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Exercise normal safety precautions.  

Namibia (PDF 756.88 KB)

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Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services.

Call 112 from a mobile.

Call 61 211 111 from a landline.

Medical emergencies

Go to the nearest hospital.

Visit the nearest police station or a Tourist Protection Unit.

• Windhoek Main Police Station, phone: 61 209 4345
• Swakopmund, phone: 64 405 558

Advice levels

Exercise normal safety precautions  in Namibia.

• Petty crime is common, including in urban centres. This includes pickpocketing, bag-snatching and car break-ins. Don’t leave valuables in your car. Always keep vehicle doors locked and windows up, even when moving.
• Violent crime includes muggings and robberies. Tourists have been robbed after stopping for hitchhikers or to help people. Avoid walking alone in large towns, particularly at night. Don’t pick up strangers.
• Taxi drivers have robbed travellers. Don’t hail unmarked taxis on the street. Use taxis with the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association logo. Book taxis through your hotel or a taxi company.
• Credit card skimming occurs. Always keep your card in sight. Check your statements often for fraudulent transactions.
• Flooding may happen in the rainy season from November to April. Floods can block roads. Follow local advice.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Anyone over 9 months old and travelling from a country where yellow fever is widespread must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival. Get vaccinated before you travel.
• The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is high. Take precautions if you engage in high-risk activities.
• Malaria is common in northern Namibia. Consider taking anti-malarial medication if you’re travelling to this area. Other insect-borne diseases include leishmaniasis. Use insect repellent and ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. 
• Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. They include typhoid, hepatitis and meningitis. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food.
• Medical facilities are limited outside major urban centres. If you're seriously ill or injured, you'll need evacuation, probably to South Africa. Ensure your travel insurance covers this. Medical evacuation is expensive and hard to organise.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long prison sentences.
• Ask permission before taking photos. It's illegal to take photos of government and military sites.
• Trading endangered wildlife products like ivory and rhino horn is illegal.
• Trading diamonds and precious stones is illegal. Only buy from licensed shops.
• Same-sex relationships are legal in Namibia, but they aren't widely accepted.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• To enter Namibia, you don't need a visa if you're a tourist for up to 3 months. For other travel purposes, you'll need a visa in advance. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest high commission or consulate of Namibia for the latest details. 
• You'll need one blank page in your passport to enter Namibia. If travelling from Namibia to South Africa, you'll need an additional two blank pages.
• If you're travelling with children, you must carry a full birth certificate and in certain circumstances an affidavit.  Check the rules and requirements with the nearest  Namibian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate .
• Carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're coming from a country where there’s a risk of yellow fever. You’ll need it to enter Namibia.
• The official currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD). You can also use South African rand (ZAR). You can use credit cards in major centres. ATMs are available in cities, but not always in remote areas.
• Unexploded landmines are a danger in some parts of Namibia. These include parts of the East and West Kavango Regions and Zambezi Region in the north-east, and areas near the Angolan border. Follow the advice of local authorities. 

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what we can and can't do to help you overseas.
• Australia has a consulate in Namibia that provides limited consular and passport services.
• For full consular assistance, contact the  Australian High Commission in South Africa .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission’s social media accounts.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Petty crime.

Petty crime is common, and also occurs in urban centres. This can include:

• pickpocketing
• bag-snatching
• theft from motor vehicles

Mobile phones are particularly targeted by pickpockets. 

Criminals use distraction techniques, such as offering assistance, to steal money and valuables.

Car break-ins are common, especially in major urban centres such as:

Violent crime

Violent crime against foreigners includes  muggings and robberies . Windhoek and Swakopmund are hotspots. The use of diversion tactics to distract possible victims is common. 

Tourists have been robbed after stopping for hitchhikers or to help people.

Crime increases at night.

To protect yourself from crime:

• avoid walking alone in large towns, particularly at night
• keep car windows up and doors locked, even when moving
• don't leave valuables in your car
• don't pick up strangers
• be alert at ATMs and at fuel stations.

HIV/AIDS is common in Namibia. If you're a victim/survivor of violent crime, including  sexual assault , seek immediate medical assistance.

Taxi safety

Taxi drivers have robbed travellers.

Risks are highest with unmarked taxis and those hailed on the street.

Use taxis with the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association logo or organised through your hotel or a taxi company.

Don't hail unmarked taxis on the street.

Credit card fraud

Credit card skimming has been reported.

Don't let your credit card out of your sight.

Check your statements often for fraudulent payments.

Cyber Security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Civil unrest and political tension

Demonstrations and protests.

Public protests and demonstrations can turn violent.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• monitor the news for planned or possible unrest
• avoid affected areas
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Tours and adventure activities

Transport and tour operators don't always follow recommended safety or maintenance standards.

If you plan to do an  adventure activity :

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• check operators' credentials and safety equipment before booking
• use reputable, registered tour operators
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Climate and natural disasters

Flooding may occur in the rainy season from November to April.

Roads can become blocked.

To protect yourself if a  natural disaster  or  severe weather  occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• consider moving to higher ground
• keep in contact with friends and family
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many  thousands  of dollars up-front for medical care.

Some Namibian medical and emergency facilities don't recognise all travel insurance policies. Ask your insurer if their product is recognised in Namibia before you buy it.

Carry a copy of the policy and your insurer's emergency phone number.

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Namibia. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating: 

• what the medication is 
• your required dosage 
• that it's for personal use 

Health risks

The rate of  HIV/AIDS  infection in Namibia is high.

Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to a risk of infection.

Insect-borne diseases

If you're travelling from a country where yellow fever is widespread, you'll need a valid yellow fever certificate to enter Namibia. This does not apply to a child aged under 9 months. If you can't show proof of vaccination, authorities may not let you enter Namibia. You can't get vaccinated on arrival.

Malaria  is common in northern Namibia.

Other insect-borne diseases include:

• leishmaniasis

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other  infectious diseases  are common. These include:

• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water
• always check with local authorities before swimming in waters
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, seek medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Medical facilities are limited outside major urban centres.

Private hospitals in major urban centres are better equipped.

You'll need to pay cash before doctors and hospitals will treat you. Your insurer may be able to repay you later if you're covered.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to South Africa or another place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

If you're detained or arrested, Namibian authorities may not contact the Australian Government straight away.

Ask officials to call the Australian High Commission in South Africa, or the Australian Consulate in Windhoek.

Police resources are varied throughout Namibia.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long jail sentences.

• Carrying or using drugs

Other crimes

In Namibia, it's illegal to:

• take photos of government and military sites. Ask local officials if in doubt
• trade in endangered wildlife products such as ivory and rhino horn

Penalties are severe for illegal trading in diamonds and precious stones. Only buy diamonds and precious stones from licensed shops.

• Wildlife trade

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the  consular services  we can give if you're arrested or detained.

• Dual nationals

Local customs

Same-sex relationships are legal in Namibia, but not widely accepted. Public displays of affection may cause offence. Some sexual relations between men are criminalised, but generally not enforced. 

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Tourists can visit for up to 3 months without a visa.

For other situations, you'll need to get a visa in advance.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact a  consulate-general of Namibia  or  the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration  for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Make sure the correct visa and entry period is stamped in your passport, even if you're transiting.

Check your visa before leaving the immigration counter. 

You may be detained or fined if you don't follow visa or immigration requirements.

Border measures

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Namibia if you're arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs.

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Other formalities

To prevent the spread of  Ebola virus disease (EVD) , passengers travelling from EVD-affected countries are screened on arrival.

Travel via South Africa

If you're travelling through South Africa, you must meet South African entry and transit requirements.

• Travel advice for South Africa

Travel with children

If you're travelling with children you must carry:

• a full birth certificate that identifies their parents
• an affidavit from any absent parents giving consent for the child to travel ( unless both parents are accompanying the child )

The affidavit must be less than 3 months old and include:

• the signatures of both parents
• full names, addresses, phone numbers and passport details of the child and both parents (as listed on the birth certificate)
• travel destinations of the parent and children
• a certified copy of any absent parent's passport.

If you don't have valid documents, authorities may deport you or stop you boarding your flight.

Check your documents meet these requirements with the nearest  Namibian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate .

To enter Namibia, you'll need one blank page in your passport. If you're travelling from Namibia to South Africa, you'll need another two blank pages.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

LGBTI travellers  

The official currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD).

You can also use South African rand (ZAR).

Declare amounts more than NAD50,000 when you arrive and leave Namibia. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

In major centres, credit cards are accepted and ATMs are available. This may not be the case in remote areas. Ask your bank if your ATM card will work in Namibia.

Local travel

Unexploded landmines and remnants of war are a danger in: 

• East and West Kavango
• the Zambezi regions of north-eastern Namibia
• areas bordering Angola

Use main routes in these regions.

Driving permit

To drive in Namibia, you need  a valid Australian driver's licence

Though not mandatory you may be requested to show a valid International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must obtain your IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

Driving can be dangerous in Namibia.

Hazards include:

• poor local driving practices
• poor street lighting
• poorly maintained vehicles
• pedestrians, wild animals and livestock on roads

Roads between main urban centres are good, but they're usually unsealed in rural areas.

Gravel and sandy roads, flash flooding and water-damaged roads are driving hazards.

Tourists have had accidents because they were driving too fast on unfamiliar roads.

Most vehicle insurance policies only cover accidents involving other vehicles or animals.

Check your insurance policy covers you for accidents on unsealed roads and single-vehicle accidents.

To reduce your risks while driving:

• check local traffic laws and practices
• be aware of animals and pedestrians on roads
• travel with sufficient fuel, water and emergency provisions in desert areas
• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Use registered taxis, preferably arranged through your hotel.

To protect yourself if you need to take a taxi:

• avoid hailing taxis on the street
• don't share taxis with strangers
• always sit in the back seat

Public transport

Avoid public transport where possible.

Vehicles are often poorly maintained.

Local buses don't follow permanent routes.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Namibia's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in Namibia. It provides limited consular and passport services.

You can also get full consular and passport help from the Australian High Commission in South Africa.

Australian Consulate, Windhoek

56 Chalcedoon Street PO Box 86491, Eros Windhoek, Namibia Phone: (+264) 61 300 194 Mobile: (+264) 81 283 4629 Email:  [email protected]

Australian High Commission, Pretoria

292 Orient Street Pretoria Republic of South Africa Phone: +27 0 12 423 6000 Fax: +27 0 12 342 8442 Email:  [email protected] Website:  southafrica.embassy.gov.au Facebook:  Australian High Commission in South Africa Twitter:  @AuHCSouthAfrica

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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In-Depth Namibia Travel Guide: What’s it Like to Travel in Namibia?

My road trip around Namibia is the best travel experience I’ve ever had.

Hands down.

I can’t even find the words to describe how fantastic my time in the country was. Namibia has everything. It’s easy to explore independently, it’s safe, it’s beautiful, the locals are lovely, the landscapes are diverse, the wildlife is exciting, and there are so. few. tourists.

I’ve got a dozen posts planned about my time in this amazing country, so brace yourself for an onslaught of information! By the end of the month, you’ll have everything you need to book a trip to this kickass country. And hopefully you’ll decide to do exactly that.

This is what it’s like to travel in Namibia.

Where is Namibia?

Let’s start off with a little bit of context. Where even is Namibia?

Namibia is a Southern African country on the west coast of the continent. It’s located above South Africa , below Angola, and to the west of Botswana.

Interestingly, Namibia is where you’ll find the world’s only quadripoint, which is defined as the place where the corners of four different countries meet. Yes, in the far north-eastern reaches of this country, Namibia nestles up against Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. There are over 150 tripoints in the world, but only one quadripoint, making this a very special place on the planet.

Unfortunately, it’s in a part of the country that few tourists choose to visit, at the eastern end of the Caprivi Strip, which is isolated from many of the main tourist activities. Somewhere that’s much easier to visit, however, is the Tropic of Capricorn! Most visitors end up driving past the iconic Tropic of Capricorn sign while driving around Namibia, and fortunately, it’s marked on Google Maps, so you won’t have to worry about missing it.

Namibia is the Perfect Introduction to Africa Travel

If you’re dreaming of travelling in Africa but have no idea where to go first, head to Namibia. It’s one of the safest and least intimidating countries I’ve travelled through.

One of my aims with my recent Africa travels has been to prove you can easily travel around much of the continent independently. So many people opt to jump on overland truck tours in this part of the world, but what I’ve found so far is that it’s really not necessary. And in Namibia you definitely don’t need to join a tour in order to visit.

With the exception of the bad roads, I found it no more difficult or dangerous to travel in than the U.S., Europe, or Australia. And when you’re traveling independently, you’re in control of your schedule and where you stay and what you do.

On top of that, the official language of Namibia is English, which makes independent travel even easier. You can ask questions, you can get directions, you don’t have to mime all the time… it’s all so easy .

Namibia also felt like the safest country in Africa I’ve been to so far. Outside of Windhoek, you really don’t need to worry about much at all. The locals are friendly and welcoming, theft is rare, and your only real concern will be how many flat tyres you’ll end up with on the seemingly-endless gravel roads.

