Another handbook in this excellent Footprint series introduces the visitor to one of Africa’s most fascinating and scenic countries. During the twentieth century, Namibia’s history was dominated by her giant neighbour South Africa with the philosophy of apartheid dominating the lives of her inhabitants. The Namibian people united in a heroic struggle against South Africa’s illegal occupation of their country and, at last, in 1990 Namibia became the last African country to gain independence. Under President Sam Nujoma, Namibia has pursued a policy of national reconciliation which has maintained peace and allowed democracy to flourish ‐ setting a shining example to other African nations.
There is an excellent infrastructure of well marked roads, 4 × 4 vehicle hire is easy (although not always cheap) and many game lodges and rest camps exist where good quality accommodation can be found. Namibia is committed to developing eco‐friendly tourism and the country is well worth a visit. In view of the rich and varied wildlife, safaris are a popular tourist attraction. White water canoeing and rafting are highly recommended and the range of plants and wild flowers is also extensive.
The guide is laid out in the standard “Footprint” manner. The first section consists of details on the best time to visit, health regulations, what to take, currency details, getting there, safety (Namibia is relatively crime‐free), where to stay, vehicle hire and all other matters of interest to the first‐time visitor. The wildlife is magnificent ‐ a whole section deals with it ‐ including organizing a safari. Climate, which can be extreme, is explained and the geography, geology and vegetation dealt with in great detail. The history of the country is fascinating and ancient cave paintings, said to be over 27,000 years old, are one of the country’s treasures. A whole section deals with the history of a country which was, for a period, under German domination. The culture is also important to understand for tourists and visitors ‐ this is dealt with within a section on modern Namibia. Under Sam Nojuma’s rule, the country is building up its economy and has democratic rule. Namibia is still dependent, however, on South Africa for foodstuffs and manufactured products: this is ‐ at the moment ‐ a weak link in the economy.
The guide then divides the country into various regions beginning with the capital Windhoek and proceeding North before covering the South and the West of the country. All the game parks are listed as well as the Skeleton Coast (good for fishing and sea‐birds) and the diamond area.
Finally, information for visitors includes entry requirements, exchange rates, travel, customs, safety, where to stay, holidays, festivals, etc. There is a further reading list, useful addresses, suggestions for health care and lastly, a good index. The usual tinted boxes contain information on a wealth of subjects including early explorers, townships, the Benguela Current, Nara melons and baboons, the latter being a perfect nuisance on camp sites. The guide is well illustrated with maps, drawings and photographs and comes highly recommended at £9.99 for the reference shelves.
