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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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325,858 (2011)

1840 (first time) | 1890 (second time)

The gateway to Namibia

Windhoek is a laid-back and easily navigable city with a small-town charm. You would be forgiven for forgetting it’s the country’s capital. But most importantly, Windhoek is a good practical base from which to plan routes, hire a car and go shopping for supplies. This makes Windhoek the ideal place to start your journey.

Things to do

• Where to stay
• Where To Go

Windhoek: Namibia's Capital City

Windhoek is not your typical African city. A solid infrastructure and a relatively high level of efficiency give Windhoek an almost European feel. The eclectic mix of Namibian people and the abundant sunshine, however, remind you that you are indeed in southern Africa.

The first foundation of Windhoek is traced back to 1840, when the leader of the Oorlam tribe, Captain Jonker Afrikaner and his people, settled in the area and he named it Windhoek. He was attracted to the region primarily because the permanent hot spring which was an all-important source of water to his people, their horses and their livestock. Their settlement grew rapidly, with other former inhabitants of the Cape Colony as well as missionaries moving to Windhoek. A stone church was built, which could house over 500 people, and fruit trees were planted. However, sporadic fighting and wars with the Nama and Herero peoples continued until Windhoek was eventually left in ruins. In 1890 Windhoek was “founded” for a second time by the German Schutztruppe Captain Curt von François, as the administrative capital of what was then called German South-West Africa.

Windhoek again began to grow and soon became the most important city in the colony with an influx of settlers arriving, buildings sprouting up and shops opening. The influence of this early time can still be seen in the architecture of some of Windhoek’s most prominent buildings. The perfect examples of this, are the three medieval style castles which were built and can still be seen today. The most famous of the three castles, the Heinitzburg is now an upmarket hotel with an excellent restaurant. After World War I, the South African national government was given the mandate to govern the territory by the then League of Nations. The South African government subsequently implemented their policy of apartheid and the struggle for independence and political rights for the local people intensified. In 1990, Namibia finally achieved its independence, multiparty democracy was installed and the new majority government implemented a policy of national reconciliation.

Today Windhoek represents a bustling, multiracial city that is continually growing. The significant development of the tourism industry has resulted in many new restaurants and accommodations opening, both within the city and on its outskirts. Windhoek has Namibia’s highest concentration of international restaurants and cafes offering cuisine from Namibia, Germany, Portugal, Italy, as well as other parts of the world. One of its most famous restaurants is undeniably Joe’s Beerhouse. A Windhoek institution, Joe’s is an eclectic restaurant that must be visited to fully appreciate. There are some good watering holes and bars around too for anyone keen to experience the city’s nightlife.

Accommodation in Windhoek ranges from lively backpackers and charming bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels. There even is a vibey campsite with a beer garden in the city. On the cities outskirts you will find accommodation options which provide you with more of an ‘out-in-the-bush’ experience. This includes popular guest farms and lodges, both of which can provide you with your Windhoek safari encounters.

By maintaining its small-town charm, despite the fact that it is by far Namibia’s largest (and arguably only) city, Windhoek has a way of endearing itself to all those who take the time to get to know it. It is not only a practical stop, but your visit to Namibia’s capital can be a really enjoyable and interesting one too.

Hosea Kutako International Airport

Is one of Namibia’s most important transport hubs as it connects Windhoek to the rest of the world, as well as various smaller airports and landing strips throughout the country.

Windy Corner

Windhoek translated into English means ‘Windy Corner’, but there is some debate as to why this name was chosen by Jonker Afrikaner in 1840. It is most likely in reference to the farm in South Africa where he was born and is not weather-related.

Windhoek is also home to Namibia’s brewing industry. Its most famous beer is a lager named after the city and is brewed according to the German “Purity Law” (Reinheitsgebot) of 1516.

In Windhoek, you will experience colonial history and modern life side by side. This is the historical railway station.

Lodges like GocheGanas in the surrounding farmlands welcome day visitors from Windhoek to relax by the pool, go on hikes, or visit the restaurant and bar.

There are numerous restaurants and bars in Windhoek to enjoy the local life and local cuisine of Namibia.

Best time to go to Windhoek

Windhoek has a great climate and can be visited throughout the year. The winter is very dry, with cold temperatures at night and during the early morning hours before things start warming up nicely during the day. The summers are hot, often humid and afternoon showers can bring much needed rainfall. Windhoekers are at their happiest when it is raining, so if it does rain during your visit, you should take some pleasure from the fact that the locals are rejoicing.

Pleasant daytime temperatures and dry conditions

Rainy Season

Hot, often humid, and possible sporadic thundershowers

Getting "prepped" for a tremendous Namibian adventure

Windhoek is the logistical hub of Namibia and the perfect place to get everything you may need for your journey. You will find shopping malls, car rental companies and various off-road adventure outfitters. It also offers a wealth of historic buildings, museums, and good restaurants too, giving you more than enough reasons to linger for a day or two.

Joe’s Beerhouse is certainly no longer an insider tip, but still one of the best restaurant recommendations I can give. It's got character and personality, seriously good comfort food and of course cold drinks. It's a Windhoek institution, give it a try!

• Go on a city tour

See Windhoek’s most notable landmarks.

Go on a Katutura cultural tour

Experience a part of Windhoek often forgotten.

• Visit the Craft Centre

A must for those interested in souvenirs and local products.

• Explore the surrounding area

On day trips you can explore the surrounding farmlands and relax at places such as GocheGanas.

Explore Namibia's capital city

Windhoek is more than just a convenient stopover. The city has an interesting story to tell and can be explored on a guided city tour or on a guided cultural tour of Katutura, taking you to one of the city’s poorer but vibrant townships.

• A Katutura cultural tour

Experience Windhoek

Namibia Highlights in Style

Places Windhoek, Okonjima, Onguma Reserve, Twyfelfontein, Erongo Mountains, Swakopmund, Namib Desert

NAD 76,500 per person

The Best of Namibia

Places Windhoek, Kalahari, Fish River Canyon, Luderitz, Tiras Mountains, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Ugab Valley, Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau

NAD 46,000 per person

Footprints in Namibia

Places Waterberg, Etosha, Ugab Valley, Damaraland, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei, Namib Naukluft Park, Windhoek

NAD 58,000 per person

Christchurch (Christuskirche)

Overlooking Windhoek, the church is one of Windhoek’s main landmarks.

Old Fort (Alte Feste)

The second founding of Windhoek in 1890 is directly linked to the building of this fort.

Parliament Building (Ink Palace)

The parliament’s garden is especially beautiful when the jacarandas are in blossom.

THINGS TO SEE IN WINDHOEK

A changing city.

Windhoek is in the process of building its own identity on the structures left in place by the former colonial powers. With traces of their rule still present – Windhoek’s architecture is a heterogeneous mix of late 19th and early 20th century structures and modern buildings which give it a more contemporary feel.

Where to stay in Windhoek

The Elegant Guesthouse

Vondelhof Guesthouse

Hotel Heinitzburg

Immanuel Wilderness Lodge

GocheGanas Lodge

Etango Ranch Guest Farm

Windhoek is conveniently located pretty much in the centre of Namibia. This is one of the reasons why it is the ideal starting point for your travels through Namibia. The international airport is only a short distance from the city and is the place where the majority of Namibia’s overseas visitors are welcomed to the country.

• Windhoek   
• Etosha National Park (Okaukuejo) 460 km | 5 hours’ drive
• Sossusvlei 350 km | 4-5 hours’ drive
• Fish River Canyon 660 km | 7-8 hours’ drive
• Kalahari (Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch) 300 km | 4-5 hours’ drive
• Caprivi / Zambezi Region 900 km | 10 hours’ drive
• Damaraland (Twyfelfontein) 410 km | 5-6 hours’ drive

Experience Namibia with us

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

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Top 8 Things to Do in Windhoek, Namibia

Jan Greune / LOOK-foto / Getty Images

If you’re planning a trip to Namibia , most likely your vacation will begin and end in the capital, Windhoek, home of Hosea Kutako International Airport. For many visitors, Windhoek is simply a point of entry—a place to meet up with your tour guide or pick up your rental car . However, it’s worth planning an extra night or two in this capital city, as it's home to some interesting sights, like a historical church and an artisan's marketplace. The surrounding region also provides an opportunity to take in the local flora and fauna, either at the Botanic Gardens or the local game reserve.

Feed the Giraffes at Voigtland Guesthouse

Murtala Baba / Getty Images

Situated between Windhoek and the airport, Voigtland Guesthouse is not your average vacation accommodation. The guesthouse was built in the 1900s and is set into a hillside, surrounded by gardens, trees, and expansive lawns. It's the activities here that make a stay at Voightland unique, however, as you can schedule a high tea enjoyed with giraffes sitting just feet away. You can also book a time to feed the on-site giraffes, tour the guesthouse's cattle farm, and hike and mountain bike the property's extensive trail system.

The luxurious rooms here offer en suite bathrooms, complete with modern African decor. There's an on-site wellness spa that offers a menu of massage options, game drives into the antelope range can be arranged, and you can rent a quad bike for a spin around the savanah.

Sip a Drink on the Balcony of Love

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

At the top of the Independence Memorial Museum (which we'll discuss in detail later) sits the "Balcony of Love," offering magnificent views of the city. On this level of the museum, you can enjoy one of three balconies and visit the bar for a drink and the restaurant for a bite to eat (although it might not be the best food you'll have in Namibia). It's a great place to go for a bird's eye view of the city's iconic German Lutheran Church. From here, you can also see the oldest standing building in Windhoek, Alte Feste, which once served as a German Fort during the time of colonization, but is now closed to the public. In the courtyard of Alte Feste sits a controversial statue of a German corporal on a horse (reminiscent of German oppression), which can only be viewed from the Balcony of Love.

Admire the Architecture at Christuskirche (Christ Church)

Christuskirche (or Christ Church) is the focal point of the rotaries used to access Windhoek's parliament buildings on Robert Mugabe Avenue. Windhoek’s German Lutheran congregation began construction of the church in 1907 and completed and consecrated it three years later, making it the oldest Lutheran church in Namibia. Designed by German engineer Gottlieb Redecker, the church's unique blend of neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque architecture makes this national monument the city’s most recognizable landmark. Building plans necessitated the construction of a railway line to bring in local sandstone from the Avis Dam. Other materials came from much further away, like the Italian Carrara marble used for the portico. A German Emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm, also donated three of the church’s stained-glass windows.

The church opens for German-language services at 10 a.m. on Sundays. Otherwise, you can request a guided tour by emailing the church office.

Buy Local Art at Namibia Craft Center

Located near the center of town in the Old Breweries Complex, the Namibia Craft Center  is your one-stop shop for authentic souvenirs. Admittedly, the prices are higher than that of roadside stalls, however, the covered market is safe, clean, and community-minded. There are more than 40 independent shops, and, together, they provide around 4,000 jobs for artists living in the country’s most remote areas. Amidst a cornucopia of colorful stalls, you’ll find traditional Namibian crafts, like hand-carved tree roots, copper jewelry, and silk scarves. There’s a bookstore, and several leatherworks shops, as well as freshly prepared meals at the Craft Café. Specializing in locally-sourced Namibian produce, this restaurant is a favorite of visitors and residents alike who are looking for a vibrant breakfast or lunch spot.

Take a Bike Ride in Katutura Township

To the north of Windhoek city center lies Katutura township , a district with an unhappy history. The word katutura loosely translated in native Herero means “the place where people do not want to live.” This meaning dates back to the 1950s, when Black residents living in the Windhoek suburbs were forcibly relocated to Katutura under apartheid law. Once here, they paid high rent for barely habitable homes and commuted long distances to inner-city jobs. Today, 60 percent of Windhoek’s population still lives in Katutura.

Poverty is rife, but the township is a center of vibrant culture, and a visit to the area gives you a glimpse into the lives of Namibia’s urban people. One of the safest and least divisive ways to experience township life is on a bicycle tour with respected company Katu Tours . On the 3.5-hour excursion, you will meet Katutura’s residents, while purchasing local crafts and tasting traditional Kapana (grilled meat) at the township’s lively marketplace.

Learn About Apartheid at the Independence Memorial Museum

The Independence Memorial Museum houses an impressive range of paintings, artifacts, and informative displays telling the story of the struggle for racial freedom. In front of the museum, there are two important statues—one of the first President of Namibia, Sam Nujoma, and the Genocide Memorial, which commemorates the atrocities carried out against native Namibians by German troops in the early twentieth century. Admission to the museum is free and it's open seven days a week.

