Namibia FAQs

What makes Namibia unique?

Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. A land of contrasts, it is unique for its varied landscapes and desert-adapted wildlife, and for its Namib Desert which is the oldest desert in the world.

Does Namibia have the Big Five?

The Big Five are present in Namibia but not in a single location: Etosha National Park has them all but buffalo, which can be found in the Caprivi Region.

What is the weather like in Namibia and when is the best time to go?

As is typical of a desert to semi-desert region, hot daytime temperatures in Namibia are often coupled with very chilly nights.

April to June is one of the best times to go to Namibia, with warm daytime temperatures of about 25°C, and slightly cooler nights. June to September is the driest time of year (and the best time for game viewing in the Etosha region). Daytime temperatures average above 20°, but night time temperatures in the desert and on the central plateau can be freezing during these months.

October is the hottest month in Namibia with temperatures above 40°C. November to February constitutes the rainy season which is incredibly hot and humid. During this time rain occurs in the form of spectacular thunderstorms.

How accessible is Namibia?

Windhoek, the capital city, is the main entry point into Namibia. There are several daily flights from the South African cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg into Windhoek and back. There are also direct flights into Windhoek from several international countries.

What is the best way of getting around in Namibia once we arrive in Windhoek?

You can either do a fly-in holiday using light aircraft charter flights between destinations, or alternatively hire a car and self-drive. Namibia has an extremely good infrastructure of roads; a two-wheel drive vehicle is adequate for a self-drive holiday in Namibia. Self-driving is a much more cost effective way to travel, while fly-in holidays are perfect if you only have a short time to travel in Namibia because the distances between destinations in Namibia is great.

What are the normal luggage restrictions in Namibia?

The normal luggage restriction is 20kg which is standard in Africa, but certain charter flights will allow 12kg while others will only allow 10kg. It is imperative that all travellers going on charter flights out to the islands have soft, manoeuvrable luggage bags. Hard bags are not permitted on charter planes under any circumstances.

What side of the road do cars drive on?

Driving is on the left side of the road and speed limits are 60km/h in towns, 120 km/h on open tarred roads and 100km/h on gravel roads.

Will I need an international drivers permit?

Yes. Foreign drivers require an international driving license. You will need to arrange this in your home country before travel.

Is Namibia a child friendly destination?

Yes. Namibia is home to many child friendly lodges and destinations.

Is malaria a risk in Namibia?

The majority of Namibia is free of malaria, with the exception of Etosha National Park, the Caprivi Strip and several close by areas in the north. If you are including these regions in your itinerary, you need to consult your doctor about medical precautions.

What is the standard of accommodation in Namibia like?

The star ratings in Namibia are in general comparable to international standards in the UK and US, and to accommodation in South Africa. Accommodation in Namibia ranges from basic, functional accommodation to luxury five star hotels and fully inclusive lodges.

Will there be electricity for me to charge my camera? What kind of plug will I need?

Yes. All lodges and hotels will either have electricity, solar power or a generator so charging your camera will be no trouble. Namibia plugs have a voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50 Hertz. The plugs have 3 round-prongs.

What is the local currency and how should we manage carrying our money?

The unit of currency is the Namibia Dollar (N$), which is divided into 100 cents. This is fixed to the South African Rand. The Namibia Dollar and the South African Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia and both can be used freely to purchase goods and services.

International Visa and Mastercards are generally accepted throughout Namibia. Holders of other credit cards are advised to clarify with a commercial bank whether their card is acceptable in Namibia. Credit cards are not accepted at petrol filling stations.

Can I drink the water in Namibia?

Throughout Namibia at hotels, inns, lodges and other public places, tap water is purified and safe to drink. Kindly remember that water is as precious as diamonds in this drought-stricken land so please be respectful and make every effort to help conserve Namibia's water.

What is the standard tipping procedure in Namibia?

10% is customary in restaurants. At the various lodges and hotels, tipping is entirely at your discretion based on the level of service you feel that you received.

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