Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 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

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 8

Can I self-drive in Namibia?

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 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.

Question 11

Do I need a visa to enter Botswana?

Accepted Answer

Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Visitors from certain countries may be exempt from obtaining a visa for short stays. It is recommended to check with the nearest Botswana embassy or consulate in your home country to determine the specific visa requirements. Find out more here. Botswana offers visa-on-arrival facilities at major entry points for eligible nationalities. It's essential to ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date. Have at least 1 blank page in your passport for endorsements and take 2 colour passport photographs.

Question 12

Is Botswana safe for tourists?

Accepted Answer

Botswana is a safe country and a great place to visit. However, it is always a good idea to just be street-smart. Here are some tips to keep in mind when travelling:

Keep an eye on your belongings, whether travelling alone or in a group.
Carry some emergency cash as some areas lack ATMs.
Avoid wandering alone at night and exercise caution in urban areas.
Respect wildlife, maintain a safe distance, and never provoke or feed them.
If self-driving, ensure readiness with spare tires and repair tools for remote distances, cautious fueling, planned routes, and daytime driving to evade animals and respect speed limits.

Question 13

Can I self-drive in Botswana?

Accepted Answer

It’s only advisable to self-drive in Botswana if you have the appropriate level of experience. Remote regions like Central Kalahari and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans necessitate a 4x4 vehicle. Proficiency in water, sand, and mud crossings is crucial, along with high and low range transmission expertise. You’ll need to maintain fuel awareness, meaning refilling regularly and carrying extra fuel. For more convenience, lodges and camps will often offer transfers and there are also plenty of internal flights to many of Botswana’s top attractions.

Question 14

What is the best time to travel to South Africa?

Accepted Answer

South Africa can be visited year-round, but the best time depends on the region. The dry winter months from May to September are ideal for safaris, as wildlife gathers around waterholes and vegetation is sparse. The warmer summer months from November to March are better for Cape Town, the Garden Route, and the beaches, although this is also the rainy season in much of the country.

Question 15

Do I need a visa to enter South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Visa requirements depend on nationality. Citizens of many countries – including most EU states, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, Israel, and Japan – may enter South Africa without a visa for visits of up to 90 days. Nationals of some countries, such as Malaysia, Turkey, Seychelles, Thailand, Mozambique, and Cyprus, are visa-exempt for up to 30 days.

Travellers from countries not on the visa-exempt list must obtain a visa before arrival. All passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the entry date and contain at least one blank page for entry stamps.

Question 16

Do I need vaccinations to travel to South Africa?

Accepted Answer

No vaccinations are required for entry unless arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country, in which case a Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory. Travellers are advised to be up to date with routine vaccinations such as hepatitis, typhoid, and tetanus. Malaria is present in the north-east, including Kruger National Park and parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo, and prophylaxis is strongly recommended for these areas. Malaria is not a risk in Cape Town, the Garden Route, or Johannesburg.

Question 17

How do I get to Sossusvlei?

Accepted Answer

Sossusvlei is about 400 km from Windhoek, your likely starting point. Gravel roads have 80-100 km/h limits and road conditions may slow you down. Self-driving also necessitates stocking up on supplies in Windhoek and fueling up frequently at the few service stations along the way. Air travel, on the other hand, is quick and there is the possibility of booking a private charter. An airstrip is located in Solitaire, 70 km from the Sesriem gate. From there, you’ll need to have an arrangement with your accommodation to pick you up.

Question 18

What wildlife can you see in Etosha?

Accepted Answer

Etosha National Park is home to 4 of the Big 5 (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos) and offers abundant wildlife sightings. The park's vast expanse is like a small country, hosting diverse wildlife. Zebras, giraffes, springboks, gemsbuck, kudus, predators like cheetahs, hyenas and jackals as well as varied bird species thrive here. Etosha’s many waterholes are perfect for watching the continuous comings and goings of the park’s wildlife inhabitants. Read Our Complete Guide to Etosha National Park’s Waterholes.

Namibia on a Budget: 14 Days of Epic Landscapes & Wildlife

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