Combine your visit with a tour of the National Museum of Namibia next door, which includes fascinating displays about Namibia’s San rock paintings. Debriefing yourself on the artwork is especially worthwhile if you’re planning a trip to sites like Twyfelfontein and Spitzkoppe, where you can see the paintings in situ . The building that houses the National Museum is also of interest, as it was originally an old German fort, dating back to 1890.

Go Birding at the National Botanic Garden of Namibia

Located off Sam Nujoma Avenue, the National Botanic Garden of Namibia spans 30 acres and gives you a good introduction to the country’s natural beauty. This isn’t your typical botanical garden, though. Instead of landscaped lawns and exotic flowerbeds, this garden exists largely in its natural state—both to conserve water, and also to also showcase Namibia’s incredible indigenous flora. As a result, the grounds may seem parched in the winter, even though there’s beauty to be found all year round. Keep an eye out for desert-adapted species, including aloe, succulents, acacias, and a beautiful quiver tree forest. Information boards can be found along the garden’s self-guided trails, and you can pick up bird and plant lists from the garden's reception.

This site is a worthwhile destination for birders , providing a home to 75 species, many of which are attracted by the garden’s dam. Indigenous wildlife also thrives here, including the charismatic rock hyrax, or dassie. The garden is open Monday to Friday, and admission is free.

Take a Tour of Daan Viljoen Game Reserve

Mint Images - Frans Lanting / Getty Images

Those with a full day to spare should pay a visit to the Daan Viljoen Game Reserve . Located 15 miles from Windhoek's center, it can’t be beaten for its close-to-the-capital convenience. There are no large predators in this park, which means visitors can safely explore it on foot (via two well-marked hiking trails), on a mountain bike, or in a vehicle along the park’s off-road route.

The draw of this park is its ungulate species, including the desert-adapted oryx, steenbok, and klipspringer, as well as well-known African animals , like giraffe and zebra. The reserve is also a popular birding destination, with over 200 resident species. Scan the trees for endemics like the Rüppell’s parrot, and near-endemics, like the Monteiro’s hornbill. If you feel like extending your stay, check out the Sun Karros lodge with its chalets, restaurants, and swimming pools.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Namibia travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: April 5, 2024 07:27 ET

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

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

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Border with Angola

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

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

Petty crime

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

Theft is frequent in:  

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

During your trip to Namibia: 

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

Violent crime

Violent crime occurs, particularly in Windhoek. Incidents include :

• carjackings

During your stay:

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

Demonstrations

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

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

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

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Cases of attempted fraud are frequently reported in Namibia.

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

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

Overseas fraud

Wildlife viewing

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

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

Road safety

Avoid night-time driving outside urban centres.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Public transportation

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

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

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

Information about foreign domestic airlines

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

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

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

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

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

Regular Canadian passport

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

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

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

Other travel documents

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

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

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

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

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

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

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

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Exit and entry requirements for minors under 18

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

If travelling with both parents

• A valid passport
• A long-form birth certificate

If travelling with a single parent

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

If travelling with other adults

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

If travelling alone

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

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

Yellow fever

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

Relevant Travel Health Notices

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

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

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

Routine vaccines

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

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

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

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

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

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

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

Country Entry Requirement*

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

Recommendation

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

About Yellow Fever

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Safe food and water precautions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

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

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

Insect bite prevention

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

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

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

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

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

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

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

Animal precautions

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

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

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

Person-to-person infections

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

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

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

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

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

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

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

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

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

Medical services and facilities

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

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

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

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

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

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

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

You must abide by local laws.

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

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

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identification

Carry a copy of your passport at all times.

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

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

Photography

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

You should dress conservatively.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

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

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

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

International Child Abduction

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

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

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

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

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

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Traffic drives on the left.

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

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

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

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

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

International Driving Permit

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

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

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

Local services

Dial 264 (61) 10111 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

South Africa, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia

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

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

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

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

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

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

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

  Avoid non-essential travel

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

  Avoid all travel

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

Windhoek and around Travel Guide

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Accommodation

Nestled among rolling hills in a valley created by the sloping Khomas Hochland Plateau to the west and the Auas Mountains to the east, Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, is scenically situated. At an altitude of almost 1700m, the city avoids the excessive heat experienced in much of the rest of the country, with daytime temperatures rarely topping 30 degrees in summer, or dipping under 10 degrees in winter. What’s more, whether due to meticulous German planning or serendipity, Windhoek lies almost in the centre of the country, which makes it the perfect starting point for any tour of Namibia.

Around Windhoek

The city centre, the suburbs, visiting the national parks.

Strolling down Independence Avenue, Windhoek city centre ’s tree-lined main boulevard, it’s easy to feel you’re in a provincial town in northern Europe. Its tidy, clean pavements, dotted with German colonial architecture, lack the frenetic and chaotic pace and horn-honking mayhem more readily associated with African capital cities. Yet this is a city striving for modernity, keen to shrug off its small-town image and colonial past: new high-rise buildings now pierce the CBD skyline, and the brash multi-million-dollar post-independence constructions, such as the new State House and Heroes’ Acre, dominate the surrounding hillsides.

Windhoek is somewhat short on sights beyond a few modest museums; however, a wander around the National Botanical Gardens in the suburbs and a day’s outing beyond Windhoek to the attractive surroundings of Daan Viljoen Game Park – Namibia’s smallest reserve – will whet your appetite for some of the extraordinary landscapes and wildlife that await. Besides, Windhoek’s comfortable guesthouses and a handful of pleasant alfresco dining options make it an agreeable environment to spend a couple of days getting your bearings at the start of a trip – as well as stocking up on supplies – or unwinding at the end of a hectic safari.

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 6616 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 16730 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.

Tailor-made trips for   Namibia

There is plenty of comfortable accommodation in Windhoek, from inexpensive backpackers hostels to family-run guesthouses, self-catering chalets and modern hotels . Guesthouses form the bulk of the properties, with many places only having a handful of rooms, so it pays to book well in advance. Most of the higher-end guesthouses, smaller hotels and restaurants are situated in the leafy eastern suburbs of Klein Windhoek, Ludwigsdorf and Eros Park, though they’re little more than a ten-minute drive into the centre of town. Other areas offering generally less expensive lodgings include Windhoek West, just west of the city centre, and within walking distance of Independence Avenue, and Pioneers Park – good also for self-catering options, a fifteen-minute drive on the main road south, next to the University of Namibia and close to a shopping centre. Within a thirty-minute drive of downtown, accommodation at Daan Viljoen Game Park offers a viable alternative. Note that many owner-managed places close down mid-December to mid-January, as people migrate to the coast for the main annual holidays.

The nearest escape for city dwellers on hot summer weekends are the rolling hills of Daan Viljoen Game Park , a pleasant slice of countryside and a perfect place to picnic a mere thirty-minute drive west of the city centre. On the other hand, if you’re prepared to drive an hour or more out of the capital, and fancy a gentle introduction to the Namibian outdoors – as experienced by white Namibians, at least – several guestfarms provide the perfect answer, offering hiking or horse-riding opportunities and some hearty farm cooking. On a contrasting note, if you’re heading south out of the city on the B1, it’s worth swinging by Heroes’ Acre , which pays homage to those who lost their lives in the independence struggle.

Daan Viljoen Game Park

If you have your own transport and fancy escaping the city for a few hours then there’s no better place to head for than Daan Viljoen Game Park . It’s a delightful natural retreat, set among the hills of the Khomas Hochland Plateau, covered in highland shrub vegetation including kudu bush, buffalo thorn and various acacias.

Although the 6km game drive is pleasant enough (high-clearance vehicle necessary, 4WD when wet), with some well-sited viewpoints, the absence of predators in the park offers an opportunity to get much closer to the wildlife and really experience the bush by exploring on foot. There are two self-guided walking routes: the 3km – there and back – “Wag ‘n’ Bietjie” trail is a simple stroll from the reception to the Stengel Dam, and is popular with birdwatchers early in the morning; those wanting a more challenging hike should opt for the 9km circular Rooibos Trail , which heads uphill from close to the Boma restaurant, returning via the Augeigas Dam. If you look carefully enough amid the vegetation, there are still signs of the odd crumbling wall that once demarcated plots of the formerly resident Damara community, which was forcibly relocated by the South African regime in the late 1950s.

Wildlife to look out for includes a variety of antelope: springbok, oryx, kudu and eland, alongside other large mammals such as blue wildebeest and even giraffe; smaller potential sightings are of porcupine, yellow mongoose and rock hyrax, and you can’t fail to bump into the ubiquitous warthogs and baboons. Over two hundred bird species have been recorded, with plenty of water birds gravitating towards the muddy edges of the dams.

Day visitors are welcome to use the resort’s lovely large circular pool and eat at the Boma , after making a N$50 deposit, which is redeemable against food and drink purchases.

Khomas Hochland Hiking Trail

The rolling highveld surrounding Windhoek is often overlooked by visitors in their rush to clap eyes on Namibia’s more famous landscapes, but the opening of the new Khomas Hochland Hiking Trail may soon change that. Covering a 91km circular route over six days (or 53km over four days), the trail takes you across five farms, hiking through thornbush scrub, along kloofs and across grasslands, scrambling over boulders and even climbing down a rock ladder. It’s physically demanding but the rewards are ample: superb views at times, abundant wildlife, and the chance to sleep out under the stars. You’ll catch sight of plenty of kudu, oryx, mountain zebra, warthog, klipspringer and baboons, as well as countless small reptiles; the birdlife is prolific too, congregating round the Aretaragas and Otjiseva rivers, farm dams and precious sheltered pools of water in the kloofs, while the ever-elusive leopard keeps out of sight. For the hardcore version of the trail, you need to carry your pack with sleeping bag (one for cold nights), food, extra clothing, utensils, torch or headlamp and all the usual extras – a walking pole is advisable too, as parts of the trail are heavy on the knees. However, if that all sounds like too much hard work for a holiday, worry not, as there’s a slackpacking option too, in which you take a daypack, with water, snacks, your camera and not much else, while the rest of your gear – food and bedding (including mattresses, or even tents, if you want) – is transported for you from camp shelter to camp shelter.

Though basic, each campground has a toilet, wood- or solar-powered hot shower, braai facilities, a pot and a kettle, with the Monte Christo treehouse on the fifth night the standout overnight spot. Rather than confining yourself to light, easy-to-cook meals, you can tuck into a pre-ordered fresh farm meal-pack from each night’s host, which includes braai meat and veg as well as freshly baked bread, though you’ll need to carry anything you want to spice up the food. It’s even possible to request a few cans of beer to enjoy around the campfire. Obviously, this is all at extra cost, but the hike alone is strenuous enough; taking the weight off your back allows you to maximize your enjoyment of the trail.

Practicalities

The trail starts and finishes at Dürstenbrook Farm , located 46km broadly north from Windhoek – 30km along the B1 before turning west. A minimum of three hikers (maximum 12) is required, and the booking can be made online to do the trail between April and September (though experienced hikers are allowed in October and March).

Windhoek’s modest sights and tourist attractions are predominantly located in a compact one-kilometre area along or between Independence Avenue, the city’s main drag, and Robert Mugabe Avenue, which runs parallel along a ridge to the east. Most can be covered on foot in a day – or two, if you want to take your time and trawl all the disparate sections of the national museum.

The Gibeon Meteorite

No artistic representation, the Gibeon Meteorite Fountain sculpture is comprised of genuine lumps of iron-rich meteorite from what is thought to have been the largest meteor shower ever to have hit the planet, some six hundred million years ago. It was named after the place in southern Namibia where the meteors fell, covering an area around 13,000 square kilometres. Although Nama populations had been fashioning tools and weapons out of the extra-terrestrial rocks for many years, it took the “discovery” by a British explorer, James Alexander , in 1838, and subsequent tests by a London chemist, to determine the meteoric origin of the samples. More than 25 tonnes and 120 specimens have been recorded over the years, ranging from a tonne to several grams in weight. After being displayed in the Zoo Park for many years, 33 meteorite fragments were put into temporary storage in the Alte Feste in 1975, prior to their installation in Post Street Mall. Two lumps went missing, however, and a third was swiped from the sculpture once in place – their three empty plinths still stand forlornly alongside the other 30 specimens on display. Other pieces of the meteorite are displayed in the National Earth Science Museum .