Not only is Namibia safe and easy to travel through, but it also has just as much to offer as other countries in Africa. Head to Etosha National Park and you’ll get to drive alongside elephants, giraffes, lions, black rhinos, and more. You can hit up the Namibian desert for sand dune climbing at sunrise. There are beaches and coastlines full of shipwrecks to explore. The darkest skies in the world are in Namibia, so the Milky Way is always shining brightly above your head at night. Oh, and there’s a ghost town in the middle of the desert. Badass.

In other words: Namibia is the best!

Not Many People Will Know Where You’re Going

I couldn’t believe it: after six years of travel, Namibia was the first country nobody seemed able to locate on a map. In my digital nomad community here in Portugal — so, y’know, people who have travelled full-time for many years — a surprisingly number of people had never even heard of Namibia.

I get it: it’s a country that isn’t often spoken about outside of travel blogging circles, but it was still surprising to be met with blank faces when I spoke about where I was visiting next.

The bonus of this? Hardly anybody decides to visit the country, so there are hardly any tourists around!

It’s Ridiculously Sparsely Populated

Namibia is the second-least-densely populated country in the world, with an average of just five people for every square mile. And it’s easy to see why: desert takes up the bulk of the country and so outside of its short rainy season, it’s a very arid place.

This was one of my favourite aspects of travelling around Namibia, though: you could drive for four hours straight and not see a single human, car, or building over that time. As an introvert with a love of wide, open spaces, I couldn’t get enough of the isolation.

Planning Where to Stay Is… Interesting

Because the country is so sparsely populated, the majority of places you’ll stay at will be lodges that feel as though they’re in the middle of nowhere. Because they kind of are.

There aren’t many major towns and cities in the country — and honestly, the best parts of Namibia are outside of them — so that makes finding accommodation tricky. The best places to stay at are often hours from the nearest signs of civilisation and miles down a tiny gravel path.

I found booking.com  best for finding places to stay. First, decide on which major destinations you want to hit in Namibia. For us, this was: Windhoek – Etosha National Park – Swakopmund – Sesriem – Luderitz – Windhoek. Most of these destinations are so far from each other that you’ll have to break up the drive into two days.

Next, on Booking, search for all hotels in Namibia, and once you’re on the search page, click on view on map. Once you’ve got a map view of every hotel listing in Namibia, zoom in on the route you’re planning to take and see which lodges pop up close to the midpoint between two distances. We did this for almost everywhere we stayed in Namibia and found some incredible lodges as a result. In fact, some of the highlights from my time in the country were getting to stay outside of the main tourist trail.

And if you can’t find anything suitable or affordable on the drive, just googling “where to stay between Swakopmund and Sesriem”, for example, will bring up a ton of forum threads with recommendations from other people. Not everywhere is listed online, so there were a few places we had to book through email.

Frustratingly, It’s Tough to Visit on a Budget

In Namibia you have two options: expensive or camping.

I’m all about that budget travel life, but in Namibia I had to give up my aim of spending $50 a night on accommodation and quadruple it for much of our trip. Yep, almost every lodge we stayed at in Namibia was well over $100 a night, and we were nearly always booking the cheapest option we could find. And we were visiting in low season, where accommodation prices are around half what they’d be in high season!

Unfortunately, if you want to save as much money as possible on your trip, your only real option in Namibia is to camp. Most lodges will offer a camping option for around $30 a night, so if you’ve got your own gear, this is an easy way to save money on accommodation.

The only exceptions to the crazy prices are the cities: Windhoek has cheaper options  ($50 a night), and so did Swakopmund  ($40 a night) and Luderitz  ($50 a night).

Everything else wasn’t too bad when it came to price. Our rental car — a Toyota Corolla — had us up for $30-a-day, which is pretty standard for most countries around the world. Activities and entrance fees (around $6) were also affordable. Food could get a little pricey at the camps and lodges, which made sense because they were so isolated, but nothing was over-the-top extreme. We’d usually pay around $10-15 for dinner each night.

But the Lodges are Amazing

Some of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in are in Namibia. And while you’ll pay a lot for them, they’re worth every penny.

At Ovita Wildlife Restcamp , we fell asleep listening to hippos in the lake outside our room. At Vingerklip Lodge  (pictured above), we ate dinner on a towering cliff top, looking over Namibia’s version of Monument Valley. At Sesriem Desert Camp  (pictured above Vingerklip Lodge), we slept in luxury tents in the desert with wild oryx roaming outside.

I loved every single place we stayed in in Namibia, and even though they were ridiculously expensive, it felt as though we were still receiving fantastic value for money.

You Will Need Your Own Transport

Public transport doesn’t really exist in Namibia, so if you’re not going to take a tour, you’ll most likely need to hire a car. As for what type of car, it depends a lot on the time of year you’ll be visiting and how confident you are on gravel roads.

My Kiwi boyfriend grew up racing falling-apart cars on gravel roads in New Zealand, so he had the driving skills of a Namibian and we were happy opting for a tiny Toyota Corolla to make the trip for us. Guesthouse owners were always shocked to see us rocking up in it, but honestly, we had next to no problems with it. If you’ve got the cash, opting for a two wheel drive with higher ground clearance would be a smart idea, as part of the bottom of our car fell off on our second day of driving, thanks to all the rocks that had been flicked up into the undercarriage.

People advise to go with a 4×4, and especially if you’ll be visiting in the rainy season, but we decided against it for several reasons. First, it’s over double the price for a 4×4 (around $100 a day), second, being so high up makes the car easier to roll, and third, um, did I mention it’s expensive?

If you can’t drive? You won’t be able to visit Namibia without taking a tour or hiring a driver. You could take a bus between major destinations, but I believe you’d miss out on a lot of the wonderful lodges that make travelling in Namibia so wonderful. There are also reports of travellers rocking up in a hostel, getting together with a group of travellers, and car-sharing their way around the country, so this could be an option if you’re willing to take the risk of potentially finding nobody to travel with.

The Roads are So Bad

We drove 4000 kilometers in Namibia and probably only several hundred of them were sealed.

Yes, in Namibia, get used to urging your car over gravel, sand, rocks, and more. Because of this, travel days are long and bumpy — we rarely drove for less than six hours each day, and even listening to podcasts was a struggle over the crunching noises of driving over gravel while rocks pinged into our car

Get Yourself a SIM Card, But Expect to Rarely Use It

Getting connected is tough in Namibia, so if you work online like I do, resolve to spend most of your time on vacation.

Wi-Fi was sometimes around, was always slow, and often expensive. It’s worth getting a SIM card, though, as although we rarely got more than an EDGE signal, leaving our phones on while we were driving around usually meant we’d pick up a signal here and there to download emails.

We picked up a SIM card at Windhoek Airport upon arrival and it was super simple to do. The SIM card costs 50 US cents and 1 GB of data is a whopping $2.50. Too Many Adapters has a comprehensive guide for buying a SIM card in Namibia  if you need any extra information. When it’s that cheap, there’s no reason not to get one.

You’ll Get to Try Some Interesting Game Meat

One of my favourite aspects of eating in Namibia was getting to try so many of the delicious game meats on offer. The biggest surprise was warthog, which was delicious, but I also loved kudu, impala, oryx, zebra, and more. Most of the lodges will have some kind of unusual game meat on offer each evening, so it’ll be easy to access and you’ll soon grow used to it.

If you’re vegetarian, you’ll most likely struggle to eat super well in Namibia. Everything was very meat based at the lodges although bizarrely, Greek salads were available in basically every single restaurant, so you won’t have to go hungry. Just prepare yourself for a hell of a lot of feta cheese!

Namibia Has the Best Road Signs Ever

One of the highlights from our time in Namibia was the kickass road signs we came across while driving. The giraffe one above was one of my favourites. In addition to that, we saw signs for zebras, elephants, warthogs, and more. And even better: we actually saw some of those animals wandering around in the wild! There’s nothing quite like seeing a desert-adapted giraffe wandering through the sand.

The Bradt Namibia Guide is Invaluable

If you’re planning a trip to Namibia, you need this guidebook .

Not only was it essential for planning our trip, but we used it on an hourly basis while we were in country. When it comes to Africa, Bradt guidebooks are king, so don’t even consider picking up a Lonely Planet for this part of the world; almost all of them have terrible reviews as well as outdated and too-condensed information.

Because you’ll be unlikely to have data coverage while you’re driving, and sometime even in lodges, the guidebook made our trip so much less stressful. When we wanted to figure out which animal we’d just spotted by the side of the road, the wildlife section had a photo to help us out; when we decided to stop for a lunch break in a tiny village, we could look up if there was anywhere to eat, and if so, which place was best; when we were planning our driving for the day, we could look up route recommendations and find out which attractions we might want to stop at along the way.

I don’t often recommend using guidebooks (I think I’ve only done it twice before!) because I believe you can get a lot of the information online for free, but in Namibia, this guidebook definitely helps. We struggled to find detailed information about the country both before we arrived and while we were there, so our Bradt book was 100% invaluable.

Two Weeks is the Perfect Amount of Time to Spend in the Country

I spent just under two weeks in Namibia, and feel as though I saw almost all of the highlights. If I’d had three weeks, I would have spent time at Fish River Canyon in the south, a few extra days in Damaraland, and some time exploring the Caprivi Strip in the northeast .  Still, I feel as though two weeks is a good amount of time to dedicate to the country, which is refreshing as most places I visit have me feeling as though I need to explore for a minimum of three months just to start scratching at the surface.

I wanted to share my two-week itinerary here, because I feel as though I got it pretty close to perfect.

Day 1: Landed in Windhoek, picked up our rental car, and drove straight to peaceful  Ovita Wildlife Restcamp . You can read about my first day in Namibia in my article, The Perfect First Day in Namibia . Day 2: Time for wildlife! We drove north to Etosha National Park and stayed within the park at Halali . We spent the afternoon sitting at the camp’s waterhole to see if any animals emerged. You can read about my experience in Etosha National Park in the dry season: Desperately Seeking Elephants at Etosha National Park . Day 3:  For our first full day at Etosha, we drove around the eastern region of the park for almost 12 hours. We saw dozens of giraffes, zebras, and a rare black rhino, then spent the night back at Halali. It was magical. Day 4:  On day four, we opted to drive around the central parts of Etosha for the entirety of daylight hours, then switched up our accommodation to spend the night at Okaukuejo . Day 5:  For our final morning in Etosha, we decided to explore the western region of the park, then at lunchtime, drove to beautiful Vingerklip Lodge to spend the night. You can read about how incredible Vingerklip was in my article, Finding Paradise in Vingerklip: Africa’s Monument Valley . Day 6:  Day 6 brought a long drive to Swakopmund, where we spent much of the day on terrible roads. Still, getting to drive part of the Skeleton Coast was amazing, and we even got to see a shipwreck stranded off the coast. We spent the night in an Airbnb apartment. Day 7:  For day 7, we took a day trip out to nearby to Walvis Bay to see its seal colony, which is one of the largest in the world. You can read about this wonderful experience in the article, Seals, Swakopmund, and the Skeleton Coast . Again, we spent the night in our Airbnb apartment. Day 8:  We spent this day relaxing and exploring Swakopmund. You could use this day to get your adventure on if you wanted, as Swakopmund is the adventure capital of the world. You could try your hand at quad biking on the nearby sand dunes , for example. Once more, we spent the night in an Airbnb apartment. Day 9:  The following day, we drove to Sesriem and spent our afternoon climbing Dune 45. I highly recommend doing this, as we practically had the entire park all to ourselves. We slept at Sesriem Desert Camp , which was magnificent. Day 10:  We got up at sunrise to enter the park, climb Big Daddy sand dune, and explore Deadvlei. This day was spectacular and you can read about the experience in the article, Climbing Big Daddy: An African Travel Highlight . That afternoon, we drove south to Betta Camp to spend the night. Day 11:  The following morning, we drove down to Luderitz. We spent the afternoon exploring this adorable town and spotting pelicans as we drove around the areas just outside of Luderitz. It was a fairly relaxed day after all of the movement, and we spent the night at Kairos B&B . Day 12:  We saved the best for last, because for day 12, we drove to Kolmanskop at sunrise and and had the entire place to ourselves. Kolmanskop is an old mining town that has since been abandoned and is now being taken over by the desert. It was incredible and we spent a full three hours taking photos. I wrote about it in-depth in the article, Exploring Kolmanskop: Namibia’s Ghost Town in the Desert . In the afternoon, we drove to Maltahohe Hotel  to break up the long journey back to Windhoek. Day 13: Final day! Sad face. We spent this day driving from Maltahohe to Windhoek and left Namibia in awe of how much the country has to offer.

This was one of the best trips of my life and I highly recommend putting together a similar itinerary if you’re planning a trip to Namibia.

Yeah, You Should Definitely Get a Zoom Lens

The biggest regret of my trip? Not splashing out on a zoom lens for my camera and then getting uniformly awful photos in Etosha.

