Best in May
Namibia
Swakopmund & Sossusvlei
Warm
From $152 /day
Namibia
Namibia is a land of profound silence and cinematic horizons where the world’s oldest desert meets the crashing waves of the Atlantic. You can expect a journey defined by vast distances and surreal landscapes, from the towering burnt-orange dunes of the Namib to the shimmering salt pans of the north. It is a destination that rewards the self-reliant traveler with some of the best stargazing on Earth and remarkably intimate wildlife encounters. Whether you are navigating rugged gravel tracks in a 4x4 or watching the sunrise over Deadvlei, the country offers a sense of solitude that is increasingly rare in the modern world. It is a place where nature remains the ultimate authority, inviting you to slow down and witness its raw, ancient beauty.
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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
1 city
3 guides
$152 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Windhoek
Languages
English, Afrikaans, Oshiwambo, Nama/Damara, Otjiherero, German
Currency
Namibian Dollar (NAD) / South African Rand (ZAR)
1 $ ≈ 16 N$
Plug Type
Type D/M
Driving Side
Left
Dial Code
+264
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
CAT (UTC+2)
Emergency
112, 999, 10111 (Police/Ambulance/Fire)
Why Visit Namibia
Otherworldly Desert Landscapes
Namibia is home to the Namib Desert, where you can climb some of the world's tallest sand dunes at Sossusvlei. The stark contrast between the bright orange sand, white clay pans, and deep blue sky creates a photographer's dream.
Premier Wildlife Safaris
Etosha National Park offers a unique safari experience where animals congregate around floodlit waterholes. You can spot lions, elephants, and the endangered black rhino without the dense bush found in other African parks.
The Adventure Coast
The town of Swakopmund serves as a base for adrenaline seekers looking to go sandboarding, skydiving, or quad biking. Here, the dunes literally collide with the ocean, providing a playground for both sea and desert activities.
Dark Sky Stargazing
As one of the least densely populated countries on Earth, Namibia has minimal light pollution. The NamibRand Nature Reserve is a certified International Dark Sky Reserve, offering views of the Milky Way that are remarkably clear.
Fascinating Cultural Diversity
You can engage with resilient cultures like the semi-nomadic Himba or the San people. These communities have maintained traditional lifestyles and deep ecological knowledge in the face of Namibia's harsh environments.
The Wild Skeleton Coast
This desolate stretch of shoreline is famous for its thick mists and the rusting remains of shipwrecks. It offers a hauntingly beautiful solitude where desert-adapted lions and elephants occasionally roam the beaches.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Namibia
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert
This is the heart of Namibia’s iconic scenery, featuring the massive red dunes of the Namib-Naukluft Park. Most visitors come here to climb Big Daddy or explore the hauntingly beautiful Deadvlei with its 900-year-old camel thorn trees.
Etosha National Park
Located in the north, this massive wildlife sanctuary is centered around a giant salt pan. It is famous for easy game viewing, as countless animals gather at the waterholes along the southern edge during the dry winter months.
Swakopmund and the Atlantic Coast
This region offers a cool, misty respite from the desert heat with a distinct German colonial atmosphere. It is the best place for marine tours to see Cape fur seals and dolphins, or to embark on 4x4 tours into the Sandwich Harbour dunes.
Damaraland
A rugged and rocky wilderness in the northwest, Damaraland is home to desert-adapted elephants and the ancient rock engravings of Twyfelfontein. The landscape is dominated by massive granite boulders and dramatic table-top mountains.
Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip)
In stark contrast to the rest of the country, this narrow finger of land is lush, green, and water-rich. It offers a tropical river safari experience with hippos, crocodiles, and large herds of buffalo moving through the floodplains.
Best Time to Visit
The dry winter season from May to October offers the best conditions for wildlife viewing and desert exploration. During these months, clear skies and moderate daytime temperatures are common, though nights can drop below freezing in the desert.
Peak Season
Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Peak season coincides with the height of the dry period when wildlife congregates around waterholes in Etosha National Park. Visitors should expect higher prices and limited accommodation availability in popular areas like Sossusvlei.
Shoulder Season
May, Jun, Nov
May and June offer lush green landscapes after the rains with pleasant temperatures around 20–25°C (68–77°F). November is the start of the warming period, providing good wildlife viewing with fewer crowds before the rains begin.
Off-Peak
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec
The summer wet season brings dramatic afternoon thunderstorms and temperatures exceeding 35–40°C (95–104°F). While some remote roads may become difficult to navigate, this is the best time for birdwatching and seeing newborn wildlife.
Getting Around
Namibia's vast distances and limited public transport make car rental the primary choice for tourists. Infrastructure consists of a mix of well-paved highways and extensive gravel road networks that cover approximately 80% of the country.
Car
Renting a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended for safety and access to remote regions like Sossusvlei or Damaraland. Drivers must be cautious of gravel road conditions and should not exceed 80km/h on unpaved surfaces.
Bus
Intercape operates reliable long-distance coaches connecting Windhoek to Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and international destinations. Minibuses are the main local transport mode but are often crowded and lack fixed schedules.
Train
TransNamib has limited/restricted regular passenger service depending on locomotive capacity and track conditions. The luxury Desert Express tourist service operations are currently suspended until further notice; check current status before planning.
Flight
FlyNamibia (WestAir) offers scheduled domestic flights from Windhoek to destinations including Ondangwa, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Lüderitz, and Oranjemund, which are ideal for covering long distances quickly across the 825,000-square-km territory.