Despite the Namibian government’s 2004 ban on the removal of any meteorite material from its site, and the threat of a hefty fine, pieces continue to make their way out of the country. Some end up in museums, others in private hands, which is no great surprise as meteorite smuggling is big business. Large chunks of Gibeon meteorite can fetch several thousand dollars, which a quick look at eBay can confirm. In 2016, an 81kg lump was put up for auction at Christie’s, in London, with an estimated US$230,000–380,000 price tag. The notion of wearing a bit of outer space on the finger or round the neck has also made Gibeon meteorite jewellery very popular, especially since an attractive lattice-like patterning – known as Widmanstätten – stands out once the stone has been cut, polished and acid etched. One of the more extraordinary Gibeon meteorite products, however, which failed to sell at auction in 2015, is a life-sized sculpted human skull known as “Yorick”.

Parliament Gardens

Surrounding the Tintenpalast (Ink Palace) – the two-storey structure that houses Namibia's parliament – are the delightful, shady, landscaped Parliament Gardens , which definitely merit a stroll. They are particularly popular at lunchtimes and weekends, when students laze on the lawns poring over their books or each other. Don’t miss the bougainvillea-lined bowling green and thatched clubhouse to the north of parliament, which are kept in immaculate condition. Post-independence additions to the grounds include three bronze statues of liberation heroes that flank the steps up to parliament’s main entrance: Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi – not to be confused with the better-known Hendrik Witbooi, who graces Namibian currency notes – opponent of Bantu education; Hosea Kutako, the Herero chief who was instrumental in petitioning the UN for Namibian independence; and the less frequently championed – and not so easily pronounced – Reverend Theophilus Hamutumbangela, a priest and vociferous independence activist, who was arrested on various occasions and was allegedly poisoned by the South African authorities under apartheid.

Culinary offerings in Windhoek are essentially a mix of European – with a predictable German bias – and South African fare. Meat features strongly whereas vegetarians will have fewer menu options to choose from. Most restaurants are located in Klein Windhoek , drawing a predominantly white clientele; some offer an alfresco dining experience; others opt for an air-conditioned environment, while some have both. Restaurants in the city centre have a more mixed crowd, especially at lunchtime on weekdays. If you want the kind of Namibian food that the majority of the population eats, head for the Xwama Traditional Restaurant in Katutura, or sample some street food at the market there; other African dishes feature at the Cameroonian-run La Marmite Royale , at the Zoo Park.

Getting oriented in Windhoek

Windhoek is more confusing to drive around than it should be given its diminutive size. This is mainly due to its rolling hills and dispersed residential areas – largely a hangover from successive colonial governments’ urban planning. On the plus side, however, streets are well signposted, though since most have been renamed since independence, some residents still occasionally refer to the old names. The city’s main arteries run broadly parallel from north to south: Namibia’s principal highway, the B1 – which stretches the whole 1500km between the South African and Angolan borders – becomes Auas Road as it approaches from the south, passing Eros Airport (the small domestic airport), and then Hosea Kutako Drive as it enters the city. Peeling off to the west, just south of the airport, the aptly named Western Bypass circumvents the city, continuing the apartheid-era separation of the former non-white townships of Khomasdal and Katutura from the white areas, before the two main roads rejoin, north of the city. Two other major north/south roads to get a handle on are Robert Mugabe Avenue , which undulates along the eastern flank of the city, and Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue , which starts in the town centre and heads southwest, through the Southern Industrial Area, where several vehicle rental companies are located, to emerge as the C26 , the back road to Walvis Bay. The main highway on the east-west axis is Sam Nujoma Drive : eastwards it heads out through the Klein Windhoek Valley and on to Hosea Kutako International Airport – where all international flights arrive – Gobabis and the Botswana border, as the B6 ; to the west it skirts Khomasdal and becomes the C28 , the back road to Swakopmund, passing the Dan Viljoen Game Park.

The city centre , however, consists of little more than a kilometre of Independence Avenue and a block or two either side, which can easily be explored on foot. Independence Avenue continues northwards all the way to the former black township of Katutura , crossing Hosea Kutako Drive and the Western Bypass en route. Most accommodation and restaurants lie in Klein Windhoek – along or just off Sam Nujoma Drive and Nelson Mandela Avenue – and the other eastern suburbs, with a sprinkling of restaurants in the city centre. Some cheaper lodgings are to be found in Windhoek West, and Pioneers Park (also Pionierspark), to the south, beyond Eros Airport.

Clubs come and go, and relocate, mainly operating during the latter part of the week and at weekends. There are now also several nightclubs in Katutura that are starting to pull in a more mixed crowd. However, only go with someone who knows the place, and make sure you’ve transport back fixed up before you hit the nightlife. If you’re in Namibia in November, look out for the annual Windhoek Jazz Festival , which attracts international artists, such as Letta Mbulu and Caiphus Semenya, as well as talented local acts.

The main street markets are in Post Street Mall and along Independence Avenue by the main car park, where even some Himba have set up a stall. Haggling is expected in both places, though cheaper curios can be found in Okahandja. More expensive but often similar offerings are to be found in the shops along Independence Avenue, sold at fixed prices. Windhoek’s three main malls – Wernhil Park, Maerua Park and The Grove – offer much the same diet of South African chain stores and supermarkets . The first two are centrally located, whereas The Grove is the newest, glitziest and largest addition to the retail scene and lies off the main road south out of the city. The new Freedom Plaza, currently under construction on Independence Avenue next to the Hilton , promises to bring more upmarket boutiques.

Outside the Central Business District – also known as Windhoek Central – the capital melts outwards in all directions in a collection of suburbs , which include the former townships of Katutura and Khomasdal to the northwest. These, in turn, have spawned an even greater number of informal settlements, which house an estimated third of the city’s population, predominantly in collections of aluminium shacks, which lack adequate access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation, medical care and schooling. Although the Namibian government is committed to building affordable low-cost housing, the serried ranks of boxlike structures in the newer suburbs are still beyond the incomes of many black Namibians.

National Earth Science Museum

It is well worth making the trek out to Namibia’s National Earth Science Museum , which boasts small but impressive displays on Namibian palaeontology, minerals and mining. Well-labelled glass cabinets show fossil collections from diverse eras, some remarkably preserved, such as the eggs of an ostrich ancestor, the carapace of a giant nineteen-million-year-old tortoise, and the almost-complete, clear fossilized impression of a mesosaurus – a 50cm-long reptile, found on a farm near Keetmanshoop, in southern Namibia. Fear not if you’re struggling to picture such beasts, since they come alive in the wonderful accompanying illustrations by the late Christine Marais, a South African artist renowned for her portrayals of the Namibian environment.

The museum’s geological section is a more mixed bag: though the detailed, specialist displays may fail to grip the casual visitor, the collection of sparkling gemstones holds more general appeal – don’t miss the cabinet showing UV radiation and fluorescence in minerals, and the exhibits illustrating their household uses in such mundane products as toothpaste and make-up. Namibia’s mining industry has sponsored the displays on the country’s various mines, so, although informative, they are inevitably laden with PR-speak.

All bookings for National Park accommodation can be made in person at the Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) office in the Erkrath Building, 189 Independence Avenue, though you’ll need to have made the reservation in advance of your trip if you’re hoping to stay at the popular resorts of Etosha and Sossusvlei, and even for the less well-patronized places in high season. Even if you’ve booked online, though, it’s worth popping in to reconfirm your reservation. The office staff can also provide limited information about the parks. In addition to any accommodation booking, you will need to pay daily park entry fees to the Ministry of the Environment and Tourism (MET).

The MET permit office, where you can pay park fees is on Robert Mugabe Avenue at Kenneth Kaunda Street. You can buy your park entry permits in advance here, though they can usually also be bought at the gate of the respective park. If you’re contemplating climbing the Brandberg, you need to acquire a permit at the National Heritage Council at 54 Robert Mugabe Avenue, although they are said to be working on a more convenient system that allows for tourists to pick up a permit at the site.

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Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Namibia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Namibian High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Namibia.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Namibia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. It must also have at least one blank page. If you’re travelling to South Africa, you will need an additional 2 blank pages. 

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can visit Namibia for up to 90 days without a visa. If you plan to work or volunteer, or if you want to stay longer, you must get a visa.

Applying for a visa

Apply through the Namibian High Commission in the UK . 

Make sure you get your passport stamped. 

Make sure the date on your entry stamp and the amount of time you have been given to stay is correct. Immigration officials will check these details when you leave Namibia.  

The Namibian authorities could detain, arrest or fine you if you overstay or have an incorrect or missing entry stamp in your passport. 

Travelling with children aged 17 and under

If you’re a parent travelling with children aged 17 and under, you must carry their:

• valid passport
• full birth certificate with both parents’ details (original or certified copy)

Namibian immigration officials will not accept an abridged (short) birth certificate. If your child was born in the UK, you can order a full unabridged birth certificate online .

If you’re a legal guardian and your name is not on the birth certificate, you will need to have documentation to prove it.

If you’re not a parent or legal guardian of children you’re travelling with, you must have an affidavit from their parents or guardians giving consent.

If a child is travelling with one parent or legal guardian, the other parent or legal guardian should give consent for travel in an affidavit.

Unaccompanied children must carry:

• a valid passport
• proof of consent from a parent or legal guardian in an affidavit
• a letter from their host giving the address where they’ll be staying

Contact the Namibian High Commission in the UK for more information.

Travelling with children through a South African airport

If you’re travelling with children through a South African airport, see South Africa travel advice for information about the documents you must carry.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Namibia guide .   

Depending on your circumstances, this may include a yellow fever certificate.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Namibia . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

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Namibia at a glance

Capital city.

Windhoek (population 477,000)

2.6 million

English, Afrikaans

(GMT+02:00) Windhoek

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type D (Old British 3-pin) Type M (see D)

Learn more about Namibia

Best time to visit namibia.

The best time to visit Namibia depends on what you want to see and do. The dry season (May-September) is considered the best time to explore the Nabim Desert and go on safari as the temperatures are comfortable, vegetation is thin and wildlife congregates around waterholes.

The shoulder months (April and October) may be a better option for a safari without peak season crowds; however, Namibia's national parks and reserves never feel  too  crowded.

While it can be trickier to spot game in the wet season (November-March), you might be lucky to see cute newborns as it coincides with the birthing season.

Learn more about the best time to visit Namibia

Culture and customs

Human settlement in Namibia can be traced back to as early as 15000 BC. In the time since, a diverse mix of people and communities have inhabited Namibia, culminating in a unique cultural heritage made of symbolic beliefs, traits, and traditions.

Today, most of the population sits within the larger Aawambo cultural group found mostly in the north of Namibia. Other large cultural groups that make up Namibia are the Nama, Damara, Kavango, and Ovaherero people.

Namibia was colonized by Germany from the late 1800s until 1919. Because of this, Europeans now make up 5 percent of the population. German influences can be seen throughout Namibia by way of cuisine, language, architecture and more. As much as 10 percent of Namibia’s population is made up of people who have migrated from South Africa.

The national language is English, however many Namibians also speak multiple Indigenous languages, such as the Aawambo language.

Eating and drinking

Like many countries, the majority of Namibia’s cuisine stems from the traditional cooking techniques and produce found in the area. In more recent times, immigrating cultures, specifically German and English, have added to the culinary scene. With a large variation of meats to cook with, it’s no surprise that many of the popular dishes feature meat in some way, often accompanied by a strong flavor and paired carbohydrate.

There are plenty of options for non-meat eaters, too. Some must-tries include green asparagus, omboga (dried spinach), Namibian olives, owawa mushrooms, geelrys (rice dish), oshigali (puree beans) and more.

Things to try in Namibia

A staple daily dish to many, mieliepap is a porridge-like meal usually made with cornflour and served with a selection of vegetables or even a meat protein like fish or goat.

A dish cooked in a small iron pot, potjiekos is a stew that typically combines game meat with hearty vegetables like cauliflower, pumpkin, and cabbage.

This dish is of Dutch and Afrikaans origin and serves as a way to store meat. By using a savory rub of flavored spices, salt, and vinegar, then left to air dry, biltong is a tasty snack that can last for a long time if cured correctly.

Namibian oysters are known to be meatier and fast-growing than in other areas of the world. They are likely to be prepared differently depending on where you go.

Fat cakes are a very popular snack in Namibia and other parts of the world. Essentially, fat cakes are just deep-fried dough balls that can be made into sweet or savory dishes. So, it's no wonder they're popular!

Geography and environment

Red desert dunes, rugged bushveld, dense woodlands, and plains of gravel make up Namibia's ancient terrain. Home to the monumental Fish River Canyon and sharing the iconic Kalahari Desert with   South Africa   and   Botswana , Namibia has some of the most interesting landscapes in   Africa , if not the world.

With little arable land and a warm climate, Namibia is prone to prolonged periods of drought, making farming difficult. Bordered by Angola, Botswana, South Africa, and   Zambia , Namibia also has a stretch of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean where visitors can see where the desert meets the sea.

