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Essential Info

Population: Around 322,000. Languages: English is the official language, but Oshiwambo, Afrikaans, German and many tribal languages are also spoken. Timezone: GMT+1 International dialling code: +264 Visas: Not required by UK nationals for stays of up to 90 days. Currency: Namibian dollar (N$), currently around N$18 to the UK£. Highest viewpoint: Take the Independence Museum’s glass-walled exterior lift for panoramic views. Health issues: Recommended immunisations: diphtheria, hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid. There’s a risk of malaria in north and east Namibia, especially from November to June, so make sure to consult your doctor for the recommended prophylaxis and cover up to avoid bites. It’s also best to stick to bottled water. Recommended guidebooks: Bradt’s Namibia (2015) guide is a handy option. Web resources: The official website of the Namibia Tourism Board is namibiatourism.com.na. Climate: Namibia is a year-round destination. Winter is the dry season, running from May to October, with the best game viewing in Etosha National Park from June to October. Days are warm but nights can be cold, especially in the desert. The summertime runs from October to April, with November to February the hottest months. November marks the start of the rainy season, with showers normally arriving in the afternoon. The wettest period is from January to March.