I ventured into Namibia with my Sony 28-70mm  lens and while it was absolutely fantastic for landscape photos, it was nowhere near good enough for the wildlife. Had my boyfriend not packed his 80-300mm lens, I would have had close to zero photos of any animals. Because we were in Namibia in the rainy season (more on that below), the animals at Etosha were hiding in dense grass and hard to spot, so it was rare for us to get up close to them.

If you’re going to Namibia and will be hitting up Etosha while you’re there, make sure you’ve got a decent zoom lens for the trip.

Get Yourself Some Excellent Travel Insurance

You know I’ll always yell at you if you’re dumb enough to skip out on travel insurance , but in Namibia, it’s an essential.

Why? Because Namibia has the highest car-accident death rate in the world, with 45 people killed on the road for every 100,000 citizens. On top of that, malaria hangs out in the northern parts of the country, and there are several other awful-sounding tropical diseases you definitely don’t want to contract. 

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Namibia. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re way cheaper than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

On top of standard travel insurance, you’ll also want to make sure you get some of the best car insurance money can buy. Most tourists get a flat tyre in Namibia at some point at a minimum (we got one roughly an hour from the airport on our final day) and replacing them/repairing the rental car can be pricey. We rented our car through  rentalcars.com , bought their insurance, and they refunded us for all of our car disaster expenses in Namibia.

You’ll Never Have Seen This Many Stars Before

Namibia is home to some of the darkest skies in the world , and I couldn’t believe how magical the night sky was. With the exception of the cities we stayed in, we fell asleep every night with the Milky Way twinkling above our heads. And with the lack of light pollution in the country, you didn’t even need to wait for your eyes to adjust.

If you’re all about stars, this is one destination not to miss.

I Loved Visiting During the Low Season

Well, low-ish season. We hit up Namibia in March, which is typically the final month of the rainy season.

We experienced just one hour of rain and the rest of our trip was full of gloriously blue skies. There were fewer tourists, prices for accommodation were almost half what they’d be in high season, and the weather wasn’t bad at all. I highly recommend considering a shoulder-season visit because of this.

Surely there has to be a downside? Yep. We struggled to see anything at Etosha. There are thirty-odd waterholes inside the park and during the dry season, they usually look like this:

Well, over three whole days of 12-hour drives, Dave and I saw literally nothing at any of the waterholes. Our waterholes looked like this:

We didn’t even see a bird.

The problem is: during the rainy season, there’s no reason for the animals to go to the waterholes because there’s water everywhere. And being on the tail end of that meant that instead we had to drive around in search of animals in the bushes. We didn’t come up empty handed, though: while we didn’t see a single elephant, we managed to see three black rhinos (super rare) and countless giraffes (my favourite animal).

It was funny, though, to have seen so many spectacular photos of Etosha before arriving, then to end up spending 90% of our time driving from deserted waterhole to deserted waterhole.

Have I Convinced You to Visit Yet?

I’m not exaggerating when I say travelling in Namibia is one of the best experiences of my life, and I can’t wait to start sharing every incredible minute of my time there. Next up: a detailed itinerary guide followed by dozens of stories to convince you to add Namibia to your bucket list! :-)

Have you been to Namibia before? Would you like to visit?

Related Articles on Namibia 💰 The Cost of Travel in Namibia: My Detailed Budget Breakdown 🦛 The Perfect First Day in Namibia 🐘 Desperately Seeking Elephants in Etosha National Park 🏜 Finding Paradise in Vingerklip: Africa’s Monument Valley 🦭 Seals, Swakopmund, and the Skeleton Coast 🥾 Climbing Big Daddy: An African Travel Highlight 🏚 Exploring Kolmanskop: Namibia’s Ghost Town in the Desert

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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Exploring Kolmanskop: Namibia’s Ghost Town in the Desert

100 comments.

I have never heard a bad thing about Namibia, and though we haven’t hit Sub-Saharan Africa, it would definitely be atop our list – maybe alongside Botswana? And on top of all you’ve listed, I’ve also heard that they have some decent German beer there since it was a German colony for a while. Any truth to that rumor?

There was *amazing* beer in Namibia! I’ve heard Botswana is pretty expensive and really tough to visit independently, but it’s very high on my list nonetheless. I know you guys would definitely love Namibia though!

Windhoek Lager (best beer in Africa)

Have you convinced me? Actually you have, I would have never thought of visiting there but it looks super amazing and peaceful! It sort of reminds me of Arizona. It sounds like heaven compared to NYC where I am currently at!

-Rachel @ Backcountry Petite

Score! I actually commented several times to Dave that I felt as though we were driving through the U.S. Southwest a lot of the time.

Great post, Lauren! I love all your pictures – especially the one of the night sky and the doors with the sand. It looks SO different than the places I’ve visited in Africa (Uganda and Zanzibar) that I’m very intrigued.

I think you’d love Namibia, Ashley! It’s very different to the other African countries I’ve been to, as well — so arid and empty!

Wow your pictures are absolutely stunning! Namibia has been calling my name lately but as you said it’s so darn expensive. Hopefully one of these days I’ll save up enough to see it. Did you find the food expensive even at local restaurants?

The problem was there often wasn’t any local restaurants. You’ll stay at lodges where the nearest town is several hours away, so you usually have to eat where you’re staying. In Swakopmund and Luderitz, food was slightly cheaper at around $8-10 per meal.

Wow Namibia looks wonderful! Thanks for writing this complete guide. Good to know it is safe. x

It really is the perfect introduction to travel in Africa :-)

Yep! I’m convinced! All I knew of Namibia was the rockin’ sand dunes. But with all this extra awesomeness (aside from the lodging prices) sound right up my alley! What city do you fly into?

I’ve heard of Namibia before, I’m surprised so many others haven’t. It looks wonderful! You have 100% convinced me!

I was there in march and I loved it. I highly recommend it to every one. It’s very safe!

Best regards!

Glad to hear you enjoyed it as well, Rui! :-)

You have definitely convinced me to go to Namibia. I had never thought of it before, but I think I will have to look into a bit now. Look forward to reading more posts about your trip.

I’m so happy to hear that! It’s definitely worth the visit :-)

I enjoyed the read! Amazing photos. Thanks for the tips <3

Glad you enjoyed it, Nadia!

I’ve been to Namibia on honey moon in 1995. Afraid to go back and see it changed. Apart from the occasion, it has been the most fabulous trip I have made. Did you miss the Skeleton coast?

We saw a small part of it while we were driving down to Swakopmund. Managed to see one shipwreck on the beach, but didn’t have enough time to get anywhere else. I would be interested to know if it has changed — it didn’t feel like the type of place that was changing quickly, but that’s totally just me guessing!

Namibia was my first ever solo trip abroad (around 8 years ago) and it was incredible. Yes the driving days are long but it is definitely worth it. The landscapes and hiking are fantastic, like nowhere else I’ve been, and the wildlife is so diverse. Other than South Africa I don’t know what country you can see penguins at one end and all the traditional safari animals at the other end. Looking forward to reading more posts to relive my trip/see how it’s changed.

Totally agree with you, Laura! I was surprised by how diverse the landscapes and wildlife were, and how empty the country the feels.

Looks and sounds like a great trip. Thanks!

It was amazing :-)

Wow, it really looks amazing. Must have been an incredible experience visiting the country.

As I said, the best trip I’ve ever taken. I loved every second I spent in the country :-)

I have to say Namibia looks amazing – it’s never particularly been on my radar, but it definitely is now! Looking forward to more posts on your time there. :)

I’m so happy to hear that, Clazz! It’s one of the coolest countries I’ve ever been to.

And great for children too. The number of ‘cute’ animals identified for airlifting to a proposed zoo in our back garden was extensive! Animals are everywhere: on the beach, by the side of the road, wandering around your lodge or tent. The whole family loved every bit of the holiday.

Ooh, I can imagine! I was filled with childlike excitement over every animal I spotted in Namibia.

I haven’t been before but you have me just about convinced! I’ve heard that the oysters from Namibia are something else as well.

Yes! Oh my god, I had the best oysters of my LIFE in Namibia!

Yep, I’m convinced! Everything looked amazing! Where did you flew from and how much did it cost you?

I flew from Portugal for $250 return with TAAG.

To be honest, this is the first time I’ve heard of Namibia. Probably because I’m from the other side of the globe.. or maybe I need to travel more! Nevertheless, thank you for this post! Very inspiring!

Well, you’re definitely not alone! But hopefully it convinced you to try to make it there one day :-)

Awesome photography. Thank you for sharing these amazing pictures and your experience in Namibia. I can’t wait to visit.

This place looks so stunning. I am one of those who had never heard of Namibia…..glad you shared this post. Thanks!

Glad you enjoyed it, Alex!

Namibia is terrific. I have been there only once but I still remember its beauty…yes it does gives you a lot of pocket pinch but then it’s worth it.

100% worth it!

I’m really excited to delve into the rest of your blog posts about Namibia. I have to confess I knew nothing about it before you visited but it looks like such an incredible country. Loved this introduction into what it’s like the travel there.

Happy to hear you enjoyed the post! Namibia is so underrated!

Namibia has been on my bucket list since I first set foot in Africa, After seeing your images and reading your blog I need to get there! Perhaps it will be the destination booked when I visit Africa again rather than the Safaris I did in 2010 or the Gorilla trekking in Rwanda! Great post!

I highly recommend it! :-)

Good to know, where would you suggest other than sousevlei and kolmanscop?

Walvis Bay, Vingerklip, and Etosha!

Honestly I don’t think it’s that expensive in the grand scheme of things. Sure, it’s not backpacking on a tight budget, but the prices aren’t that bad compared to the rest of the world. And if you compare what you get for the money with what you’d pay in somewhere like Australia, it seems like you definitely got your moneys worth.

That’s true. I guess the only problem is that there isn’t a super easy way to visit on a budget without missing out on a ton of awesome stuff. Most countries around the world will have hostels in most destinations. In Namibia, there isn’t really that option if you want to get outside of the cities and towns. But I agree: if you usually spend this amount of money in other countries as you travel, you’d feel as though you got a lot for your money in Namibia.

If Namibia is ‘Africa for beginners’, as is often said, what a wonderful place to start. Stunning photos, especially the view from the Sesriem Desert Camp. It’s perfect.

Absolutely! It was so easy to visit, and probably my favourite country I’ve now been to in Africa.

Fantastic post about a country I don’t know a lot about. Do they have a dress code in Namibia at all? Do women have to cover up while travelling in the country?

Not really. I would cover up my shoulders sometimes, but usually wandered around in a t-shirt and shorts. Almost all of the tourists I saw in the country were wearing shorts and t-shirts.

Wow it does sound amazing, how many days was this trip? My hubby turns 60 in October, after much nagging he has chosen Namibia.

Great decision! We spent 12 days in the country. Ovita for 1 night – Etosha for three nights – Vingerklip for a night – Swakopmund for 3 nights – Betta Camp for 1 night – Sesriem for 1 night – Luderitz for 1 night – Maltahohe for 1 night – drive to Windhoek and out!

Dear Lauren I am a Namibian, who often enjoys reading visitor’s blogs about my beloved country. It is always interesting to see Namibia through the eyes of other’s…..your photos and posts have been great fun to read. Thanks for the free advertisement……..might I add, Namibia is quite clean, it helps to have a small population density. Nonetheless, we do take pride in keeping it clean, hope you noticed that! Enjoy your travels, hope you make your way back here for an extended journey and with many other wide-eyed visitors in tow! P.S. the dust gets to me too!!! Regards Indileni

Yes, I definitely noticed that! I’m so glad to hear you’ve been enjoying my posts — it’s been a fun country to write about :-)

Hi! Looks like it was a great trip to Namibia. In search of things about this country I found your article. I am interested to go this year there. Can you tell me if you took pills for malaria or vaccine for yellow fever. Thank you

I took malaria pills for my time in Etosha. No yellow fever vaccine — they don’t have it in Namibia.

Hi Lauren, I’m currently finding out as much as I can about Namibia from books and the net, which is where I stumbled on your blog, which I’ve got to say, is excellent. I’d really like to hire a car and go camping, probably with a roof top tent, and only in campsites. My main concern is waking up in the middle of the night, wandering out to go to the toilet and having a close encounter with wild animals. Any advice? Thanks, Tony

It’s not my area of expertise, as I didn’t camp when I was in Namibia, but I’d imagine that you’d be okay in campsites. The animals are very spread out across the country, so it was extremely rare to see them while we were staying anywhere.

Your pictures are so amazing that I want to cry. This is on my list of possibilities for next summer. Thanks for the information!

Ah, thank you! It was easy to take great photos of such a beautiful country :-)

Thanks for a great blog series on Namibia! Great information and very helpful. I’m planning on doing a big road trip in the fall of 2018 and am really looking forward to it!

Sweet! You’ll have an amazing time, Rand :-)

I would like to drive myself through Namibia as I like the independence. However, I know nothing about mechanics and shamefully I’ve never been able to change a flat tire (I’ve tried but I’ve never had the strength to get the bolts off.). So is a tour package the only way to go for me?

