Safety in Windhoek, Namibia What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?
People’s Opinions
I wouldn’t worry too much about violent crimes, but pick-pocketers are everywhere! There have been several attempts on us at the Wernhil Pick and Pay and surrounding areas. Make sure you’re holding your belongs in front of you.
Ministry Summary
Ministry Summary in Windhoek, Namibia Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?
People’s Opinions
We worked with HISA (Hope initiative in South Africa) it is located outside of town in an informal settlement. We worked in many area of ministry including but not limited to: teaching preschoolers, teaching older students English and math in the bridging the gap program, doing crafts with the kids, daily Bible lesson, daily morning assembly before school started, helping serve food in the food program, building a green house
Lodging
Lodging in Windhoek, Namibia Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.
People’s Opinions
Our team stayed in two rooms in a storage shed like building. They provided mattresses and sheets for us. Note that it will get very dusty and dirt will literally pile up in the room if you do not clean regularly. There was a clothes line and buckets to use for washing clothes. In this culture you have to ask for things they won’t just offer it out to you. So you may have to ask for the buckets and a fan for the room. Mosquitos and bugs are thing just FYI.
Our team stayed in two rooms in a storage shed like building. They provided mattresses and sheets for us. Note that it will get very dusty and dirt will literally pile up in the room if you do not clean regularly. There was a clothes line and buckets to use for washing clothes. In this culture you have to ask for things they won’t just offer it out to you. So you may have to ask for the buckets and a fan for the room. Mosquitos and bugs are thing just FYI.
My husband and I stayed at the Butterfly B&B for our weekend away. It was $50 usd a night and the room was great and so was breakfast. We recommend it to married couples needing a place to get away. We got a ride from Moses who stays at the center. Within walking distance is a Spar, the Nice restaurant, and a craft market.
We stayed at both the Cardboard Box and Backpackers Unite. The Wifi is significantly better at the Cardboard box, but we were only able to camp. At Backpackers Unite we worked out a deal to stay for $100 Namibian per person in a private room as a team. On the whole, Backpackers Unite is a nicer hostel. It is freezing at night in June, so this worked out really well. In order to afford the room we put all of our transportation budget towards its use and walked everywhere. I would walk 2+ hours a day to and from the skatepark where I did ministry for the month.
Food / Meals
Food / Meals in Windhoek, Namibia What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).
People’s Opinions
We got a ride from someone from the ministry once a week to the Pick n Pay or Checkers. We had cupboards to put our stuff I. And the ministry has a frig and a gas stove that we could use. They do use this kitchen to make food for the kids during the day so we made our food around their schedule. Important note, if the spiciest is On outside no other faucets will work.
Transportation
Transportation in Windhoek, Namibia What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.
People’s Opinions
We stayed at Backpackers Unite. From the hostel we walked to Wernhil mall for all of our food. A trip to Maerua by taxi is between $10-$15 Namibian. A trip to grove mall is $20 Namibian.
Medical
Medical in Windhoek, Namibia Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).
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Communication
Communication in Windhoek, Namibia Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
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Financial
Financial in Windhoek, Namibia Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.
People’s Opinions
Namibian dollars are equivalent to South African Rand. Before we left Namibia we were able to exchange all of our money for Rand at the Windhoek Bank in the Wernhil mall for free.
Translators
Translators in Windhoek, Namibia List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken
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Off Days / Fun Activities
Off Days / Fun Activities in Windhoek, Namibia What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?
People’s Opinions
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Other Important Contacts
Other Important Contacts in Windhoek, Namibia Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions
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Tips
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Additional Info
Additional Info in Windhoek, Namibia Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?
People’s Opinions
I really enjoyed “All Nations Church”. It hosts the only skate park in Namibia. We hung around here quite a bit. The pastor is awesome!