Namibia Travel Advice

There’s nothing like up-to-date, relevant travel information direct from the experts – get Go2Africa’s essential Namibia travel advice before you go.

Flights & Getting Around

Did you know you can book your flights through Go2Africa? For more information and frequently asked questions, please see our Flights section.

How do I get around in Namibia?

There are two primary ways to explore Namibia: by air or by road.

Flying Safaris: This is the most luxurious and time-efficient method. You'll hop between lodges in light aircraft, which transforms travel time into a scenic flight over incredible landscapes like the Skeleton Coast.

Self-Drive or Guided Road Transfers: Namibia is one of the few African destinations where self-driving is highly recommended due to its excellent (though often gravel) roads and clear signage. For a more relaxed experience, we can arrange a private driver-guide who handles the long distances while providing expert insight into the desert’s hidden wonders.

Airports

Hosea Kutako International Airport: Windhoek‘s major airport is the international gateway, but to get to the country’s far-flung destinations by air you’ll be transferring to the capital’s second airport – Eros – for charter flights on light aircraft.

Walvis Bay Airport: located 15km east of Walvis Bay, Namibia’s second largest airport is well located for easy access to Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast.

Transfers and game drives in Namibia are usually conducted in open-sided 4X4 vehicles.

The country’s good infrastructure means that many visitors to Namibia hire a car for a self-drive holiday which makes for independent, flexible travel within the ambit of a pre-planned itinerary. Self-drivers staying at private reserves join the other guests for guided game drives in 4X4s.

Is it easy to get to Namibia from South Africa?

Yes, Namibia is very well-connected to South Africa, making it easy to combine the two. There are multiple daily direct flights (approximately 2 hours) from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport. Additionally, for those on an extended road trip, the border crossings are professional and efficient. Many travelers enjoy a “best of both worlds” itinerary, starting with the greenery of the Cape or the Kruger and ending in the dramatic, arid landscapes of the Namib Desert.

Driving Distances

Namibia's great infrastructure means that you can easily hire a car and enjoy a self-drive vacation – ideal for independent and flexible travel. Just bear in mind that Namibia is not a small country and driving will take up quite a bit of your time:

Do I need a 4×4 to visit Namibia?

If you are sticking to the main tourist routes between Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Etosha, a standard 2WD vehicle is often sufficient. However, to truly explore the ‘real’ Namibia, including the sandy tracks of Sossusvlei or the rugged terrain of Damaraland, a high-clearance 4×4 is strongly recommended. It provides a much smoother ride on gravel roads and the peace of mind needed for remote travel.

Money & Spending

Visa and Mastercard credit cards are generally accepted throughout Namibia though holders of other credit cards are advised to check whether their card is acceptable. Self-drivers should note that credit cards are not accepted at petrol stations.

Banking hours: 9am to 3:30pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 11am on Saturday.

Can I use South African Rand in Namibia?

Yes. The Namibian Dollar is pegged 1-to-1 with the South African Rand, and Rand are widely accepted as legal tender throughout the country. You can pay for almost everything in Rand, though you will likely receive your change in Namibian Dollars. Please note that while the Rand works in Namibia, the Namibian Dollar is generally not accepted in South Africa, so try to spend your local currency before you head home or elsewhere.

Tipping

Tipping for good service in Namibia is only expected in upmarket tourist establishments but is officially prohibited in national parks and reserves. A service charge is included in many restaurant bills – if not, and the service was satisfactory, a tip of 10% is standard.

For in-depth tipping guidelines, enquire with one of our Africa Safari Experts – they’d be happy to share their knowledge with you.

Climate

Average summer temperatures: 15°C to 40°C

Average winter temperatures: 0°C to 23°C

Rainy season: October/November to April

Refer to “best time to visit Namibia” for climate charts and details on the best wildlife-viewing times.

What should I pack for the desert climate?

The key word for Namibia is layers. Because it is a desert environment, temperatures can swing from near-freezing at dawn to over 30°C (86°F) by midday. We recommend packing lightweight cotton clothing for the day and a high-quality fleece or down jacket for early morning game drives and evenings. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and a good pair of closed walking shoes for exploring the dunes.