You could look into hiring a guide to drive you. That’ll be cheaper than a tour and then you won’t have to worry about tackling the bad roads yourself.

Greetings for Oranjemund,Namibia Lauren,

Thanks so much for highlighting our beautiful country, I see you made Luderitz. Next visit head down to the deep South , Oranjemund was a forbidden town since 1936 due to the vast diamond deposits and only opened to the public towards the end of 2017. We walk amongst the Gemsboks in our streets down here. On the way to the beach last night, I had to stop and shout out the window at all the wild springboks hogging the road. They did not even scatter, but rather stood there giving me the evil eye…. Anyhow, Next time if you make it down here, give us a shout! Thanks again.

Ooooh, I would love to go! Sounds amazing :-)

Awesome read! Namibia is really one of the those countries people don’t seem to know about unless they’ve travelled to Southern Africa, or actually come from the area, like myself. ;) Well, South Africa, but I spent a good few years in that amazing country. Atleast South Africa gives you an idea of where it is directly in the name!

The endless nothingness on the roads is amazing, especially when you drive for hours without seeing a soul.

The amount of wildlife is another incredible thing about Namibia, unfortunate time to travel there in March, whilst you got to experience Nam at its greenest (or there abouts), the animals had plenty of watering holes to choose from, which is a pain when you want to see them ;)

For travelling during the low season, guided tours really are worth it, as the guides all communicate with one another and give each other live information about animal sightings etc. They can be rather pricey though :/

For anyone making a short trip, Erindi Private Game Reserve is a good stop, especially during the low season, the park is one of the largest privately owned reserves, but it is also tiny compared to Etosha, with a lot of the animals you could see in Etosha, the guides are very informed and make a real effort to get you to the animals you want to see (and the tours aren’t too expensive), it’s probably the most worthwhile 1 or 2 nights stay for anyone looking into some wildlife during the low season.

Otherwise, October/November is probably the best time to visit Etosha.

So I think the real question is, when are you visiting again? ;)

Amazing! Thank you so much for sharing! I’d love to get back within the next couple of years — especially because I need to have a better Etosha experience!

Awesome pictures that reminds me of my journey to Namibia although it’s been almost 6 years meanwhile… would go there again any time.

I’ve also published some of my black & white pictures in a Blurb photo book.

Maybe that would be an option for you as well? :)

For all the would-be tourists out there: I am a Namibian and love my country with all my heart! The reasons for my addiction to Namibia`s wild open spaces, spectacular scenery and incredible wildlife are numerous, but the ones standing out for me is the silence (you hear yourself breathe), the fact that you can stop anywhere alongside the road for a cuppa or to pitch your tent without fear of any danger (be it human or nature) and above all….the solitude! Take your 4×4 for an excursion into Damaraland and the Kaokoveld and have your soul completely rejuvenated! The friendly and helpful locals are just the icing on the cake – Namibia for ever. Hope to host you guys soon in our beatyfull paradise – so peacefull, quiet and serene.

Thank you for this post, Lauren! My grandparents lived in Namibia and I was lucky enough to visit them when I was 16. We stayed for 2 months and did a little bit of traveling. Now, 20 years later, I’ve been dreaming of a trip to Namibia with my 14 & 15 yr old daughters and decided to do a little research to see if it was still as empty and beautiful as I remember… From your post it looks like it’s still the perfect place to visit and I’m looking forward to planning a visit next summer. Thanks again.

I just came back from South Africa and that has made me want to visit Namibia. Your blog has now convinced me, although it seems like the dry season is best for animals. What’s the best way to get to Namibia? Is it best to fly to Cape Town and then catch a flight to Windhoek?

Either that or via Angola with TAAG Angola Air — they have some seriously cheap flight deals from Lisbon.

So glad to have come across this overview…

I nabbed a cheap ticket to Cape Town for May of 2019 and am planning on a 3-week Namibia road trip as the focus of my visit.

Looking forward to digging into the accompanying posts soon!

You’re going to have the best trip ever, Chris! Namibia is one of my favourite countries in the world :-)

I recall learning about the Welwitschia plant of Namibia while in school. Recently, an opportunity to travel to Namibia came up and I actually might be able to visit this intriguing country. This post got me even more excited. And the photos are crazy beautiful. thank you!

Oh, wow! I hope you do get to visit, Misael! It’s such a beautiful country :-)

I’m a bit worried that we haven’t booked enough in between stops for our upcoming trip! I have only allowed one day to get from Walvis Bay to Sesriem and one day between all our other destinations. Hopefully our experience of travelling in the Australian outback will help us in Namibia – we have driven over 1,000 sand dunes in our Simpson Desert and tackled corrugated roads like the Gibb River in the Kimberley. We have hired a 4×4 and will be camping – my only fear is meeting a lion in the shower when we do a side trip to Rooiputs in Botswana. I might just use baby wipes for those 2 days!

I have just come across this blog – and just WOW! Namibia looks amazing and the thorough description and itinerary is superb. I’ve recently watched Romesh Ranganathan’s Misadventures where he went to Ethiopia which is another astounding yet non touristic place that people would not think of visiting. I have travelled around the majority of Morocco in a 4×4 over a month and that wasn’t enough time. I’ve travelled all around Australia and NZ over a year – in the outback, NT and WA which have some similarities in terms of plenty of driving and not seeing anyone else for miles and plenty of unsealed road. Both in Aus and Morocco we didn’t seem to have problems with flat tyres but we were deflating / inflating when appropriate. Crazy how you did the trip in a Toyota Corolla.

Sorry for waffling on, I get excited with planning new trips – especially when you say you only need 2 weeks! Anyway just a few questions if you still remember from your time there – How much did you roughly spend during the two weeks, excluding flights, travel insurance, vaccinations. Although these details would be handy to know. – What was the heat like, was it still cool (ish) after rainy season? And were there places to buy / stock up on bottled water or did you kind of need to ration to make it to the next lodge or gas station. – What was the price of gas roughly? – Apart from flat tyres, did you have any major problems or was there anything you were worried out before you went or whilst you were travelling through the country – malaria, insects, the heat etc?

Maybe I need to check out your travel anxiety course again and stop asking questions and just dive right in. It’s been almost a year since I got back from Aus, so I’m gagging to travel properly again but still anxious about Africa. Thank you!

Your website/blog is a true gift. I stumbled on it while planning my trip to hike Hadrians wall and went exploring to see if you had been to Namibia. BINGO. You have an itinerary and everything I need to know for both trips. I can’t tell you how excited and fortunate I feel to have found this site. Thank you!!!

Hi Lauren…We are starting our “Journey Down That Path” yearlong family trip around the world July 1st. Our first month we are renting a 4×4 and touring Namibia.. It’s been on my bucket list since I gave up an opportunity to do Peace Corps work there in the early 90s. We can’t wait to experience all these sites. Thanks for your inspiration!

Hi Lauren. We are travelling to Namibia for the first time in October. I’m just wondering about travel injections. We will be getting Typhoid, Hepatitis A and advised to take Malarone anti malaria tablets as we are visiting Etosha National Park and staying outside of it at El Dorado Guest Farm. Is it necessary to get the rabies vaccine? There are a lot of dogs at this farm. Maybe I’m just being over cautious. Any advice would be greatly appreciated for first timers. Itinerary is arrive in Windhoek, drive to El Dorado Guest Farm in the morning, spend two nights there and then head southwards. Many thanks

I wouldn’t bother with the rabies vaccine. It’s highly unlikely you’ll even be bitten by a dog, and I can’t imagine the owners would be keeping rabid dogs on their property, either! You can tell when a dog has rabies, so the owners wouldn’t just let them hang around their other animals and endanger them and themselves :-)

I don’t see how you would get bitten because I doubt anyone would allow wild dogs roam free on commercial property. You would be fine, don’t just overthink it.

Great tips! In retrospect, would you have splurged on a bigger car better suited for the roads, are was the struggle with the bad roads in your little car worth it? And did you get any flats or have other car troubles?

There are definite pros and cons for each option. If we’d had a bigger car, there’d have been a greater chance of it rolling on the bad roads, for example, and they can be much more expensive to rent while also using more fuel. We really didn’t have too many problems with our car, so would stick with what we drove. We had one flat tyre, right at the end of our trip (on the first bit of paved road we’d had in a fortnight, haha), but it was no big deal. A local actually pulled over within two minutes of us stopping and changed the tyre for us!

If you don’t have much experience on gravel roads, maybe go for the 4WD option, but we didn’t really have any major problems with our Corolla. And the rental cars are definitely well-equipped for any flats you might have, with a spare tyre and a jack.

It just looks like the most beautiful country in the world! I can see why you loved it so much. I bet they’re probably doing ok with COVID with their population all spread out!

I spent 4 months in this beautiful country; 25 years ago. I would highly recommend Waterberg plateau, you would struggle to find a more stunning place on the planet. I will never ever forget this country, I have travelled around the world and visited some fantastic countries, and I can say without a shadow of a doubt, Namibia is by far the country that I will never forget. The stars, the sunset and sunrise, the scenery and the tranquility are my cherished memories.

Namibia has been on my wishlist for several years. You don’t mention renting the jeeps with tents attached. Are you familiar with this option?

Greetings from Canada, perhaps i missed this ,but what would you pack? i see you in jeans in pictures, certainly I dont need safari attire? off to Namibia in September.

Nope, no need for safari attire; I just wore my normal clothes that I wear at home! Jeans and a t-shirt, shorts and a t-shirt, a hoodie in the evening, etc. Everybody else that I saw was just wearing typical clothes, too — very casual. There’s no need to try to camouflage yourself from the animals in Etosha as it’s usually a dusty plain so everything stands out against it!

Hi Lauren, Great article, thanks so much. I was wondering if you booked your hotels before you left for Namibia or just booked as you went during your trip. I’ll probably just follow your itinerary, but I wasn’t sure if I should book ahead. Planning to go in May or June. Thanks, Peter.

I booked in advance. I don’t think any of the places I stayed in were fully booked but I was there during the low season. If at all possible I would recommend booking in advance, though! In some parts of Namibia, the accommodation is spread so sparsely across the country that if you turned up somewhere and couldn’t get a room, you might have to drive for an hour or two to get to the nearest property!

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9 things to know before visiting Namibia

Oct 16, 2023 • 6 min read

Find out everything you need to know to start planning your trip to Namibia © Buena Vista Images / Getty Images

Vast and sparsely populated, Namibia is full of otherworldly desert landscapes and wildlife that has adapted to some of the harshest conditions on the planet.

Its well-maintained roads, good tourism infrastructure and magnificent desertscapes make the country a fine destination, whether for adventurers, families or anyone with an interest in the offbeat.

While touring around is generally relatively predictable and hassle-free, here are a few tips to consider when planning your travels.

1. Self-drive is one of the best ways to explore

Namibia has a handful of tarmac roads and an extensive network of mostly well-maintained gravel roads. These, combined with excellent camping facilities countrywide and the availability of fully equipped rental vehicles make self-drive itineraries straightforward to arrange. A lack of public transportation to many of the country’s most interesting areas also means self-drive is the most practical way to visit many places.

2. Budget for a 4WD with high clearance and allow plenty of time for your itinerary

When exploring, you’ll almost certainly have to leave the tarmac and it’s well worth budgeting extra for a 4WD rental with high clearance. While sedan-style vehicles will handle main routes, the extra traction and height offered by 4WD vehicles will make Namibia’s long distances and rough surfaces much more comfortable. The extra tire and windscreen coverage offered by most insurance companies (or a more economical alternative arranged before travel to cover the excess) is also well worth it.

Whatever type of vehicle you use, be sure to allow plenty of time. Namibia journeys invariably wind up taking longer than expected – if for no other reason than that you’ll want to stop frequently for photos. When calculating your routes, 80kph (50mph) is considered the maximum safe speed on gravel routes, with 50kph (30mph) or less more realistic in remote areas such as the northwest.

3. Drives are almost always traffic-free

…and actually free of pretty much everything. Namibia’s beauty is in its sparseness and sense of space, and you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy this. It’s common to drive for hours without seeing another vehicle: just you, the occasional oryx, and magnificent, open panoramas stretching in all directions to the horizon. Bring along extra water and food, and tank up on fuel whenever you get the opportunity. If you’re traveling with younger children, bring along snacks and amusements to keep them busy, and try to build in days with no or only minimal driving.

4. Most nationalities don’t need a tourist visa

Most nationalities don’t need a visa to enter Namibia for itineraries of less than 90 days. Instead, you’ll be given a free Visitor’s Entry Permit on arrival, with the validity tailored to your stated itinerary (so it’s best to request a few extra days at the outset if there’s a chance you will extend your travels). Check your passport to make sure it is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay and that it has sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

5. Landscapes may look empty and barren, but there is plenty of life

Etosha National Park is Namibia’s main wildlife-viewing destination, but creatures big and small are everywhere, from tiny beetles to desert-adapted elephants and rhinos. Namibia’s wild Atlantic shoreline is home to thousands of Cape fur seals and large flocks of flamingos, and colorful fields of lichen and ancient Welwitschia mirabilis plants dot the desert.

Learning about the adaptations that allow these plants and animals to thrive in such harsh environments is one of the most fascinating aspects of travel in Namibia. If you’re camping, rooftop tents – which can be arranged together with your vehicle rental – are ideal for raising you above the wildlife.

6. You will need to pack a jacket

Namibia boasts an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, with high temperatures, no matter the season. Expect daytime temperatures to reach 40°C (104°F) in the summer, and to hover around 25°C (77°F) during the winter. At night in highland areas, such as around Windhoek, temperatures frequently drop to freezing in the coldest months of June to August. At any time of year, a light jacket comes in handy for chilly early mornings and evenings.

The coast and the Namib desert are the driest areas of the country, and in some places, such as Skeleton Coast National Park, years can pass between rains. Instead, the cold Benguela current running up the coast brings dense, life-giving fog that rolls in many mornings, carrying precious water droplets to lichen and desert-dwelling creatures. The rainiest part of the country is the northeast, which is laced with waterways and receives an average of 50 to 60cm (20 to 23.5 inches) of rainfall per year, mostly falling between January and March.

7. Namibia is a healthy destination

Yellow fever vaccine is only required if you’ll be arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Check with the CDC or similar international health entities for the latest requirements. Tap water is safe to drink in Namibia’s major towns, although most visitors prefer buying purified water. Large 5L jugs are readily available for refilling water bottles. Malaria is only considered to be a risk when visiting the north and northeast regions of Namibia during the wet season from December to March . 

8. Stay vigilant of your belongings, especially when visiting cities

Namibia is a peaceful, stable country, but there are great income disparities. Stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your possessions, particularly when exploring Windhoek and other town centers where pickpockets may target foreign tourists. Beware of scams, such as someone trying to divert your attention while an accomplice snatches your bag or phone.

Keep your doors locked while driving in the city and don’t leave anything of value in the car when parking. When paying by credit card, keep your card in full view to avoid the risk of cloning. On city streets and in parking lots, it’s worth making use of the parking attendants who will offer to watch your vehicle. A tip of about N$10 is expected.

9. Ask your hotel to recommend reputable private taxi services

If you don’t have a rental car, shared taxis are a cheap and convenient way to get around in cities like Windhoek, Swakopmund , and Walvis Bay . To operate legally, they must have a government registration. But that doesn’t stop anyone with a car from driving a “pirate taxi” in search of a fare.

Rather than hailing a taxi on the street, ask your accommodation or tour operator to call one for you or to recommend a reputable company. While riding in a cab, never place your bag or other belongings on the seat next to an open window, to avoid someone reaching in and grabbing it at a stoplight.

This article was first published Sep 9, 2022 and updated Oct 16, 2023.

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Namibia Travel Guide

Your ultimate namibia travel guide, with tips, things to do, and best things to see in namibia. great for first-time and returning travelers..

Lions stalking Blue Wildebeest under the cover of sun-burnt savannah grasses. Desert elephants – smaller than most, and with unusually wide feet – adapted to the blowing sands of the Kalahari.

Termite mounds as tall as my house, and people that throw incomprehensible pops and clicks into their speech at seemingly random times . 

This Namibia travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

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Fast Facts about Namibia

• Namibia power voltage is 220V 50Hz;  Plug D & M
• The Namibian currency is the Namibian dollar and is around 13 NAD to 1 USD.
• Beware of Chikungunya , a viral disease transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. This outbreak continues to affect parts, Africa. Symptoms can take up to 12 days to appear but usually begin within 3-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms generally include fever and joint pain; other symptoms can include fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and rash.
• Travelers spending a lot of time outdoors or visiting game parks have an increased risk of being bitten by a tsetse fly which can cause African Sleeping Sickness. Remember that these flies: bite during the day, are attracted to bright, dark colors and can bite through lightweight clothing.
• Namibia banks, as well as Wilderness camps, only accept US Dollars, GBP Sterling, Euro and South African Rand in cash. Travelers’ Cheques in any of the above currencies are also acceptable. MasterCard and Visa are usually accepted throughout Namibia.
• The water is not potable ; drink only bottled water.

Things to See and Do in Namibia

• Namib-Naukluft National Park:  Come to the largest game park in Africa. Included are parts of the Namib, the world’s oldest desert, as well as the Naukluft mountains. 
• Spitzkoppe:  Climb these granite peaks in the Namib desert. Featuring paintings created by the Bushmen, see art from the past while climbing the rock formations.
• Volunteer to work with  Cheetahs and wildlife conservation.
• Windhoek’s Christ Church:  Step inside this historical German Lutheran Church in Windhoek. Constructed in 1907, it is the oldest Lutheran church in Namibia and is considered a symbol of the city.
• Etosha National Park:  See lions, zebras, giraffes, leopards, and more at this national park.One of the best places to see wildlife, you can also head to the salt pan in the middle of the park, which is the largest one in Africa. Camping is available in the park. 
• Fish River Canyon:  One of the most popular places in Namibia, Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa and the second largest in the world. Go camping, hike through the Fish River Hiking Trail (53 miles long in total), or just take in unparalleled views of the canyon.

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• Ultimate Guide to Kitesurfing Cape Town
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Accommodation

Budget:  You can find a variety of hostels and guest houses for 150-450 NAD per night. These come with free breakfast and Wi-Fi, simple private rooms or dorms, an outdoor pool, and close locations to nearby shops and restaurants. 

Mid-Range:  For mid-range, expect to pay around 600-750 NAD per night. These hotels come with private rooms, an outdoor pool, a casual hotel restaurant, free breakfast, and a lounge area. 

High-End:  For five-star hotels, you will pay around 3,500-13,000 NAD per night. Take in the best with private suites with flat-screen TVs and fireplaces, free breakfast, a hotel restaurant and bar, spa services, and activities like birdwatching.

Check out our favorite booking platforms  Booking.com , Tripadvisor and  Air B&B  for the best deals on accommodation in Ireland.

colonial period. Oshifima (millet paste) served with meat and vegetables is a popular meal. Other common meals include oshiwambo (beef, spinach, and maize meal), braaivleis (meat barbeque), and potjiekos (meat, chicken, and fish stew).

Head down to the coast to get fresh seafood or look for street vendors that sell kapana (spicy meat strips). There are more restaurants where you can sample more Namibian cuisine. In total, expect to pay around 100 NAD per day for food.

The Best Ways to Get Around Namibia

Getting to namibia:.

Flights:  There are 8 airports in Namibia, but the Hosea Kutako International Airport is the main airport to fly into and is 28 miles from the capital of Windhoek. You can check for the best flights to Namibia on  Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Buses:  Buses come in two main forms: the minibuses that go throughout towns or  long-distance buses that travel between cities and include meals. Reservations should be made at least 72 hours for long-distance buses. Travel from Windhoek to Oshakati in 10.5 hours for 450 NAD

Taxis:  Taxis are another way to get around. A typical taxi ride through the capital of Windhoek will cost about 12 NAD.  

Car Rental:  To rent a car, you generally need to be at least 25 years old and will need a U.S. driver’s license that has been valid for a year. Prices average at 1,070 NAD per day.

Uber:  There is no Uber, but there is the rideshare app Lefa, which operates similarly to Uber.

When to go To Namibia

The best time to visit Namibia is between July and October. During these months, temperatures are pleasant (high 60s/low 70s) and there is little rainfall, which makes it the best chance to see wildlife.

Where to Stay in Namibia

Avani Windhoek Hotel and Casino:   Centrally located with beautiful views of Windhoek with a Rooftop pool.

Hakusembe River Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia :  When in Rundu, stay at this great lodge. Relax in wood-furnished bungalows, sleep in canopied beds, dine at the riverside restaurant, swim in the outdoor pool, go fishing, take a champagne river cruise, or relax on the sun loungers. Kids 5 and under stay free. 

Protea Hotel by Marriott Walvis Bay :  Stay next to the Atlantic Ocean at this hotel. The Walvis Bay Train Station is just 7 minutes away on foot, which is perfect for those who want to explore more of the city. Or you can stay inside and enjoy free breakfast and Wi-Fi, a hot tub, golf, room service, and a hotel restaurant and bar.

Check out our favorite booking platforms  Booking.com , Tripadvisor and  VRBO  for the best deals on accommodation in Namibia.

What to Pack for Namibia

The climate is typically semi-desert with hot days and cool nights. Midsummer temperatures may rise to over 40 degrees Celsius.

Winter days are warm, but dawn temperatures may drop to freezing. The coast is cool with low rainfall and fog that prevails from late afternoon until mid-morning. The rainy season lasts from October to April.

The rest of the year is dry and cloudless. Rejoice, Namibia averages 300 days of sunshine a year! 

• Waterproof bag  – the bag has two functions, protecting your stuff from the rain and also from the dust, especially if you’re travelling to drier regions.
• Footwear  – especially important if going you are heading on a safari! Pack a pair of lightweight, durable, waterproof and comfortable shoes and also a pair of flip-flops or sandals that you can change into after a long day of sightseeing.
• Protection from the elements –  pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a loose sarong or wrap to cover yourself from the sun and bug-spray to prevent getting bitten by a mosquito (that might have malaria!)
• Layers  – pack the basic tropical clothes and make sure to include long pants, long-sleeve tops and some warm clothes for those chilly nights. Make sure to pack parka and scarf / gloves for winter
• Avoid packing dark colored clothes  – tsetse flies are drawn to dark colors, like blue and black clothing, and their bite can give you African Sleeping Sickness. Stick to light, neutral colors but avoid packing white clothes as they will get dirty and dusty pretty quickly.
• Pack for Humidity  – for humid weather it is best to pack fabrics that breathe as much as possible and natural fabrics, like cotton, linen or rayon (avoiding silk, wool and polyester). Clothing should be loose and comfortable to encourage the flow of air and allow moisture to evaporate.

See our packing tips:  packing list for smart travel  &  How to Pack for a Safari

Namibia Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Namibia Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Namibia  click here.

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More travel information for Namibia

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Namibia

• Eating and drinking in Namibia
• Getting around Namibia: Transportation Tips
• Going on safari
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Namibia
• How to get to Namibia
• Travel Health Namibia

Crime and personal safety

Namibia is an extremely safe country to travel around, even on your own, though petty crime is on the increase in Windhoek and some of the larger towns. That said, being street-savvy goes a long way towards avoiding problems: not wearing expensive jewellery or watches, not opening your bag or wallet to get cash out in a public place, and always making sure your car is locked, the windows are closed, and your belongings are out of sight when you stop in towns or at petrol stations. If you have to leave your car for a time, and there is no guarded, secure car park available, it pays to park in front of a shop or bank, where there will be a security guard whom you can ask (and tip on your return) to keep an eye on your vehicle. Remember, if you do get robbed, you will need a police report to complete an insurance claim once you get home.

Travelling with children

Volunteering, travel ideas for namibia, created by local experts.

Ultimate Self Drive in Namibia

Explore Namibia on this epic, 10-day self drive trip. Highlights include the Namib, an ancient desert with towering dunes, dramatic mountains and colonial architecture at the waterfront. Additionally, you will visit the Himba people, discover Etosha National Park and more.

Epic Gondwana Adventure: Deserts, Ocean and Wilderness

Experience the best Namibia has to offer with a trip across the country, from the Kalahari to the Namib, the coast to Damaraland, ending off with an unforgettable time in the wildlife-mecca that is Etosha National Park.

Wilderness Safaris by Flight

Take convenient flights to explore the country's remote deserts, luxury lodges, safari camps, and iconic sights, from Sossusvlei's immense dunes to the rugged landscapes of Damaraland and the remote beauty of Kaokoveld.

Culture and etiquette

Greetings are key to ensuring good social relations in Namibia, as in many parts of Africa. Before you ask a question or a favour, you should always make sure you greet the person and enquire after their health. If you can manage that in the relevant local language, then so much the better. Handshakes are the most common form of greeting, especially among men, and always with the right hand. Men will often use the three-part African handshake when greeting other men. Women are more likely to greet each other and men with words, though they may shake hands. If in a more traditional rural setting, a small nod, bow or curtsy may be given by the junior to acknowledge seniority.

Modest dress is also important, especially when visiting rural areas, which are generally dominated by Christian conservatism. In the extreme heat it may be tempting to strip off to the bare essentials, but notwithstanding the risk of sunburn, short, skimpy attire is fine for the beach but can give offence in villages. Generally, men wear long trousers and shirts and women wear something that covers their shoulders and knees.

While on the subject of village life, if offered something to drink or eat , you should always accept the offer. When eating with your hands, often the case in rural communities, you should eat with your right hand even if left-handed, as the left hand is considered unclean.

