Practical Information

Namibia is one of the least populated countries in the world (3.2 per km2 – current population 2,640,319 people )and shares borders with Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. To the visitor, it is one of the most magical countries on this planet. Because of its geological richness, its diversity, and its landscapes seemingly of another age, Namibia is an unclassifiable destination. The mixture of African, Dutch, English and German cultures add to its charm.

Condition of the roads

The main roads in Namibia are all asphalt and in excellent condition (speed limit: 120 km/h).

The gravel roads are also in good condition, but one is always advised to be extra careful on these roads (speed limit: 50 - 80 km/h). Caution! In Namibia, you must drive on the left side of the road!

You must be aware that there might always be wild animals on the roads, especially at dusk! You are advised to always carry sufficient water and petrol with you. The nearest petrol station to Barkhan Dune Retreat is at Solitaire.

You can reach Barkhan Dune Retreat in a normal car, it is not necessary to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle.

Local time

UTC + 2 hours

Mobile telephone

Mobile phones function throughout most of Namibia, including remote desert zones and Naukluft mountains. At Barkhan Dune Retreat there is limited GSM reception only in some areas of the farm.

Health

No specific vaccinations are required to stay in Namibia. The tap water at Barkhan Dune Retreat has been tested by NAMWATER and have received an EXCELLENT. There is a malaria risk ONLY in the extreme North of the country (Ovamboland and Caprivi), from November to June.

How to get from Windhoek to Barkhan Dune Retreat

By private aero plane

The international airport Hosea Kutako is 45 kilometers from Windhoek. It can be reached by public transport.

We can organize a flight by private aero plane for you, from Hosea Kutako airport to Barkhan Dune Retreat, with one of the local companies (which are all licensed, work with experienced pilots, and follow the strict Namibian rules of aviation).

In rented car

You can also rent a car yourself with one of the Namibian car rental companies at the Hosea Kutako airport or in Windhoek: Safari Car Rental, Avis, Hertz, Budget, Imperial Car rental...

Especially those who love the outdoors and nature’s wilderness will appreciate Namibia. The country is magical in many ways, but particularly thanks to the preservation of the fauna, the flora and even of entire areas, such as the Namib Naukluft Park or Sossusvlei area.

Independent since 1990, Namibia is a democracy open to international exchanges, and has a very good infrastructure built up during the colonial period.

The population consists of twelve different ethnic groups, among them Bushmen, Nama, Himba, Herero, Ovambo and Afrikaners.

With twenty national parks and reserves, Namibia sets an example in nature conservation. The protection of the environment and the wildlife has in fact been made part of the country’s constitution.

27% of the country is total wilderness. This includes parts of Damaraland, of Kaokoland, of Kavango and of Bushmanland; these areas, which are very fragile, are protected by very strict regulations.

All these aspects put together, make Namibia a paradise for lovers of nature's great open spaces.

Electricity

Electricity (220V) is generated by solar panels. Also Barkhan Dune Retreat is covered by the Namibian mobile telephone network.