com.na / 167 anton lubofski st. (ex lazarett st)

tsumeb: go to the 'mousebird' backpackers. it's a great quiet place with dorm rooms for 50 namib dollars, doubles for 140 and camping for 40. they organise tours to the etosha pan and offer other activities. great people! phone: +264 67 221777, fax: +264 67 221778, email: info@mousebird.com, www.mousebird.com

windhoek: the cameleon city lodge is great with bar, swimmingpool, internet and lot of space to hang around. doubles 130 / triples 150 / rent a tent for 40. (get a reservation as it's often full: +264 (0) 61 244 347

ruacana: there is a campsite with dormbeds (bed at 70 namib dollars) with a stunning view. there are prepared fireplaces for braai. to get a room ask at the BP station when you enter the town. BP also has an ATM service.

other