For more on what to pack for a safari, refer to our Africa Safari Guide travel advice section.

Visa & Passport Requirements

Every visitor to Namibia must be in possession of a passport that is valid until six months after the initial date of travel; however no visas are required for citizens of the USA, UK, most European countries (including France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Spain and Switzerland), Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Malaysia, Japan and Singapore. Travellers receive entry for 90 days and visas for onward travel can be obtained in Windhoek.

For visitors from other countries, please check with your nearest Namibian Consulate about obtaining a visa.

Watch this video: Product Manager Liesel van Zyl talks about Namibia on a local TV programme.

About Namibia

Is Namibia good for families?

Namibia is an exceptional destination for families, especially those with an adventurous spirit. It offers a “giant sandbox” experience with the world's highest dunes at Sossusvlei, fascinating desert-adapted wildlife, and the charming seaside town of Swakopmund, which serves as an adventure hub for all ages. Many lodges in Namibia are specifically designed for families, offering private villas and “Young Explorer” programs. Because Namibia has several malaria-free regions and a very high standard of infrastructure, it is often a top choice for parents seeking a secure but awe-inspiring African adventure.

Is Namibia a malaria-free destination?

Large parts of central and southern Namibia—including the famous Sossusvlei and Damaraland—are considered malaria-free. However, the far northern regions, including Etosha National Park and the Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip), are risk areas, particularly during the rainy summer months. We always recommend consulting a travel clinic, but for travelers specifically seeking a malaria-free holiday, Namibia offers some of the best options in Africa.

History & Economy

For a remote country dominated by bone-dry deserts and arid mountains, Namibia has a surprisingly diverse and complex history. Settled first by San Bushmen and then by migrating African herders and farmers, European involvement only began in the late 1800s. A brief but influential episode under German colonial rule preceded 70 years of South African control. Namibia’s subsequent freedom struggle was set against the backdrop of the Cold War and it was only in 1990 that the country won its independence.

Home to significant deposits of precious metals, uranium and diamonds, the mining industry dominates Namibia’s economy and accounts for a quarter of its revenue though it is tourism which is one of country’s major employers, accounting for 18% of total employment. Offshore gas deposits are set to be exploited in the future.

People & Culture

Twice the size of Germany but home to only 2.1 million people, Namibia has the world’s second-lowest population density. Most Namibians are Ovambos but significant minorities are present and include the Herero as well as San Bushmen, Germans and Afrikaners. The overwhelming majority consider themselves Christian though traditional beliefs still hold sway in rural areas.

English is Namibia’s official language but German and Afrikaans speakers will find themselves understood throughout the country. Much of Namibia’s modern culture is similar to South Africa’s but the country is home to some of Africa’s best rock art as well as the traditional-living Himba people of the Kaokoveld who still adorn their bodies in a mixture of animal fat and natural pigments.

Landscape & Wildlife

Most of Namibia’s population lives on the relatively fertile central plateau but it’s the Kalahari and Namib Desert environments that define the country. Running all the way to the icy Atlantic Ocean, the red-sand Namib is the world’s oldest desert and home to the famous dunes of Sossusvlei. Open woodlands and grassy savannahs are the main features of the more watered north, while extensive wetlands are found in the Caprivi Strip (newly renamed the Zambezi Region), an oddly shaped part of Namibia left over from the colonial era.

Environmental protection is constitutionally guaranteed and some 15% of the country is given over to parks and reserves. Wildlife is prolific, even in Namibia’s deserts where familiar species such as elephant and lion have adapted to the demanding conditions, but it’s the country’s flagship Etosha National Park that delivers the country’s best game viewing. Home to a mix of both savannah and desert species, Etosha is particularly famous for its floodlit waterholes and as a stronghold for endangered creatures such as cheetah and black rhino.

Other wildlife highlights include the small but teeming Caprivi reserves which offer amazing bird watching and large elephant and buffalo herds as well as the unique Waterberg, an isolated plateau full of classic savannah animals.

Start Planning Your Namibia Holiday

Chat with someone who’s been there. Get in touch with one of our Africa Travel Experts to help tailor-make a trip to Namibia that’s right for you.