Top 10 places to visit in Namibia

1. fish river canyon.

There's more to the Fish River Canyon than its sheer size. With remote hiking trails, magnificent view points and raging river torrents during the rainy season, visitors will be breathless at the epic views and sense of isolation when visiting this canyon, believed to have been formed more than 500 million years ago.

A not-to-be-missed stop on our epic 40 day Zanzibar to Cape Town wildlife tour.

2. Damaraland

The timeworn terrain of Damaraland makes for interesting, otherworldly landscapes to travel through. The combination of strange rock formations, parched valleys, ochre boulders and amber sunsets makes for magic memories.

See it for yourself on our 17 day Premium Botswana & Namibia tour .

3. Sossusvlei sands

This huge clay pan wrapped in red sand dunes occupies a large part of southern Namibia. With some of the tallest dunes in the world, Sossusvlei's variety of color, size, and flora make it a glory to behold.

Get a jaw-dropping view of the nearby dune giants from atop Dune 45 or below at the Dead Vlei pan while on our 30 day Southern African Adventure or a 13 day Namibia Discovery tour .

4. Cape Cross

This protected area on the cape of the southern Atlantic is most famous for its resident seal colony, one of the largest in the world.

While in Swakopmund, see enough seals to last you the rest of your life with an excursion to Cape Cross on our 10 day Premium Namibia tour .

5. Ship to shore

Namibia's Skeleton Coast has been called 'The Land God Made in Anger' by the San Bushmen and 'The Gates of Hell' by the Portuguese, and it's not hard to see why. With gale-force winds battering the shore, rolling surf, and thick fog, the Skeleton Coast has ruined many a mariner over the years. Evidence of this is scattered along the coastal sands, with a collection of rusting ships resting on the beaches - an eerie yet enthralling sight.

See the Skeleton Coast for yourself on a 17 day Premium Botswana & Namibia adventure.

6. Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park might be one of the best places to see some of Africa’s iconic wildlife. With its artificial watering holes and wide clear spaces, it’s likely you’ll grab some stellar snaps of the hard-to-miss inhabitants, including elephants, zebras, and even black rhinos.

Etosha NP is just one of the many unique animal-filled destinations on our incredible 22 day Cape Town to Vic Falls wildlife tour . But if you don’t have that long, it also makes a great last stop on our 10 day Premium Namibia adventure .

7. Zambezi River

The Zambezi River isn’t just the fourth-longest river in Africa; it’s also the hangout spot for some pretty famous animals. Look for hippos, monkeys, elephants, buffalo, birds, and more aboard a canoe or cruise.

Sip a drink or two and watch for Africa’s mighty animals from your feature stay on the Zambezi River on our 17 day Premium Botswana & Namibia tour or 7 day Premium Botswana trip .

8. Walvis Bay

Bird lovers should consider a stop at Walvis Bay, which is typically a stop on the way to nearby Swakopmund. Thousands of migratory birds, including the fan-favorite flamingos and portly-pouched pelicans are seen across the lagoons and bird sanctuaries.

Get out your binoculars and get ready to tick off some bird sightings as you visit Walvis Bay on our 10 day Premium Namibia adventure .

9. Swakopmund

If, while in Africa, you have a hankering for German architecture, stop by the spookily named Skeleton Coast for a visit to the town of Swakopmund. Wander through the mix of Namibian and German influences of this seaside stop, enjoying the open-air market and fresh sea breeze. You could also find yourself on a dolphin and seal boating adventure to nearby Cape Cross or out on a local fishing excursion.

Swakopmund is a destination fit for any African itinerary. That’s why you can find it on all our Namibia tours, including our 13 day Namibia Discovery tour , our 22 Amazing Southern Africa adventure , and our 63 day Africa Encompassed Southbound tours .

10. Orange River

Named the Orange River for its unique hue, this waterway has been an important part of Namibian and South African history – namely, the diamond rush in the 1800s. While diamond mining is a continuing business in the region, many people simply come to enjoy paddling the waters.

Enjoy a day on the water at Orange River while on a 13 day Namibia Discovery tour .

What’s travel without a meaningful souvenir or two? When in Namibia, Intrepid encourages travelers to support local makers who put time and effort into handmaking their wares. Culturally significant items are often available for purchase, especially in tourist areas. Speaking to the local sellers can be a great way to learn about their culture and understand the significance of what they are selling.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country.

Things to buy in Namibia

Many of the beautiful textiles sold around Namibia can be used in a multitude of ways, e.g., for clothing, tableware, art, and more. Look to buy from traditional artists and makers in craft markets to support local talent and local industries.

Wooden crafts

A hand-carved wooden object is a great memento to take home from Namibia. There’s likely a souvenir for everyone with crockery, bowls, animal figures, dolls, instruments, and more. You’ll see traditional African masks for sale, which are often items that have a symbolic meaning to the local people.

Precious gems

As one of the largest producers of diamonds in the world, you’re likely to find a sparkly item or two in Namibia. Be sure to do some research or ask your guide about where to go, as not all shops will have the real deal.

Further reading

Similar destinations.

Has Namibia caught your eye? If it has (and we can see why), take a gander at some of our other Africa safari destinations .

• Botswana tours

South Africa

• South Africa tours
• Zimbabwe tours

Namibia travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to Namibia?

If you are from Australia, Canada, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States, or other visa-exempt countries, you generally do not need a visa if you are travelling in Namibia for up to 3 months (90 days). If you plan to stay longer or if you are intending to work or volunteer, you may need a visa.

All visitors are required to have a passport valid for at least 6 months after the intended date of entry into Namibia. You will also need blank pages in your passport for the entry and exit stamps, as well as a return ticket.

It is advised that you check your visa and noted entry period are correct before leaving the immigration counter upon arrival. If you plan on purchasing a visa on arrival, ensure that a visa can be issued at your intended entry location.

You may also need to hold a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a destination with active yellow fever.

This page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.

Last updated: 05/12/2023

Is tipping customary in Namibia?

While not mandatory, a tip of 10% is considered standard when dining in Namibia. With the typical Namibian earning a modest wage, a small tip to porters, housemaids and other service workers would be appreciated.

What is the internet access like in Namibia?

Travelers will be able to access the internet quite easily in the cyber cafes of Namibia’s large cities, but limited to no access should be expected in regional and rural areas.

Can I use my cell phone while in Namibia?

Cell phone coverage is good in Namibia's large cities and towns, but less so in rural and mountainous areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you wish to use your cell phone.

What are the toilets like in Namibia?

Depending on which areas of Namibia you are traveling in, expect to encounter a combination of squat toilets and flushable toilets. Carry your own supply of soap and toilet paper as these aren't always provided.

What will it cost for a…?

The Namibian dollar (NAD) is the nation currency of Namibia.

Cappuccino 34 NAD

A bottle of local beer = 30 NAD

Meal at an inexpensive restaurant = 150 NAD

Sit-down dinner in a nice restaurant = 750 NAD

Can I drink the water in Namibia?

While tap water is considered safe in Namibia's cities, drinking tap water isn't generally recommended in Namibia. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Namibia?

Credit cards are usually accepted by large hotels and western-style restaurants but not by smaller vendors. Ensure you have adequate cash to cover purchases not able to be made on credit.

What is ATM access like in Namibia?

ATMs are easily found in large cities and urban centers, but are rarer in small towns, rural areas and villages. Be sure to have other payment methods available when venturing out of the big cities, as ATMs aren't always an option.

What public holidays are celebrated in Namibia?

• 1 Jan: New Year's Day
• 21 Mar: Independence Day
• 29 Mar: Good Friday
• 1 Apr: Easter Monday
• 1 May: Workers' Day
• 4 May: Cassinga Day
• 9 May: Ascension Day
• 25 May: Africa Day
• 26 Aug: Heroes' Day
• 10 Dec: Human Rights Day / Namibian Women's Day
• 25 Dec: Christmas Day
• 26 Dec: Family Day

Please note: Namibian public holidays may vary.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Ultimate Namibia Itinerary: Self-Drive Road Trip (+ Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: August 14, 2023

Namibia is a beautiful country that requires some slow traveling to truly appreciate it. It’s also a place that requires quite some advance research in order to make the most of your trip.

Planning a self-drive road trip in Namibia might look overwhelming at first. Distances are big, the roads aren’t great, and the accommodations are scarce and expensive…

So you are absolutely right looking for ideas for the Namibia itinerary and suggestions on how to best plan your road trip in advance!

We also struggled with the same questions before our trip. After a lot of research, we created an amazing itinerary and spent 4 weeks road-tripping in Namibia. It was the best road trip ever!

Below, you can find our detailed day-to-day Namibia road trip itinerary that covers all the must-see places and so much more. Our trip was very easy-going, so we also included suggestions for how you can see just as much in less time. You can also find Namibia itinerary tips for shorter trips. Find out!

Things to Consider When Preparing Namibia Itinerary

No matter how much time you have in Namibia, you will have to make choices when preparing your itinerary.

Here are a few things to consider:

• There are very few highways in Namibia and most other roads are gravel. So you will – literally – need to slow down. That being said, it doesn’t mean that you need a month to see Namibia. In fact, many ‘standard’ Namibia trip itineraries are no longer than 10 or 14 days.
• The distances between the main highlights are very big, so you cannot just visit the ‘top’ places and skip all the rest unless you opt for a fly-in safari.
• When planning your trip , you’ll have to decide if you want to visit more places at a fast pace or travel slower and see more at fewer locations.
• Before preparing your itinerary, consider if you also want to visit the South (Fish River Canyon) and/or the North (Caprivi Strip) of the country. Both these destinations are so far from all the rest that just driving there and back will add at least a few days to your trip.
• Another possibility is to combine your Namibian road trip with Botswana and Victoria Falls. But only do this by car if you have a lot of time.
• Or maybe you decide to just stick to the main highlights of Namibia and skip the less known locations… In that case, you can even see ‘the musts’ in a week.

The choice is completely yours to make depending on your interests, time, budget, and some other factors, like malaria risk, for example.

There are two main highlights that you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Namibia and that is Etosha National Park and Sossusvlei . Other highlights include Fish River Canyon , Kolmanskop , Swakopmund , and Twyfelfontein . But there are many other amazing places.

Having said all that, some of the very best, memorable experiences from our trip to Namibia had nothing to do with the most famous places… In our itinerary below, you can read all about it.

LEARN MORE: Best Places to Visit in Namibia

Our Namibia itinerary for 4 weeks

Before we continue with our Namibia road trip itinerary, you should know that this is a custom-made 4-week road trip itinerary that covers all of Namibia except the north. We prepared this Namibia itinerary for our family based on our interests and taking into account the fact that we were traveling to Namibia with three young children under 6.

Of course, we included all the landmarks and made sure to visit all the best places in Namibia! But we opted for multiple nights at several locations and for shorter driving days when we could. Also, we didn’t go to the Caprivi Strip in order to avoid malaria risk.

TIP: You could easily shorten this Namibia itinerary and still see about just as much as we did in about 3 weeks. And certainly, if you are camping and are less dependent on the location of accommodations. You can find some itinerary suggestions for 2 or 3 weeks in Namibia at the bottom of this article. Read on!

Here’s our Namibia road trip itinerary exactly as we did it:

Day 1: Arrival in Windhoek. Windhoek – Kalahari Desert. Eningu Clayhouse Lodge for 1 night. 110 km – 2hrs.

After picking up the rental car where we also got a short instruction video about driving on gravel, we headed to Windhoek for a short city walk and to stack on supplies of food and drinks for the next few days.

TIP: Check this website for an overview of some of the best options for car rental and get a 4×4 for your Namibia trip.

We opted to spend our first night outside of the city. We stayed at Eningu Clayhouse Lodge in the Kalahari desert and I would recommend this to everyone. Not necessarily this specific lodge, but staying outside of the city.

We felt that we were in Africa the moment we left the highway. We saw wild animals next to the road and we spent our first afternoon in the hot tub. We saw an amazing sunset and spent our first evening dining under the stars.

TIP: Don’t stay in Windhoek. Choose one of the many lodges outside the city. If you decide to go straight down to the south and rather stay closer to the main road to Mariental, I recommend checking Auas Safari Lodge . It’s not too far from Windhoek and has great reviews! 

Day 2: Kalahari desert. Drive to Mariental. Gondwana Kalahari Anib Lodge for 1 night. 270 km, 4-5hrs.

Long drive through the Kalahari desert today. The scenery is nice, but there are no major points of interest along the way here, so we drove straight to our next accommodation.

