south africa travel to namibia

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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.

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

Not required for stays of 90 days or fewer per calendar year

Yellow fever, if traveling from a yellow fever endemic country

Not applicable

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy windhoek.

14 Lossen Street, Ausspannplatz Windhoek, Namibia Telephone:  +(264) (61) 295 8500 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(264) (61) 295 8500 Fax:  +(264)(61) 295-8603 Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Requirements for Entry: 

• Passports must have at least six months of validity remaining beyond your planned date of departure. At least three completely blank pages are required for entry. If you are traveling with minor children to Namibia, be aware that additional documentation is required.   
• Tourists visiting Namibia for fewer than 90 days per calendar year are not required to obtain a visa in advance of their arrival. All other visa types (e.g., student, work, volunteer, etc.) must be obtained from the nearest  Namibian embassy or consulate before travel. Visit the Namibian Embassy’s website for the most current visa information.  
• Upon arrival, check your admission stamp before leaving the immigration counter to ensure that the stamp is valid for the length of your intended stay (up to 90 days) or transit through Namibia and that immigration officials have given you a correctly dated entry stamp, as this stamp will be checked upon departure. Overstaying the time granted or having an incorrect or missing entry stamp can result in detention, arrest, and fines. 
• Travelers to Namibia are not required to produce a negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR test result or proof of vaccination.
• World Health Organization (WHO) card with yellow fever vaccination if traveling from a  yellow fever endemic country.  Check the  CDC Yellow Book  for further information. 

Parents traveling to Namibia with minor children  should be prepared to produce unabridged birth certificates for their children demonstrating their parental relationship. Birth certificates should be original or certified copies of the original. When one parent is traveling alone with a child, he or she should present the unabridged birth certificate, plus a notarized consent from the other parent listed on the birth certificate authorizing him or her to enter/depart from Namibia with the child. Alternatively, the parent could also present a court order granting him or her full legal custody of the child, or the death certificate of the other parent named on the birth certificate. 

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to, or foreign residents of Namibia. Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Road Travel:   Namibia has thousands of miles of unpaved roads. Road accidents, particularly on gravel roads, pose the most serious threat to visitors. Many gravel roads are well-maintained and can provide unaccustomed drivers a false sense of security, with road conditions shifting dramatically in certain areas. See recommendations below on road safety in Namibia. 

Crime:   Non-violent crimes of opportunity are the most common incidents reported by foreigners and include pick pocketing, purse snatching, ATM card skimming, and vehicle thefts and break-ins. Criminals sometimes brandish knives and guns. Violent crimes, including murder and rape, and property crimes increased in Windhoek over the last year. Robberies occur at roadside rest stops. 

• Dress conservatively. 
• Avoid walking alone, especially after dark, and displaying cash and valuable personal property. 
• Make sure your hotel room or residence is well secured, including windows. 
• Keep your credit card in your sight at all times while it is being processed. Consider using prepaid credit cards with limited funds when traveling. 
• Take rest breaks in towns and/or at gasoline stations. 

Transport crimes:  Violent assaults on taxi passengers are known to occur; petty theft is prevalent and occurs on trains, buses, and in taxis. 

• Be aware of criminals using remote key fobs to unlock vehicle doors in parking lots. 
• Drive with doors locked and windows closed. 
• Keep valuables out of sight and do not use cell phones or laptops while stopped in traffic; bandits may use smash and grab tactics to steal valuables. 
• Hire taxis through a hotel or retain the services of a reputable private transport company. 

Checkpoints:  The police maintain checkpoints approximately 9 miles (15 km) outside of main cities and all major highways. During the holiday season, additional checkpoints may be established along the Windhoek-Swakopmund highway (B1). 

• Remain inside your vehicle with doors locked and open the window slightly to communicate. 
• Be prepared to produce vehicle registration documents, personal identification (passport, Namibian identification cards), car rental contracts, and/or drivers’ licenses. 
• Proceed only when waved through. 

International Financial Scams: See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information. 

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at + (264) (61) 295-8522. 

Tourist Protection Units (TPUs) assist tourists victimized by crime in Windhoek and Swakopmund. 

Please contact: 

• Tourist Protection Unit – Windhoek (Windhoek Main Police Station) at + (264) (61) 209-4345 or + (264) (81) 615-4401. 
• Tourist Protection Unit – Swakopmund at + (264) (64) 415-060. 
• The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund at 081 9682 can help with ambulances, police, and rescue services. 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. 

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . 

We can: 

• Help you  find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in  reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms 
• Provide a  list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an  emergency loan  for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution 
• Replace a  stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance. 

Tourism:   The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.   

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website. 

Diamonds:  Do not purchase diamonds and other protected resources outside of licensed retail establishments. If you are convicted of illegally dealing in diamonds, you can face up to 20,000 U.S. dollars in fines and/or five years in prison.  

Wild animal parts:  Unlicensed purchase of or trading in endangered wildlife parts, such as ivory and rhino horn, is illegal and carries severe penalties including fines up to 1.1 million U.S. dollars and 15 years in prison. Furthermore, it is illegal to kill or capture any protected wild animals without appropriate permits.  

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information. 

Photography:  It is illegal to take pictures of government buildings, military installations, and key infrastructure, such as ports, train stations, airports, and along border areas. You could be fined, have your photographic equipment confiscated, and risk detention and arrest. Do not take photos of people without their permission. 

Phone Service:  Cellular phones are the norm, as landlines are only in urban areas. It is possible to purchase a SIM card locally and use a U.S.-compatible cell phone. 

Currency:  The Namibian dollar (NAD) is the official currency. It is pegged to the South African rand, which is also legal tender in Namibia. Carefully inspect ATMs for skimming technology before using. Credit cards are generally accepted. 

Wild Animal Parks : Heed all instructions given by guides or trackers. Use common sense and maintain a safe distance when approaching wildlife. Even in the most serene settings wild animals pose a lethal threat. Lions, leopards, elephants, oryxes, rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles have critically injured and killed individuals in the region. 

Baboons live throughout Namibia and commonly scavenge the belongings of travelers. Baboons in camping areas are quite bold in approaching and taking items that interest them; they can be aggressive.  Keep your belongings and food in secure containers. 

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. 

Adventure activities:  Climbing areas, 4X4 trails, hiking trails, and rivers are unpredictable and dangerous. They are often located in isolated areas without access to communications and away from any medical assistance. Dozens of people, including U.S. citizens, have been injured or drowned. 

• Leave a copy of your identification, travel documents, and an itinerary with the hotel reception desk when you go on excursions to assist police/rescue teams in the event of a problem. 
• Bring sufficient water and supplies, including a satellite phone preprogrammed with emergency numbers. 
• Provide a detailed travel plan and return date to family and friends in the United States before your excursion. 

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details: 

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports 
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports 
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  Homosexuality is not illegal but sodomy between men is criminalized, though the ban is not enforced. Many Namibians consider all same-sex sexual activity taboo. 

See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details. 

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Namibia prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities and information to services. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication and general infrastructure. Contact the US Embassy in Namibia to receive a list of providers. 

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers:  There are frequent reports of rapes, particularly in informal settlements. Only a small fraction of rape cases are prosecuted and fewer still result in conviction. Gender-based Violence Protection Units intervene in cases of domestic violence, which is widespread. Units are staffed with police officers, social workers, legal advisors, and medical personnel trained to assist victims of sexual assault. A privately run shelter operates in the Khomas region and there are government shelters in other regions. 

See our travel tips for Women Travelers . 

Consult the CDC website for Namibia prior to travel. 

Medical facilities in the capital of Windhoek and in large towns are capable of providing emergency care and performing many routine procedures. Doctors and dentists are generally well-trained. Well-equipped facilities are rarely available in smaller towns. Carry prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Be sure to verify with the Namibian Ministry of Foreign Affairs that your medications are legal before you travel. 

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. 

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage. 

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation. 

The following diseases are prevalent: 

• Malaria  
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Yellow Fever
• Leptospirosis
• Schistosomiasis
• African Tick Bite Fever
• Chikungunya
• Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever
• Leishmaniasis
• Ross River Virus Disease
• Rift River Valley
• Tuberculosis

Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets.  Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays.  

HIV/AIDS: The United States works in partnership with the Government of Namibia to fight HIV/AIDS while promoting sustainable national ownership and leadership of HIV/AIDS programs. (Through PEPFAR, USAID and the Ministry of Health and Social Services). PEPFAR is the largest commitment by a single nation towards an international health initiative and in Namibia, PEPFAR has contributed over US$1.1 billion for HIV/AIDS activities since its inception in 2003.  

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Namibia. 

For emergency services in Namibia, dial Police; +264(63)10111. E-Med Rescue 24, dial 081 924 (from Cell), 061 411 600 (landline); AEMS Ambulance Services, dial 081 963 (from Cell), 061 300 118 (landline). 

Ambulance services are: 

• not widely available, particularly outside of major cities, and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. 
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. Response times for ambulance services could be up to twenty minutes. 

Vaccinations:

Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.  

The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the Spring. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include: 

• Infants, children, and teens 
• People over 65 years of age 
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema; 
• People with heart disease or diabetes 
• People who work or are active outdoors 

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Health facilities in general

• Adequate health facilities are available in city and other major cities but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards. 
• Hospitals and doctors usually require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available.  Some hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment. 
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. 
• Medical staff may speak little English outside of Windhoek, especially in rural areas. 
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions 

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery 

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Namibia. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.  
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Namibia. 
• Persons traveling to Namibia for medical purposes require the proper “medical” visa. Check the Government of Namibia’s website for more information. 

Pharmaceuticals

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.   

Water Quality

• In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. 
• Many cities in Namibia are at high altitude. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickenss, and take precautions before you travel. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes .  

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Most major roads are generally well maintained, though many rural roads are gravel and fatal accidents are not uncommon. (The road from Windhoek to Swakopmund is paved, but also the site of many fatal accidents, particularly between Usakos and Arandis).  Tourists are often involved in single vehicle roll-over accidents. Sand, salt, and gravel roads become very slippery when wet and more dangerous at night. Animals easily visible by day become treacherous hazards in roadways at night. Do not exceed 45 mph (80km) on gravel roads. Many rental vehicle agencies void insurance policies if an accident occurs while speeding. Tire punctures are common as are accidents involving drunk drivers. Other driving hazards include excessive speed, lack of street lighting and shoulders, inadequately maintained vehicles, erratic driving habits, and pedestrians. 

The Embassy does not recommend traveling after dark anywhere outside Namibia’s cities. Travel in desert areas or via the Trans-Caprivi Highway between Rundu and Katima Mulilo should only be undertaken during daylight hours. Carry water, additional fuel, spare tires, and provisions. Fuel availability can be sporadic. Professional roadside assistance outside Windhoek or off main roads is unreliable or non-existent. 

