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Namibia

Home to the oldest desert in the world, formidable wildlife, dramatic scenery, and rich culture

Namibia is a great country to explore with a self-drive, traversing its horizons on the wide open road. There’s a tonne to see and do in every corner of the country, starting with the most famous spot, Etosha National Park, which is known for the large herds and sly predators that crowd its waterholes. Sossusvlei is another popular destination, where visitors come to see the dramatic sight of long-dead camelthorn trees contrasted against a backdrop of deep orange sand dunes. The Skeleton Coast, where the desert meets the sea, gets its name from the many ships wrecked at its shores, leaving behind only their sombre structures on the beach.

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Our FAQs about Namibia

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As a citizen of the EU, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia and the UK, you will need a passport valid for 6 months from your entry date with at least one blank page to enter Namibia. You DO NOT need to arrange a visa before arrival. However, If you plan on travelling for more than 3 months, you will need to apply for a visa. If you are a citizen of a country not included above, you may need to acquire a visa before arrival in Namibia via your local Namibian Embassy. Citizens from some countries can obtain a single-entry tourist visa upon arrival in Namibia. Find out more here.

Namibia is a peaceful and welcoming country and a dream self-drive destination. Like any other place you visit, it's important to stay vigilant and take precautions:


  • Keep a close eye on your belongings, whether travelling alone or in a group.
  • Avoid displaying valuable items like cell phones and cameras.
  • Stay away from deserted and quiet areas at night.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
  • Be prepared for remote areas with minimal assistance available if your car breaks down or you get a flat tire.
  • Respect and observe wildlife from a distance, never leaving your car except at designated areas.

Yes. When renting or driving a car in Namibia, an international driver's licence is not required if your licence is in English. However, if your licence is not in English and you are the designated driver, you will need an international driver's licence. Roads in Namibia include tar roads in towns and cities, as well as gravel and sand roads in the backcountry. These roads are generally in good condition, but you should avoid speeding and watch out for potholes, mud, and sand. To navigate sandy roads, it's helpful to release air from your tires to avoid getting stuck. While you don't need advanced off-roading skills, it's recommended to familiarise yourself with 4x4 basics. Ask for a demonstration from the car rental company before driving off, and ensure you can drive a manual transmission if you rent one.

The Namibian Dollar (N$) and South African Rand (ZAR) are both widely used and accepted. The exchange rate between the two is always fixed at 1:1. When travelling to Namibia, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller expenses, as well as major credit cards for larger purchases. ATMs are readily available in cities and towns, and it’s also possible to exchange foreign currencies at banks, exchange bureaus, and some hotels.

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What our travellers are saying

Because of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.

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Nicole

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Our Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.

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Stefano

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What can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.

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Anna

verified iconVerified Traveller

We had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.

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Michèle

verified iconVerified Traveller

We had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.

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Valerie

verified iconVerified Traveller

With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!

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Margherita

verified iconVerified Traveller

The recommended accommodations were perfect for us and everything was as expected. Even though we booked on very short notice, everything went smoothly and was well managed by Viatu.

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Jan

verified iconVerified Traveller

I'm very thankful for my first Viatu experience. The 3-week trip across Namibia combined incredible landscapes and nature, mindblowing eco-friendly lodges and utter peace of mind. The organisation and support of the Viatu team were spot-on - this is the way to impress. Thanks a lot!

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Christoph

verified iconVerified Traveller

We loved using the Viatu Trip Builder to design our holidays in South Africa. It was super easy and transparent. Our holidays were great and the few times we needed support, our consultant Benoit was very quick and helpful.

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Anita

verified iconVerified Traveller

I had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.

avatar icon

Irina

verified iconVerified Traveller

Because of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.

avatar icon

Nicole

verified iconVerified Traveller

Our Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.

avatar icon

Stefano

verified iconVerified Traveller

What can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.

avatar icon

Anna

verified iconVerified Traveller

We had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.

avatar icon

Michèle

verified iconVerified Traveller

We had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.

avatar icon

Valerie

verified iconVerified Traveller

With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!

avatar icon

Margherita

verified iconVerified Traveller

The recommended accommodations were perfect for us and everything was as expected. Even though we booked on very short notice, everything went smoothly and was well managed by Viatu.

avatar icon

Jan

verified iconVerified Traveller

I'm very thankful for my first Viatu experience. The 3-week trip across Namibia combined incredible landscapes and nature, mindblowing eco-friendly lodges and utter peace of mind. The organisation and support of the Viatu team were spot-on - this is the way to impress. Thanks a lot!

avatar icon

Christoph

verified iconVerified Traveller

We loved using the Viatu Trip Builder to design our holidays in South Africa. It was super easy and transparent. Our holidays were great and the few times we needed support, our consultant Benoit was very quick and helpful.

avatar icon

Anita

verified iconVerified Traveller

I had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.

avatar icon

Irina

verified iconVerified Traveller
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