Sorry, but April got busy and I didn't update you with any new stuff about how great Namibia is as a tourism destination.
Right now the US dollar is strong vs. the South African Rand. Why is that important for Namibia? Well, Namibia's NamDollar (N$) is pegged 1 to 1 with the South African Rand. This is quite a smart thing the founding fathers and mothers of Namibia did 24 years ago at Independence. Of course, it has its ups and downs, but on balance, for a small economy like Namibia's that imports about 70% of what it needs to survive, having a hard currency like the Rand to benchmark the value of goods and services helps a lot.
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| No relation to the blog topic; but this is just a nice photo of a Cheetah in Namibia! |
When the Rand is relatively weak, like now... holidays in Namibia are 'cheaper.' You can get more bang for your buck! Of course, due to the fact that Namibia DOES import so much that it then esells, things here can be a bit pricy compared to other places, like in South Africa. BUT.. you cannot get our sparsely populated country, vast vistas, desert tourism experience, romantic coastline, wild unexplored areas, safe atmosphere, wildlife and other attractions anywhere else. Food, particularly fresh fruits and veggies and wholesome low fat game meat, is delicious and would be cheaper with the weaker Rand.
Don't delay! Now is the time to book your holiday in Namibia!
Jewelry hawks (like me!... in my dreams) can get some beautiful things here with the weaker Nam dollar vs. US dollar AND return of sales tax (called VAT) when you leave the country! The jewelers here are truly talented. My jeweler is Adrian and Meyer in the center of Windhoek in the Carl List Mall on Independence Avenue. I also go to Herma Herle Jewelers from time to time. Check them out when you come to Namibia!
My favorite tourism operators are Gondwana Desert Collection (all of their facilities all over Namibia!), Ultimate Safaris, Wilderness Safaris, the Hilton Hotel, NWR's Dolomite and Onkoshi Resorts, TransNamib's Desert Express, The Seaside Hotel and Spa and the historic Hansa Hotel in Swakopmund! Give them a try!
Here is a favorite accommodation picture of mine... Enjoy it!
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| Dolomite Resort inside Etosha National Park accommodation of the Namibia Wildlife Resorts |