Traffic Laws:  Traffic drives on the left. You may use a U.S. license for up to 90 days or obtain an international driving permit prior to leaving the United States through either the American Automobile Association or the American Automobile Touring Alliance. It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving. Seat belts are required for all vehicle occupants. Motorcyclists are required to wear protective helmets. You may face a charge of culpable homicide if you are driving and are involved in an accident resulting in death. 

Motorcades:  Pull to the side of the road as far as possible and promptly follow instructions given by the officials present. 

Public Transportation:  Public transportation is not widely available outside the capital. Taxis and municipal buses are the only forms of public transportation in Windhoek. Schedules and routes are limited. 

Avoid the use of public transportation and hire private transport from a reliable source. Any form of public transportation is unregulated, unreliable, and generally unsafe. 

See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of Namibia’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

Taxis:  The Embassy has received reports of foreign citizens being robbed by drivers of taxis hailed on the streets of Windhoek. Car rentals or radio taxis (taxi service called in advance through established companies) are generally the best means of transport but may be more expensive. The Embassy has not received any such crime reports regarding radio taxis. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid hitchhiking in Namibia due to the high level of personal risk. 

Most insurance policies will not cover accidents that do not involve other vehicles or animals. 

Aviation Safety Oversight:  As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Namibia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Namibia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page . 

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Namibia should also check for U.S.  maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings website  select “broadcast warnings”. 

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Namibia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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What you need to know before travelling from south africa to namibia.

Namibia is open for international travel and is welcoming all nationals into the country under the conditions that they follow protocol upon arrival.

To help guide the country’s international tourism revival initiative, Namibia announced new health protocols that went into action on 1 September 2020.

Visitors must present their full itinerary and a negative COVID-19 PCR test result conducted within 7 days of arriving. Health screening and temperature testing are vital upon arrival too.

Visitors with a PCR test older than 7 days will be required to take a coronavirus test and quarantine for 14 days at their own cost.

Before departing Namibia, a negative COVID-19 test will be conducted and a certificate will be issued out to those who need it to enter their country.

Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Namibia, Eurowings and Qatar Airways have scheduled flights from South Africa to Namibia.

In a press release by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism it is stated that Namibia has obtained all of the necessary approvals to implement the revised National Parks entrance fees and the introduction of the conservation fees with effect from 1 April 2021.

The newly revised fees range from N$20 – N$700 all of which are non-refundable and not transferable. All fees are valid for 24 hours from the time you enter the park.

‘Given that Namibia’s park entrance fees are currently one of the lowest in the SADC Region and given the shortfall in resources needed to conserve wildlife and maintain infrastructure in national parks, the Ministry is introducing payment of a conservation fee charged to all visitors to national parks and game parks in addition to the new entrance fees,’ said Spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda.

It is said that the combined conservation fee and entrance fee is affordable and is based on a market related price.

Romeo mentioned that the conservation fee will go towards the Game Product Trust Fund, and will be used for the maintenance of infrastructure in national parks and game parks.

PICTURE: Unsplash

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• Travel Advice

Getting to Namibia and getting around

Namibia is located in Southern Africa, sharing borders with South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Angola. The majority of international tourists get to Namibia by plane arriving at the international airport in Windhoek and continue their onward journey by road, either on self-drive trips or with a professional hired guide. We share further tips with you how to get to Namibia and how to get around.

• Getting to Namibia
• Domestic Flights
• Self-Drive Trips
• Guided tours

HOW TO GET TO NAMIBIA?

International airports in namibia.

There are two international airports in Namibia: Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA / WDH) in the capital Windhoek, and Walvis Bay International Airport (WVB) at the Atlantic Ocean west coast. The airport in Windhoek is by far the main airport for international arrivals. There are direct flights among others from South Africa (Johannesburg and Cape Town), Germany (Frankfurt), and Ethiopia (Addis Ababa). Connections from South Africa are popular for international arrivals especially from the US as they are more frequent than from Germany or Ethiopia.

It is also possible to get to Namibia by road: Driving from South Africa, there are land borders, among others, at the remote Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. A more popular border crossing is between Botswana and Namibia. Among other options, you can cross from Namibia’s Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip) into Chobe National Park at the Ngoma border. There is no direct connection between Namibia and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Zambia. But you can cross from Namibia into Botswana and reach Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe via Kasane.

We can assist you in organising a crossing-border self-drive trip or guided tour – get in touch !

For those who don’t want to join a guided tour, a self-drive trip in a rental car is an alternative option to get around Namibia.

Are there domestic flights in Namibia?

You can travel domestically by plane in Namibia. However, this means you have to charter private planes. We currently don’t offer any options to travel by scheduled domestic flights.

There are a number of airports across Namibia, often used for cargo flights, which are also serviced by tourist charter planes. If you want to skip the long driving distances on the road, you can opt for a fly-in safari and travel Namibia by small aircraft such as Cessnas on private charters.

Self-Drive Trips in Namibia

Getting around in Namibia by rental car on a self-drive trip is one of the most popular options. Most of these trips start in Windhoek, where there are multiple rental car companies, and you can stock up on supplies at well stocked supermarkets. You can rent 2×4 or 4×4 vehicles, fully equipped with camping gear and roof top tents or less equipped if you’re staying at lodges and camps.

Namibia is a popular self-drive destination in Southern Africa as it is considered a safe travel destination and easily accessible. We organise your self-drive trip and have put together some of our favourite itineraries for you here .

Guided tours in Namibia

If you prefer not to drive yourself, guided tours are a great option to get around in Namibia. You travel in one of our converted comfortable safari cars; your guide is also your driver and will take care of any logistics and organisational matters. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy. Another advantage of getting around Namibia on a guided tour: Your guide will share useful information about flora, fauna, country, culture, and the people of Namibia – they are your window into a new country.

We organise scheduled group tours as well as private guided tours around Namibia – you will find more information here .

Visa Requirements to enter Namibia

Namibia issues tourist visa for stays less than 90 days. Whether you need a visa to enter Namibia depends on your nationality. There are a fairly large number of jurisdictions that are exempt from obtaining a tourist visa to enter Namibia for stays less than 90 days and for holiday purposes. For example, if you are a national of Australia, Canada, the US, Germany, France, the Netherlands or Italy, you don’t need a visa to enter Namibia as a tourist. As the list of exempted jurisdictions is quite long, we recommend checking if your nationality is on this list!

If your nationality is not on the list of exempted jurisdictions, you do need to obtain a tourist visa before entering Namibia. For many nationalities it is possible to obtain the visa on arrival at the airport against a visa fee.

To enter Namibia, you need a passport that is valid for at least another 6 months and has at least 3 blank pages.

If you travel with children, in many cases you need to provide their birth certificates. If both parents, or legal guardians accompany the under-18, you just need to present the unabridged birth certificate as well as the child’s passport. If only one parent or legal guardian travels with the child, they need to additionally provide an affidavit of consent signed by the absent parent or guardian, a death certificate or court order. This is to ensure that the absent parent has given consent that you may travel with the child. All documents need to be in English language.

Visa regulations and entry requirements can change at short notice, and you need to contact the Namibian embassy in your country to request up-to-date reliable information. We advise you to do so well in advance before confirming your booking as we cannot be held liable if you can’t obtain the correct visa to start your trip. All costs incurred due to a delay in travelling are for the traveller’s account.

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Travel with your local guide and relax at guest houses and lodges.

Self-Drive Tours

The road trip experience: Travel independently in your rental car.

Tailor-Made Tours

Your personalised holiday: from the itinerary to the smallest detail.

OUR EXPERT ADVICE

Take it slow.

Driving distances in Namibia are very long and spending many hours in the car is simply part of the experience. Allow yourself enough time to stop along the way, enjoy the views and take a break. Spending more than one night at one accommodation will give you the time to really experience your surroundings. Time is a luxury – treat yourself to it!

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Speak to one of our local advisors, let's start planning your trip.

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Visa & Entry Requirements

All visitors to Namibia must have a valid passport for at least six months after the date of entry, and have sufficient pages for entry and exit stamps (at least three blank pages for the entry and exit stamps). All visitors must also have a valid return ticket. In addition, all visitors must have a visa, except those nationalities with which Namibia has the necessary visa exemption agreement.

Visitors from the following countries do not require visas:

Angola, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Denmark, Eswatini, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Malawi, Mauritius, Moldova, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Visitors from the following countries can apply for a visa upon arrival in Namibia:

Argentina, Belarus,  Cambodia,  Chile,  Equatorial Guinea,  Benin,  Cape Verde, Croatia,  Eritrea,  Bulgaria,  Cameroon, Comoros,  Cote d’ Ivoire, Gabon,  Burkina Faso, Burundi,  Central African Republic, Chad,  Czech Republic ,  Djibouti, Ecuador, Estonia, Greece, Gambia,  Guinea,  Guinea Bissau, Mexico,  Romania,  Slovakia, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania,  Moldova,  Rwanda,  South Korea, Liberia ,  São Tomé and Principe, Thailand,  Madagascar, Nicaragua,  Niger,  Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkey,  Mauritania, Paraguay, Peru,  Poland ,  Tunisia,  Uganda,  Ukraine,  United Arab Emirates, Uruguay,  Venezuela, Vetican/Holy See,  Vietnam and  Western Sahara Republic.

It is recommended that travellers planning on visiting Namibia always confirm whether or not a VISA is required. This is because the above lists may change from time to time.

Holidaymakers and tourists are welcome to remain in the country for 90 days. Business visas are granted at the discretion of the immigration authorities. Travellers can obtain visas from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration Safety and Security, and Namibian missions abroad. Please note that a visa on arrival is only issued at Hosea Kutako International Airport, Walvis Bay International Airport, Trans-Kalahari border post, Impalila Island border post, Katima Mulilo border post, Oshikango border post, Mohembo border post, Ariamsvlei border post, Orangemund border post, Noordoewer border post and Ngoma border post for selected countries and it is meant for tourist purposes only. Any other traveller with a different entry purpose must submit their application with all relevant documentation to the appropriate office.

Visas are valid up to three months from the date of issue for stays of up to three months from entry. Extensions for a further three months are available from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek.

Temporary Residence Permit:

Apply to the High Commission or Embassy; see Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security’s website.

Information pertaining to applicable fees are available on the  Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security ‘s  website.

Communication:

Travellers to Namibia can travel with mobile equipment and access the GSM network at all towns and on most portions of the national highway. International roaming agreements are in place with 146 countries through 334 network partners.

Most accommodation establishments in Namibia offer Wi-Fi to their guests. For self-drive travellers who plan to travel into remote areas, it is recommended that they rent a satellite phone. When dialling internationally from Namibia via mobile devices, a + followed by the relevant country code, area code and number is dialled. For example, when dialling internationally to Namibia, the country code is 264, followed by the area code and number.

