Food & drinks
German food such as "Wurst mit Sauerkraut" & "Schwarzwaldkuche mit Sahne" is available in every town, and they even have Oktoberfest over there! But if you want to discover the real Namibian gastronomy: try a refreshing "Sundowner" at sunset or a Nara melon! Also popular: oshifima (dough-like past served with a stem of vegetables & meat) oshiwambo (spinach & meat) mealie pap (some sort of porridge) oshikundu (beer brewed from mahango) mataku (watermelon wine). They're is no camping without a BBQ and wild meat & fish are often on the menu.
The big five
The big five don't refer to the 5 biggest mammals, but to the animals that are most dangerous to hunt. The lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros and elephant are notorious for turning to their hunter once attacked.
Snakes
Namibia is the African country with the biggest snake population. Although 50% of those bitten by venomous snakes aren't actually injected with poison (envenomed), still better don't stick your hand in dark holes or between rocks and always wear closed shoes ; )
Scorpions
Always tap out your shoes every morning: scorpions love dark & warm spaces, even if they are smelly! Most stings aren't life-threatening, but however quite painful. As a general rule: the bigger the scissorhands, the less poisonous (however there aren some rare exceptions). Only 1% of the stings of the most dangerous scorpions results in the death of adults. Scorpions sometimes make a tjilping-sound as a warning before attack.
Other bugs...
Put away you sleeping bag when not in use and shake out your clothing before you put them on. All sorts of bugs & small reptiles like those hideaways.
Malaria
Malaria-mosquitos are only a big risk in the north & east of the country, in other parts the cold desert nights keep them out.
Female travellers
Although Namibia is fairly save, it's generally is a conservative society. Accepting a drink from a male companion in a bar is apparently viewed as a come-on. In rural areas, sleeveless clothing can be less appreciated.
Highest cause of tourist injuries: car accidents!
Night-drives are known for collisions with animals, four-wheel-drives aren't designed to drive 100km/h over sandy bumpy roads, dust clouds hinder your sight while taking over and... they drive at the left hand side of the road!!!
Ivory
Although you can legally buy ivory in Namibia, you might still get arrested at the airport at home. It is still illegal to import ivory into the European Union. But if you care about endangered species: don't buy it at all!!!
Palm-ivory nut sellers scam
It's not the crime of the century, but it pays to be aware: a guy might come up to you at the petrol station and ask for your name. Without you seeing it, another guy carves your name into a palm-ivory nut shell, hoping you'll feel obligated to buy the personalised item.
Car Hire
Get a damage insurance - roads are not that great once you're off the highway. When you visit a big city, the locals might offer their services as a security guard for your parked vehicle. Although crime in Namibia is low to African standards, get a theft insurance just in case ...
Tips.
You normally tip 5-10% in Namibia. Wages aren't always enough to survive.
Sperrgebiet
The Sperrgebiet or diamond area around Lüderitz is off limits! And even if you're curious: there are enough armed guards patrolling around to make you change your mind!
Drugs & diamonds
First of all: don't do drugs. Second of all: don't buy drugs. The Namibian police is allowed to trick you into buying drugs & diamonds of the streets, so never even be tempted!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment