Namibia

Travel and Tourism Information

Introduction

Few countries match Namibia's incredible natural beauty and vast landscapes. The country's name derives from its desert, the Namib - one of the world’s oldest deserts stretching inland to the Atlantic Ocean and covering large swathes of Namibia, parts of Angola and South Africa.

Inland, a spine of mountains creates dramatic scenery including the Naukluft Mountains, the Brandberg, Spitzkoppe, Damaraland and the Fish River Canyon.

Namibia is a mostly safe country to visit, and the official language is English. The cost of travel is affordable, like much of southern Africa, and it is a country rich in indigenous and colonial history and thriving opportunities for adventure activities.

Map and Geography 

Namibia's landscape is its defining natural asset. The country’s surface area covers 824,000 square kilometres. It is one of the driest and most sparsely populated countries on earth – with the Namib Desert in the west and the Kalahari Desert in the east, separated by the Central Plateau. 

The only permanent rivers in the country are the Kunene (Cunene), the Okavango (Cubango), the Mashi (Kwando) and the Zambezi – all of which are on the northern border to Angola and Zambia, and the Orange river which forms the country’s southern border to South Africa. 

The country shares common boundaries with Angola, Botswana, South Africa and Zambia. To the west, the country has a long 500 km (300 mile) coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.

Namibia’s capital city is Windhoek.

Climate and Temperature

Namibia's climate is generally very dry and pleasant. The cold Benguela current keeps the coast cool, damp and free of rain for most of the year.

All the rain received inland falls during the summer months of November to April.

January and February are typically the hottest months in Nambia, when daytime temperatures in the interior can exceed 40ºC (104ºF), although night-time temperatures are usually cool. Winter nights can be fairly cold, but days are generally warm and quite nice.

Windhoek: In summer, average temperatures are highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C, and in winter, highs of 22°C and lows of 7°C

Rundu: In summer, average temperatures are highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C, and in winter, highs of 26°C and lows of 7°C

Swakopmund: In summer, average temperatures are highs of 22°C and lows of 15°C, and in winter, highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C

Population and Language

Namibia has a population of 2.5 million people.

Of the black majority, which is 85 percent of the total population, about two-thirds are Ovambo, with the Kavango, the Herero, the Damara, and the Caprivian peoples following in population size.

Most ethnic Europeans are Namibian citizens, though some have retained South African citizenship. Afrikaners make up two-thirds of the European population, and Germans constitute one-fifth.

English is the national language, though it is the mother tongue of only about 3 percent of the population. Ovambo languages are spoken by more than 80 percent of the population, followed by Nama-Damara with about 6 percent.

Many Namibians speak two or more indigenous languages and at least a little of two of the three European languages, English, Afrikaans and German.

Religion

Around 90 percent of the population in Namibia adhere to Christianity. The two largest Christian groups are the Lutheran and Roman Catholic churches.

There are several Zionist Churches which exist, particularly in urban areas. These churches practise a mixture of traditional African beliefs with Pentecostal Christianity.

The Himba and San ethnic groups practice indigenous religions.

Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and the Baha'i faith are also practiced in Namibia. Practitioners of these religious groups are predominantly immigrants, descendants of immigrants, or recent converts.

Traditional Food and Drink of Namibia

What you eat in Namibia depends largely on where you are in the country and who you are with. Although certain foods are common to all of Namibia’s ethnic groups, each has their own specialities.

Biltong is a dried meat typically seasoned with coriander seeds and salt – enjoyed in many southern African countries.

Mieliepap (Maize Meal / Oshifima) is a traditional porridge that is considered a staple of the Oshiwambo community, but is actually enjoyed throughout the country. It can be made into a thick consistency and is typically served with meat, vegetables and tomato and onion gravy.

Pluck (Harslag) is an African cuisine that involves the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver of animals cut into small pieces and prepared with onion and sweet potatoes. The dish is seasoned with sweet and sour sauce or with cloves, cinnamon, peppers and chillies depending on how spicy you want it.