MTC and TN Mobile are Namibia’s leading cell phone operators. Travellers can purchase a starter pack and data if they want to communicate with other Namibian cell phones. Additional data can be bought easily across Namibia.

If visitors to Namibia have a tourist/holiday visa, they cannot engage in any employment while in the country. Should they wish to do so, they should apply for an employment permit in their country of residence before entry. The same applies to study permits.

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• You are here:
• Countries & Parks
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• Getting There

Namibia Travel Guide Namibia

• Parks & Reserves
• Best Time To Visit
• Weather & Climate
• Popular Routes
• Malaria & Vaccinations

​Getting There – Namibia

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the 'Botswana & Namibia' guide.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.

Anthony is the author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.

There are few direct flights to Namibia, and most people have a stopover in O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, South Africa. Some of the main airlines flying to Johannesburg have add-on connections. This often includes an overnight in Johannesburg.

Namibia's main airport is Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), located 40km/25mi east of Windhoek, the capital. Onward travel is either by small aircraft or car. Because of the excellent roads and safety in Namibia, many people choose the self-drive option. In most other cases, your local tour operator will arrange pick-up from the airport and all further transportation as part of the tour.

159 Namibia Safaris

Flights & Airlines to Namibia

• www.skyscanner.com

Domestic Airlines & Flights in Namibia

• FlyNamibia (Offers domestic flights from Windhoek to Ondangwa, Rundu and Katima Mulilo; its Safari Route Schedule connects Windhoek to Swakopmund, Sossusvlei and Etosha)

Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements

• A passport is required for all foreign visitors and has to be valid for at least six months.
• All foreign visitors will need to carry a return or onward ticket.
• Citizens from most countries do not require a visa and will get a 30-day entry permit on arrival.
• Children (under 18 years of age) must have a certified copy of their full, unabridged birth certificate as well as a valid passport to enter Namibia. If a child is traveling with only one parent, or no parents, the child must have an affidavit from the missing parent(s), which gives their consent for the child to travel.

Want To Visit Namibia?

• Namibia Self-Drive Safaris
• Namibia Honeymoon Safaris
• Namibia Family Safaris
• Tour Operators for Namibia

Safari Tours to Namibia

14-Day Namibia Flying Safari

$18,646 to $27,407 pp (USD)

Namibia: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Windhoek (Start) , N/a'an ku sê (Wildlife Sanctuary) , Kulala, Skeleton Coast NP, Kaokoland, Etosha NP, Windhoek (End)

Wayfairer Travel

4.9 /5  –  149 Reviews

3-Day Etosha Guided Camping Safari

$850 pp (USD)

Namibia: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

You Visit: Windhoek (Start) , Etosha NP, Windhoek (End)

People Tours And Safari

5.0 /5  –  25 Reviews

14-Day Namibia Breathtaking Adventure Tour

$5,720 to $5,940 pp (USD)

Namibia: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Windhoek (Start) , Kalahari Desert, Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) , Namib-Naukluft NP (Namib Desert) , Swakopmund (City) , Twyfelfontein (Rock Art) , Damaraland, Kunene Region, Epupa Falls (Kaokoland) , Western Etosha, Etosha NP, Eastern Etosha, Erindi GR, Hosea Kutako Airport (End)

Kubwa Five Safaris

5.0 /5  –  122 Reviews

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Complete guide to a trip to Namibia

Bewitching Namibia … Land of contrasts and great wilderness, a trip to Namibia offers exceptional moments. South African Travellers invites you for a quick tour of the owner and the must-see spots on your trip to Namibia, the continent’s most popular destination

A little history and geography

For 28 years, independent, after being colonized by Germany and placed under trusteeship by South Africa, it has regained its freedom after a 22-year war. A huge country in Africa, it is also the least densely populated in the world after Mongolia. The country serves as an example in terms of education and protection of flora and fauna. While other African countries struggle to protect their animal species from illegal hunting and malicious farmers, Namibia has found a natural balance in making it more worth seeing.

When to go on a trip to Namibia?

The climate is generally warm and sunny throughout the year.

The high season, the dry season (May to October), is the best period for travelers who wish to go on a safari. In fact, the animals are no longer hidden behind thick bushes and therefore more visible, so they like to gather at startegic water points where they quench their thirst.

The rainy season, hot and humid (from December to March) is synonymous with large gathering of animals and birds at water points.

The best season to go on a trip to Namibia is in November and April; between the dry and wet season.

Etosha and its waterholes attract the very rare black rhinos. Photo credit: Garance Chassaing

Namibia for all budgets: roots or luxury?

To discover Namibia, several options, in “roots” version aboard a 4×4 topped by a tent, in luxury version aboard a small Cessna to fly from one corner of the country to the other, in a group. or like a lonely backpacker! Accommodation is very varied, from basic camping to bush camp, from high-end lodge to individual bungalow, for all tastes and all budgets.

Points of interest:

Arriving by international flight in Windhoek, you will quickly understand the concept of “the end of the world”! To discover Namibia’s central plateau, start by exploring Windhoek, which in Afrikaans means “corner of the wind”. The Namibian capital reflects through its architecture, the history of the country. In the city center, you will find very beautiful buildings such as the Sainte-Marie Cathedral or the Lutheran church (1910) which dominates the city alongside the German fort.

In Swakopmund, it’s all about contrasts. The deep red dunes rub shoulders with the impetuous Atlantic Ocean. In Africa, yes, but everything seems very Germanic, including the language which is a mixture of German, English and the local dialect. While inland temperatures reach 40 degrees, Swakopmund is significantly cooler.

A former German colony founded in 1892, the city center is an architectural mix that defines Namibia well. The Germanic spirit is anchored there, between antique shops and certain restaurants worthy of a Bavarian postcard, it is sometimes difficult to project oneself in Africa!

A multitude of activities are offered, such as exploring the desert, flying over the dunes by plane or going out to sea to meet seals, pelicans and flamingos. An alternative: why not discover the immense dunes by quad or sandboard? And if you feel hungry, try oysters or other delicacies from the sea.

Luxury or roots, Namibia is the country for those who like to travel off the beaten track

Namib Naukluft Desert

From Swakopmund to the Namib Naukluft Desert aboard a Cessna, this is one of the most beautiful African routes. After flying over the beach, the salt flats and finally the desert, the temperature rises and in the distance appear Sossusvlei and the high dunes in the shape of stars Big Daddy and Big Mommy. The desert as far as the eye can see in the middle of nowhere, no plants, no water, but space and silence and a breathtaking starry sky, what more could you ask for?

At sunrise, Sossusvlei, a fascinating place in the heart of the Namib Desert, invites you to fly over the plains of Namibia in a hot air balloon. After the flight, a champagne breakfast is served; a grandiose experience worthy of “Out of Africa”.

Sossusvlei is famous for its Dead Vlei site between ocher dunes and white sand desert.

The Skeleton Coast

A great adventure, on the “Skeleton Coast” towards the “Torra Conservancy”! This part of the coast is located between the Kunene River in the north, and the Swakop River in the south. At the time of whaling, we found cetacean bones and stranded ships, the seabed coupled with many rocks and the fog being very dangerous for navigation, hence its name!

Kunene region

Kunene-Torra Conservancy, a semi-desert region in southern Angola bordering the Etosha reserve, is a stage as bright as it is unforgettable. Panoramic mode photos guaranteed! Native land of the Himba people formerly called Damaraland, it offers plains as far as the eye can see, summits with grandiose landscapes. Deep in the mountains live black rhinos, oryxs, giraffes, kudus, zebras, desert elephants, lions and leopards.

Twyfelfontain, an archaeological site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has many petroglyphs, drawings carved on the rock.

The famous Etosha reserve created in 1907 by German colonists, with an area of 100,000m2. Currently Etosha is one of the most beautiful animal reserves in Africa thanks to an extremely rich flora and fauna. In its center, the Etosha Pan, a dry salt lake which, a few weeks a year, fills with water and attracts more than 114 species of birds.

Etosha’s salt pan offers a palette of colors. Photo credit: Garance Chassaing

Caprivi Band

The Caprivi Strip is the extension of Namibia between Botswana and Zambia. There are several large rivers as well as a rich and varied flora and fauna. An interesting stopover for those who wish to visit Botswana or the Victoria Falls. It is also possible to go on beautiful safaris.

The NamibRand

The NamibRand is one of the largest private natural areas in Africa. Rich in some 215,000 ha in southern Namibia, its Namibian owner of German origin has succeeded in transforming commercial and livestock lands into nature reserves. You will find a desert of ocher dunes, “fairy circles”, impressive mountains and granite rock formations … But also wild animals including: chamois, hyenas, springboks, zebras, kudus, giraffes, jackals, leopards and cheetahs!

A night under the stars in Wolwedans, a private reserve located in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, will allow you to admire the most starry sky in the world!

Kalahari Desert

The Kalahari Desert is a must-see on a trip to Namibia! Unlike the Namib, it rains there regularly. The dunes are an intense red and in the rainy season, the savannah is covered with green grass and the trees bloom. The Kalahari is still home to a population of Boshimans, the first inhabitants of Southern Africa.

Fish river canyon

The second largest canyon in the world, the Fish River Canyon in the south of the country is worth a detour! The Gondwana animal reserve, in the heart of the 160km of this canyon, offers views as breathtaking as its hikes are.

Namibia is this vast and immense desert country of Africa, more than ever it is important to know how to navigate there. Do you need more help in organising your trip? Do not hesitate to contact us by contacting us here .

See you soon on this side of the world!

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©Radek Borovka/Shutterstock

If Namibia is 'Africa for beginners', as is often said, what a wonderful place to start.

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

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From the dazzling Kalahari Desert to some of the world’s best stargazing, Namibia offers extraordinary encounters with nature.

Things to Know

Get ready for your trip to Namibia with these important tips on health, safety and things to pack.

Transportation

There aren’t many places where you can drive for hours without seeing anything other than the occasional oryx. Here's how to get around in Namibia.

Visa Requirements

Here's everything you need to know about getting a tourist visa to travel to Namibia.

Money and Costs

Save money on your trip to Namibia with these cheap transport tips and information on the costs of camping vs staying in a lodge.

Traveling with Kids

From wildlife-watching safari adventures to stargazing, family travelers will find that Namibia has a lot to offer.

Best Road Trips

Set off on an adventure in Namibia with these five road trips featuring desert, dunes, waterways and Atlantic coastline.

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Namibia Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Namibia

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces and public transportation.

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Can I travel to Namibia from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Namibia.

Can I travel to Namibia if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Namibia without restrictions.

Can I travel to Namibia without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Namibia without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Namibia?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Namibia.

Can I travel to Namibia without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Namibia?

Mask usage in Namibia is not required in public spaces and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Namibia?

Restaurants in Namibia are open. Bars in Namibia are .

Find cheap flights to Namibia from R2 098

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from south africa to namibia departing on 22/5. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to namibia.

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Best Namibia Flight Deals

Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know

Faqs - booking namibia flights, how long is the flight to namibia.

An average direct flight from South Africa to Namibia takes 8h 29m, covering a distance of 2133 km. The most popular route is Johannesburg - Windhoek with an average flight time of 2h 10m.

What is the cheapest flight to Namibia?

The cheapest ticket to Namibia from South Africa found in the last 72 hours was R2 079 one-way, and R4 121 round-trip. The most popular route is Johannesburg OR Tambo to Windhoek Hosea Kutako Intl and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was R4 121.

Which airlines fly to Namibia?

Airlink, British Airways & Qatar Airways fly the most frequently from South Africa to Namibia. The most popular route is from Johannesburg to Windhoek, and Airlink, Qatar Airways and British Airways fly this route the most.

What are the most popular destinations in Namibia?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Windhoek (89% of total searches to Namibia). The next most popular destinations are Walvis Bay (10%) and Ondangwa (0,4%).

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Namibia

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Namibia flight deals.

Top 4 airlines flying to Namibia

It was a great experience , it was quick and on time

this route is more expensive than you would expect. Boarding, disembarking was easy and fast. Cabin crew was friendly. Seats are small

The meal was excellent and well suited to a short journey.

Original flight was delayed due to technical issue. Very poor communication. The manager only appeared when we were climbing on board the plane.This resulted in us missing our follow on flight also with Airlink. No ticket issued from Skukuza and no assistance when we landed to address the issue. We had to make our own arrangements and go to their sales desk. Again they had no knowledge of the flight delay and of any passengers that had connecting flights. The lady (unfortunately with all the STRESS I have forgotten her name) at the counter was extremely helpful and is an excellent example of the type of employee Airlink need to promote and employ. Our luggage was in limbo due to all the missing information and assistance. We had to resort to buying extra tickets from South African Airways who were extremely helpful. I work at an airport so am familiar with its workings. I will infuture be looking for alternative flights.

Airline is the best airline experience I’ve ever had.

My flight was good no comments Crew members were good Flight on schedule even earlier at some point Thanks

Easy boarding, smooth flight, friendly and helpful attendants. As with every other airline, there isn't enough leg room to be comfortable. Food was adequate.

Easy short flight from Johannesburg to Harare. Boarding was slow, flight attendants were friendly. They did a meal service on this short flight, including wine, which was pretty cool.

Flight was moved forward by 2 hours with 3 days notice. This meant I could not connect from flight from Johannesburg. So did not take the flight and drove to Kasane. Will never use Air Botswana unless absolutely necessary. Mark

There was no entertainment, but that is not expected on a flight less than 2 1/2 hours. Uber clean aircraft, good boxed meal and friendly flight attendants. Very please with the experience

Very bad. Linda the hostess was very rude all the time

Very bad, Linda the hostess was very rude all the time

The flight SA227 on 2nd March Sao Paulo to Cape Town was delayed by 3 hours. All other flights leaving Sao Paulo left on time. We were told that we were waiting for push back and a routing from Air traffic control. I don't believe this, what was the real reason for the flight delay?

I think more immigration officers at Or Tambo- I spent 90 mins in a queue before I can assisted and most people missed their appointments and meetings

Not sure it was a basic airline so nothing much to like but what was annoying was they delayed so much we missed our connecting flight and we had to almost fight to be out on the next flight and also even get food

Everything the crew werr nice and helpful plus the food was good

First row in business class is terrible - no storage space with video screen folded down between seats. Entertainment system didn't show flight info...

At the last minute as I boarded the airplane they made me check my carry on bag. When I arrived my Apple Watch, sunglasses, and medications had been stolen. I find this absolutely unacceptable. I will never fly with SAA again.

The gate was changed at the very last moment and no one informed us. The flight was one hour late and the screen broken, the remote control not working. One toilet was out of order . the other toilets were also not totally functioning, because the washbasin was plugged and the water couldn't flow away.

The flight was one hour late. The food is mediocre and the screen was broken

It is just ok, the sits are very uncomfortable, the temperature too low and there weren’t blankets. The food is mediocre and there are no screens to watch movies.

Seat in front of my wife was broken so it reclined further than normal and without having to push the recline button so my wife had absolutely no room the entire 17 hour flight. My seat was broken and wouldn't recline at all. Also.. my tray table was sticky and dirty right away before I even used it. Also...the floor in the back of the plane from our row of seats on back was totally soaked and both times we landed water came rushing out of the food/servant area like a flood onto the same already wet carpet. It got everything wet that was placed around our feet...including our shoes and socks.

Flight was smooth but unnecessary long because we had to refuel at FCO Rome. Air hostesses service and response to call light could be better. Both planes were old with broken seat arms and toilets. Why Africans had to be given the farthest Gates is what baffles me and why we have to pay for Aisle seats I found really strange. Is there ever an end to ripping people off even after paying over $2300 for one seat.

it was a nice tripe but they need to work on the serving of soda,they should be abled to serve cain soda not on cup.At least each passenger should be entitled to one cain of soda not serving on cup.thanks.

On my return flight the TV did not work the entire flight! They knew it wasn’t working but they let me sit there. The guy sitting nièce to me told me he was ok the previous flight and it wasn’t working. This is business class by the way!

Food was horrible. Our flight was not comfortable due to turbulence, seats was not comfortable, Very tight barely can not move anywhere.

The check in staff was amazing. Best customer service! The plane was old! My entertainment on the first flight didn't work at all, in my seat or in the seat next to me. The bathroom doors were old and troublesome. One of the bathrooms, the whole sink panel was broken. Everything felt old and falling apart. The airline stewardesses were amazing and quite hospitable. When there were delays, they kept us well informed. Transit was GREAT! I wasn't sure how I would make it to my next flight in 1 1/2 hours but the security lines were short and efficient. The C gates in Addis Ababa were CROWDED! That whole space downstairs was too crowded and challenging to manuever. I usually fly Ethiopian within Africa and was interested to see how the experience would be intercontinental. Overall, I would choose it again if it was cheaper than Delta/Air France or Lufthansa/KLM. I wouldn't make it a first choice if the prices were the same because the planes are so old! The food and entertainment also weren't as good. Good selection of movies but as I mentioned, on the first flight they didn't work at all (I slept so it was okay) and the 2nd flight it was glitchy. All in all, I didn't hate it but it would be a first choice only if it's cheaper.

The wifi service was really poor I try to use it the service was extremely poor if that could be improved that will go a long way

No priority boarding (travelling with a toddler) and the flight was 4 hours late.

Their online check-in system was offline so the lines at the counter were extremely long. Making our connection was also very unpleasant as there were no priorities for boarding (basically a free-for-all) and since I was travelling with my toddler we had a very hard time. The connecting flight was also 4 hours late.

We were charged an additional $54 usd per passenger to board, not mentioned in the ticket.

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Most visitors to Namibia arrive by air , the majority flying via Johannesburg in South Africa, since the only direct flight to Namibia from Europe is from Frankfurt, Germany, and there are no direct flights from either North America or Australasia.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Namibia, created by local experts

10 days  / from 2600 USD

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.

14 days  / from 6555 USD

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.

8 days  / from 16575 USD

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.

International flights arrive at Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport , 42km east of the capital. The Johannesburg route to Namibia is more popular as you’ve a greater chance of getting a cheaper last-minute deal to Johannesburg provided you’re prepared to shop around online, scour newspaper ads and/or make more stops on the way. What’s more, there are numerous daily connections between Johannesburg and Windhoek. In contrast, the Frankfurt–Namibia route is only operated by Air Namibia , the country’s national carrier, and only offers one daily flight. Seats are generally more expensive and more heavily subscribed during the high season (July–Oct), as well as over the Christmas and New Year holiday period. That said, low-season prices are not particularly low. Generally, the further in advance you book, the cheaper the ticket – as with anywhere else in the world. However, you can cut costs by completing the last leg of the journey from South Africa by long-distance bus. It’s also possible to reach Namibia by bus from other countries in southern Africa.

Flights from the UK and Ireland

There are no direct flights from either the UK or Ireland to Namibia. The easiest route is via Johannesburg by one of several carriers from the UK. Virgin , British Airways and South African Airways offer daily direct overnight flights to Johannesburg, with the latter two offering onward connections via their partner airlines, BA Comair and South African Express , respectively. Fares from the UK (generally Heathrow) are inevitably pricier in high season. A slightly longer route, but also with only one stop, now operates four times a week with Qatar Airways via Doha, at competitive rates. Cheaper options are available if you are prepared to travel more circuitous routes with two stops, on less popular airlines (such as Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa), which also involve longer layovers.

Travelling from Ireland, you can either transfer in London or in one of the other major European cities that have carriers operating flights to Johannesburg, such as Air France in Paris, or KLM in Amsterdam. Alternatively, there are cheap flights from Dublin to Frankfurt, where you can connect with the Air Namibia flight to Windhoek.

Flights from the US and Canada

None of the US or Canadian carriers offers direct flights to Namibia, though several US cities, such as New York (just under 15hr) and Atlanta (just over 15hr), have direct flights to Johannesburg, either with US carriers or with South African Airways. Since Canada has no direct flights to South Africa, the best bet is to connect with a US carrier in the States that offers direct flights from there.

Flights from Australia and New Zealand

The most direct way to reach Namibia from Australia is to take one of the Qantas or SAA nonstop flights to Johannesburg from either Sydney (13hr) or Perth (around 11hr) and change there. From New Zealand the easiest route is via Sydney.

Flights within southern Africa

There are several daily direct flights to Windhoek from Johannesburg and Cape Town with Air Namibia and South African Airways, operated by South African Express, as well as with Comair, on behalf of British Airways. SAA and Air Namibia both operate daily flights to Walvis Bay from Johannesburg and from Cape Town. Air Namibia also offers nonstop connections with: Gaborone, Botswana; Luanda, Angola ; Lusaka, Zambia ; and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe .

Overland by car

The main entry points for vehicles from South Africa are on the B1 at Noordoewer (the Cape Town route), and at Ariamsvlei on the B3 (the Johannesburg route); both borders are open 24 hours. From southern Botswana the Trans Kalahari Highway enters Namibia at Buitepos, 315km east of Windhoek; travelling from northern Botswana , the main border posts are at Ngoma and Mohembo, both in the Zambezi Region. The Wenela Bridge across the Zambezi at Katima Mulilo – usually shortened to Katima – hosts the main border post with Zambia , whereas Oshikango is the main entry point from Angola . There are several other border crossings into Namibia, from South Africa and Botswana in particular, often at the end of a dusty road with more limited opening times.