Photography is a thorny area, which has been badly handled by many tourists over a number of years, especially with regards to the Himba, Herero and the San, where taking photos tends to dominate interactions to a worrying extent. The crass behaviour of some tourists who snap away without permission of the individuals concerned and with minimal interaction with them has led to difficult relations between some Namibian communities and tourists. Some Himba and Herero women in particular are now demanding payment for having their photo taken. Always ask permission if you wish to take a photo, and only after you have spent time in meaningful interaction with the person or people concerned.

Electricity

Electricity is 220 volts in Namibia, and large three-pin round plugs are used, as in South Africa. You’re advised to bring an adaptor with you; for sale in Johannesburg airport and in Windhoek, but hard to come by elsewhere in Namibia.

Full insurance for flights, medical emergencies and personal possessions is highly recommended. Make sure it covers any adventure sports you might want to do. If you intend to rent a car, you might also consider taking out a standalone car rental excess insurance policy, since this can work out cheaper than the additional fees charged by car rental firms to reduce the excess payable in case of accident.

Finding somewhere to access the internet will seldom be a problem in Namibia, even in quite remote areas, though in many parts of the country connections are often slow and the service is unreliable. A few internet cafés exist in Windhoek and Swakopmund and many hotels and hostels across the country have a PC or two available for guest use. However, in most accommodation, as well as in shopping malls and cafés, wi-fi is a more common means of getting online. In lodges, wi-fi is usually confined to the main building, and – understandably – the signal strength is usually fairly weak.

For unlimited Wi-Fi on the go whilst travelling Namibia, buy a Skyroam Solis , which works in 130+ countries at one flat daily rate, paid for on a pay-as-you-go basis. You can connect up to five devices at once. Prices start from as little as €5 a day.

In Windhoek and the larger towns you’ll find launderettes and dry cleaners. In addition, most hotels, lodges and guesthouses offer a laundry service, though this is obviously more expensive.

LGBTI travellers

Sodomy rather than homosexuality is illegal in Namibia, though the Namibian government tends to interpret this as meaning that homosexuality is illegal. Moreover, its attitude towards LBGTI rights is generally one of intolerance. That said, LGBTI travellers can enjoy a hassle-free holiday in Namibia provided they are discreet about their sexuality. What’s more, there are two gay-owned and LBGTI-friendly tour companies in Namibia, as well as lodge owners who are happy to facilitate bookings. Contact New African Frontiers in Windhoek or JJ Tours in Kamanjab for advice.

A range of maps , updated every few years, is widely available in specialist map shops and online in Europe and the US. The bookshops in Windhoek and Swakopmund also stock a selection. The Namibian Tourist Board and most tour operators can supply you with the annually updated Roads Authority Map of Namibia , which also has details of many campgrounds, but is not very useful. Better quality, however, is the Reise Know-How map, which is easy to read, includes almost all lodges, guestfarms and registered campgrounds, community or private, as well as marking petrol stations. This map alone is adequate for most self-drive visitors. If you’re intending to go off the beaten track, on the other hand, then the downloadable Tracks4Africa GPS map – which only works for Garmin GPS – and their new paper map should be high on your shopping list. You can download in advance or purchase the software in Namibia at somewhere like Radio Electronic.

There is generally a high level of press freedom in Namibia, particularly in the print media. The country’s top newspaper , both in quality and circulation, is the mainly English-language (with some content in Oshiwambo) daily The Namibian . The New Era is the state-owned daily paper. Several other dailies exist, including ones in Afrikaans and German, as well as several weekly papers and monthly magazines. There are over twenty private and community-owned radio stations , as well as the ten channels in different languages operated by the government-owned Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). Many guesthouses, hotels and lodges pay for the DStv satellite package, which is based in South Africa, and predominantly offers a diet of South African and US channels.

The Namibian dollar (N$), often abbreviated to “Nam dollar” in common parlance, has been the official currency since 1993. Coins are produced for 5, 10 and 50 cents, and for 1, 5 and 10 Namibian dollars. Notes are available in denominations of N$10, 20, 50, 100 and 200. Until 2012, the notes exclusively featured Hendrik Witbooi. Then, in 2012, a series of more fraud-secure notes was introduced, featuring the post-independence president, Sam Nujoma, on the ten- and twenty-dollar bills.

To add to the currency confusion, prior to independence the South African Rand was the official currency, and since the Namibian dollar is still pegged to the Rand (1:1), it is still accepted as legal tender in the country. If you’re withdrawing money near the end of your trip, or travelling on elsewhere, it’s better to ask for South African Rands rather than Namibian dollars, as they’re easier to exchange in other countries.

It is relatively quick and painless to change money at a bank, except at the end of the month, when queues can be substantial. The main banks in Namibia are the South African Nedbank, Standard Bank and First National Bank (FNB), in addition to Namibia’s Bank Windhoek, which has 53 branches countrywide. Banking hours are usually Monday to Friday 8.30am–3.30pm, Saturday 8.30am–noon.

Credit and debit cards are widely used to pay for goods and services in Windhoek and the major towns, especially Visa and MasterCard. American Express is less readily accepted. Credit cards are also generally accepted for mid- and high-end accommodation payments. Nearly all petrol stations, however, only accept cash, though this is beginning to change. Thankfully, petrol stations often have an ATM on the premises.

ATMs , though also widespread in the more remote areas, are sometimes out of order or run out of cash, especially at the end of the month or before public holidays. The daily withdrawal limit is usually N$1500–2000. For larger sums you can withdraw cash against a credit card in a bank on presentation of your passport. In the more rural areas, you will need cash; make sure that you carry some of the smaller denominations. Travellers’ cheques are gradually being phased out, but can still be exchanged for cash at a bank.

Police emergency

Namibian tourist protection unit.

061 2092002

Since mobile phones are increasingly more popular than landlines – and indeed the only form of communication in many rural areas – you may want to bring your mobile phone and purchase a Namibian SIM card on arrival. These are available at the international airport and at various locations on Independence Avenue in Windhoek, and you can buy credit with pay-as-you-go cards. Old unlocked mobile phones work best if you just want phone, rather than internet, connectivity. If your phone is locked, you will need to pay a standard charge to have it unlocked, a process that usually takes 24 hours. The mobile provider with the greatest coverage is MTC; check the MTC website for the various packages on offer for smartphones. However, since in many remote areas there is no coverage at all, you might want to rent a satellite phone, which can be done at Be Local , or through your car-rental agency, with advance notice. Skype is also possible, though the slow wi-fi in many places can make it difficult.

To call Namibia from abroad , dial the international access code for the country you’re in, followed by the country code 264. Note that mobile phone numbers in Namibia are ten digits, beginning with 081.

Across the country, there are over 130 post offices , run by Nampost. Their smart, modern exteriors belie a somewhat less than efficient service: while fairly reliable for non-valuable objects, the system is fairly slow. Hours are generally Monday to Friday 8am–4.30pm, Saturday 8am–noon. Both Fedex and DHL have offices in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Lüderitz.

Shopping for most visitors to Namibia revolves around crafts and curios . The main area of production is in the north, so if you are travelling to the Kunene, Kavango and Zambezi regions you might want to wait until then to buy, especially since more of the money is likely to go to the artisan. Note that a number of shops sell crafts imported from South Africa and elsewhere; the ubiquitous Namcrafts, for example, which has several outlets in the capital, has “Namcraft” labels on all its products, though they are not necessarily from Namibia. So if the origin is important to you, make sure you make thorough enquiries before making a purchase.

There is no shortage of places to look for crafts, both in the street, where you can bargain, and in shops, where you can’t. The main craft shops are to be found in Windhoek and Swakopmund and there are two large craft markets in Okahandja. The selections, however, are often quite samey: soapstone figures and wooden carvings, particularly of animals; jewellery made from seeds, beads and shell; and batik cloth and cushion covers, again with animal designs aplenty. Namibia is also renowned for its semi-precious stones and crystals but you’ll not find many bargains. Still, the Kristall Galerie in Swakopmund is a good places to garner information, or, if you want to make sure the money is benefiting the local community, try one of the Spitzkoppe roadside stalls, selling uncut gemstones.

Namibia is normally GMT+2hr, but from the first Sunday in April to the first Sunday in September Namibia is GMT+1, known as Daylight Saving Time (DST).

Tipping is always a tricky issue, and the best advice is to ask locally. There is no culture of automatic tipping in restaurants , although for formal establishments 10 percent of the total bill is the norm if the service is decent. For porters at airports or hotels expect to pay N$5 per bag. Similarly, N$5–10 would suffice for the petrol pump attendant who fills your vehicle if they clean your windows, check oil, tyres etc, and for anyone you ask to watch over your car for a few hours while you’re parked in town.

If staying in a lodge for several days, only tip at the end – seek advice once there about what constitutes a fair tip; it will depend to an extent on whether the camp/lodge is budget or high-end and how many people are attached to one guide. Generally, it should not be more than US$10/day per person in a small group. Enquire also about whether there are communal tip boxes for the behind-the-scenes staff, many of whom get paid far less than the more high-profile guide. Many lodges pay very low wages and presume that tips will make up the shortfall. The only way to exert pressure and change this kind of behaviour is to complain to the management and/or give feedback online. That said, many tourists want to tip their guide if they have been particularly helpful and informative.

Bear in mind also that overtipping is not helpful: it sets a precedent that other travellers may not be able to live up to; it can create professional jealousy among workers; and it can upset the micro-economy, especially in poor, rural communities.

Tourist information

At the time of writing, the Windhoek tourist office was operating out of a portacabin on Independence Avenue, in Windhoek, but was due to relocate to new premises in the new Freedom Plaza. It can provide you with basic information about Windhoek and tourist maps for other parts of the country. The national tourist board also operates a moderately useful website, though it is not the easiest site to navigate. In other towns, tourist information is provided privately, often by tour operators. Many hostels and guesthouses can help with information and make bookings too.

Travellers with disabilities

Travellers with visual, hearing or mobility impairment , including wheelchair users, and “senior travellers”, are well catered for by Endeavour Safaris , a company based in Botswana, offering a range of safaris in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. UK company 2 by 2 Holidays specializes in holidays for wheelchair users and offers a wide variety of safaris to Namibia, ranging from 7 to 16 nights. Independent wheelchair travellers should note that many hotels and lodges, including NWR properties in the national parks, have wheelchair-adapted rooms and bathrooms. A list of wheelchair-accessible accommodation in Namibia’s major towns can be found on the website of Disabled Holidays , which also offers a Namibia holiday package.

Travelling with children is fairly easy in Namibia provided they are able to cope with many hours of travel between sights. Many lodgings offer discounts for children under 12, usually giving a 50 percent reduction for youngsters aged 6–12, with children under 6 staying free. Some of the smaller, more exclusive lodges that build their reputation on offering peace and tranquillity do not accept children under 12. Restaurants often have kids’ menus. When it comes to activities , there’s plenty to entertain kids, especially on the coast, from kayaking to sand-boarding. Children under a certain age (or height, when it comes to ballooning) are often discouraged from participating in some activities, but with parental consent and supervision this can also be waived.

If you’re travelling with a baby, then it obviously makes sense to carry it around in a papoose, rather than a pushchair, given the lack of pavements, or even paved roads outside the main streets of the principal towns, never mind the countryside. Babycare products, such as bottled baby food and disposable nappies, are available in the main towns, but bear in mind that when you’re camping in the bush, you’ll need to transport the used ones with you until you reach a place where they can be disposed of properly. Breastfeeding in public is socially acceptable in Namibia, though the prevalence of breastfeeding babies in Namibia has decreased in recent years on account of fears of mother-to-child HIV transmission.

Voluntourism is a growing industry, and becoming a preferred way of travelling for those who want to “make a difference”. Be aware that this can be fraught with pitfalls, both for the volunteer and – in the case of social development projects – the people being “helped”. A good place to start is Ethical Volunteering , which has a useful checklist about questions to ask before committing to an organization. Getting feedback from former volunteers is also helpful.

In Namibia, the focus is often on conservation , with volunteer programmes concerning cheetah, desert-adapted elephant or rhino conservation – sometimes involving scientific research – and at animal welfare sanctuaries. There is stiff competition for applicants for high-profile organizations such as the Cheetah Conservation Fund .

Generally, you have to pay for your flight to Namibia, transport to and from the location and board and lodging once there; conversely, if volunteering on a guestfarm or on a private reserve, you might have your board and lodging paid for in return for services. In this case, you need to be assured that you will not be exploited in terms of working hours and time off, nor that you are taking the job a paid local Namibian could be doing if the owner were only willing to spend the money.

Almost invariably, the volunteer gets more out of the experience than the people they are there to help. If you are contemplating becoming involved in community development, consider whether you have the appropriate skills for the job; what Namibia – like other African countries – does not need is unskilled labour constructing buildings or untrained teachers in schools. Also, if you really want to make a difference working with people, then you should think about committing to several months, at least, rather than several weeks, especially if the job involves interacting with vulnerable people, such as young children, for whom a constant relay of changing volunteers can be very disruptive. Several websites list volunteer projects in Namibia, which you should submit to scrutiny. They include: Go Overseas , which lists 25 programmes, some of which have been reviewed by former volunteers; the similarly entitled Go Abroad also provides reviews from former volunteers and advertises over thirty projects; even the Namibian Tourist Board has a webpage dedicated to voluntourism programmes.

