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Welcome to the City of Windhoek, the  of Namibia
SAFETY TIPS FOR TOURISTS
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
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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.
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If you want to call a 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. Taxis can be found behind the Tourism Information Office at the corner of Independence Avenue and Fidel Castro Street.
Long distance medical assistance or ambulance by road or air
If outside Windhoek the dialing code is 061- and precedes the Windhoek telephone number.
Hospitals
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Medi-Clinic Windhoek - 222 687
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Windhoek Central Hospital - 203 9111
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Katutura Hospital - 203 9111
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Roman Catholic Hospital – 237 237
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Rhino Park Private Hospital (day hospital only-no casualties) - 225 434
Vehicle breakdown services
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Northern Breakdown Services – 230 823 / 240 733
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Valley Recovery Services – 227 164
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Town Tow-in Services – 210 779
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Road Guard Emergency – 210 780
Self Drive visitors
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If you intend to go off the track, ask the City Information Officers at the Windhoek Tourist Information Offices 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!
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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.
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Never pick up strangers or Hitchhikers.
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As distances between towns are considerable make sure that you don’t run out of petrol and drinking water.
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Please do not throw burning cigarette butts out of the car window. These could cause bush fires, which destroy valuable grazing land and hurt our wildlife.
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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 Tourist Information Offices in Post Street Mall and the corner of Independence Avenue & Fidel Castro Street.
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Plan your itinerary so that there is no need to rush. Driving on gravel road can be unpredictable and the major cause of accidents is excessive speed. Do not exceed 80 kms per hour!
In the Street
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Use the same precautions you should anywhere in the world. Avoid displaying jewelry, expensive cameras and other valuables. Carry your (video) camera in a shoulder bag and not around your neck.
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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.
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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 groups after dark or on weekend afternoons when few people are around. Stay away of dark and 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:
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Namibia Police Emergency – 10111
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City Police - Crime Prevention Unit (24 hrs) – 290 2239 / 290 2018
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City Police - Fire Brigade (ambulance, accidents and injuries) – 211 111
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City Police - Traffic Division – 290 2722 / 258 473
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Crime Stoppers – (anonymous information to police) – 254 299
Private contact numbers:
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Rescue 911 – 222 255
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Rescue 911 Mobile number – 0812 417 555
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Rescue 911 Ambulance Services - 0812 417 555
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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.
General Tips
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In the unfortunate event of a tourist becoming a victim of a crime please report the matter to the Namibian Police. Perpetrators must be punished to discourage their activities.
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If your safety is threatened in any way please do not hesitate to call our 24-hour City Police for assistance. Telephone 290 2239 0r 290 2018. Our Crime Prevention Officers will assist you with understanding and compassion.
Safe sex
The spreading of HIV-AIDS should be a concern for everyone visiting Windhoek. The use of the necessary precautions to prevent the spreading of the virus is recommended. Condoms are freely available from clinics.
Water
Water is a very scarce commodity in the City of Windhoek. Please use it wisely.
ENJOY YOUR STAY IN THE HEART OF NAMIBIA
City of Windhoek
Windhoek Tourism Information Offices
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