Potjiekos comes from South Africa and is a meat or chicken based stew with vegetables that is cooked for 3-4 hours in a cast iron pot.

Mopane worms (Omanugu) belong to the Oshiwambo community who live in the northern part of the country. These are highly nutritious caterpillars which are cooked and fried or eaten dried as a snack.

Local beers like Windhoek Export, Windhoek Premier Lager, Windhoek Special, Windhoek Light, Urbock and Tafel Lager are popular.

Namibia does not have a strong winemaking culture, however, there are two notable wineries, Kristall Kallerie and Neuras Wineries.

Passport and Visa Requirements 

All visitors require a passport for entry into Namibia, which must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in the county. Passports must have sufficient pages for entry and exit stamps. All visitors must also have a valid return ticket.

Visas are valid for up to three months from the date of issue for stays of up to three months from the date of entry. Extensions are available for a further three months. This must be attained from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek.

Yellow fever certificates are required if your journey starts from or passes through a country with yellow fever.

Currency 

The official currency is the Namibian dollar and is denoted with a N$ (code: NAD). 1 dollar is made up of 100 cents.

Notes come in denominations of N$10, N$20, N$30, N$50, N$100 and N$200, and coins are in denominations of 5c, 10c, 50c, N$1, N$5 and N$10.

Notes and coins are used throughout the country and is the accepted form of payment.

Most shops and supermarkets as well as accommodation establishments and restaurants accept credit cards, mostly VISA and MasterCard.

ATMs are widespread in larger towns and cities.

Electricity 

Power plugs and sockets in Namibia are of type D and M. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

International Dialing Code

The international dialing code in Namibia is +264

Telecommunications 

Telecommunications in Namibia include radio, television, fixed and mobile telephones, and the internet.

Internet access is firmly established and widespread in Namibia. Connection speeds are fairly stable. Most larger and tourist-oriented towns have at least one internet café. An increasing number of backpacker hostels, hotels in larger towns and some lodges and guesthouses also offer wi-fi internet access, although this rarely extends beyond the hotel reception area.

Mobile phone coverage is wide, but due to Namibia’s sparse population density, not all areas of the country are covered.

Transportation

Distances between towns and cities in Namibia can be vast, and there is an excellent infrastructure of sealed roads. To more remote locations, there are well-maintained gravel and even salt roads. The country’s public-transport network is limited due the low population density, making travelling in your own car the easiest way to get around Namibia.

Hosea Kutako International Airport is the main international airport of Namibia, and is located in the capital city, Windhoek. Domestic flights connect Windhoek with places like Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Ondangwa, Lüderitz, Oranjemund and Walvis Bay.

Namibia’s bus services are not extensive due to the country’s sparce population density – however, luxury services do exist and serve Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Grootfontein, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Keetmanshoop and Oshikango from Windhoek. Fares include meals on the bus.

Time

The time zone in Namibia is GMT+2, or Central African Time.

Health

Good-quality health care is available in all major urban areas of Namibia, and private hospitals are generally of excellent standard.

Public hospitals by contrast are often underfunded and overcrowded, and in off-the-beaten-track areas, reliable medical facilities are rare.

Before traveling to Namibia, you should consult your doctor and ensure that your routine vaccines are up to date. Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus vaccinations are usually advised, along with Hepatitis B, Rabies and Typhoid vaccinations.

Anti-malaria prophylactics may be necessary depending on where and when you plan to travel. Malaria risk is present throughout the year but highest during November to June, in the north and north eastern regions of the country, including Omaheke. There is low to no risk of malaria in all other areas, including the Skeleton Coast.

Be mindful to protect yourself against sunstroke, snake bites, tick-bite fever, Sleeping Sickness and Bilharzia (Schistosomiasis).

Safety

If you are visiting the CBD of any major city, remain alert at all times, do not leave valuables on show, and take safe and reliable transport to and from your destination. It is not recommended to hail taxis from the street, particularly in Windhoek, as there have been reports of taxis being involved in thefts from foreign tourists.