If you’re driving to Namibia from one of these neighbouring countries, border procedures are fairly straightforward, though if you are not driving a Namibian-registered vehicle you will need to pay road tax, which allows you to bring your vehicle into the country for a maximum of three months. If coming for business, you’ll face additional charges. What’s more, if you are driving a rental car, then you’ll need to have arranged that with the company beforehand at extra cost, and have the papers handy to prove you have their permission to take it across the border.

Entry requirements

If you are a visitor from Western Europe, including the UK and Ireland, or from the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia or South Africa, you do not need a visa to enter Namibia. Otherwise you should check with the Namibian diplomatic mission in your country. Even if a visa is not necessary, you do need a passport valid for six months after the entry date with at least two blank pages for stamps, and you should be able to show proof of onward travel (by air or bus), though this is unlikely to be requested. On arrival in Namibia your passport will be stamped for up to ninety days; visa extensions can be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration in Windhoek, on the corner of Kasino Street and Independence Avenue.

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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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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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Meet Lauren Juliff

Namibia Travel Guide

Travel & tourism.

Ancient deserts, tropical forests, and some of the best game viewing in Africa: it’s little wonder that Namibia, in the southwestern part of the continent, is becoming known as a top tourist destination. The country’s topographical beauty and commitment to wildlife preservation (environmental protection is mandated in its constitution) are immediately evident, no matter whether you travel to the red sand dunes of the Namib Desert or the fertile, densely wooded northern regions. Also, since Namibia gained its independence 20 years ago, it’s been politically stable, so it is one of the safest places to visit in Africa today. Game parks, river cruises, shopping, and some of the best eating on the continent await you as you make your way to Namibia.

What to Do in Namibia

1. Etosha National Park:  One of the best game reserves in Africa, Etosha, in northern Namibia, is home to all kinds of wildlife, from some of Africa’s largest elephants to rare black-faced impalas. Sightings of leopards and lions are almost guaranteed.

2. Swakopmund:  Both a picturesque, seaside town with German, colonial-era architecture and a top destination for thrill seekers (skydiving, paragliding, and more), this large region along the northwestern coast is definitely worth checking out.

3. Namib-Naukluft Park:  Composed of one of the world’s oldest deserts and an isolated mountain range, this 50,000-square-kilometer park along the southwestern coast offers infinite possibilities for exploring. Don’t miss Sossusvlei, the dramatic, brightly colored red sand dunes, which are especially majestic at sunrise and sunset.

4. Crafts Shopping:  In the northern areas of Omuthiya and Onenongo, shop for traditional palm leaf baskets, earthenware bowls, and other handmade goods at the small craft initiatives popping up all over the region. Many were started by NGOs in an effort to generate income for local women while preserving traditional skills.

5. Khaudum Game Park:  In northeastern Namibia, near the Botswana border, this remote, densely forested park shows another side of the country’s varied landscape. Giraffes, rare wild dogs, and hundreds of birds are among the wildlife.

6. Local Cuisine:  Feast your way through Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city, sampling everything from traditional West African dishes to German-inspired fare.

7. Sandboarding:  You shouldn’t leave Namibia without sandboarding; the Namib Desert, along the western coast, boasts some of the largest sand dunes in the world. Try it standing up or lying down, but don’t do it alone. Sandboarders can reach speeds of 60 miles (96.5 kilometers) per hour, so it’s essential to arrange an expedition with a professional sandboarding company.

8. Fish River Canyon:  Often compared to the Grand Canyon, this massive landform in southern Namibia is split by the country’s longest river and is home to mountain zebras, baboons, and more. There are few visitors, and it is an excellent place for camping and hiking.

9. University of Namibia Choir:  Singing in both English and indigenous languages, choir members belt out lively melodies and use call and response in their moving performances. The university is located in Windhoek.

10. River Cruise:  Glide down the Zambezi River, along Namibia’s northernmost coast, on a houseboat. Be on the lookout for hippos and crocodiles.

11. Skeleton Coast: Namibia’s Skeleton Coast is a harsh and unyielding landscape where only the hardiest of desert-adapted animals survive. It is also notorious for its rough seas and thick fog that has claimed the lives of many sailors over the years.

12. Kolmanskop: This ghost town was once a thriving diamond mining area but now lies semi-buried by the sands of time. Its haunting beauty is only overshadowed by the eerie feel of abrupt abandonment that whispers through the broken windows and down the lonely streets.

13. Hoba meteorite: The Hoba meteorite is the largest on the planet as well as the largest naturally occurring mass of iron known to exist on the earth. It was first uncovered in 1920 and remains in the exact location where it crashed into the earth’s surface over 80,000 years ago.

14. Welwitschia Drive: This desert route is located in the northern corner of the Namib-Naukluft National Park and includes 13 numbered stone beacons at points of particular interest. The four-hour drive culminates at one of Namibia’s largest, and oldest, welwitschia plants, a strange and highly unique desert species.

15. Namib Desert: The Namib Desert claims the title of the oldest in the world and dishes up panoramic landscapes that are second to none. It is an immense expanse of relentlessly moving gravel plains and dunes that stretch along the entire Namibian coastline and holds evidence of human existence dating back to the Stone Age.

The ideal time to visit Namibia is from June to November, when interior temperatures range from 65 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 to 25 degrees Celcius) and you’re more likely to see plenty of game animals. Namibia’s rainy season lasts from October to April; during that time, average interior temperatures span 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 32 degrees Celcius.) (In certain parts of the country, temperatures spike to more than 100 degrees (37.8 degrees Celcius) during this season.) If you’re traveling at the end of the rainy season, or you plan to camp outdoors, it’s advisable to bring a mosquito net and insect repellant with you. Malaria is not prevalent in this area, but having these on hand will make life a little easier.

Getting In and Around

Visas:  A passport with at least two unstamped pages and a visa are required to enter Namibia. Travelers with U.S. passports who plan to visit the country for fewer than 90 days can obtain visas at the airport. Tourists traveling to or from Namibia via South Africa are encouraged to have five or more unstamped pages in their passport.

Transportation:  In/Out and Within Namibia: Namibia’s national airline, Air Namibia, offers flights from New York City and Europe as well as flights within the country. British Airways, South African Airways, and LTU also fly to the Namibia. In Windhoek, you’ll find a local bus service, a fleet of taxis, and a luxury bus line that connects to many of the country’s regions as well as to South Africa. Rental cars are available at the airport (WDH) as well as in Windhoek’s city center. An international driving permit is required for renting a car.

Mobile Phones:  You can use a GSM mobile phone, if you have one, in Namibia. Most international phone companies provide roaming coverage to the country’s urban areas.

Safety and Security

Concerned about your safety as you plan travel to Namibia? We at Africa.com, together with our friends, family and colleagues, travel extensively throughout the continent. Here are the resources we consult when thinking of our safety in Namibia:

•  UK Government Namibia Travel Advice Guidance

Africa.com comment: Very timely and frequently updated. Perspective assumes that you ARE going to travel to Namibia, and seeks to give you good guidance so that you understand the risks and are well informed.

•  U.S. State Department Travel Advisory on Namibia

Africa.com comment: Can sometimes be considered as overly conservative and discourage travel altogether to destinations that many reasonable people find acceptably secure. On the other hand, they have the resources of the CIA to inform them, so they know things that the rest of us don’t know. See what they have to say about Namibia.

Local Advice

1. Located in southwestern Africa, Namibia is a large country the size of Texas and Louisiana combined. It shares borders with Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east, and South Africa to the southeast and is divided into 13 regions: Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Okavango, Caprivi, Kunene, Otjozondjupa, Erongo, Khomas, Omaheko, Hardap, and Karas.

2. Namibian dollars (NAD) are the local currency, but South African rands are also used within the country. (Namibian dollars may not be used in South Africa, however.) One American dollar is equal to approximately seven NAD.

3. Freedom of the press is not an issue here; in fact, Namibia is one of the more press-friendly countries in Africa. The major newspapers are the Namibian, a private, English and Oshiwambo-language daily; Namibia Economist, a daily; Die Republikein, an Afrikaans daily; New Era, a government-owned daily; Windhoek Observer, a private weekly; and Allgemeine Zeitung, a German-language daily.

4. The official language in Namibia is English. Afrikaans, German, Oshivambo, Herero, Nama, and other indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country.

5. Smoking in public places has recently been banned in Namibia.

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Exercise normal safety precautions.  

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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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Namibia Traveler View

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

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Namibia.

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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.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Namibia.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Namibia.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Namibia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Namibia.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Namibia. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Namibia, rabies treatment is often available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Namibia. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• 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

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 | Healthy Water
• 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 , South Africa

Namibia vs. South Africa

Table of Contents

Looking to explore a unique blend of culture and history? You’re in the right place! This intriguing journey through Namibia and South Africa awaits you. So buckle up, let your imagination wander, and embark on this captivating adventure!

History & Culture

Stepping into the realm of history and culture, let’s start with Namibia. It’s a land filled with fascinating stories etched in time.

The San people, Namibia’s first inhabitants, are believed to have lived here for thousands of years. Their rock paintings and petroglyphs tell stories of a time long past. Colonial influences also play a huge role in Namibia’s history. The Portuguese, Germans, and British have all left their imprint here, shaping the nation’s unique cultural fabric.

Then there’s South Africa. Bursting with diverse ethnic groups, it’s a melting pot of cultures, each with its own rich history. The Zulus, Xhosa, and Afrikaners, among many others, have all contributed to the rich tapestry of South Africa’s history. From the struggles against apartheid to the triumph of democracy, the story of South Africa is inspiring, to say the least.

When comparing the histories of the two countries, it’s clear that both have endured periods of struggle and change. But through this, they have forged their own distinct identities. Each one’s history is not merely a collection of dates and events but a narrative that continues to shape the nation’s present and future.

In terms of culture, both Namibia and South Africa celebrate diversity. Namibia’s culture is a unique fusion of its indigenous tribes and colonial influences. On the other hand, South Africa, known as the ‘Rainbow Nation,’ thrives on the amalgamation of its multiple ethnic groups.

In summary, both Namibia and South Africa boast rich histories and diverse cultures. Each country’s journey is unique, and their cultures have evolved from a fascinating mix of indigenous and foreign influences. It’s impossible to rank one above the other; it’s all about what sparks your curiosity more and resonates with you the most.

Attractions & Activities

Next on our journey through Namibia and South Africa is the exploration of attractions and activities these countries offer. Each destination is brimming with adventure and sightseeing opportunities, making them fascinating playgrounds for the curious traveler.

In Namibia, a unique blend of attractions awaits. Etosha National Park, a wildlife haven spanning about 8,600 square miles (22,270 square kilometers), invites you to witness the beauty of African wildlife. From lions and elephants to a plethora of bird species, it’s a real treat for nature lovers.

For history buffs, the ghost town of Kolmanskop offers an eerie yet fascinating exploration. This deserted town is a testament to a past diamond rush and the impermanence of human endeavors.

South Africa, on the other hand, offers a unique mix of natural beauty and urban charm. The iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town gives you a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings. An adrenaline-pumping activity here is abseiling down the mountain – if you’re up for it!

Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum gives a heart-rending insight into the country’s past, while Soweto offers an authentic taste of modern urban South African culture.

When it comes to activities, both countries are an adventurer’s paradise. While Namibia’s sandboarding down the dunes of Swakopmund gets your heart racing, South Africa’s famous Garden Route drive stuns with its scenic beauty.

Summing it up, whether it’s the untouched beauty of Namibia’s wildlife or South Africa’s blend of urban and natural attractions, each destination offers unique experiences that cater to a wide range of interests. Which thrilling adventure will you choose to embark on?

The allure of crystal clear waters and sandy shores is universal. Comparing the beaches of Namibia and South Africa is like unveiling two unique styles of coastal beauty.

Namibia, with its Atlantic coastline spanning around 976 miles (1,572 kilometers), offers some of the most dramatic beaches in Africa. Skeleton Coast, aptly named for its eerie shipwrecks, is a surreal and hauntingly beautiful stretch of sand. This isn’t your typical sunbathing spot, but its desolate beauty is mesmerizing.

Contrastingly, South Africa’s coastline stretches about 1,739 miles (2,798 kilometers) and is dotted with vibrant and lively beaches. Camps Bay in Cape Town, backed by the Twelve Apostles mountain range, offers stunning views and cool, turquoise waters. Durban’s Golden Mile, a bustling hub of activity, teems with surfers and sun-seekers throughout the year.

The beaches in Namibia and South Africa provide different experiences. Namibia’s beaches are more rugged and remote, while South Africa’s are generally more developed and bustling with activity.

In conclusion, whether it’s the wild, desolate beauty of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast or the vibrant, pulsating life on South Africa’s Golden Mile, the choice between the two depends on what you are seeking from your beach experience. Do you want to step off the beaten path or immerse yourself in the energy of city beaches? The choice is yours to make.

Eating, Drinking & Nightlife

Delving into the gastronomic scene and nighttime vibes of Namibia and South Africa uncovers another layer of their distinct identities. A culinary journey through these countries is an exploration of their history, culture, and the spirit of their people.

Namibian cuisine offers a blend of indigenous food and German-influenced dishes, creating a unique culinary experience. Game meat, such as kudu and oryx, and seafood from the coast are staples. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might try kapana, a popular street food, which is grilled meat sold in open markets.

In South Africa, the culinary scene is as diverse as its people. From traditional African dishes like bobotie to Afrikaaner delicacies such as biltong, your taste buds are in for a treat. Cape Malay cuisine in Cape Town, with its blend of sweet and spicy flavors, is a must-try.

As for drinks, Namibian breweries produce some fine beers, thanks to the German influence. Local wines, particularly those from the vineyards along the Orange River, are also worth savoring.

In South Africa, it’s hard to overlook the country’s world-renowned wines. The wine regions of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are home to some of the best vineyards in the world. A trip to South Africa would be incomplete without tasting their famous Pinotage.

When it comes to nightlife, Namibia’s is relatively low-key but enjoyable. Swakopmund, with its beachside bars and restaurants, is a good spot to relax in the evenings.

South Africa, especially cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, offers a vibrant nightlife scene. Live music, bustling clubs, and stylish bars make them a paradise for night owls.

To summarize, whether you are a foodie, a wine enthusiast, or a night owl, both Namibia and South Africa have experiences that cater to you. Your preferences will guide your choice. Are you ready to embrace these exciting culinary and nocturnal adventures?

The shopping scene in Namibia and South Africa provides another exciting dimension of exploration. Each offers a unique blend of local crafts, high-end fashion, and everything in between.

Namibia is a treasure trove for those interested in indigenous crafts. The Namibia Craft Centre in Windhoek, with over 40 shops, showcases a vast range of handmade items, from Himba-carved wooden bowls to Owambo palm leaf baskets. It’s the perfect place to find unique souvenirs that tell the story of Namibia’s diverse culture.

In contrast, South Africa offers a combination of upscale shopping malls, trendy boutiques, and bustling markets. Johannesburg’s Sandton City, one of the most prestigious shopping centers in Africa, houses a plethora of international luxury brands.

Meanwhile, Cape Town’s Greenmarket Square is renowned for its vibrant stalls selling everything from African art to beaded jewelry.

Overall, whether you’re hunting for traditional handicrafts in Namibia or seeking high-end fashion in South Africa, both destinations offer a shopping experience that’s sure to thrill and delight. So, are you ready to find your perfect souvenir and carry a piece of these countries back home?

Accommodation

Finding the right place to stay is a crucial part of your journey. Whether you’re looking for luxury or simplicity, Namibia and South Africa offer accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets.

Namibia offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury lodges to budget-friendly guesthouses. If you’re seeking an immersive experience, consider staying at a lodge in the heart of Etosha National Park, such as the Ongava Lodge. For a budget-friendly option, Chameleon Backpackers in Windhoek provides comfort without breaking the bank.

In contrast, South Africa is known for its world-class luxury accommodations. The Silo Hotel in Cape Town, with its stunning views of Table Mountain and the harbor, promises an unforgettable stay. If you’re traveling on a budget, don’t fret. Hostels like Curiocity in Johannesburg offer clean, comfortable accommodation at a great price.

In conclusion, whether you fancy the comfort of a luxury lodge in the wilderness of Namibia or prefer the sophistication of a five-star hotel in South Africa’s vibrant cities, there are options for every traveler. So, where will you rest your head after a day of exploration?

Family-Friendliness & Children’s Activities

Creating memorable experiences for the whole family is a key aspect of travel. Fortunately, both Namibia and South Africa offer a host of activities suitable for children of all ages.

Namibia, with its abundant wildlife and open spaces, is a natural playground for kids. A visit to the Cheetah Conservation Fund offers a fun and educational experience where kids can learn about these amazing creatures and the efforts to conserve them.

South Africa, on the other hand, offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions. The Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town lets kids get up close and personal with marine life, while Gold Reef City in Johannesburg combines a theme park and a glimpse into the region’s gold mining history for a day of fun and learning.

To sum up, whether it’s the call of the wild in Namibia or the blend of fun and education in South Africa, both destinations provide a wealth of family-friendly activities. Which one will be your next family adventure?

Getting There & Getting Around

Reaching and navigating through Namibia and South Africa can be part of the adventure. Each provides unique modes of transportation that can enhance your travel experience.

To get to Namibia, most international travelers fly into Hosea Kutako International Airport, located about 28 miles (45 kilometers) east of Windhoek. South Africa, on the other hand, has multiple international airports, with O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg being the busiest.

Once in Namibia, renting a car is a common way to explore. Namibia’s well-maintained road network, coupled with its expansive landscapes, makes a self-drive safari a popular choice for travelers.

In South Africa, the extensive road network lends itself to self-driving. But for those who prefer public transportation, the Gautrain in Johannesburg and MyCiti bus in Cape Town provide reliable services.

In conclusion, whether it’s the expansive landscapes of Namibia best explored by car or the well-connected cities of South Africa navigated by public transport, each destination offers a unique journey. So, how do you prefer to travel and explore?

Choosing the perfect time to visit can make all the difference in your travel experience. Weather patterns in Namibia and South Africa can significantly shape your journey.

Namibia has a largely arid climate with sunshine throughout the year. Its winter, between May and September, sees daytime temperatures around 68°F (20°C) and cooler nights. This is often the best time to visit for wildlife spotting, as animals gather around water sources.

South Africa’s weather is more diverse due to its larger size and geographic variation. In Cape Town, summers (December to March) are warm and dry with temperatures averaging around 79°F (26°C). Johannesburg, in contrast, experiences summer rains and mild winters with temperatures around 63°F (17°C).

In conclusion, the sun-soaked expanses of Namibia are a stark contrast to the seasonal shifts of South Africa. Depending on what you’re looking for—be it a winter safari in Namibia or a summer beach vacation in South Africa—your ideal weather awaits.

Your peace of mind and safety are essential when traveling. While both Namibia and South Africa offer rewarding travel experiences, it’s always wise to be informed about safety.

Namibia is generally considered safe for tourists. Petty crime occurs, but it’s typically limited to Windhoek, the capital. To ensure a safe journey, stay vigilant and keep your belongings secure. Namibia’s roads are often wide and well-maintained, but long distances between towns and occasional sandstorms can make driving a challenge.

South Africa, while offering a rich array of experiences, has higher crime rates, especially in major cities. As a traveler, staying alert and informed about safe areas is advisable. From a different perspective of safety, South Africa has one of the world’s most comprehensive systems for eco-sustainability, contributing to the long-term preservation of its unique flora and fauna.

In summary, both Namibia and South Africa call for vigilance and common-sense safety practices, with an added layer of ecological safety in South Africa. Where will your safe and memorable journey be?

The budget for your trip is often a deciding factor. Knowing the cost differences between Namibia and South Africa can help you plan better.

Namibia, while offering stunning landscapes and wildlife, can be more expensive for tourists. A meal at a mid-range restaurant may cost around 200 NAD (about $11.20), while a night at a mid-range hotel could set you back around 1000 NAD (about $56).

On the other hand, South Africa, with its well-established tourism industry, often offers more for your money. A meal at a mid-range restaurant typically costs around 120 ZAR (about $6.72), and a comfortable hotel room may cost around 900 ZAR (about $50.40) per night.

In conclusion, whether you’re leaning toward the raw natural appeal of Namibia or the diverse experiences offered by South Africa, considering your budget is key. So, which destination fits your pocket?

Which Is Better – Namibia or South Africa?

Choosing between Namibia and South Africa can be like choosing between two fascinating tales, both steeped in history and culture.

Namibia offers a unique blend of indigenous and German influences, seen in its language, architecture, and customs. South Africa, on the other hand, presents a rich tapestry of multicultural influences from its Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans people, and from its apartheid past.

In terms of attractions and activities, both countries offer distinct experiences. Namibia is the go-to place for outdoor enthusiasts, with its awe-inspiring landscapes like the Namib Desert and Etosha National Park. South Africa offers a more varied array of experiences, from the wildlife of Kruger National Park to the urban vibe of Cape Town and Johannesburg.

When it comes to beaches, South Africa’s Garden Route and Durban’s Golden Mile are more appealing to beachgoers, with their warm waters and sandy stretches. However, Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, while not suitable for swimming, offers a unique landscape of shipwrecks and seal colonies.

As for gastronomy and nightlife, South Africa’s culinary scene, with its Cape Malay curries and braai (barbecue) culture, combined with vibrant nightlife in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, makes it more appealing. While Namibia’s cuisine is more meat-centric and the nightlife is calmer.

The shopping experience varies too. Namibia offers unique tribal crafts and gemstones, while South Africa boasts larger malls and a wider range of products, from locally designed clothes to gold and diamond jewelry.

For accommodation, Namibia offers high-end safari lodges and guesthouses that provide intimate and personalized experiences, whereas South Africa offers a wider range of options, from luxury hotels in cities to charming bed and breakfasts in wine country.

For family-friendly vacations, South Africa tends to have more children’s activities, including kid-friendly safaris and interactive museums. But Namibia, with its emphasis on wildlife and nature, can provide an enriching and educational experience for children too.

In terms of getting there and around, South Africa, with more international flight connections and a more extensive public transportation system, is generally easier to navigate than Namibia. However, Namibia’s well-maintained roads make for a great self-drive vacation.

When it comes to weather, Namibia’s sunny, dry climate makes it a year-round destination, while South Africa’s diverse climate offers the thrill of different experiences depending on the season.

For safety, Namibia generally enjoys a reputation for being safe for tourists, while in South Africa, some safety concerns exist in certain areas. However, with basic precautions, both can be safely traveled.

In terms of cost, South Africa generally offers more value for money, with a wide range of options to suit various budgets, while Namibia can be a bit pricier, especially for accommodations.

In summary, your choice between Namibia and South Africa will depend on what you’re looking for in your adventure. Are you drawn to the undisturbed, arid beauty of Namibia or the vibrant, diverse landscapes of South Africa? Your unforgettable journey awaits in both!

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Namibia imports N$56 billion worth of goods from SA

By Tracy Tafirenyika

25 April 2024

Namibia imported N$56 billion worth of goods from South Africa between 2021 and 2023, while Namibia only exported N$16 billion worth of goods to South Africa.

This marks Namibia as one of South Africa’s top export and trading partners on the continent.

She says South Africa’s main exports to Namibia include vehicles, machinery, pharmaceuticals, processed food, clothing, cement, petroleum, iron and steel. South Africa’s imports from Namibia include beverages, livestock, meat products, fish and minerals.

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, Mtintso said Namibia is hard at work to improve its fledgling agriculture and manufacturing sectors, with its main objective being to reduce its economic dependence on South Africa, as well as improve its food security.

Namibia is among the key trade and investment partners in southern Africa and this is demonstrated by the growing trade volume and value of investments between the two countries, notwithstanding Namibia’s domestic policy of intermittent banning of South African fresh produce.

“Over the past 20 years, a total of 60 foreign direct investment projects from 44 companies were recorded between the two countries. The value of the total investment of US$1,72 billion created over 4 100 jobs for 2022.

The trade balance between South Africa and Namibia is in favour of South Africa,” she said.

Industrialisation and trade minister Lucia Iipumbu, in a previous interview with The Namibian, said South Africa is Namibia’s primary export partner.

Conversely, South Africa is Namibia’s primary import partner.

She said this means Namibia sells a significant portion of its goods to South Africa and buys a substantial amount of products from South Africa, however, South Africa sells more than it buys from Namibia, creating a trade surplus of N$30 billion.

South African president Cyril Ramaphosa last year said Namibia and South Africa should use the opportunities presented by the African Free Trade Area agreement and focus on building stronger trade partnerships.

“There is a need to boost cross-border value chains and we should work on improving the way goods and services move across borders and are transformed into valuable products,” said Ramaphosa.

Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for only N$85 a month . Invest in journalism, invest in democracy – Subscribe Now!

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Meet the indigenous tribes of Southern Africa

Posted: April 25, 2024 | Last updated: April 25, 2024

If you venture to the Southern end of the African continent, you will find a land that is influenced by many diverse cultures. Modernism has mixed with tradition in this part of the world, and while there are some interesting facts about indigenous people as a whole, the tribes from Southern Africa are truly unique due to the African continent’s geography and history of colonialism.

Intrigued? Click through this gallery to read up on some of the tribes from this area of the world.

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Nama (Namibia, South Africa)

The Nama indigenous tribe is deeply connected to the desert of Southern Africa, and most of their traditions are adapted to the arid conditions. Indeed, the Nama people are known for their resilience and resourcefulness in such harsh conditions.

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The Nama people’s traditions of storytelling and music have helped them establish themselves as the largest group of the Khoikhoi–nomadic, pastoralist indigenous peoples of South Africa.

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Herero (Namibia, Botswana)

The indigenous Herero tribe is most distinctive due to its rich cultural heritage that includes traditional clothing and deeply traditional beliefs.

The Herero culture has been significantly influenced by German colonialism, particularly in language and attire. But despite these challenges, this tribe has preserved its cultural identity and traditions.

Lozi (Zambia, Namibia, Botswana)

The Lozi people have a unique system of government centered around the Litunga , a person who is considered both a political and spiritual leader. Pictured here is a spiritual healer blessing the departure of the Litunga.

Unlike most African ethnic groups, the Lozi people are not separated into clans. In fact, if a foreigner were to criticize a Litunga, it is treated as a criticism of the Lozi nation as a whole.

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Khoikhoi (South Africa, Namibia)

Although the Khoikhoi culture is an umbrella for multiple tribes, it is important to distinguish them, as they have a rich oral tradition of storytelling and poetry that has affected much of Southern Africa.

The first recorded contact between Europeans and the Khoikhoi was in the 15th century, when Portuguese explorers arrived to the shores of Africa. Encounters between these two cultures were regularly violent.

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Pedi (South Africa)

The Pedi people have a rich cultural heritage that includes skilled craftsmanship, a rainmaking ceremony–called dikgafela –and traditional leadership structures headed by a king .

Pedi society is organized into age sets, with each stage of life marked by specific rituals and responsibilities. Sometimes, animal sacrifices are important for rituals to unfold.

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Tsonga (South Africa, Mozambique)

Tsonga culture is characterized by its vibrant music and dance, which often accompany social gatherings and ceremonies. Traditional Tsonga music includes the marimba and drums.

The dance that Tsonga people perform is called xibelani , which is performed by the women and dates back as early as the 14th century.

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San (Botswana, Namibia, South Africa)

Also known as the Bushmen, the San are among the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa, and they are known for their rock art and unique languages characterized by click consonants.

The San people have a deep understanding of their environment and are skilled hunters and gatherers. Indeed, the rock paintings found in caves across Southern Africa provide insight into their daily lives.

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Swazi (Eswatini, South Africa)

The country of Eswatini–formerly Swaziland–is the native home of the Swazi people, who have deep connections with traditional ceremonies and rituals. The monarch of the Swazi people has considerable influence, and is revered as a symbol of unity.

The Reed Dance ceremony–called Umhlanga – is one of the culture’s most significant events. It happens annually at the end of August, and calls tens of thousands of women from various chiefdoms to participate.

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Venda (South Africa, Zimbabwe)

The Venda people are most notable for their beliefs in ancestral spirits and their worship of the python as a sacred animal.

Venda society is matrilineal, with descent traced through the female line. They are also known for their woodcarving, pottery, and traditional musical instruments.

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Shona (Zimbabwe)

The largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe, the Shona people have many traditional beliefs and a strong history of kingdom-building, which flourished between the 11th and 15th centuries. Some of the ruins of this kingdom can still be seen today.

Shona culture places a strong emphasis on respect for elders and ancestors. Traditional spiritual beliefs often revolve around ancestral reverence and the role of spiritual mediums known as vadzimu .

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Sotho (Lesotho, South Africa)

The Sotho people have a strong sense of identity, which is largely derived from the culture’s community and social cohesion among extended family networks.

They are also known as Basotho, and it is believed that the Sotho people’s ancestors originated from Northeast Africa before they migrated to the south in the 5th century CE.

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Ndebele (Zimbabwe, South Africa)

The Ndebele people are known for their distinctive art, including vibrant geometric patterns used in their beadwork and house painting.

Ndebele society traditionally followed a hierarchical structure, with the king ( intombi ) at the apex of power. This structure still exists in small ways today, but modern politics play a larger role.

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Tswana (Botswana, South Africa)

Tswana society is organized into various clans, each with its own chief. Traditional practices among the Tswana people include agriculture and livestock farming, but much of this has been replaced by urban professions.

The culture has a strong tradition of storytelling (typically done via oral narrative or dance), which is often used to convey wisdom and cultural norms.

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Xhosa (South Africa)

The Xhosa people have a deep spiritual connection to their ancestors and the natural world. Traditional healers ( sangomas ) are known to smear white clay on bodies during the healing process.

One of the most known practices among the Xhosa people is that of ulwaluko , which is the initiation ceremony conducted on young men so that they can enter manhood.

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Zulu (South Africa)

The Zulu culture is one of the largest ethnic groups in South Africa. They are known for their rich cultural heritage–including vibrant traditions, music, and dance–and the historic Zulu Kingdom led by figures like King Shaka.

The Zulu people are renowned for their military prowess, which was significantly demonstrated during the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879. Much like other cultures, they also have a rich oral tradition of storytelling.

Sources: (Indigenous Navigator) (Indigenous Peoples of Africa Co-ordinating Committee) (International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs)

See also: Indigenous cultural practices that remain in use today

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Announcing the Hot List Winners of 2024

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List , our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants , and cruise ships , a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech, or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali. We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List hotel winners for 2024.

Click here to see the entire Hot List for 2024 .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

North Island Okavango

Angama Amboseli

Jannah Lamu

Farasha Farmhouse , Marrakech

Kozo Kigali

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island — Seychelles

SOUTH AFRICA

Nikkei Cape Town

Molori Mashuma , Mana Pools National Park

Pemako Punakha

Regent Hong Kong

Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur

Naar , Darwa

Papa's , Mumbai

Cap Karoso , Sumba

Further , Bali

Locavore NXT Bali

Le Pristine Tokyo

The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza

Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park , Tokyo

Shinta Mani Mustang - A Bensley Collection , Jomsom

SOUTH KOREA

JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa

Pot Au Phở , Ho Chi Minh

Le Foote , Sydney

Southern Ocean Lodge , Kangaroo Island

Sun Ranch , Byron Bay

MIDDLE EAST

Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain

SAUDI ARABIA

Six Senses Southern Dunes , Umluj

The St. Regis Riyadh

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The Guild , Dubai

SIRO One Za'abeel, Dubai

Soul Kitchen , Dubai

The Lana, Dorchester Collection , Dubai

Koan , Copenhagen

Hotel Maria , Helsinki

1 Place Vendôme , Paris

The Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel , Cannes

Datil , Paris

Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin , Paris

La Nauve Hôtel & Jardin , Cognac

Rosewood Munich

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino

Monument , Athens

One&Only Aesthesis , Athens

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

Bulgari Hotel Roma , Rome

Trattoria del Ciumbia , Milan

Hotel La Palma , Capri

La Roqqa , Porto Ercole

Nolinski Venezia , Venice

Palazzo Roma , Rome

Saporium , Florence

Hotel Violino d’Oro , Venice

Mamula Island

NETHERLANDS

De Durgerdam , Amsterdam

Canalha , Lisbon

Andreu Genestra , Mallorca

Barro , Ávila

César Lanzarote , Lanzarote

Hotel Corazón , Mallorca

Grand Hotel Son Net , Mallorca

Palacio Arriluce , Getxo

Son Vell Menorca , Menorca

The Peninsula Istanbul

UNITED KINGDOM

Broadwick Soho , London

Chishuru , London

The Devonshire , London

Chelsea Townhouse, London

Estelle Manor , Cotswolds

Fish Shop , Ballater

Raffles London at The OWO

Colima 71 , Mexico City

Maizajo Mexico City

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel , Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya EDITION

The St. Regis Kanai Resort , Riviera Maya

SOUTH AMERICA

Casa Lucía , Buenos Aires

Trescha , Buenos Aires

Oseille , Rio de Janiero

99 Restaurante, Santiago

Our Habitas Atacama , San Pedro de Atacama

Puqio , Arequipa

THE CARIBBEAN

Silversands Beach House

UNITED STATES

The Celestine , New Orleans

Dawn Ranch , Sonoma, California

The Fifth Avenue Hotel , New York

Fontainebleau Las Vegas

The Georgian , Santa Monica, California

The Global Ambassador , Phoenix

Hotel Bardo, Savannah

Ilis , New York

Kiln , San Francisco

Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort , Kona, Hawaii

Maty's , Miami

Warren Street Hotel , New York

Yess , Los Angeles

World Voyager, Atlas Ocean Voyages

CRUISE SHIPS

Silver Nova , Silversea

Norwegian Viva

Seven Seas Grandeur , Regent Seven Seas Grandeur

Oceania Vista

World Voyager , Atlas Ocean Voyages

Scenic Eclipse II

Emerald Sakara

Celebrity Ascent

Seabourn Pursuit

Icon of the Seas , Royal Caribbean

MSC Euribia

Viking Aton

Resilient Lady , Virgin Voyages

This story appears in Condé Nast Traveler's Hot List issue. Never miss an issue when you subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler.

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Weekly Travel News Recap, 26 April: ACSA mandates physical searches of all persons wearing head coverings, petrol station hijackings on the rise, and more

Catch up on all the latest travel news with drive south africa..

Each week, our team scours the web for the most interesting, trending, and unusual travel news, conservation news, and motoring news stories. Here are this week’s biggest scoops.

Travel News

An aeroplane lands in Paris, France

• Lift to suspend flights between Cape Town and Durban for winter period .  The local airline says it has revised its winter period schedule and will suspend all flights between the cities from 7 May to 12 June. It adds that it’s in the process of notifying passengers and will re-accommodate affected travellers on the closest alternative flights.
• Airlines cancel hundreds of flights to and from France following threat of air traffic control strikes .  Reuters  reports that French air traffic controllers had threatened to go on strike on 25 April before coming to an agreement with authorities. However, the agreement came too late to avert hundreds of flight cancellations, causing massive disruptions in France and other parts of Europe.
• Namibia introduces visas-on-arrival at Walvis Bay Harbour .  The country’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism called for more efficient immigration processes for cruise ships after the  Queen Mary II brought more than 1,000 passengers to Walvis Bay this month, many of whom struggled with long waiting times. The new visa system is now in effect, eliminating the need for prior visa applications.
• ACSA mandates physical searches of all persons wearing head coverings .  The Airports Company of South Africa says all passengers wearing “fixed headgear, headwraps, hijabs, burkas, doeks, izicholo, or niqabs” will be required to undergo physical searches at airport security gates. It adds that the searches “will be conducted with due sensitivity to recognised religious and cultural practices” and acknowledges that they “may cause discomfort”.
• WATCH: Interim Chairman Derek Hanekom says SAA broke even in 2023 . Speaking to  ENCA , the former Minister of Tourism said that the national airline broke even during the 2023-2024 financial year and is now seeking new investment streams to help expand its downsized network.
• Norse Atlantic Airways launches new route between Cape Town and London .  The new flight offers an affordable alternative for passengers travelling between Cape Town and London Gatwick International Airport and will begin operating on 28 October. Online bookings are already available.

Conservation News

A mother cheetah and one of her cubs

• South Africa to send more cheetahs to India’s Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary .  The cheetah is the only large predator to have gone extinct in India since independence. In 2022, local authorities launched “Project Cheetah” and released eight cheetahs into the sanctuary, followed by another 12 in 2023. It’s hoped that the project will result in a healthy breeding population.
• Deforestation forcing Ugandan wildlife to consume virus-laden bat guano to survive . Researchers say tobacco farming has caused severe selective deforestation in Budongo Forest, Uganda, forcing animals like chimpanzees, antelopes, and monkeys to turn to bat guano for food. However, the guano is a major source of zoonotic viruses, raising concerns that more diseases might spread from wildlife to humans.
• WATCH: Tigers rescued from Boksburg released to big cat sanctuary in the Free State . The tigers were held in poor conditions at a residential property in Boksburg for over two years before being rescued by the NSPCA and Boksburg SPCA. They have now been released at Isindile Big Cat and Predator Sanctuary in Fouriesburg, Free State.

Automotive News

The camouflaged Kia Tasman

• Kia releases first comouflage images of upcoming Tasman bakkie.   The South Korean manufacturer has revealed a custom camouflage wrap for its upcoming Tasman bakkie, set to be launched in South Africa at some point in the near future. The camouflage conceals the final design of the vehicle ahead of official launch and was designed by artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop.
• South African motorists urged to stay alert as petrol station hijackings increase .  According to Louis Nyahunda, senior research fellow at the Tshwane University of Technology Department of Law, Safety, and Security Management, there has been a substantial increase in petrol station-related crimes in South Africa.  Speaking to  SABC News , he added that many petrol stations lack adequate security measures.
• Jaecoo J7 SUV lands in South Africa .  South Africa is the first right-hand drive market for the Chinese vehicle, with pricing starting at R549,900. It features a turbocharged 1.6 l petrol engine that produces 145 kW of power and 290 Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
• Fiat set to launch two electric models in South Africa this year .  Stellantis has confirmed that it will introduce the electric versions of the Fiat 500 and Abarth 500 in South Africa later this year. The Fiat 500 might become one of the cheapest EVs available, while the Abarth will feature a more powerful motor with 113 kW of power and 235 Nm of torque.

Missed out on this week’s Drive South Africa blogs? Catch up on them here.

Botswana border post crossing guide 🚧, different types of ev cars explained ⚡, travel news image credits: unsplash, kia.

Planning to get away this weekend? Hire a car with Drive South Africa . We’ve been putting people behind the wheel for over 20 years and we’ll do the same for you. No fuss, no stress, just Africa’s leading car rental service. Check out our nifty Road Trip Explorer for more travel inspiration.

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Visa-free travel from South Africa may end under immigration plan

Move comes less than three years after requirement for visas for travel from south africa was abolished.

Taoiseach Simon Harris: The Government will 'do more' to reduce the number of applicants for international protection coming over the Border. Photograph: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

Ministers will discuss a possible move to end visa-free travel from South Africa , as the Government’s efforts to tighten immigration and asylum processes continue.

The expected move comes less than three years after the need for visas for travel from South Africa was abolished and results from officials’ warnings that people from Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo are travelling on South African passports.

Figures released by the Department of Justice show that the authorities are currently processing the applications of 198 people who arrived on South African passports this year – just over 3 per cent of the total.

It is expected to be discussed at a meeting of the Cabinet committee on migration and integration next Thursday.

Abuses in the asylum system

Taoiseach convenes private meeting about Mount Street ‘tented village’

Palestinians sleeping rough in Dublin face intimidation as 1,758 asylum seekers now homeless

Newtownmountkennedy protests: Taoiseach condemns ‘thuggery’ after violent clashes with gardaí at site earmarked for asylum seekers

On Wednesday, Taoiseach Simon Harris told a Dáil committee the Government would “do more” to reduce the number of applicants for international protection (IP) – or asylum – who were coming over the Border with Northern Ireland.

[  Migration system may be tightened over spike in international protection applicants  ]

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee told a Dáil committee on Tuesday that more than 80 per cent of IP applicants were arriving in the State via Northern Ireland.

Mr Harris told the Oireachtas Committee that oversees the Departments of the Taoiseach, Finance and Public Expenditure: “We have to do more in this space. This wasn’t always the way. And, in fact, this is a relatively recent phenomenon”.

Mr Harris said measures introduced at airports had reduced the number of asylum seekers arriving, but that greater co-operation was needed between Garda and the Police Service of Northern Ireland on the issue.

Earlier Ms McEntee told RTÉ that more than 5,000 people had applied for asylum in Ireland this year, and that half of that number were “secondary movements”, where people come from another “safe” country to claim asylum in Ireland.

Elsewhere, the Government has written to church dioceses asking them to make buildings or lands available to help accommodate asylum seekers as part of a renewed push to find beds.

In 2022, the Government sought church lands to accommodate those fleeing the war in Ukraine but has now asked dioceses for assistance in helping house asylum seekers. This comes amid ongoing pressure to house 1,600 unaccommodated single males.

[  ‘This is for our town’: Ballina locals protest against plans to house families seeking international protection  ]

Minister of State Joe O’Brien wrote to the dioceses in early March as well as seeking more local authority lands or buildings from the County and City Management Association (CCMA).

However, he was told that local authority’s ability to provide additional buildings was “severely limited”.

Mr O’Brien said: “Given the grave situation in terms of the number of people unaccommodated – many of whom are forced to sleep on the streets with all the obvious danger that entails – I feel it is incumbent on me to do everything within my power to try to assist the Trojan efforts of Minister O’Gorman and our officials within the Department of Integration.

[  Over 20,000 international protection applicants could apply for asylum in Ireland during 2024  ]

“On that basis I wrote to both the CCMA and each diocese, asking them to give serious consideration to their buildings and/or land portfolio with a view to trying to identify anything at all that might help alleviate the situation – even temporarily while we move towards the medium-term plan set out by Minister O’Gorman.”

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Pat Leahy is Political Editor of The Irish Times

Jack Horgan-Jones

Jack Horgan-Jones is a Political Correspondent with The Irish Times

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