Question 1

Do I need vaccinations to travel to Namibia?

Accepted Answer

A Yellow Fever certificate is required if arriving from an affected country. Routine vaccinations such as hepatitis, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended. Malaria prophylaxis is advised in the northern regions, including Etosha and the Caprivi Strip.

Question 2

Do I need a visa to enter Namibia?

Accepted Answer

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.

Starting 1 April 2025, nationals from 32 countries, including the UK, EU, USA, and Canada, will require a visa on arrival to enter Namibia. Find out more here. 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.

Question 3

What languages are spoken in Namibia?

Accepted Answer

English is the official language. Afrikaans and German are widely spoken, along with local languages such as Oshiwambo, Herero, and Nama/Damara.

Question 4

What is the best time to travel to Namibia

Accepted Answer

The dry season from May to October is best for wildlife viewing. The rainy season from November to April is better for birdwatching, but some lodges close and certain roads may be difficult to use.

Question 5

Is Namibia safe for tourists?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What plugs and electricity are used in Namibia?

Accepted Answer

Namibia uses Type D and Type M plugs with a 220V supply. An adaptor is recommended for international travellers.

Question 7

Is Namibia a self-drive destination?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Are credit cards widely accepted in Namibia?

Accepted Answer

Credit cards are commonly accepted in urban areas and tourist spots. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for remote areas where card facilities may be limited.

Question 9

What adventure activities are available in Namibia?

Accepted Answer

Namibia offers thrilling activities like hot air ballooning over the desert, quad biking in the dunes, and wildlife safaris. Adventure enthusiasts can also try sandboarding or explore the Skeleton Coast.

Question 10

What currency is used in Namibia?

Accepted Answer

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.

Namibia

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

Find Namibia on the map

Best time to go to Namibia

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Suggested Trip Templates for Namibia

Where to stay in Namibia

Top destinations to visit

Etosha National Park

The 'place of dry water', Etosha is world-renowned for its astonishing wildlife and dramatic scenery

Sossusvlei

Mesmerising orange dunes encircling a fossilised tree-dotted salt pan

Etosha National Park South

Grasslands dotted with formidable wildlife often sighted at the numerous waterholes

Namib-Naukluft National Park

Namibia's most versatile conservation area — home to some of the largest sand dunes in the world

Sesriem

Gateway to wonderous Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon

Windhoek

Namibia's humming capital and the likely starting point for journeys throughout the country

Kaokoland

A remote and rugged wilderness where Namibia’s desert meets the untamed beauty of the Kunene region.

Swakopmund

Namibia's adventure and coastal capital

Damaraland

Refuge to miraculous desert-adapted wildlife, including lions and elephants

Erongo Region

Hiker's paradise amidst towering mountains and elusive black rhino

Waterberg Plateau Park

A hidden gem with views, wildlife, and hikes galore

Kavango Region

An oasis of green in Namibia's north — home to Namibia's Kavango people

Zambezi Region

Namibia's green oasis, teeming with elephants, hippos, and waterways

Fish River Canyon

The world's second-largest canyon, famous for its rugged scenery and hikes

Lüderitz

Colourful architecture and German bakeries on the Atlantic Coast

Skeleton Coast

A formidable 40 km coastline strewn with shipwrecks and renegade wildlife

Kolmanskop

A sand-engulfed ghost town in Namibia's 'forbidden zone'

Kunene River

Northern Namibia's thunderous and waterfall-dotted perennial river

Keetmanshoop

The capital town of Namibia's south — explore the Quiver Tree Forest and Giant's Playground

Northern Namibia

Home to Namibia's wildest landscapes: the Skeleton Coast, Damaraland, and Etosha

Okahandja

The Garden Town of Namibia and capital of the Herero

Solitaire

Popular stopover — in the middle of nowhere — to stretch your legs

Palmwag

Crucial desert refuge for rare and endangered animals

Rundu

Riverside town on the banks of the Okavango River

Mudumu National Park