V55LA Team will be active from Namibia 30 October - 11 November 2024.
Team - Members of the Amateur Radio DX Peditions Norway, LA7THA, LB5GI, LB1QI, LA3BO, LB8DC, LA8OM, OE7PGI, LA9KKA, LB1FI..
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QSL via M0OXO, OQRS.
Namibia is the epitome of African exoticism
Namibia is the true embodiment of the land of contrasts, where two opposite elements - the ocean and the desert - are side by side. The country could be called a real wild Africa, if it were not for its highly developed infrastructure. A lot of sights, mostly created by nature, attract tourists from all over the world from year to year.
Namibia will be to the taste of connoisseurs of African exoticism in its purest form and fans of the sunny climate. Among other things, holidays in this country are affordable from the financial point of view, a significant part of the cost is taken up only by a long flight.
Namibia. Author - Thomas Hanel.
Historical Background
Namibia is a former German colony, but after the end of the First World War, the League of Nations handed over the administration of the country to South Africa. After the Second World War, Namibia fought for its independence for a long time, including military action, but the goal was achieved only in 1990. Not the least role in Namibia's gaining independence was played by the USSR, because of which the local population to this day treats the Russians with warmth.
Geographical position and nature of Namibia
The state of Namibia is located in the south-west of Africa. The country neighbours Zambia and Angola to the north, and South Africa and Botswana to the east. The western part of Namibia is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The capital of Namibia is located in the city of Windhoek. Among the local attractions the most famous are picturesque national parks, the famous Skeleton Coast and the grandiose Namib Desert.
The nature of Namibia is quite diverse and includes almost all types of landscapes present on the African continent. In the centre of the country there are uplands covering most of the country's territory. The western part, adjacent to the ocean, is represented by the Namib Desert. In the south is the Orange River basin. To the east is the Kalahari Desert and to the east is the jungle.
Namibia. Author - Norm Johnson.
State structure and traditions of the local population
The state system of Namibia is a republic headed by a president. There are two official languages in the country - Afrikaans and English. However, about 80 per cent of the local population speak languages belonging to the Bantu group: Ovambo, Herero, Lozi. Official Afrikaans is predominantly spoken in the southern part of the country.
Thanks to the rapid development of the tourist industry, communicating with locals in English is not a problem - locals speak it well, especially those who work in tourist areas.
More than 90% of Namibians profess Christianity - mainly Protestantism (Lutheranism) and Catholicism. A minority of the inhabitants to this day keep the ancient African traditions, adhering to the cult of ancestors, fetishism, animalism, etc.
Namibia. Author - Thomas Pitrou.
Currency
The national currency of Namibia is the Namibian dollar, the international name of which is NAD. Upon arrival in the country you can exchange money in special exchange offices at the airport or in the branches of local banks, which are represented in large numbers throughout the country. When exchanging, take into account that it is difficult to exchange the remaining money back, so buy local money in small amounts.
Travellers cheques and credit cards are accepted in tourist areas. In addition, you can withdraw cash in local currency in the network of ATMs of First National Bank, but not more than 1 thousand Namibian dollars. As for cashing American dollars, it is carried out at bank branches by appointment.
Customs regulations
In Namibia there are no restrictions on import and export of foreign currency, but there is a ban on export of local currency if the amount exceeds 50 thousand NAD - this ban is unlikely to cause discomfort to anyone, because outside the country the Namibian dollar has no value.
Import of tobacco products and alcohol is restricted: no more than 250 g of tobacco and 1 litre of spirits. Persons under 18 years of age are strictly prohibited from importing cigarettes and alcohol.
Local transport
The country has an extremely underdeveloped transport infrastructure, which is represented only by a small fleet of taxis and bus routes. But the lack of public transport is balanced by the possibility to rent a car in any big city. All you need to rent a car is an international driving licence and payment of road tax. Both local companies providing transport for hire and international ones are available to commuters. The undoubted advantage of the local infrastructure is the roads, which are in excellent condition. Traffic in Namibia is left-handed.
Security level
The crime rate in Namibia is at a moderate level. Tourists are not advised to leave their belongings unattended, and valuables should be kept in special safes - this service is available in all hotels.
Namibia is not one of the countries with a high percentage of malaria, however, in the northern part of the country, infection with the disease occurs, therefore it is recommended to take a course of anti-malaria medication before travelling.
You should also be careful with local drinking water - prefer bottled water.