Game reserves and other tourist areas are generally secure, but be alert to unpredictable behaviour by wild animals. Follow park regulations and wardens’ advice. Avoid bathing in rivers and lakes, because of the dangers from both wildlife and water-borne diseases. Check boots and shoes for insects such as scorpions before putting them on – especially if camping.

During the rainy season (normally January to April) many gravel roads deteriorate. Check with your destination on the local road conditions before setting off. Avoid driving at night outside towns as wildlife and stray livestock pose a serious hazard.

If you travel to remote areas plan your trip carefully, make transport and accommodation arrangements in advance and seek local security advice. Take emergency supplies (including water and fuel) and be prepared for off-road driving conditions. In very remote areas, travel in convoy or with a satellite phone in case of breakdown.

You should carry some form of identification with you at all times. A photocopy of your passport is sufficient.

LGBTQI+ Travellers

Homosexuality remains illegal in Namibia. Namibia is also very conservative in its attitudes, given the strongly held Christian beliefs of the majority. The climate for LGBTIQ+ people in Namibia has eased somewhat in recent years, but discretion is always advised.

Always check your government's latest travel advice before you visit.

When is the best time to visit Namibia?

Namibia is a year-round destination.

Visiting Namibia during the driest months on the year, between June and August will ensure clear sunny days with cooler day time temperatures – although night-time temperatures can reach freezing point. The dry season is also the best time for game viewing, especially in the Etosha National Park, as animals concentrate around scarce water sources. There is also less chance of malaria during this period, especially in the northern areas.

Key Attractions

Etosha National Park

The Etosha National Park is a nature conservation area in northern Namibia and is one of the most significant game reserves in Africa. In Namibia it is by far the best known and most important national park. The park covers an area of nearly 22,912 km² and is completely fenced for the protection of the animals. Within the eastern part of the park, a large salt pan, approximately 5.000 km², can be found, which was formed about 2 million years ago when the Kunene Delta dried up.

Erongo

The Erongo Region is a geological wonderland. Its centre is formed by the Erongo Mountains, a 130-million-year-old volcanic ruin with breath taking rock formations and landscapes. These have formed by magma over thousands of years. These landscapes offer beautiful photographic moments, especially at dusk. The mountain range is also home to many interesting ancient rock paintings. 

Namib-Naukluft National Park

The Park has an area of 49,800 km² and at the time of being declared an ecologically protected area, was the largest of its kind in Namibia.

The park is situated on the Atlantic coast and borders the Dorob Park to the north, the Restricted Diamond Area to the south, and the private NamibRand Nature Reserve to the east.

Kolmanskop

After becoming one of the richest towns in Africa during a diamond boom in 1910, Kolmanskop was left by all its inhabitants in the following decades. Kolmanskop became a ghost town in the desert.

In 1980, whilst Lüderitz underwent an economic boom, the touristic potential of the ghost town was rediscovered and some houses were dug out of the sands again and restored, which are now open for visitors with guided tours in English, German and Afrikaans on offer.

Damaraland

Damaraland is characterised by its rocky and rugged landscapes of rough, fascinating beauty. It is part of the Kunene Region in the north-west of Namibia and is located between the Brandberg and the small village of Sesfontein.

The flora and fauna of the region have adapted to the harsh weather conditions of the area. You will find the desert-dwelling elephants with their evolved elongated limbs and broader soles to handle the extreme rock and desert conditions. The critically endangered desert lions can also be seen here. Numerous endemic desert plants are found in Damaraland such as the poisonous but photogenic Euphorbia Virosa and the ancient Welwitshia Mirabilis.

Caprivi

The Caprivi Strip is a narrow extension of land protruding from the northwest of Namibia, bordering Angola and Zambia to the north, Zimbabwe to the east, and Botswana to the south. Geographically and ecologically distinct from much of Namibia, the 450km strip is characterised by rich floodplains and flowing rivers that attract water-loving species like hippos, crocodiles and waterbuck.