WARDEN MESSAGE

Traveling or hiking in remote areas

July 30, 2009

Several incidents have occurred recently in the Windhoek area involving foreigners who were robbed while hiking on local trails.  The U.S. Embassy has advised embassy personnel to avoid hiking in the Ludwigsdorf (east Windhoek) area and on the Aloe Trail, near Windhoek’s Botanical Garden.

American citizens resident in or visiting Namibia should exercise caution when traveling or hiking in remote areas.  Whenever possible, travel in groups of five or more adults when using isolated hiking trails, and always carry a mobile phone.  American citizens are urged to seek information regarding theft or violent crime in the areas you plan to visit. 

American citizens are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Namibia.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and health-information resources can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers in other areas by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The U.S. Embassy in Namibia is located at 14 Lossen Street, Ausspannplatz, Windhoek, telephone (264-61) 295-8500, fax (264-61) 295-8603.  For emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Namibia contact the Embassy’s consular section at (264-61) 295-8522, or via e-mail consularwindho@state.gov.  For after-hours emergencies dial (264-81)127-4384.