We arrived at our next lodge, Gondwana Kalahari Anib Lodge , just in time for a late afternoon safari ride and a sundowner. It was the first one during this trip and we loved it! We got bitten by a sundowner bug and tried to go on as many sundowners as possible during the rest of our trip.

TIP: Don’t miss Namibian sundowners, do at least one! All lodges in Namibia organize sundowner/safari rides, so make sure you get to your lodge in time for the late afternoon ride.

Day 3 : Mariental – Fish River Canyon. Canyon Lodge for 2 nights. 410 km – 6hrs.

Long drive from Mariental to Fish River Canyon, but luckily the first part was on a tarmac road.

We stopped at the Quiver Tree Forest and made a short walk around the Giant’s Playground before continuing South towards the Fish River Canyon. The last couple of hours we were driving through the desolate and very uninspiring landscape, but the surroundings of our next lodge were so beautiful that we quickly forgot the long drive.

Our accommodation for two nights was a beautiful Gondwana Canyon Lodge – one of the nicest places we stayed during this trip!

A bit cheaper accommodation located in a similar spectacular setting is the nearby Gondwana Canyon Village .

TIP: If you are looking for accommodation with views over the Fish River Canyon, take a look at Fish River Lodge . It has an amazing location!

Day 4 : Fish River Canyon

There are many possibilities to explore the Fish River Canyon . You can also opt for some other excursions in the area. We simply chose to drive to the canyon and explore several viewpoints.

In the morning, we drove to a couple of lookouts and made a walk on the rim of the canyon.

TIP for families traveling with children: In the afternoon we headed to a nearby Canyon Roadhouse for lunch.

We chose this place because we knew our kids would love it there. They have a big collection of all kinds of old vehicles. A paradise for our boys!

In the evening, we opted for a sundowner walk at our lodge and enjoyed the most beautiful Namibian sunset in style.

Day 5 : Fish River Canyon – Klein Aus Vista. Desert Horse Inn for 2 nights. 290 km – 4hrs.

A long drive again with some beautiful landscapes along the way. Our lodge, Desert Horse Inn , was not half as nice as the previous one, but there wasn’t anything better available in this area when we traveled. Now I’d recommend staying at the highly-rated Bahnhof Hotel Aus .

There are lots of hiking trails in the area and so we spent the afternoon hiking. The walk was much nicer than we had expected.

TIP:   Go hiking in the area around Klein Aus Vista.

Day 6 : Klein Aus Vista – Luderitz/ Kolmanskop – Klein Aus Vista. 115 km – 1,5 hrs in one direction.

The highlight of the day was our visit to Kolmanskop . It’s a ghost town that was once the home to German diamond miners seeking to make their fortune in the Namibian desert.

Nowadays, Kolmansop is a real paradise for photographers. Our kids loved it too!

TIP: Go to Kolmanskop early in the morning for better pictures and fewer people.

We also paid a short visit to Luderitz , but found it a rather uninspiring little town. We also spent some time hoping to find the wild horses of Namib in Garub . No luck for us, but this place is known for that, so check it out if passing by.

Day 7 : Klein Aus Vista – Sossusvlei. Sossus Dune Lodge for 2 nights. 350 km – 5hrs.

Long ride from Aus to Sossusvlei, but it didn’t feel that long since we took the scenic route and drove through the most amazing landscape. Red sand roads, oryx antelopes, ostriches, and all kinds of other wild animals added plenty of distraction for the kids along the way.

TIP: Take route C27 and not C14+C19 – it might be slower, but it’s really worth it.

We opted to stay at the Sossus Dune Lodge as it’s the only lodge that is inside the park allowing the guests to get to the Sossusvlei before sunrise and after sunset. We went to Elim dune to watch the sunset. 

TIP:   Sossusvlei Lodge,  located just outside the park gates, is actually nicer accommodation and it’s cheaper too. The only disadvantage is that you can’t enter the park before sunrise.

Day 8 : Sossusvlei

Deadvlei, Sossusvlei, Dune 45, and the Sesriem canyon were the highlights today. Top day for the kids as well. They loved climbing the sand dunes and they loved rolling down the dunes even more…

We woke up very early and drove to Sossusvlei before sunrise. We then walked to Deadvlei in the dark and stayed there until sunrise. It was freezing cold, but an amazing experience. We had the popular Deadvlei all to ourselves.

TIP: If you are up for it, you can climb one of the dunes for sunrise views. Dune 45 along the way to Sossusvlei is a good place for that if you can’t make it to Sossusvlei or Deadvlei before sunrise.

Day 9 : Sossusvlei – Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge for 1 night. 140 km, 2 hrs.

TIP:   When driving from Sossusvlei to the north, stop at Solitaire petrol station/restaurant for some of their famous apple pie.

Most people drive from Sossusvlei all the way to Swakopmund in one day. We opted to break the long drive between Sossuvlei to Swakopmund and spend a night in Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge .

The lodge itself is not very special, but there are lots of excursion possibilities in the area and they have a meerkat encounter , which was again one of the highlights for the kids.

We ended the day with another beautiful sundowner ride and some incredibly delicious food. The restaurant at this lodge was probably the best of our entire 4-weeks trip in Namibia!

Day 10 : Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge – Swakopmund for 3 nights. 230 km – 3,5 hrs.

After 10 days in the desert, we were so glad to be back in the living world again! We stopped in Walvis Bay for lunch. We could even choose from more than one restaurant! What a luxury.

TIP: Walvis Bay Lagoon with thousands of wild flamingos was absolutely the highlight of the day. Don’t miss it!

We stayed in Swakopmund, alternatively, you can stay in Walvis Bay. The two towns are not far from each other, but we found that Swakopmund has a much nicer atmosphere, more hotel and restaurant choices, and more activities and day trips that leave from there.

We stayed at the Atlantic Sicht Apartment in Swakopmund and absolutely loved it. It was like a home away from home. 

Here you can find the best deals for Swakopmund accommodation  or Walvis Bay accommodation . This area is the only place in Namibia where you can find a big choice of quality accommodation for any budget.

Days 11 – 12 : Swakopmund and the area

Swakopmund is a nice little town with many shops, restaurants, and cafés. It’s definitely the nicest town in Namibia and 3 nights is certainly not too much for a stay here. In fact, you could easily stay here longer and find plenty of things to see and do.

TIP: Have lunch or dinner at the Village Café (Sam Nujoma Avenue).

There are many excursion possibilities in and around Swakopmund , so you will have no difficulties finding something that interests you. Here you can find some of the most popular tours from Swakopmund .

The most popular tours are the dolphin- and whale-watching catamaran tour from Walvis Bay, Moon Landscape and Welwitschia Drive , and 4×4 tour to Sandwich Harbour  (or this amazing kayaking and Sandwich Harbour combo tour ). There are many more possibilities too, but the above are worth your time the most.

TIP (just for our readers – don’t tell anyone ;)): Even though Spitzkoppe is not included in most Namibia trip itineraries, it’s one of our absolute favorite places in Namibia. It’s only 1,5 hrs drive from Swakopmund and you can make a nice half day-day trip to the area.

Take water, picnic lunch, and walking shoes with you and explore this beautiful area. If you are camping, Spitzkoppe has the most amazing campsites you could imagine. Don’t miss it!

You can drive there or take a tour to Spitzkoppe if you want a more relaxing day or don’t have a 4×4.

Day 13 : Swakopmund – Twyfelfontein via Cape Cross. 411 km – 6+hrs. Twyfelfontein Country Lodge for 1 night.

TIP: Leave Swakopmund early in the morning if you want to go to Cape Cross first. It’s a long drive to Twyfelfontein and Cape Cross is a bit out of the way. But it’s absolutely worth it!

Cape Cross is home to a huge seal colony (tens of thousands of seals live here) and you can get amazingly close to them. An experience like no other!

If you have time left, you can visit Petrified Forest on the road to Twyfelfntein or drive to the Burnt Mountain for sunset.

We stayed at Twyfelfontein Country Lodge – one of the very few lodging options in this area. Alternatively, check out Malansrus or  Madisa Camp  – both very unique tented accommodations, but Malansrus is a bit closer to Twyfelfontein.

Day 14 : Twyfelfontein – Palmwag. Palmwag Lodge for 2 nights. 115 km – 1h45.

Twyfelfontein UNESCO Heritage Site  is absolutely worth the visit. You will be assigned a guide who will take you to the cavemen’s paintings and will tell you all you want to know about ancient rock art.

TIP:  Go to Twyfelfontein early in the morning before it gets busy. The most recommended walk is the Lion Man Route . Take water with you.

If you are interested in the local culture, pay a short visit to the Damara Living Museum . It’s not an authentic experience as it’s not a real village you are visiting, but one with paid actors, but it’s still interesting to see how people used to live in the area.

We stayed 2 nights at Palmwag Lodge . A really nice alternative in this area is Grootberg Lodge , or otherwise a more simple accommodation – Etendeka Mountain Camp . 

Day 15 : Palmwag

Free day in the Palmwag area. There are several excursion and safari ride possibilities at the lodge.

We opted for the safari and Himba village tour and had the most amazing day. The Himba village we visited was not comparable to the Damara ‘living museum’ we saw the other day. We met a real Himba family, saw the way they really live, and the interaction with the people was real.

Our kids went to play with their children, they were chasing the goats and the chicken and seemed to be having the time of their lives. Safari in the Palmwag area was also one of the best ones of our whole trip.

TIP: Visit a local Himba village.

LEARN MORE: Visiting Namibia’s Indigenous Tribes

Days 16 – 19 : Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is one of the best places to see in Namibia. So make sure to plan at least 2-3 days here. Here’s what our time in Etosha looked like:

Day 16 – Palmwag – Etosha. Dolomite Camp for 1 night. 230 km – 3.5hrs Day 17 – Dolomite Camp – Okaukuejo. 180 km – 4hrs. Okaukuejo Rest Camp for 2 nights. Day 18 – Etosha. Day 19 – Etosha: Okaukuejo – Mushara. 153 km – 2h15

There are plenty of possibilities to see wild animals in Etosha. The best times are early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and the best places are around the waterholes. The very best place to see lots of animals without much effort is the Okaukuejo waterhole.

READ ALSO: Safari Tips & Safari with Kids

We stayed at three hotels in Etosha NP: Dolomite Camp and Okaukuejo Rest Camp – government-run properties inside Etosha, and a beautiful Mushara Lodge outside the park. 

Etosha is absolutely the highlight of any Namibian trip, but I cannot say the same about the Dolomite Camp. It’s a beautiful but completely mismanaged place.

Okaukuejo Rest Camp  offers simple accommodation, but it has an amazing location that makes up for the simple rooms. 

Mushara Lodge  was absolutely incredible and we wished we had stayed longer there. 

LEARN MORE: Best Places to Stay in Etosha National Park

TIP: If you are looking for the best location for Etosha, stay at Okaukuejo Rest Camp or at one of the beautiful hotels just outside the park gates at Okaukuejo . If you want to stay at the eastern side of Etosha as well, I cannot recommend Mushara Lodge highly enough.

Day 20 : Mushara – Otjiwarongo area. 300 km – 4hrs. Frans Indongo Lodge for 2 nights.

The only place that was somewhat worth a visit on this day was Lake Otjikoto. It’s more of a place to stretch your legs a bit than anything else.

We stayed at the  Frans Indongo Lodge  for 2 nights. The area around Frans Indongo was not very spectacular, but it was well located for a day trip to see cheetahs next day.

There are several walking trails next to the lodge, but if I were to go to Namibia again, I would only stay here for one night (or find an alternative hotel).

Day 21 : Cheetah Conservation Fund and Crocodile Farm

Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) is a place you shouldn’t miss when planning Namibia road trip. It’s a serious honest project helping the animals and you have several possibilities to see cheetahs from close by. Count half a day for the visit.

TIP: If you are traveling without kids, try to get there for the Cheetah Run early in the morning. With children, we could go on a jeep ride and saw plenty of cheetahs from the safety of the car.

We also visited the Crocodile Ranch  in Otjiwarongo. You can see lots of crocodiles and even pet one so the kids liked it, but it’s not something you absolutely have to do. A good stop for half an hour for families passing by, but not more.

Days 22 – 23 : Erindi Private Game Reserve. Old Traders Lodge for 2 nights.

These two days were among the most memorable of the entire trip of 4 weeks in Namibia! Erindi is an amazing all-in safari lodge that truly has it all.

Day 22 : Otjiwarongo – Erindi Private Game Reserve. 270 km – 4 hrs. We drove to Erindi as early as we could so that we could join some of the activities on the first day already.

Day 23 : Erindi.  If there is one lodge I would love to go back to in Namibia, it’s Erindi Old Traders Lodge !

