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Windhoek International Baha'i

Summer School

updated 18/06/1999

Long waited Windhoek International Baha'i Summer School

Where will you be on the night of 31 December 1999? Will you be in Rome, Paris, New York, London, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Frankfort, Harare, or Windhoek? Everybody would have asked himself or herself this question by now. But do you really know where you want to be?

HOW ABOUT ATTENDING INTERNATIONAL BAHA’I SUMMER SCHOOL IN THE CAPITAL CITY OF NAMIBIA WINDHOEK?!?

INTRODUCTION
Namibia is a country of compelling beauty, abundant sunshine, and a feeling of unconfined space. With its un spoilt landscapes and large variety of game, Namibia is one of the larger countries in Africa, and draws an increasing number of visitors from various parts of the globe.
The wide horizons, the clear unpolluted skies and a population density generate a sense of freedom, which is among the lowest in the world. This feeling of tranquillity and stillness combines with a landscape which is singular in it's colours, full of contrasts of light and shade. In addition, the diversity of its people creates a rich blend of cultures and traditions.
Namibia has a colourful and turbulent history. In the mid-19th century, German missionaries opened up the interior, paving the way for traders who came later. The annexation of the country by Germany in 1884 accounts for the distinctive German architecture and traditions.
After a turbulent past, the country at last became independent on 21 March 1990, and is now peacefully approaching the twenty-first century.

Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes. There is the brooding desolate Namib Desert, said to be the oldest in the world, with its high dunes and awe-inspiring sense of space. The central plateau, with its thornbush savannah and rugged mountains, rising abruptly from the plains, gives way to the majestic Fish River Canyon in the South. In the North of the country, landscapes range from dense bush and open plains of the great Etosha pan, to woodland savannah and lush riverine vegetation. Dinosaur footprints preserved in the sandstone, pre-historic rock art, and the ancient fossil plant, Welwitschia mirabilis, bear witness to the aeons past in this - "the ageless land".
All these facts combine in a country, which can justifiably be known as "Africa’s Gem",
Namibia is the first country in the world to include protection of the environment and sustainable utilisation of wildlife in its constitution. About 15,5% of the country has been set aside as National Parks. In these areas, rare and endangered species of animals, birds and plant life are preserved and protected. They serve as a living reminder to us all, and to the generations of the future, of how it once was in Africa.
Most of the African game species are well represented in Namibia, with the largest concentration in the Etosha National Park, which is firmly entrenched on the world map of international parks. Etosha provides memorable experiences.

A waterhole at dawn with a medley of giraffe, zebra, rhino, graceful antelopes and a solitary hyena is like a finely etched painting of African wildlife.
Wilderness and modern amenities co-exist happily in this land of vivid contrasts. Visitors to Namibia can see the country by means of comfortable coach tours, fly-in safaris, self-drive tours, or guided tours tailored to suit individual needs. For the more adventurous, there are wilderness safaris and hiking trails.
A large number of comfortable guest farms are found all over the country, where guests share the table with their hosts, and you are assured of personal attention, typical Namibian hospitality, and the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the country and its people. Privately owned game ranches offer controlled, professional services to trophy and meat hunters. Photographic safaris can also be arranged.
In Namibia, not only hotels, but all other accommodation establishments including rest camps, caravan parks, guest farms, and safari companies, are graded according to the services offered. Regular inspections to ensure that each establishment complies with expected standards, are carried out by officials from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.

Entry Requirements:
A valid passport is required to enter Namibia. Visas are needed except for nationals from Angola, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Canada, Germany, Luxembourg, France, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Mozambique, the Netherlands, the Nordic Countries, Russia, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, South-Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Visas are obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Private Bag 13200, Windhoek, at Namibian Embassies and at Namibia Touris t Offices in J ohannesburg and Cape Town. All Namibian Border pos ts are open 24 hours a day through the year. The border posts for entering to Namibia from Botswana follows time schedule of its counter part 08:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00.

Currency:
The unit of currency is the Namibia Dollar (N$) which has the same value as the SA Rand and is divided into 100 cents. The South-African Rand is still accepted as legal tender in Namibia. Travellers cheques are accepted almost everywhere. Those in foreign currencies must be cashed in at banks. In general credit cards are accepted by most hotels as well as in rest-camps of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, where Master, Visa, Diners Club cards, Namibia Dollars and Rand travellers cheques and bank guaranteed cheques are also acceptable.

Health:
All water from taps is purified and visitors need have no hesitation in drinking it. Travellers to the northern parts are advised to take anti-malaria precautions, especially in summer.

What to Pack:
Nights can be quite chilly - even in summer at the coast. Warm clothes are thus also necessary. A good pair of sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, a sun hat, swimming costume, camera and flash or video camera is all standard equipment and can be bought in all large centres. All international-standard videotapes are available in Windhoek, as well as one-hour film processing services.

Traffic Rules and Regulation:
Remember to drive on the left-hand side of the road in Namibia. There is a general speed limit of 120 km/h on open roads (although it is recommended you reduce speed on gravel roads). Safety belts must be worn.
Overseas visitors (not residents of neighbouring countries) must be in possession of a valid international driver’s licence if they plan to hire or drive a vehicle in this country.
Road signs are internationally recognised symbols, and road and turnoffs are clearly signposted. Road signs warning against animals, particularly kudu should be taken seriously, especially at night when they are blinded by headlights.

Car Hire:
Cars and four wheel drive vehicles can be hired in Windhoek, Tsumeb, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, and also at the Windhoek Airport.