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Public transport in Namibia:
Public roads
in Namibia are of the best in Africa. Visitors
from abroad are usually quite surprised to find
our public roads linking all the major towns in
Namibia to be tarred and in a reasonably good
condition. The highway linking Swakopmund to
Windhoek (the B2) is currently under
construction and travelers should drive with
caution between
the towns of Okahandja and
Karibib. Our secondary road system is mostly
surfaced with gravel and it is advisable
to
drive between 80 and 100 km per hour. Pease
remember to keep left and avoid driving at night
as one usually encounters much game on highways
as well as on our secondary roads
Public transport
in Namibia is not as well established as foreign
visitors may be accustomed to, especially
visitors from Europe. There is no train service
from airports into cities and towns. There’s
also no underground transport system – something
which we’re certain visitors from the United
Kingdom would consider a welcome break!
However, this makes getting around rather
problematic when not travelling by car.
Namibia’s Ministry of Transport is constantly
improving and upgrading our infrastructure,
nonetheless we all know that Rome wasn’t built
in a day. Make 100% sure of your transport
arrangements once you arrive in Namibia to
ensure a glorious, stress-free holiday.
Visitors to Swakopmund should also remember that
there is no scheduled public bus service between
Swakopmund and Cape Cross, Sossusvlei and the
other major attractions.
Some taxi drivers are quite inexperienced when
it comes to driving skills but others can be
trusted with your life – ask around before you
embark on a journey.
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Take the same precautions you would
anywhere in the world: Avoid displaying jewelery, expensive cameras and other valuables.
Carry your (video) camera in a shoulder bag and
not around your neck. Do not carry or display
large amounts of cash.
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Support identified car guards who, for a
small reward, will keep an eye on your car.
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Never pick up strangers or hitchhikers.
Do not give money to any beggars – including
children.
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As distances between towns are
considerable make sure that you don't run out of
petrol and drinking water.
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Please do not throw burning cigarette
butts out of the car window. These could cause
bush fires which destroy valuable grazing and
hurt our wildlife. Please also make sure that
camp fires are out before you pack up and leave.
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Do not leave home without your
sunglasses, hat or sunscreen (factor 50+)
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Try not to travel alone.
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Remember: speed kills and do not drink
alcohol and drive.
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Keep your body hydrated – drink enough
water. Always fill up your water cans whenever
you have the opportunity to do so.
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If you get lost – stay with your
vehicle. A chance of spotting a vehicle from a
plane is much better.
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Advise your family/friends/vehicle rental
company of your intended route /itinerary and
check in on a regular basis.
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Purchase “Tracks for Africa” for your GPS
– the updated version is very informative.
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Avoid the sun between 10:00 and 16:00 in
the summer months.
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