It was also the most expensive lodge on our Namibia itinerary, but absolutely worth it. We had an all-in package with two safari rides per day and all the meals included. There are many other activities that you can do in Erindi. Visiting the local San tribe was one of them, and also various safari rides, etc.

What we loved the most about our stay in Erindi was the restaurant terrace at the Old Traders Lodge. It overlooks a waterhole where we spent many relaxing hours eating cake, sipping cold drinks, and watching wild animals come and go.

If Erindi is above your budget, you can also just visit here for a day. The restaurant with the terrace overlooking a waterhole is accessible to everyone and they also offer safari rides and other activities to visitors who aren’t staying at the lodge. Erindi is a bit out of the way when driving from Etosha to Windhoek, but you’ll absolutely love it.

Day 24: Erindi – Windhoek. 220 km – 3hrs. Na’ankuse Lodge for 1 night.

Depending on your flight schedule, you could drive straight to the airport and skip Windhoek altogether on the last day.

We opted to stay at Erindi a bit longer and drove to Na’ankuse Lodge close to the airport towards the evening. The lodge proudly displays pictures of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie who visited here back when they were a couple.

This lodge also has all kinds of activities including wildlife watching and they also have cheetahs. But we only arrived here in the evening, too late for any rides. So we only had dinner at the lodge and I cannot comment on the activities, however, customer reviews are excellent.

Day 25: Windhoek and departure

Since we had plenty of time before our flight, we headed back to the center of Windhoek. It was a bit livelier than on the first day of our trip and we enjoyed walking around the Post Street Mall . It’s a pedestrian mall lined with shops, restaurants, office buildings, and craft sellers and is probably the liveliest place in town.

We had a quiet late lunch at the famous Joe’s Beer House in Windhoek and headed to the airport for the flight home.

As you can see, our Namibia trip itinerary was a mix of seeing a lot and a more relaxing vacation. As I said, you could easily visit all the same places in Namibia in less time. 

What could you skip or shorten? See our suggestions for a shorter Namibia itinerary below!

Namibia Trip Itinerary Suggestions for 2 or 3 weeks

Following our 4-week itinerary above, here’s how you could adjust it to make it shorter:

• If Kolmanskop is not of much interest to you, you could skip day 6 of the itinerary.
• You could visit Sossusvlei in the morning and leave the area that same afternoon. If you don’t mind driving a lot (and I mean a lot), you could go straight to Swakopmund and skip days 9 and 10. In any case, you can easily skip one day here.
• If you have limited time, you could stay just 2 nights in Swakopmund instead of 3, skip Palmwag altogether (it’s a bit out of the way if you don’t go to the Dolomite Camp), and spend less time in Etosha.
• You could also stay just one night in the Otjiwarongo area, see cheetahs in the morning and drive straight to Windhoek.
• If you opt to stay at Erindi or one of the many other private reserves in the area, you can stay there till the last day of your trip and go straight to the airport from there.

I know that planning the Namibia itinerary can be overwhelming and this is a lot of information to digest, so feel free to ask questions. You can leave a reply below.

TIP: When planning your trip, make sure to also take a look at our essential travel tips for Namibia via the link below. That article has all the information about driving in Namibia, what kind of car you need, and other tips for touring Namibia on a self drive trip. Check it out!

READ ALSO: Namibia Travel Tips

Planning a trip to Namibia? Get the most out of your trip with these tips:

• Best Places to See in Namibia
• Namibia Packing List
• Etosha Hotels
• Namibia with Kids
• Our Favorite Pictures from Namibia
• Best Camera Equipment for Safari

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

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Tuesday 19th of March 2024

Dear Jurga, Thank you for your article, it helped a lot with our planning. We will visit Namibia this summer with our 4 years old daughter and we had everything planned but unfortunately today we received an email from Erindi that they perform renovations which will last longer than expected and they had to cancel our reservation (beginning of August). So now i am looking for an alternative for 2 nights (we would have already spend 4 nights in Etosha and we want to spend two nights somewhere between Etosha and Windhoek). In your article you mention other private reserves in the area. Can you suggest any? Thank you Zafeira

Wednesday 20th of March 2024

@Jurga, Thank you, indeed i have checked some and either have 2 persons rooms or do not accept children below 6 years old - i will have a look to the ones you suggested as well and hopefully i will find something.

Once again thank you for the information.

Hi Zafeira, take a look at Okonjima Plains Camp or Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp. On a more affordable side, check out Ondudu Safari Lodge or Omurenga. On a lower budget, Omaruru Game Lodge looks great too. I'm just not sure how it works with 3 people sharing the room, so see what's possible for your family. I don't get it why so many lodges only have rooms for 2 people :(, but we found that most of them were accommodating enough to add an extra bed or mattress for a young child. It gets so much more complicated when your kids get older though... Anyway, hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

Karin Eckhardt

Tuesday 5th of March 2024

Dear Jurga, I am so happy to came across your blog and have been reading it a lot. Very inspiring and love the pictures. I am planning my trip to Namibia in August with my son (will be driving by myself) and am struggling to make some final decisions. Would be great to hear your experience/suggestions. See day 7, 9 and Etosha. I can still change my depart from Windhoek 1 day later.

Day 1 Arrival Windhoek 11.00 / 1 night Day 2 >Sesriem / 1 night Day 3 > Solitaire / 1 night Day 4,5,6 > Swakopmund / 3 night Day 7 > Brandberg White lady lodge / 1 night However after booking I read about Spitzkoppe(which I don't want to visit as 1/2 day tour from Swakopmund as other activities planned) + San Living Museum Erongo/Omandumba. Wondering if it's realistic to visit both on our way to Brandberg? We wouldn't go hiking at Spitzkoppe, but do like to do a tour at San Museum. What do you think? If it's too much, I will try to move our whole schedule/bookings(challenging), and stay overnight around Spitzkoppe if it's worth it. But in case if I have to choose what do you think is nicer Brandberg or Spitzkoppe? Alternatively we could also stay 2 nights at Twyfelfontein country lodge. Day 8> Twyfelfontein country lodge Day 9, 10, 11 > Opuwo/ 3 nights Trying to visit Himba for the first time. Wondering if 3 nights is too much? Day 12 > Ondangwa Ongula homestead / 1 night Day 13> Namutoni NWR - 4 nights Etosho wondering if we should do 3 nights? if so which location should we skip? Or would you recommend to do 4 nights and rather stay 2 night at Okaukeujo and skip Namutoni NWR? Day 14 Namutoni Mushara lodge Day 15 Halali NWR Day 16 Okaukeujo Day 17 eod flighty to J'burg Hope to hear your thoughts, thank you Karin

Thursday 7th of March 2024

@Karin Eckhardt, Thanks again! Already postponed my flight to make it all happen. Reached out to Erindi, unfortunately they are closed due to big renovations. But will find an alternative. Enjoy all your future travels.

Wednesday 6th of March 2024

@Jurga, Thanks for your quick answer, really appreciated! Will take your advice on Etosha and Erindi. If we have to choose between Brandberg or Spitzkoppe, which one should we skip? Thanks

Hi Karin, first, I really have no time to look into your itinerary in detail or how it fits together, so just a few thoughts as you asked. Day 7, if you drive from Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe and San Living Museum to Brandberg, it's at least 6 hours of pure driving time. Plus, you'll need time to visit both places, even if just for half an hour or an hour. So it's a full day. Theoretically, it could work, but I would start very very early to make sure you don't have to drive in the dark. If all goes well, it's doable, but if you get any kind of delays, you won't have much daylight time to spare. Also, since you are the only driver, only you can feel what you are comfortable with. Days 9-11, two nights/one day could probably be sufficient depending on what you can actually do there. Etosha - If you can stay at Okaukuejo even for a night or two, it's well worth it. The rest depends on how much animal viewing you want to do. Some people see hundreds of zebras at one waterhole and are happy and others go on two safari rides for several days in a row and still don't have enough. So it's really up to you how much time you want to spend there. As for the lodges, it's good to have a mix of some simpler and nicer ones in between - some of our best memories from Namibia are from the nicest lodges we stayed at. Mushara is way nicer than Okaukuejo, but location wise, Okaukuejo would be my top choice over anything else in the area. Last day - I would stay somewhat closer to the airport and not do it from Etosha in one go. It's a long drive. We loved our stay at Erindi which is about halfway between the two. It was by far our favorite lodge in Namibia. Hope this helps. Good luck with the planning!

Sunday 14th of January 2024

Hi Jurga, Great article, I’m taking some inspo here! Would you recommend driving to Mariental area and spend the first night there? I and my boyfriend are planning a trip in late March to South Namibia. Our flight would arrive at 1:20pm and I was wondering if we have enough time to pick up the car and drive a couple of hours to get there. Thank you, Laura

Monday 22nd of January 2024

@Jurga, thanks for your feedback! After some evaluation I think we’ll definitely spend the first night close to the airport and begin our road trip the day after. Thanks again! Laura

Tuesday 16th of January 2024

Hi Laura, taking into account that your flight arrives in the afternoon and that the drive to Mariental is over 3 hours, I think I'd stay much closer to the airport on the first night. You have to foresee extra time to get out of the airport (luggage, rental car, etc.), not even to mention possible flight delays. I just checked and see that the sunset time at the end of March is around 7 pm, so ideally, you get wherever you have to be no later than that. While theoretically, it could work, I personally would opt to stay closer and not have to stress about having to drive in the dark. Better start earlier the next morning. Have a great trip and stay safe!

Charles Pringle

Monday 6th of November 2023

Great article, thank you, very useful how old is your youngest and how did her/she enjoy the trip. Our little girl will be nearly 2 and a half - is this too young? My feeling is it is given especially significant amount of driving - thoughts?

Friday 10th of November 2023

Hi Charles, our twins were 3.5 when we made this trip, and the oldest was 5.5. They don't remember much of it anymore, but they sure had fun during the trip. Having a 2-year old will not make things easier for you, definitely on longer rides, but if you know what to expect and prepare for long hours in a car, it might even be easier with a younger kid since they (hopefully) can sleep a bit in between the places/activities. Another issue is that often, you won't be able to do (m)any organized safari rides with a young child (usually at least up to 5-6 years, in some cases even 8). I can't really help you decide whether it's a right trip for your family. We are glad that we did it when we did it, but I'm sure it would be a totally different experience with older kids. Good luck!

Saturday 16th of September 2023

How old were your kids when you visited Twyfelfontain? I'm contacting a few lodges and they said that the walking tour to the paintings are not available for children under 5. Do you have recommendations for a tour guide that can take smaller children? Thanks!

Sunday 17th of September 2023

Hi Kevin, all our kids were under 5 at that time and it wasn't a problem. We didn't book any tours through the lodges, just drove there and asked for a private guided tour and that was it. They had guides available and we could start immediately. I'm not sure if something has changed in the meantime, but I'd just go there and figure it out on the spot.

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Citizens of the United States making this trip need to have a valid passport, and they need to ensure that their passports will remain valid for at least 180 days beyond their date of entry into the country. It is also important to ensure that your passport has three blank pages for immigration stamps. If you are taking a vacation here, there is no need to get a visa so long as you don't plan on staying in the country for more than 90 days.

Will it be possible for me to rent a car at the Hosea Kutako International Airport?

A great feature of this airport is that they offer rental services from three large global brands that most travelers are familiar with. Each of the companies has a customer service desk inside the terminal building adjacent to the baggage claim area. Drivers must be 21 years old to rent a car, although drivers between 18 and 21 can rent a car for an additional fee.

What are some transportation options when departing from Hosea Kutako International Airport to the center of the city?

There is bus service available from the airport to the center of the city that does not operate on any standard timetable but instead operates whenever planes arrive at the airport. The trip on these buses to the center of the city is around 40 minutes. There are also plenty of taxis available at the airport they can make the trip to the center of the city in about 30 minutes.

Are there any airports in neighboring countries that would allow me to travel to Namibia?

A very large international airport that is just south of the border between Namibia in South Africa is Cape Town International Airport (CPT). One of the advantages of this airport is that it offers one-stop flights from quite a few different airports in the United States, plus you can take direct flights to the airport from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

How far is Windhoek from central Windhoek?

You’ll need to travel 26 miles to reach the Windhoek city center from Windhoek.

