Namibia Info
Joined: 20 Apr 2007
Posts: 15
Home Country: namibia
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 Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 4:19 am Post subject: GETTING AROUND IN NAMIBIA / NAMIBIA TRANSPORTATION GUIDE |
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GETTING AROUND IN NAMIBIA
BY AIR
Flying is the quickest and often the most economical way to travel around the country. Air Namibia (SW) links all of the major towns in the territory. Planes can also be chartered.
BY RAIL
There is a reasonable rail network connecting most of the major towns, but trains are very slow. Train journeys should be booked in Windhoek, from where trains run to Keetmanshoop, Ariamsvlei, Tsume, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
The main rail routes in Namibia are Windhoek-Keetmanshoop-Upington, South Africa, Walvis Bay-Swakopmund-Tsumeb, Windhoek-Tsumeb and Lüderitz-Keetmanshoop. First and second class carriages are available on these routes. Light refreshments are offered on some services. On overnight voyages, seats in first class compartments convert to four couchettes and those in second class to six couchettes. Local passenger and goods trains run daily.
Children under two years of age travel free and children aged two to 11 pay half fare. The Desert Express, a luxury train aimed at tourists, runs between Swakopmund and Windhoek. The 19 hour 30 minute journey includes several stops which give travellers the opportunity to watch lions feeding, see the Namib Desert, walk in the sand dunes and admire the stars.
A three course dinner and overnight accommodation are included in the ticket price. More details on rail services are available from TransNamib (website:www.transnamib.co.na)
BY ROAD
Despite the vast distances in Namibia, most people get around by land, and not air. Traffic drives on the left. Roads are generally well maintained. There are 64,799km (40,266 miles) of road, of which 7841km (4872 miles) are tarred. Note that excessive speed is the main cause of accidents on gravel roads so keep to the prescribed speed limit and observe road signs conscientiously. In dusty conditions, switch on your headlights so as to be more easily observed.
Bus & taxi
There is a local bus service in Windhoek, and taxis are also available. A luxury bus service exists between Windhoek and all major centres in Namibia and South Africa. It is quite easy to get around using combies (shared or long-distance taxis). Just ask around to find out where the taxi rank is (sometimes there are several taxi ranks, each one with departures to different areas of the country). Drivers are not in the habit of overcharging foreigners.
Car rental
Self-drive cars are available at the airport and Windhoek city centre, as well as some other major centres. Four-wheel drive vehicles are essential for exploring Damaraland and Bushmanland.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required.
Note
If travelling along the Caprivi Strip, stay on the tarred road. Wildlife and livestock pose a serious hazard, so it is best to avoid driving at night. |
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