Don't know where to start preparing for your trip to Namibia? Our Namibia itineraries can be your starting point.

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Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

African tick-bite fever.

• Avoid Bug Bites

African Tick-bite fever

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• Avoid animals

Rift Valley Fever

• Touching blood, body fluids, or tissue of infected livestock

Rift Valley fever

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Namibia, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Namibia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Namibia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Namibia. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Namibia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Namibia. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Namibia may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Namibia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Namibia.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Namibia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Namibia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory november 27, 2023, namibia - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to crime.

Exercise increased caution in Namibia due to crime .

Country Summary : Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles, is increasingly common, and these can violently escalate into robberies and muggings. There is a higher risk of crime in the central business districts of major cities after dark.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Namibia.

If you decide to travel to Namibia:

• Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
• Do not display large amounts of cash or other valuables.
• Keep car doors locked and windows shut at all times.
• Be cautious of people appearing to request assistance by the side of the road.
• Use ATMs located in well-lit public places or inside a bank or other business and be cautious of anyone offering assistance in using the ATM.
• Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and Namibian visa or entry stamp (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  X .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Namibia.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Travel Advisory Levels

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Namibia travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: August 7, 2024 13:10 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, namibia - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Namibia due to the high level of crime.

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Border with Angola

Peace in Angola has improved the security situation along the Namibia–Angola border. Due to the risk of banditry, however, you should exercise caution when travelling to this area, including Kavango Region in the northeast and the western half of Zambezi Region (formerly known as Caprivi). Use official border crossing areas only to enter neighbouring countries.

There are landmines in the border area from Katwitwi (a village on the Okavango River in Kavango West Region) to Kongola (a town in Zambezi Region).

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching and cellphone theft, occurs regularly.  

Theft is frequent in:  

• popular tourist areas
• crowded places, including urban shopping areas
• vehicles, especially unattended vehicles at gas stations and
• ATMs and surrouding areas

During your trip to Namibia: 

• ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and your other travel documents, are secure at all times 
• avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery 
• avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables 
• never leave personal belongings unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk 
• be extra cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs

Violent crime

Violent crime occurs, particularly in Windhoek. Incidents include :

• carjackings

During your stay:

• avoid walking alone after dark
• keep your accommodations doors and windows locked at all times 
• keep your car doors locked and windows closed, especially in heavy traffic 

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are rare and occur mostly in Windhoek. They can disrupt traffic and business.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Cases of attempted fraud are frequently reported in Namibia.

Credit card copying in some hotels and lodges occurs. When paying by credit card, keep your card in view at all times. Be extra vigilant at ATMs, as criminals may attempt to distract you or offer assistance with the aim of stealing your money. Don’t accept any offer of assistance and cancel your transaction if you become suspicious.

• Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• Avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• Cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• Check for any unauthorized transaction on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Wildlife viewing

Wildlife viewing poses risks, particularly if you are on foot or at close range.

• Only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators 
• Always maintain a safe distance when observing wildlife 
• Only exit a vehicle when a professional guide or warden says it’s safe to do so
• Closely follow park and warden’s advice  

Road safety

Avoid night-time driving outside urban centres.

Be particularly careful when driving on rural roads, many of which are gravel with sloping sand shoulders.

Road conditions are generally good, but much of the country is covered by desert. Overland travel takes considerable time. Sand, salt and gravel roads become very slippery when wet.

Tourists are often involved in single-vehicle accidents. Do not exceed 80 km/h on gravel roads. Excessive speed and animals on the roadway pose hazards.

Emergency and roadside assistance is unreliable or non-existent outside Windhoek.

If you must travel overland via the Trans-Caprivi Highway between Rundu and Katima Mulilo, do so during daylight hours only.

Avoid stopping at roadside rest stops, where robberies have been known to occur.

If travelling to desert areas, do so with sufficient water and fuel supplies and two spare tires. Travel by convoy if you plan to go to the desert.

Public transportation

Buses and taxis operate in the capital. Public transportation is limited outside Windhoek.

Foreigners have been robbed by taxi drivers. The Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (NABTA) regulates taxi drivers by allocating registration numbers (one letter followed by a two-digit number). Use registered taxis (displaying the NABTA logo) only or arrange for a taxi through a reputable hotel.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Namibian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the date you enter Namibia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days Student visa: required Employment visa: Required

Ensure that your passport has sufficient visa pages for travel to Namibia and neighbouring countries for the entire duration of your trip.

At least 2 completely blank pages are required for entry into Namibia.

Make sure the visa stamp is valid for the duration of your stay (up to 90 days) and that immigration officials have given you a correctly dated entry stamp, as this will be checked upon departure.

Authorities are very strict regarding visa validity. Overstaying the time granted or having an incorrect or missing entry stamp could lead to detention, arrest and fines.

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Exit and entry requirements for minors under 18

When travelling to an international destination, underage traveller must present:

If travelling with both parents

• A valid passport
• A long-form birth certificate

If travelling with a single parent

• A letter of consent from the other parent or a copy of a death certificate when applicable

If travelling with other adults

• A proof of consent from the biological parents or legal guardians in the form of a sworn affidavit for the child to travel internationally
• Contact information of the child’s parents or legal guardians

If travelling alone

• A proof of consent from one or both parents or legal guardians in the form of a sworn affidavit for the child to travel
• A letter from the person who is to receive the child containing the residential address and contact details where the child will be residing
• A copy of the identity document of the person who is to receive the child. This could be: 
• a valid passport and visa
• a permanent residence permit

If you are transiting by road through South Africa with children under the age of 18, consult the entry/exit requirements for South Africa .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The level of risk may vary by:

The virus that causes chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.

Learn more:

Insect bite and pest prevention Chikungunya

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Rift Valley fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can be fatal. It is spread to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, from the bite of an infected mosquito, or eating or drinking unpasteurized dairy. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from insect bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock, and unpasteurized dairy. There is no vaccine available for Rift Valley fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)   is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities are relatively modern, particularly in the capital. Well-equipped facilities are rarely available in smaller towns.

Upfront payment is generally required, even if you have medical insurance.

Ensure that your insurance policy covers all the activities that you plan to undertake, particularly in the case of extreme sports.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy prison sentences.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identification

Carry a copy of your passport at all times.

Diamonds and other protected resources should be purchased from licensed shops.

If you are convicted of illegally dealing in diamonds, you could face heavy fines and/or imprisonment. The purchase and export of other protected resources, such as elephant ivory, may be subject to restrictions.

Photography

Do not photograph military sites or government buildings. Ask permission before taking photographs.

You should dress conservatively.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Namibian law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Namibia.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Namibia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Namibia by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Namibia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Traffic drives on the left.

You can use an original Canadian driver’s licence printed in English, but you should also carry a valid international driving permit.

If renting a car, pay particular attention to the insurance coverage provided. Ensure you have comprehensive insurance.

It is illegal to use a cellular telephone while driving or to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The use of a seatbelt is compulsory for the driver and all passengers.

A charge of culpable homicide can be made against a driver involved in an accident resulting in death.

International Driving Permit

The currency is the Namibian dollar (NAD). The South African rand (ZAR) is also accepted.

Major credit cards are accepted and most ATMs are linked to international networks.

The dry season extends from April to October, and the rainy season extends from November to March. Unpaved roads may become impassable during the rainy season. You should follow regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Local services

Dial 264 (61) 10111 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

South Africa, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in South Africa, in Pretoria, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Plan a trip with us! Just fill out the form below so we can get to know you and your trip a little bit better. Once we receive your request form, we will be in touch to schedule a call to get to know you and learn about your goals and vision for your trip. Planning fee starts at $500.

Safari’s New Frontier: Namibia

When searching for an in-the-know travel advisor to plan your luxury Africa safari, Namibia probably isn’t on your radar. We’re here to change that.

Whether you arrived at SmartFlyer seeking a Rwanda Gorilla Trek or a luxury safari in South Africa , our team has the knowledge and partnerships with on-the-ground experts to plan a custom itinerary connecting you to some of the richest experiences that the continent has to offer. But if you’re searching for a cutting-edge adventure, a Namibia safari should be at the top of your bucket list. This under-the-radar destination contains a rich variety of wildlife that has adapted to the country’s distinct geography and climate. The lodges you come home to after each day’s adventure are nothing short of spectacular, as vetted by a handful of intrepid SmartFlyer travel advisors who have scouted breathtaking stays across the country.

Get ready to dream beneath the stars of Africa’s first designated International Dark Sky Reserve. Then, wake up in desert accommodations as you take in morning views of the misty Atlantic coast. Finally, relax poolside and watch an exotic mix of wildlife convene at a neighboring watering hole. So get your safari packing list in order, and let’s dive into what to expect on this epic safari through Namibia.

Teal Thomsen

Eight days, seven nights

Seasoned safari-goers who’ve checked off regions like the Serengeti, Kruger, and the Maasai Mara, or, simply travelers seeking some lesser-known thrills

A picturesque journey through southern Africa’s natural sights and sounds

The Namibian landscapes are ideal backdrops for your next Instagram post. Pack some flowy garments and bright colors for photos that pop against the monochrome desert terrain.

SmartFlyer Picks

Kwessi Dunes

This property is located deep in Namibia’s striking NamibRand Nature Reserve, a vast desert wilderness of over 200,000 hectares. With its rolling desert plains and backdrop of craggy mountains and iconic red dunes, this is a place where time seems to stand still and the vistas are never-ending. Guests are invited to soak up the beauty of the colorful landscape, admiring the fauna scattering the dunes, and gaze at the stars that light up the night sky.

Hoanib Valley Camp

Set in a hidden valley surrounded by a spiraling mountain range, Hoanib Valley Camp is a joint venture between the local communities and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation – the world’s only Africa-wide giraffe conservation organization. The camp is an elegant, intimate property that immerses you into the northwestern deserts of Namibia. The property’s six rooms blend seamlessly with the environment, offering a simple aesthetic that matches the rugged topography down to a tee.

Shipwreck Lodge

Uniquely designed around the shipwrecks that line Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, there’s nowhere on the continent quite like Shipwreck Lodge. Each of the ten rooms are constructed to resemble the shipwrecks that line the beach. In the center of the camp, the lounge and restaurant provide wraparound views of the desert that stretch to the coastline. This is a remote slice of the African wilderness, where towering dunes are buffeted by the icy Atlantic seas.

Zannier Hotels Omaanda

This Zannier Hotels property creates a unique sense of space through traditional Owambo architecture and elevated views stretching across the savannas to the distant Khomas Hochland plateau. These thatched round huts are lined with precious antiques, traditional fabrics, and authentic ceramics, each housing its own sunken bathtub and panoramic terrace.

• Have a sundowner before sleeping beneath the stars in one of the least light-polluted areas in the world Day 1
• Hike to the top of one of Namibia's tallest dunes, Big Daddy, for epic views Day 2
• Take in the African sunrise from a hot air balloon before an afternoon scenic flight Day 3
• Take in the beauty of desert-adapted elephants + giraffes Day 4
• Comb the beach for whale bones and century-old shipwrecks Day 5-6
• End on a relaxing note with a sundowner overlooking Zannier Reserve before returning home Day 7-8

Itinerary Itinerary

After your international flight to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia , get ready to board your bush plane to the NamibRand Nature Reserve . This is one of the largest private reserves in southern Africa, serving as a sanctuary for countless species of wildlife. Make sure to take plenty of pictures of the craggy mountains and red dunes on your way to your first stay of the trip at Natural Selection’s Kwessi Dunes. You’ll arrive with time to freshen up before your first of many sundowners on this trip; get ready for the magnitude of being immersed in the endless dunes.

At nightfall, convene back at the lodge with your fellow explorers and get lost in the awesome stars illuminating the night sky. If you’re relishing in the fresh air, the Natural Selection team will prepare an outdoor boma dinner for you to eat under the twinkling sky. Head back to your accommodations where a star bed awaits outside; the NamibRand is Africa’s first designated International Dark Sky Reserve meaning it’s one of the least light-polluted areas in the world – and it shows.

After resting in one of Kwessi Dunes’ spacious chalets overnight, wake up and choose how you want your guides to help you explore the nature reserve’s 15,000 hectares. We recommend the trip over to Sossusvlei where you can take on the trek up to the top of Big Daddy , the second largest dune in the country. The best part? It may take over an hour to get to the summit, but the sprint to the bottom happens in mere moments.

After a long morning, you’ll be ready for a hearty lunch. Enjoy the outdoor spread just beyond Sossusveli created by your on-the-ground experts, Natural Selection. Upon your return to Kwessi Dunes, break away from traditional game drives by riding horseback or atop a quad bike. Or, take a nature walk for a chance at spotting the exotic black-backed jackals, aardwolves, and African wild cats.

