Mariental is the bastion of the Nama people, at the gateway of the Kalahari desert. It covers almost 500 000 km2 and covers most of Botswana as well as Namibia and South Africa. Its formation is estimated the end of the Tertiary and early Quaternary. With its vast dry areas covered with red sand, it has the typical characteristics of a desert area but it is not a real desert in the strict sense of the term, because none of this areas receive less than 100 mm of annual precipitation. it consists mainly of arid savanna (large plains of grass and acacias) separated by a wide area of about 100 km2 savanna with trees (intermediate vegetation).
The vast arid plains of the « Great South » may seem inhospitable and yet this region reserves some surprises: cities swallowed by desert sands to the mighty cliffs of the Fish River Canyon.
Advices:
- The south of Namibia with the Kalahari – including the Kalahari Transfrontier Park on the borders of Botswana, South Africa and Namibia – can justify a trip on its own right...
- As you pass Aus, do not miss the opportunity to go out and find the horses that live in the vast desert plains. Descendants of the horses of the German cavalry, they are perfectly adapted to desert conditions and are part of the last wild horses in the world!
- At the border with South Africa, the Orange River offers very good conditions for rafting or canoeing from one to several days.
The Great Namibia
Namibia, what else could we ask for? Almost permanent sunshine, great variety of landscapes with wild beauty, national parks rich in fauna and flora. In the West, the Namib desert, the oldest on the planet, the world highest dunes. In the South, the Fish River Canyon, the biggest after the Colorado. In the North, the largest national park in Africa: Etosha. A captivating country with extraordinary natural riches, Namibia deserves its nickname "Jewel of Africa".
When to go?
Subtropical and dry with warm days and cool nights. During the southern summer (from November to March), temperatures vary from 16 to 34°C and in desert areas they can reach 40 to 45°C. In winter (from June to August), they range from 4 to 22℃ and sometimes fall below 0℃ on the relief or in the desert.
The best season to go to Namibia is during the first weeks of November and April. Its not the peak season and the conditions of visit are good. If the high season (May to October) wins the prize of the best climate. Its not necessarily the best because tourists are the most numerous. The rainy season should be avoided if there are plans to explore national parks.
Formalities
The passport must include two blank pages and still be valid for 6 months after the expected date of exit from Namibia. The visa is not compulsory for French nationals. Holders of a French passport are granted tourist visa permits for a maximum of 90 days, which are issued free of charge upon arrival, in particular for immigration checks at Windhoek airport.
For any minor child: a multilingual extract of birth certificate (or an unabridged birth certificate translated into English - certified translation) is required to enter and leave Namibia (in the case of a child traveling with his 2 parents). Please consult the official sites for more information about all the requested documents according to your case.
Health
No vaccination is required for entry into Namibia.
Anti-malarial treatment is recommended (see your doctor). However, it is advisable to check the updating of your usual reminders and vaccinations as for any trip.
Currency
The currency in Namibia is the Namibian dollar (NAD).
Bank cards and traveller’s checks are widely accepted in Namibia, except for the purchase of gasoline especially inside the parks. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels.
Banks and foreign exchange offices make the exchange of your currencies
For your payments, do not hesitate to use the South African rand.