Food & Drink
Namibian cuisine is a hearty blend of indigenous traditions, German colonial influences, and South African flavors. As a nation of meat lovers, the 'braai' (barbecue) is a central social event, often featuring high-quality game meats and locally brewed beer.
Must Try
Kapana
A popular street food found in township markets, consisting of thinly sliced beef grilled over open coals and served with a spicy salt and tomato dipping sauce.
Biltong
Air-dried and cured meat seasoned with vinegar and spices; in Namibia, you can find versions made from beef or game like Kudu, Oryx, and Springbok.
Potjiekos
A slow-cooked stew prepared in a traditional three-legged cast-iron pot over an open fire, usually featuring lamb, beef, or game meat with vegetables.
Oshithima
A stiff, traditional porridge made from pearl millet (mahangu), often served as a staple accompaniment to savory stews and grilled meats in the north.
Mopane Worms
A traditional delicacy and high-protein snack, these caterpillars are harvested from Mopane trees, dried, and then fried until crunchy or added to stews.
Zambezi Bream
Freshwater fish from the northern rivers, typically grilled over coals to highlight its delicate flavor, often served with maize pap and spinach.
Windhoek Lager
An iconic local beer brewed according to the German Reinheitsgebot purity law of 1516, known for its crisp, clean taste.
Rock Shandy
The ultimate desert refreshment, this non-alcoholic drink is a mix of half lemonade, half sparkling water, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters.
Money & Costs
Namibia offers moderate value for money with a typical daily budget of ~$152 / NAD 2,426. Prices for accommodation and specialized tours can be high due to the remote nature of the destinations and the high quality of eco-lodges.
Tipping
A 10% tip is standard in restaurants if no service charge is included. Small tips of ~$0.59–$1.18 / NAD 9.41–NAD 19 are customary for car guards, petrol attendants, and lodge staff.
Cards
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in urban centers, hotels, and large shops, but cash is essential for fuel stations in remote areas and local markets.
ATMs
ATMs are common in Windhoek and Swakopmund but scarce in rural areas; withdrawal limits are often low, and foreign card fees of ~3% may apply.
Culture & Etiquette
Namibian culture is characterized by politeness, patience, and a high regard for formal social interactions. Showing respect through proper greetings and patience in conversation is key to a smooth and welcoming experience.
✓
Always start any interaction with a formal greeting like 'Good morning' or 'How are you?' before asking for help or directions.
✓
Greet people with a handshake; in some cultures, this involves a specific three-step grip, so follow the lead of your host.
✕
Don't take photographs of local people, especially in traditional villages like the Himba, without asking for explicit permission first.
✓
Carry small change to tip car guards who watch your vehicle in urban parking lots; $0.59–$1.18 / NAD 9.41–NAD 19 is the customary amount.
✕
Don't drive after sunset outside of major cities, as large wildlife often wanders onto the roads and visibility becomes dangerously low.
✓
Be extremely mindful of water usage; Namibia is one of the driest countries in the world, and wasting water is considered very insensitive.
✕
Don't ignore the importance of a 'braai' invitation; it is a major social event, and being invited is a sign of true hospitality.
✓
Keep your voice low in public spaces and national parks; Namibians generally value a calm and quiet demeanor.
Safety & Health
Namibia is generally safe, but travelers should exercise increased caution due to rising rates of opportunistic crime. Remote travel requires self-sufficiency as medical services may be hundreds of kilometers away.
Tap Water
Use caution
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus are recommended; Yellow Fever is required only if arriving from an endemic country.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Credit card skimming at hotels and lodges
- ⚠ Helpful strangers at ATMs attempting to distract users to steal cards
- ⚠ Smash-and-grab thefts from vehicles stopped at intersections or gas stations
- ⚠ Fake roadside assistance requests used to lure travelers into robberies
Medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for remote travel. Healthcare facilities in Windhoek are high quality but often require immediate cash or credit card payment before treatment.
Language
English is the official language for government and education, but Afrikaans remains the most widely understood lingua franca. Many locals speak Oshiwambo or other indigenous languages at home.
English Spoken: Moderately spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hello | He-low |
| Thank you | Baie dankie | BY-ah DUN-kee |
| Good / Fine | Nawa | NAH-wah |
| Please | Asseblief | AH-suh-bleef |
| Good morning | !Gâi tsēs | GEY-tses |
| How are you? | Wa lele po nawa? | WAH-leh-leh-poh-NAH-wah |
| Goodbye | Totsiens | TOT-seens |
| Yes | Ja | YAH |
Visa & Entry
Namibia's visa policy is based on reciprocity. From 1 April 2025, many previously exempt nationalities must now obtain a visa. Holiday visas: up to 90 days, not exceeding 90 days in a calendar year. Fees (effective 2025): Adults & children 12+: NAD 1,200 (African countries) / NAD 1,600 (other countries); Children 6–11: NAD 600 / NAD 800; Under 6: no charge. Visa on Arrival is available for eligible nationalities (check MHAISS list as it changes).
Max Stay
90 days in a calendar year
Passport Validity
6 months validity + 3 blank pages
Visa-free for
South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Brazil, Russia, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong (SAR)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Namibia safe for travelers?
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Is the tap water safe to drink?
Do I need a 4x4 to visit Sossusvlei?
Is malaria a concern in Namibia?
Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
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