SAFETY TIPS FOR VISITORS
WINDHOEK AND THE COUNTRY
Welcome to the City of Windhoek, the heart of Namibia.
The City of Windhoek is a safe tourism destination and we trust that you will enjoy your stay in our country. Guests' well being and enjoyment are of prime importance to everyone in the tourism industry. Please help us to ensure that your visit is both safe and pleasant by taking the following simple precautions, as you would in any other country.
At the hotel
Most hotels provide safety deposit facilities. Put airline tickets, valuable documents, items and most cash in the hotel safe before going sightseeing.
While sightseeing
Learn about your surroundings. Ask the Tourism Information Offices, Hotel staff and local residents about areas to avoid. Never leave your property unattended in any public place - even if you are on a guided tour.
If you want to call taxi, your hotel or the nearest tourism information office can recommend a reliable service. Radio Taxis and taxis that display the NABTA logo are the most reliable operators. A list of recommended Taxi operators are available at most Tourism Information Offices and hotels.
Long distance medical assistance or ambulance by road or air.
If outside Windhoek the dialing code is 061- and precedes the Windhoek telephone number.
Aeromed 249 777
MedRescue 230 505 /6 /7
Hospitals
Medi-Clinic Windhoek 222 687
Windhoek Central Hospital 203 9111
Katutura Hospital 203 9111
Rhino Park Private Hospital (Day hospital only - no casualty) 225 434
Vehicle breakdown services
Northern Breakdown Services 230 823 / 240 733
Valley Recovery Services 227 164
Self Drive visitors
- If you intend to go off the beaten track, ask the City Promotion Officer at the Windhoek Tourism Information Office in Post Street Mall to arrange for a local community guide to accompany you. They are accredited by the City of Windhoek as City Guides. You will be creating a job for a Namibian!
- Park in well-lit or guarded areas at night. Support identified car guards who, for a small reward, will keep an eye on your car.
- Never pick up strangers or hitchhikers
- As distances between towns are considerable make sure that you don't run out of petrol and drinking water.
- 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.
- If you are not familiar with driving on dirt roads, please collect a brochure on the special precautions to be taken. It is available from the Windhoek Tourism Office in Post Street Mall and the Namibian Tourism Office in Independence Ave, Windhoek.
- Plan your route so that there is never any need to rush. Driving on gravel roads can be unpredictable and the major cause of accidents is excessive speed. Do not exceed 80 kms per hour!
In the street
- Use the same precautions you would anywhere in the world. Avoid displaying jewellery, expensive cameras and other valuables. Carry your (video) camera in a shoulder bag and not around your neck.
- Never carry large amounts of cash on your person. Carry small change in your wallet and your bank notes / credit cards separately in your pocket or in a body pouch. Keep the body pouch so that it cannot be seen.
- Never give money to children or loiterers, as this would encourage contravention of municipal regulations.
After Dark
Most areas in the city are safe, but rather explore the area in group after dark or on week-end afternoons when few people are around. Stay clear of dark, deserted areas. Seek advice from the Windhoek Tourism Information Offices about local conditions.
KNOW WHERE TO CALL. Keep this list of police departments and emergency numbers handy.
Official contact numbers:
Namibia Police Emergency 10111
City of Windhoek Municipal security office (24 hrs) 290 2239
290 2018
City of Windhoek Fire Brigade (ambulance, accidents and injuries) 211 111
City of Windhoek Traffic Division 258 473 / 290 2722
Crime Stoppers (anonymous information to Police) 254 299
Private contact numbers:
Rescue 911 (24 hrs) 222 255
Rescue 911 Mobile number 081 241 7555
Rescue 911 Ambulance services 081 241 7555
Armed response (24 hrs) 222 255 / 225 444
Private Medical Practitioner (24 hrs) 236 411
Cell phone (Mobile) Emergency Number
Namibia has a GSM 900 cell phone network which covers most cities, towns and major roads. For peace of mind have your phone activated to roam Namibia. You can also rent a phone locally. Mobile phone users may call 112 in an emergency and you will be connected to the appropriate service.
Though the call is free of charge, all subsequent emergency or rescue services rendered are for your own
account.
Related:
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