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• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Windhoek flight deals.
• Travelers flying to Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) that would like to get freshened up after a long flight should know that this airport features showers available for use for a fee inside of the airport lounges that have locations in Terminal Two.
• For those travelers that would like to browse the web upon their arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, this airport does offer free unlimited Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi network is password-protected, but any staff member at the airport can provide the password to travelers.
• For those passengers that would like to find a hotel that is close to the Hosea Kutako International Airport, one option is the Etango Ranch Guest Farm, which has a location quite close to the airport and offers airport transfer services for a fee.
• If someone will be picking you up at the Hosea Kutako International Airport, it is important to know that there are potential tariffs for any drivers making a stop in the pickup zone of the airport. So long as drivers do not remain in the zone for more than five minutes, there is no charge for parking here, but after five minutes, parking rates will begin to apply.
• One great feature of this airport is that it offers a number of tour desks that can take care of entrance fees and transportation to popular destinations in Windhoek, such as Pelican Point and Walvis Bay quickly and easily.

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Windhoek Hosea Kutako Intl to United States

Top 5 airlines flying to windhoek.

Qatar airways from Doha to guangzhau was excellent big bird Boeing 777 more room and smoothly flight, I Love it

It was good no problems made it on time for the next flight overseas!

The made us waiting and held our passports and boarding pass making us miss our flights

Not impressed. Only allowed one carry on on such a long flight.

The flight was good but my neighbor had the vent open full power for the whole flight and because the air was blowing from the side instead of from the top and I got very cold and ended up with a sore throat.

Bad experience with the delay n long wait time for connecting flight after missing the connection flight from Doha.

Wore experience due to delay and took me 3 days to reach my destination.

All over with Qatar airlines my experience was really bad due to delays and then putting me on different airlines and after 8 hours of wait I had to listen to their is no plane to fly for another 24 hours. Wore experience ever.

Excellent will be flying again in May with Qatar. to Botswana.

Ultimate customer care humble and excellent service oriented crew , perfect timing maintained by the crew . My profound appreciation.

Nice flight, nice crew but no cookie or napkin with my seltzer.

Trip was smooth bumpy from the wind but no issues at all the crew attendant was very pleasant and had great customer service

This was a Lufthansa flight. Disappointing main meal. Very rough over Canada and arrival at FRA. IFE was almost unusable.

It got me where I needed it to; not much more. It had no competition so that was why I chose it.

I liked everything about the flight. The service was excellent!

The customer service was excellent! Check-in, baggage check-in, boarding, the flight went very smooth.

The flight was delayed instead of leaving at 11 it left at 12.20

United WiFi is consistently unusable (it can take 10 mins to load a single web page). If you need Wifi to do work, be prepared to lose half a day of productivity.

We waited to takeoff for about 1 hour delay for a 20 min flight.

Good dinner and nice plane.Smootz flight. Breakfast had no sweet option. Seats hardly reclined.

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.

Luggage delayed for one day. I called customer service, and they had no info and no empathy. Boarding was very disorganized and chaotic. We went nearly 7 hours with no food or snacks on the flight. This is not an airline that has respect for its passengers.

Same but worse than international. The inter African flights are worse.

The entertainment (movies) blockbuster and classics never change. I am a frequent Ethiopian flyer and this should be addressed. Not much changed from my summer flight and my December flight. It is annoying - surely you can update the selections more often. Same with food options. It becomes extremely boring to be offered the same exact meals from Washington to Addis to Maputo every trip, each time. AS

Entertainment was very poor. Couldn’t watch anything. Ear pieces were the wrong type .

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.

Entertainment system poor - couldn't hear, no flight info etc.

My concern is with Flight: 441 IAH-FRA I was very cramped in my seat and the person in front of me was reclined. I pulled my wallet out of my purse and when finished I did my best to cram it back into my purse. Our flight was very delayed and we were rebooked twice and lots of airport time. As I got off the flight I noticed that I had dropped my wallet( containing all my credit & debit bank cards + 240 US dollars & 240 Euros. I spoke to customer service & Lost &Found. I was denied access to look on the plane. Therefore I have been without money and given no help. Paula Bjork 503.545.6698

Dinner was good by air travel standards but breakfast was too light and heavy on carbs/sugar.

Used to love Lufthansa, but Rowe are too close together in Economy and passengers are allowed to recline their seats so far back it is impossible for those behind them to even reach for carry-on essentials during flight - except for meal service when flight attendants ask for seat backs to be raised, we can’t sleep on planes so this flight was most uncomfortable ever! Rod Rose

So far so good. I missed my flight because of the Lufthansa diversion. United helped me to figure out how to get accommodations from Lufthansa for my long layover. They help me book appropriate onward flight.

Horrible crowding on the seats, headphones provided did not fit or work in the entertainment center, seriously the most uncomfortable flight I have taken in a LONG time. The people in front of me were literally 5 inches from my face the entire flight. Did they change their seats recently? I remember it being tight but wow this was a whole new level. Also I am a 5'3" small woman so I can't even imagine a larger person dealing with that for 11 hrs.

Seat controls of lights were broken, and only 1 of the 2 seat TVs ever worked on the long flight. On the short flight there were no USB connections, on the long one they were difficult to access. Part of my meal was frozen, though the hot portion was good.

Lufthansa fails at mentioning no luggage when booking through points. We had to pay added fees to take checked bags to Europe for 2 weeks. The staff at check in were not helpful at all. told us "if we don't like it, then book another flight". Food was bad, they ran out of half the options. Vegetarian was terrible. The flight crew was nice, and tried to make it work ok.

Always a pleasure to deal with United's helpful and knowledgeable staff

Always a pleasure to deal with United's helpful and knowledgeable saff

My school age daughter was not sat near me. We left almost an hour late. Therefore arriving late and missing another flight. Since it was not a connecting flight there was nothing Lufthansa could do about it. After the selay in take off and arrival we waited almost an hour for baggage claim. There was zero concern for my inconvenience. I asked if we could insure being seated together on the return. They stated no because we booked through Kayak. I typically love Lufthansa. This was very disappointing.

I’m not happy because I discovered there is something wrong and my miles have not been getting put on my AA account. So this needs to be fixed because I have traveled a lot since October and none of my miles are registered

This was an American Airlines flight. The crew were very unhappy and quite grumpy. Abrupt to the point of being rude. The food was dreadful. Indeed the breakfast was in edible. I will avoid AA at all costs in the future.

As expected for a BA long haul flight in economy - you get what you pay for. Good leg space, in flight entertainment and food and drink provided. Staff on the return flight (overnight) we're a bit brisk and just wanted to get everyone fed and watered before turning the lights down. We're vegetarian so ordered it separately through the booking, although when we were in flight we realised there was a normal and vegetarian option anyway, and we were given vegan. This is fine, however on the return trip we were told there were no more specially ordered meals left, so be aware in case you have specific dietary requirements.

Fare was much lower with a layover in London as I was able avoid numerous landing fees that would have been added to the ticket price had I booked a direct flight to Amsterdam.

We have business class seats from Los Angeles to London. The crew is friendly and provided great service. The flight was very comfortable and very smooth. Will use this airlines again in the future.

The flight was delayed numerous times with inconsistent updates and very ambiguous information. When it was finally cancelled the logistics of handing out vouchers and rebooking was extremely chaotic. Meal vouchers were completely inadequate for the airport restaurants, and not even accepted at some. All-in-all, it was a very disappointing experience.

Terrible. The flight from Islamabad to London took 3 hours more then previously planned, I missed my connection to Chicago, and instead had to go New York, spend an extra day before arriving at my final destination. The return leg of the journey was similar. The connection time in Qatar was shrinked to less then an hour unannounced, I had to scramble to barely make it to my flight to Islamabad. Terrible experience, never using British airways again.

The crew on this flight were attentive, efficient and friendly. It really made for an enjoyable flight.

The crew on this flight were excellent. They were friendly and attentive. It really made the flight more enjoyable.

They canceled my flight , they put me on a different flight that was delayed and the connection was lost . They lost my luggage. And now I’m stuck with any of my belongings.

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Discover iconic Windhoek

Namibia’s capital, Windhoek is a bustling metropolis that is unexpectedly neat and orderly, though this is perhaps less surprising when one considers it was a German territory for many years.

This is the main port of call for most tourists, and all travellers pass through the city at least once. Situated in a pretty valley, Windhoek boasts buildings very much in the German architectural style. The German presence can be strongly felt in the food, restaurants – and, of course, the beer. The Namibian beer is said to be the best in Africa and is brewed in Windhoek.

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From exceptional offers to not-to-be missed properties and experiences, here are our favourite reasons to explore the windhoek.

Use the filters below to browse our selection of hand-picked travel ideas in the Windhoek.

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How to get around in Namibia

Oct 21, 2023 • 5 min read

Getting around Namibia is guaranteed to be an adventure © Fotografie-Kuhlmann / Shutterstock

There aren’t many places where you can drive for hours on beautiful, open roads without seeing anything other than the occasional oryx. Namibia offers this kind of travel in abundance.

Covering 825,418 sq km (318,695 sq miles), the 15th largest nation on the African continent is one-and-a-half times bigger than France. Getting around is part of the adventure.

Plan it right and it can even be the highlight of your visit. Here's how to get around Namibia .

Take the bus for long-distance trips

Buses are a good budget option for traveling long distances in Namibia as they have few stops. The  South Africa -based  Intercape line is reliable and offers several routes in Namibia. A ticket from Windhoek to Noordoewer (on the border with South Africa) starts from N$700. From Windhoek to Oshakati (near the Angolan border), you'll pay about N$400.

Minibuses go everywhere; use shuttles to get to the coast

Shared minibuses – the major mode of travel for many Namibians – run between every major town in the country. They leave when full and prices vary from N$100 to N$350 for most routes.

Pre-booked private shuttle services operate between Windhoek, Swakopmund , Walvis Bay  and several other town centers. They are more comfortable and efficient than shared minibuses. Operators include Welwitschia ,  McClune’s  and  Carlo’s Shuttle . Expect to pay about N$280 one-way for a shuttle between Windhoek and Swakopmund. For all buses and shuttles, arrive early for a seat on the shady side of the vehicle.

Rent a 4WD for access and flexibility

The best way to explore Namibia is to self-drive. The country has an extensive network of paved arterial roads and well-maintained gravel routes. Vehicle rental is straightforward and reasonably priced, especially during the off-season. During the high season (July through October), rental agencies sell out – book in advance. Expect to pay about US$550 per week for a mid-sized 2WD vehicle and US$650 per week for a 4WD. A 4WD with a rooftop tent starts from US$700 per week. A full range of international rental companies operate in Namibia, including Avis, Hertz and Thrifty. Local companies to try include  Savanna Car Hire and  Safari Car Rental .

Although a 4WD isn’t necessary for most major destinations, we recommend renting a vehicle with high clearance. This will make Namibia’s long stretches of gravel more comfortable and easier to negotiate. When considering insurance coverage, keep in mind that gravel is rough on vehicles, especially on tires and windshields. Learn in advance how to change a tire, always fill up when passing a gas station and carry extra drinking water.

If you'd rather let someone else do the driving, expect to pay from US$150 to US$400+ a day for an organized tour with a driver/guide. Companies include  Chameleon Safaris , which has scheduled weekly departures that can be ideal for solo travelers.  Karibu Namibia ,  Comfort Safaris & Tours ,  Ekipa Travel  and  Sense of Africa all offer bespoke safaris.

For stunning views, try a flying safari

For travelers with larger budgets, a handful of companies take advantage of Namibia’s clear skies to run scenic flights, especially in the Sossusvlei area and along the coast. Though there's a carbon cost, these flights offer beautiful views and a unique aerial perspective on the country’s striking juxtaposition of desert and ocean. Companies to try include  African Bush Bird  and  Scenic Air .   FlyNamibia provides scheduled and charter flights connecting Windhoek with various destinations around the country.

Shared taxis are the cheapest option in cities and towns , but private taxis are safer and more efficient

Namibia’s main ride-hailing service is Lefa , which operates in Windhoek. There is also a shared taxi system in all major towns, which offers an economical way of getting around and is extensively used by locals. Shared taxis are prominently marked, and you’ll also recognize them by the constant honking of drivers looking for passengers. If you want to do this, tell the driver your destination before getting in; if the vehicle is heading your way and has space, the driver will take you. Fares are inexpensive (between N$13 and N$39 for short journeys), but note that drivers sometimes take circuitous routes to drop off other passengers, service is to neighborhoods rather than door-to-door and driving standards aren’t the highest.

Private, non-shared taxis are generally a better and safer option and also reasonably priced. Fares start at about N$100 for short trips within Windhoek. Private taxis are normally booked in advance, rather than hailed, and their service is door-to-door. One of the larger companies is Dial-a-Cab , or ask staff at your accommodations for a recommendation.