Start the day with a bucket list hot air balloon ride into the sky to catch a glimpse of the region’s golden sunrise from above. The fairy circles that dot the ground beneath you are worth observing; perplexing even scientists who’ve studied them, many people theorize that these natural phenomena are formed by poisonous fungi, termites, and even meteor showers. And while it’s always hard to say goodbye, after two memorable days immersed in the dunes, it’s time to pack up for your next stop, 700km away in northwestern Namibia.

In Namibia, it rings true that the journey is really half of the fun. Today you’ll embark on a scenic flight above the coast where the desert meets the sea. Look out the window to spot abandoned diamond mines, flamingos and more. After your scenic flight along the coast, begin your drive to Hoanib Valley Camp on which there is an opportunity to stop by a nearby village for a cultural experience with local Herero people . Though the Hoanib River only flows occasionally, it fills a dense underground aquifer that provides groundwater and salt licks for desert-adapted animals traversing the valley including desert lions, elephants, and giraffes.

Hoanib Valley Camp is an elegant, intimate affair that arose as a joint venture between the local communities and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, the world’s only Africa-wide giraffe conservation organization. A stay here immerses you into the wilds of the desert. After gathering around the fire before a hearty dinner, retire to just one of six suite-style tents for the night, hot water bottle included!

Wake up at dawn for a morning game drive out into the magnitude of your surroundings. At Hoanib Valley Camp, days are spent tracking endangered rhino, desert-adapted elephant, and of course desert-adapted giraffe. Your guide will be sure to share more about the ground-breaking giraffe research that is being conducted in this remote corner of Namibia, including the new species of giraffe that was recently studied in the region. For active travelers, consider embarking on a guided nature walk and uncover the smaller flora and fauna of the desert.

Start the day with a drive through the Hoanib River valley towards Namibia’s Skeleton Coast , one of the few places in the world where the desert meets the ocean. This region is characterized by its whale and seal bones scattered throughout the coastline. There’s also an interesting array of wildlife that have adapted to this unique environment. Marvel at the large seal colonies as you drive across the gravel coastlines. If you’re lucky, you may catch sight of a herd of elephants or a pride of lions trekking towards the coast.

…spend a moment gazing at the landscape with your favorite drink in hand.

Arrive at Shipwreck Lodge and settle into your own shipwreck-shaped chalet nestled atop the high dunes with views of the Atlantic. Then, walk over to the lodge’s restaurant and spend a moment gazing at the landscape with your favorite drink in hand. After that, join the lodge’s designated guide on a sundowner drive to watch the sun descend behind the Roaring Dunes and into the sea. The next day, take an all-day game drive out to the coast and catalog the distinctive flora and shipwrecks that inhabit the mist. Finally, spend the next day on a guided exploration of the dry riverbeds. Start with a sunrise breakfast and end with a visit to the Clay Castles, where your guide will help you pinpoint sightings of elephants and hyenas.

Following one last breakfast at Shipwreck Lodge, check out and board a private plane back to Windhoek. Here, you’ll hop in a car for one final day venturing through the Zannier Reserve , a 22000-acre wildlife conservancy located half an hour from the city. Even as you check in to your private One Bedroom Hut at Zannier Hotels Omaanda , you’ll notice how deeply immersed this boutique lodge is in its natural surroundings. You can easily watch a variety of wildlife drinking from the nearby watering hole just from your seat by the infinity pool. And while not included on this itinerary, consider adding Zannier Hotels’ sister property, Zannier Hotels Sonop , to your trip for a taste of the Southern part of the country.

If you’re craving more adventure, book a private savannah watch for close encounters with giraffes, warthogs, baboons, and more. The lodge’s guides use their extensive knowledge of the reserve’s wildlife to tailor you a deeply personal safari experience. Alternatively, head to the spa and experience full-body polishings and aromatherapy massages crafted from native roots, herbs, and spices. Reconvene with your fellow travelers at sundown around their boma firepit for a final starlit dinner and cocktails. After an extraordinary Namibia safari, it’s time to head home. Enjoy your à la carte breakfast before checking out and heading on a half-hour ride back into Namibia’s capital city.

Contact your SmartFlyer travel advisor to learn more about planning your Namibia safari.

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Travel Vaccines and Advice for Namibia

Namibia’s sprawling, untouched landscapes teem with countless types of wildlife and animals. If anyone is looking to experience nature in truest form, then they don’t need to look much further than Namibia.

Etosha National Park is a popular destination in Namibia offering the chance to see and interact with wildlife. If travelers wish to see the city life instead, then they can head to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. In the many buildings in this bustling city, traces of the colonial era are still evident through the architecture.

The variety in attractions and lifestyles makes Namibia the perfect destination for the tourist that wants to get the best of both wild- and city life in Africa.

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for Namibia? Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Namibia Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Namibia? What Is the Climate Like in Namibia? How Safe Is Namibia? Adventuring With Animals in Namibia What Should I Pack for Namibia? U.S. Embassy in Namibia

Do I Need Vaccines for Namibia?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Namibia. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Namibia: typhoid , hepatitis A , polio , yellow fever , rabies , hepatitis B , influenza , COVID-19 , pneumonia , meningitis , chickenpox , shingles , Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:

• Typhoid – Food & Water – Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
• Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travelers.
• Polio – Food & Water – Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination.
• Yellow Fever – Mosquito – Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travelers based on destination, activities and length of stay.
• Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Recommended for travelers to most regions.
• Influenza – Airborne – Vaccine components change annually.
• COVID-19 – Airborne – Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic.
• Pneumonia – Airborne – Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
• Meningitis – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
• Chickenpox – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
• Shingles – Direct Contact – Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
• Polio – Food & Water – Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
• TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) – Wounds & Airborne – Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
• Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) – Various Vectors – Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.

See the table below for more information:

Specific Vaccine Information

• Typhoid – Salmonella Typhi causes typhoid, a severe infection transmitted via contaminated food and water. Vaccination is recommended for travelers and those with elevated infection risks. Practicing proper hygiene and safe food handling can also reduce the likelihood of contracting typhoid.
• Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close personal contact. To prevent it, practicing good hygiene and getting vaccinated with the hepatitis A vaccine are crucial steps recommended by the CDC.
• Rabies – Rabies is a deadly virus transmitted through animal bites, affecting the nervous system. The rabies vaccine, given before or after potential exposure, prevents the virus from developing into active disease. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for high-risk groups like travelers, while post-exposure shots are crucial after suspected rabies exposure.
• Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection, is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention includes practicing safe behaviors, but the cornerstone of protection is hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine activates the immune system, generating antibodies that offer potent and enduring defense against the virus.
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are infectious diseases that can lead to severe health issues. They are transmitted through respiratory droplets and close contact. The MMR vaccine, a safe and effective immunization, is recommended by the CDC as the best way to prevent these diseases.

Malaria in Namibia

Malaria is most common in Kavango, Kunene, Ohangwena, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa and Zambezi. Cases are rare outside these regions. Atovaquone, doxycycline, mefloquine and tafenoquine are often given to travelers to Namibia. Malaria parasite are resistant to chloroquine in the region. Be sure to consult with a travel health specialist on which antimalarials are best for your itinerary and health situation.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now .

Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Namibia

Prevent bug bites in namibia.

Guard against bug bites by wearing appropriate clothing and applying repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE. When bitten, clean the area, resist scratching, and relieve itching with over-the-counter solutions. In severe cases, promptly seek medical assistance.

Food and Water Safety in Namibia

Safeguard your health while abroad by researching local cuisine, avoiding tap water, and practicing hand hygiene. Choose reputable eateries, be cautious with ice, and drink in moderation. A travelers’ diarrhea kit is recommended for travel to all regions throughout the world.

Altitude Sickness in Namibia

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), arises at high elevations due to decreased oxygen levels. To prevent AMS, ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and consider medications like acetazolamide. If symptoms like headaches or fatigue develop, descend to lower altitudes for rest and recovery, seeking medical help if necessary.

Infections To Be Aware of in Namibia

• African Tick-Bite Fever – African Tick-Bite Fever (ATBF) is caused by tick bites in sub-Saharan Africa. To prevent infection, wear long sleeves, use DEET-based repellents, and check for ticks regularly. Consult healthcare experts for advice if traveling to endemic regions.
• Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever – Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, caused by tick bites and person-to-person contact, requires preventive actions like tick protection and strict healthcare precautions.
• Dengue – Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including high fever and pain. The CDC emphasizes prevention through avoiding mosquito bites by using repellents and removing standing water. Treatment focuses on symptom relief and hydration, avoiding certain pain relievers that can worsen bleeding risks.
• Leishmaniasis – Leishmaniasis, transmitted by sand fly bites, can be prevented by adopting protective measures such as using insect repellents, covering exposed skin, and staying indoors when sand flies are active.
• Schistosomiasis – Schistosomiasis, caused by parasitic flatworms, is prevalent in areas with contaminated freshwater sources. Prevention involves staying out of potentially infected waters and using protective clothing. Recognizing symptoms such as fever and seeking medical help promptly is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Namibia?

Tourist visas are not required for travel to Namibia if you are staying for fewer than 90 days. Passports should be valid for at least six months at entry and have three blank pages for entry/exit stamps.

Sources: Embassy of Namibia and U.S. State Department

Travelers to Namibia must show proof of vaccination at entry or they will not be allowed into the country.

What Is the Climate Like in Namibia?

Namibia is one of the sunniest countries on the planet. The nation experiences about 300 days of sun each year. Humidity is often low, but the air can be quite dry. This sun and warmth is typical of most regions in Namibia, but the climate can differ slightly across the country. Here is what to expect in a few tourist destinations:

• Windhoek – In the capital city, the temperatures are more moderate. The typical high in January, the peak summer month in Namibia, is about 90, and the average low is 60. The temperatures in the winter months, July and June, are a bit cooler. There is usually no rainfall between June and September.
• Swakopmund – The coastal city of Swakopmund has a milder desert climate. The weather is more consistent and varies less than in areas such as Windhoek. The average temperatures in Swakopmund range from about 60 to 80. Rainfall is also light in this region.
• Etosha Pan – This region is a popular tourist destination, as it provides the opportunity for many ecotours and wildlife adventures. Again, rainfall in the Etosha region is as rare as it is in other areas in Namibia. In the summer, temperatures can hit the mid-90’s, and can go as low as 60. The dry winters range are more mild.

How Safe Is Namibia?

There are varying levels and types of criminal activity in Namibia.

Banditry is prevalent along the Namibia-Angola border. Make sure you only pass through official border crossing areas and travel during the day. There are police checkpoints 9 mile outside of all major cities and highways. Keep all travel and identification materials with you at all times.

Crimes of opportunity often occur in Namibia. The most prevalent incidents reported include ATM card skimming, purse snatching and pick-pocketing. More violent crimes, like rape and murder, have increased in the capital of Windhoek. Residential break-ins also occur.

To avoid risk of these crimes, dress conservatively, do not flaunt valuables and avoid walking alone and at night.

Adventuring With Animals in Namibia

Avoid an embarrassing stop, over 70% of travelers will have diarrhea., get protected with passport health’s travelers’ diarrhea kit .

Many tourists flock to Namibia to experience untouched, wild landscapes and animals. Ecotours are very popular among travelers. Hiking, swimming, camping and driving through the wilderness are also choice adventures.

Encounters with wildlife can be dangerous, as animals can be unpredictable. Remember that the creatures you may meet are not domesticated, and are not guaranteed to be friendly. This fact remains true no matter how small or cute a creature may be. Many tourists want to touch or feed animals. But, this can provoke them and lead to potentially violent attacks.

Always bring enough water and supplies on every adventure you partake in.

What Should I Pack for Namibia?

In addition to all travel documents and medications recommended by a Passport Health Travel Medicine Specialist, here are some items to consider packing:

• Insect Repellent – Since malaria is at risk in Namibia, be sure to pack bug spray. Packing a repellent with at least 20%-30% DEET will keep mosquitoes at bay. You should also bring neutral colored clothing, as this does not attract insects as much as dark or bright clothes.
• Water Purifier – Not all running and tap water in Namibia is clean or filtered. Avoid drinking it or even brushing your teeth in it. A water purifier will make finding and drinking clean water easier.
• Warm Clothing – Depending on the time of year and region temperatures can be cold. The evenings also tend to cool down, meaning you may need to add some layers if you’re planning to go out after sundown. Packing a few jackets and warm pants will make sure that you are covered.
• Batteries – It can be difficult to find batteries in Namibia. If you have any devices that rely on batteries, such as cameras, it may be wise to pack some extras. In a country this naturally beautiful, you wouldn’t want to miss any chance to take a quick snapshot.

U.S. Embassy in Namibia

All Americans visiting Namibia should register with the U.S. Embassy in Windhoek. This will inform the office of your travel plans and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation. You can register online, through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .

U.S. Embassy Windhoek 14 Lossen Street Windhoek, Namibia Telephone: 061-295-8500 Fax: 061-295-8603

Visit the U.S. Embassy website before your departure to confirm correct contact details for the U.S. Embassy in Namibia.

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