Namibia Land of the Brave

Why Namibia?

Namibia is the land of extremes. From astounding wildlife observatories straddling a large salt pan to one of the most inhospitable areas in the world, you won’t be short on magnificent views and sights while making your way around this South-West African country. You get the best of everything that the wild African terrain has to offer, from stunning coasts and the salty ocean to insurmountable desert dunes to lush green riverside Edens. Namibia is a truly stunning country wrought with exciting experiences.

Good to know

At a glance

Flag

Georegion

Southern Africa

Population

2.6M

Capital

Windhoek

Largest city

Windhoek

Official language

English

Time zone

UTC+02:00

(local time)

Currency

Namibian Dollar (NAD)

1 USD = 1
1 EUR = 1.1

Daily budget

$100 or more

(category: luxury )

Driving side

Left

Solo female travellers

LGBTIQ+ friendly

Where to stop

Tours

What to do

Experiences

Grid view

Map view

When to go

Best time to visit

Given that Namibia is in Southern Africa, it is an easy year-round destination for folks looking to see the iconic Skeleton Coast or the Caprivi Strip. However, if you want the best weather and wildlife spotting opportunities, you’ll want to aim for a visit during the winter months of June through August (wintertime is different in the southern hemisphere). This will save you from the hot African sun as the temperature dips to around 28°C (82°F) during the day, and the nights are around 7°C (45°F) which is more comfortable to sleep in.

If your trip centers more around wildlife and visiting some of the famous National Parks like Etosha National Park, then the winter months between June and August will serve you extra well as they are the dry season. This ensures that the lodges and accommodations centered around watering holes will be more active as wildlife seek water.

However, if you are looking for the best deals in terms of accommodations, tours, safaris, and general costs, then you’d be better going in the should season. May, the end of September, or October would be the best times for you to go as you’ll still get a lot of the benefits of the wintertime without the notorious price hikes.

From A to B

Getting around

Flying

Most travelers to Namibia arrive by plane at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, the country's capital. However, if you're interested in local flights, check out the flight schedule at Windhoek's domestic airport (Eros Airport). Air Namibia offers several flights a week from there to a handful of other airports in the country. Most of the remote luxury lodges also have their own airstrip; if you're interested in charter flights it's best to arrange them through your accommodation.

Trains

The national rail network is owned and operated by TransNamib. Although Namibia's trains are slow (as they mainly carry freight), they offer great views of the desert landscape. The StarLine Passenger Service runs from Windhoek to all major towns connected to the rail system. If you're looking for a unique luxury excursion, check out the Desert Express' multi-day trips.

Rental Car or Bike

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The number one means of transportation in Namibia is a rental car. Since there is no comprehensive public transport network, this is the only way you will be able to explore the country without restrictions. The road network is comparatively well developed and you can expect most roads to be gravel or tarred roads. We recommend a 4WD, although a 2WD will also do if you are only visiting the main sights. Book your rental car online ahead of time, as vehicles can sell out months in advance.

Buses

Public transport options are limited. The most reliable bus option is probably the Intercape bus service. Their extensive bus network connects all of the major towns and cities in Namibia and beyond. For all stops off-the-beaten path, your best option are local minibuses or shared taxis.

Taxi & Last Mile

Taxis are available in larger cities. We recommend not to hail a cab on the street, bu to ask your restaurant or hotel to call one for you. This way you can be sure that you will get an official cab (recognizable by the large number on the rear window). Negotiate the price in advance, there is no taximeter.

Boats & Ferries

Boat tours in Namibia are great for water safaris and take place on the major rivers or on the sea near coastal towns such as Lüderitz or Swakopmund. Most popular are cruises in the lagoon of Walvis Bay, where with a little luck you can see whales, dolphins, mola mola, leatherback turtles and seals.

Know before you go

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Travel and safety information

Make sure to check your home country's latest travel advisory for Namibia before you book (DE | US).

Visa information

Not sure if you need a visa to enter Namibia? You can usually find your visa requirements and the links to apply for your visa on the website of your foreign office (DE | US ). Or you can ditch the stress of handling the visa process yourself and instead

use iVisa's fast and easy application process

Travel confidently

Unfortunately, bad things can happen even on vacation. To make sure you're covered for all eventualities, it is therefore advisable to have a good travel insurance in place before you go. Since 2002, World Nomads have been protecting, connecting and inspiring independent travelers. They offer simple and flexible travel insurance and safety advice to help you travel confidently.

Visit World Nomads

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads . This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Stay connected

Are you one of those who desperately search for free WiFi when traveling? Look no further, it has never been easier to stay connected even when abroad. If your mobile device supports eSIM, check out Airalo. They offer digital SIM cards for 190+ countries at a fair price.

Get your eSIM now

Explore the details

It's always handy to have a travel guide that covers the details for each of your stops. We've had good experience with Lonely Planet and Rough Guide guidebooks when traveling and can recommend both. When in doubt, go for the most up-to-date one.

Namibia (Rough Guide) (Mar 2020) Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia (Nov 2023)

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