Cycling is a great way to explore for self-sufficient travelers

If you’re reasonably fit and can sort out the logistics, Namibia is a rewarding destination for cyclists. It has a dynamic local cycling community, challenging terrain and a vast network of (largely) empty gravel roads. You'll need to be highly organized with water, food and emergency backup plans – don't fool around with the desert heat. Note too that there are few places between larger towns where you can restock. A pre-arranged bike tour with a company such as  Mabaruli is a good choice for first-time visitors.

Kayak the coast, canoe the rivers, boat the inland waterways

Sea kayaking and boat tours are popular in Walvis Bay and Lüderitz . They give travelers a chance to spot seals, penguins, flamingos and other coastal wildlife. In northern Namibia, river cruises along the Okavango, Zambezi and Kunene rivers are a relaxing way to appreciate local wildlife and sunsets. In the south, try a multi-night canoe trip along the Orange River.

Accessible travel in Namibia

For those with limited mobility, private vehicle-based travel is the easiest way to get around Namibia. Several local companies organize accessible tours and the minivans and safari vehicles used by Namibia-based tour companies generally accommodate wheelchairs. Many lodges also have paved footpaths and ground-level rooms without steps.

Helpful websites include  Responsible Travel ,  Disabled Holidays ,  Endeavour Safaris ,  Access2Africa Safaris ,  Extraordinary Journeys  and  Blue Baobab Safari . All offer accessible itineraries in Namibia and the region.

For more online resources, download  Lonely Planet’s free accessible travel resources .

This article was first published September 2022 and updated October 2023

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The Ultimate Lazy Road Trip – Cape Town to Windhoek

• December 20, 2023 December 20, 2023
• Leigh-Anne Harber
• Namibia , Namibia Nature

Nothing beats a laid-back road trip, especially one that will take you through pristine, untouched South African West Coast land and into the desert. With just you and your companion, a map (even if it is a Google map), and the open road, this is the sort of once in a lifetime trip that you will never regret taking, provided you do it right and safely.

We are big fans of the self-guided journey .

This particular African holiday offers a seamless transition from the vibrant streets of Cape Town to the heart of Namibia, all while allowing you to set your own pace.

You don’t have to do it alone if you choose to book a planned self-drive holiday, but if you do want to DIY your trip, or if you are just looking for some generally helpful information, we have the essential self-driving tips and the must-visit places to stop at along this picturesque route.

Self-Drive Travel Tips

If this is your first time driving yourself in a strange and unusual place, it can be good to have some tips to keep in mind both before you leave and when you are out there on the road. Here are some of our favourites:

• Yes, Plan Ahead But Please Leave Room For Spontaneity

It goes without saying that you will need to make sure that the car you are taking is in top condition and that you will need to plan your route. But somewhere on your timetable, you need to leave room for those detours and unexpected discoveries.

Cape Town to Namibia road trips are all about embracing the unknown, so don’t over think your stops and make time for spontaneity.

• Fuel Up and Stock Up

Namibia’s vast open and inhabited landscapes often mean you can travel for long stretches between fuel stations and shops. Even if you think you might not need it, you should fill up your tank whenever possible, and also stock up on essentials like water, snacks, and other basic supplies.

This will help you be more prepared for the road ahead, and instead of stressing about not having something essential, you can focus on enjoying the journey.

• Check Local Regulations

Finally, our last big tip is to familiarise yourself with the local driving regulations and road conditions.

In Namibia, you drive on the left side of the road, and quite naturally speed limits can vary, between the open roads, the towns and the cities. When out on the road you need to be cautious of free roaming wildlife, especially during the early mornings and late afternoons. For the most part, Namibia’s roads are well maintained, except for the really remote routes.

A Few Must-Visit Places Along the Route

Driving from Cape Town to Windhoek, or anywhere else in Namibia for that matter, means you will be passing all sorts of interesting places. Here are a few that you need to see.

The Cederberg Mountains

A scenic drive through the Cederberg Mountains is just the perfect way to start your road trip. Here you will be treated to sights of surreal rock formations and the most beautiful wildflowers, which you will see more of if you travel in spring. If you have the time you can hike or have a picnic.

The Fish River Canyon

As you enter Namibia, one of the first stops you can make is in the utterly beautiful Fish River Canyon. This is the second-largest canyon in the world and from above you will be treated to some breathtaking views.

The Sossusvlei

No Namibia safari road trip is complete without a visit to Sossusvlei. With its towering red dunes, this place is worth exploring and while here you must climb Dune 45, especially if you are in the area in the early morning, because that sunrise will linger in your memories forever.

As you approach the coast, Swakopmund welcomes you with its unique blend of adventure and relaxation. Take a lazy stroll along the promenade, indulge in local cuisine, or try your hand at water sports. It’s the perfect coastal retreat for your self-driven journey.

Etosha National Park

If your road trip takes you away from Windhoek, make sure that you visit the wildlife haven that is Etosha National Park. As you take a drive through the park, you can see all sorts of animals, including elephants, lions, and a myriad of other species. The freedom of a self-drive Namibia safari allows you to savour the wildlife at your leisure.

Are you ready for Lazy Long Sun-Filled Days, Scenic Panoramic Views, and the Dream Adventure of a Lifetime? All you have to do is Book Your Cape Town to Windhoek Drive with African Travel Concept!”

This incredible road trip from Cape Town to Windhoek isn’t just a journey; it’s an odyssey through magnificent landscapes and destinations on the tracks that you want to travel. If this sounds like the holiday of your dreams, you can book a self-drive Namibia safari today!

Read our other blogs here

The Big 5 Experience – Namibia vs. South Africa

At the first light of dawn or just as the sun begins its descent, catching sight of one of the Big 5, making their way across the landscape in search of food or water, is an experience that simply cannot be described by mere words.  These majestic animals, which over centuries have been idolised, first

Drinking Water Safety in Namibia

“Does Namibia have clean drinking water?” This is one of the most asked questions when travellers are booking their Namibia tour.  Water safety and security in Africa is almost always making headlines but what you are not told is that many of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations, like Namibia, actually have pristine water sources, especially

The Quirks and Charm of Windhoek

We have the fun facts about Windhoek that travellers like you need to know. Windhoek, Namibia’s cool capital, transcends all of the narratives that are used to define a typical African metropolis.  Built amidst dramatic desert landscapes, the city is a mix of German and local heritage, fascinating history, and a flourishing craft beer scene

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Flights to Windhoek (WDH)

Windhoek hosea kutako international airport - airport code: wdh, non-stop flights to windhoek (wdh).

Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport is the largest airport in Namibia. In total there are 7 airports around the world that have direct flights to Windhoek, spread around 7 cities in 6 countries. Currently, there are no domestic flights to Windhoek.

Windhoek is mainly known for its nightlife and sightseeing & culture.

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This month, there are 685 flights arriving at Windhoek Airport, which are 161 flights per week or 23 flights per day.

The most frequently departed flights to Windhoek are routes from Johannesburg (JNB) in South Africa and Cape Town (CPT), also in South Africa. These two routes together are operated 483 times this month, and make up for 71% of all monthly arrivals at Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport.

The longest flight to Windhoek WDH is departing from Frankfurt (FRA). This non-stop flight takes around 10 hours and 30 minutes and covers a distance of 3,130 miles (5,037 km).

List of all direct flights to Windhoek

Below you can find a list of all cities and countries that have direct flights to Windhoek, ordered by popularity.

Top 200 flights with a stopover

This list contains the 200 most popular airports from which flights depart that require just one stopover to get to Windhoek.

Airlines flying to Windhoek

Currently, there are 5 airlines that fly to Windhoek. Most flights to Windhoek are operated by Airlink, as they connect 4 airports to WDH. That’s around 2 times as much as Eurowings, the second biggest airline in terms of operated flight routes to Windhoek. Below you can find the list of airlines that operate all WDH flights:

Business class flights to Windhoek

There are 5 airports that have flights to Windhoek in Business Class. All airports that offer business class flights to WDH are listed below:

Intercontinental flights to Windhoek

The only intercontinental flights to Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) are from Europe, as of April 2024.

* Please note that there are no direct services from the United States, Canada, Southern America, Central America, the Caribbean, the Middle-East, Southern Asia, China, Japan, Eastern Asia, South-Eastern Asia, Central Asia or Oceania.

Non-stop flights from Europe to Windhoek

International flights to windhoek, flights from angola to windhoek.

Luanda is the only city in Angola with direct flights to Windhoek. From Luanda , direct flights are offered by TAAG Angola.

Flights from Botswana to Windhoek

In Botswana, the only airport that has a direct connection to Windhoek is Maun. From Maun , direct flights are offered by Airlink. This is a seasonal route that starts in July and ends in October.

Flights from Ethiopia to Windhoek

There is 1 airport in Ethiopia that has a direct connection to Windhoek, which is Addis Ababa. From Addis Ababa , direct flights are offered by Ethiopian Airlines (Star Alliance).

Flights from Germany to Windhoek

In Germany, the only airport that has a direct connection to Windhoek is Frankfurt. From Frankfurt , direct flights are offered by Eurowings.

Flights from South Africa to Windhoek

There are 2 airports in South Africa that have non-stop flights to Windhoek.

From Cape Town , direct flights are offered by Airlink. From Johannesburg , you can fly non-stop with Airlink or South African Airways (Star Alliance).

Flights from Zimbabwe to Windhoek

Victoria Falls is the only city in Zimbabwe with direct flights to Windhoek. From Victoria Falls , you can fly non-stop with Airlink or Eurowings.

Alternative airports near Windhoek

Flying to an alternative airport near Windhoek could give you other options to reach your destination. For example, the possibility to fly with a different airline or alliance, or finding a cheaper airfare. The only alternative airport to Windhoek (WDH) within a range of 125 miles (200 km) is Windhoek (ERS).

Frequently asked questions - FAQ

How many airports are there in windhoek.

There are 2 airports in Windhoek: Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) and Eros Airport (ERS).

What is the best airport to fly into Windhoek?

The most convenient airport to fly into Windhoek is Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH).

How many airlines fly to Windhoek?

There are 5 airlines flying to Windhoek from 7 airports around the world, as of April 2024.

Which airlines fly to Windhoek?

Airlink, Eurowings and TAAG Angola operate most flights to Windhoek. To get a full overview of all operating airlines, please use the airline filter.

Which alliances are flying to Windhoek?

Star Alliance is currently the only alliance flying to Windhoek.

How many nonstop flights are there to Windhoek?

There are roughly 685 flights arriving at Windhoek every month (or 161 flights each week), from a total of 7 airports worldwide.

What is the official name of Windhoek Airport?

The official name of Windhoek Airport is Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport.

What is the airport code of Windhoek Airport?

The airport code of Windhoek Airport is WDH .

What are the most popular flights to Windhoek?

Johannesburg, Cape Town and Frankfurt are the 3 most popular routes to Windhoek. For a complete overview of all flight routes to Windhoek, please use our flight map.

How long is the flight to Windhoek?

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A good option you might want to have a look at is offered by The Gondwana Collection. They have a scheduled transport service between their lodges. You can find more info here.

https://go2.na/

Linkie Groenewald

Owner - Truly Africa Tours

• Driving time Windhoek to Etosha and park gates 6:23 am
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Nust VC secures globalpatent aiming to reduce costof housing in Namibia

Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) vice chancellor Erold Naomab has secured an international patent for a new building material with the potential to reduce the cost of housing in Namibia.

The research was conducted by researchers in Namibia and Germany.

“The new nanocomposite construction derivatives are stronger than cement-based products, but are expected to be cheaper. All the raw materials are naturally abundant in Namibia, says Naomab.

“The new Namibia-based materials have met the European Union (EU) regulations and standards for use as construction materials. It took close to 10 years from basic science research through to prototype and intellectual property protection,” he says.

“The method of manufacturing the weather-resistant, flame-retardant composite material is now available for local and global investors. This new Namibian invention has the potential to lower the cost of constructing houses, leading to an improved quality of life for many in the country.

“The licensing agreement is facilitated by the world-renowned Leibniz Institute for New Materials based in Germany,” he said, adding that the manufacturing materials have met EU importation standards.

The Namibian reported in 2019 that data from the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia for 2018 showed that 995 000 people lived in shacks in urban centres of the country. This number would be significantly higher today.

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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• If the code does not work, do not pay, please contact [email protected] for assistance.

Discount code: SEG2024NEW

Step 2: Register for the conference

After submitting your application, click below to register. You should now see the "New SEG Professional Member Registration" option and pricing.

* Valid through the regular registration deadline. Discount code valued at US$110. Not available to student or recent graduate memberships. You may choose another member category and pay the difference. If you do not complete and pay for conference registration, your membership may be cancelled. New members only.