EXPLORE NAMIBIA
Your Comprehensive Destination Guide
At a Glance
Total area: 825,615 sq km (318,772 sq mi)
Capital: Windhoek
Religion: Predominantly Christianity (Lutheran, Catholic, Evangelical), with traditional beliefs
Population: ~2.6 million
Language: English (official); also Afrikaans, German, Oshiwambo, Nama, and Herero
Currency: Namibian Dollar (NAD), interchangeable with South African Rand (ZAR)
Banking Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am–3:30 pm and Sat 8:30 am–12:00 pm
Telecommunication: Country code: +254 plus Area Code plus 2-digit Area Codes (Nairobi 20, Mombasa 41, Nakuru 51, Kisumu 57, and Eldoret 53). SIM cards from MTC and TN Mobile are widely used
Climate: Arid to semi-arid; cool coastal desert, hot interior. Best time to visit: May to October (dry season)
What Makes Namibia Unique
- Dramatic contrast: Red deserts, white salt pans, green river deltas, and cold Atlantic coastlines
- Wildlife conservation: Namibia is a global leader in community-based conservation
- Freedom to explore: Self-drive trips allow full immersion in silence, starlight, and solitude
- Cultural mix: Herero, Himba, San Bushmen, German settlers, and Afrikaners shape a rich cultural fabric
Shopping & Local Products
- Gems & stones: Tourmaline, aquamarine, and topaz are locally mined
- Handmade crafts: San art, wood carvings, leatherwork, Himba jewelry
- Wines & spirits: Try Namibian wines, gin made from desert botanicals, and home-brewed beers
Food & Drink Highlights
- Biltong: Dried meat snack, similar to jerky
- Kapana: Spicy street-grilled beef
- Game meats: Oryx, kudu, ostrich — widely available in restaurants
Windhoek Lager: The national beer
- Braais (BBQs): A beloved local tradition in campsites and lodges
Travel Requirements
Visa Requirements for the U.S. Travelers
Visa Options: U.S. tourists can obtain a 30-day multiple-entry visa through one of the following methods:
Online e-Visa Application: Apply in advance via Namibia’s official e-visa portal. After approval, print and carry a hard copy of the approved notice when traveling.
Visa on Arrival: Available at major entry points, including
- Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek)
- Walvis Bay International Airport
- Key land border posts such as Katima Mulilo, Ngoma, and Trans-Kalahari
- The visa fee is N$1,600 (approximately US$88) for travelers aged 12 and above from non-African countries.
Required Documents. Please have the following documents prepared:
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date, with at least three blank pages.
Proof of Accommodation: Confirmation of hotel bookings or an invitation letter if staying with friends or family.
Travel Itinerary: Detailed plans of your stay in Namibia.
Proof of Sufficient Funds: Evidence that you can financially support yourself during your visit.
Travel/Medical Insurance: Valid coverage for the duration of your stay.
Approved e-Visa Form: If applying online, carry a printed copy of your visa approval.
Traveling with Minors
If you’re traveling with children, additional documentation may be required, such as:
- Birth Certificates: Unabridged birth certificates for each child.
- Parental Consent: Affidavits of consent from non-accompanying parents or legal guardians.
It’s advisable to check the latest requirements before traveling. travel.state.gov
Health & Safety Considerations
Vaccinations: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if you’re arriving from or transiting through countries with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
COVID-19 Measures: While no specific COVID-19 entry requirements exist, staying updated on any changes is best.
Entry Points & Visa Processing
For a smoother entry experience, you should consider applying for the e-visa in advance. However, if you choose to obtain a visa on arrival, ensure you have all the necessary documents and be prepared for potential wait times at immigration.
Getting there from the US
There are no direct flights from the U.S. to Namibia. Travelers typically fly into Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, via one or two stopovers. Common layover cities include Frankfurt, Addis Ababa, Doha, and Johannesburg.
Major Airlines Serving This Route:
Lufthansa: Offers one-stop flights via Frankfurt from cities like New York (JFK), Washington, D.C. (IAD), and Denver.
Ethiopian Airlines: Provides routes via Addis Ababa from Newark, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
Qatar Airways: Connects to Doha from various U.S. cities.
United Airlines: Partners with other carriers for routes via Johannesburg or Frankfurt.
Travel Safety Tips
Health Precautions
Vaccinations
- Routine Vaccines: Ensure you’re current on routine vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), and polio.
- Recommended Vaccines: Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are advised due to potential exposure through food and water.
Malaria Prevention
- Risk Areas: Malaria is present in northern regions of Namibia, including areas like the Caprivi Strip.
- Precautions: Consult your healthcare provider about antimalarial medication. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep under mosquito nets.
Food and Water Safety
- Water: Drink bottled or purified water. Avoid ice cubes in drinks unless you’re sure they’re made from safe water.
- Food: Eat well-cooked meals. Be cautious with street food and raw produce.
Traveler’s Diarrhea
- Prevention: Practice excellent hand hygiene. Carry hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Treatment: Pack oral rehydration salts and over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications.
Wildlife and Safari Safety
A recent incident in Namibia highlighted the importance of adhering to safari safety guidelines.
- Stay in Designated Areas: Always remain within marked zones and follow your guide’s instructions.
- Avoid Nighttime Excursions: Wild animals are more active at night.
- Maintain Distance: Keep a safe distance from all wildlife.
- Do Not Feed Animals: Feeding wildlife can be dangerous and disrupts their natural behavior.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear neutral-colored clothing to avoid attracting animals.
Environmental and General Safety
- Sun Protection: Namibia’s sun can be intense. Use sunscreen with high SPF, wear hats, and stay hydrated.
- Road Safety: If driving, be cautious of wildlife crossing roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Always wear seatbelts.
- Travel Insurance: Ensure comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation.
Consult Healthcare Providers: Visit a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalized advice.
Stay Informed: Check the CDC and Fit for Travel websites for Namibia’s latest health notices and recommendations.
Before You Go
General Safety
Namibia is considered one of the safer African countries for tourists, especially for self-drive travelers and families.
Petty crime (like pickpocketing or bag snatching) can occur in Windhoek and other urban areas. Be cautious in crowded markets and avoid walking alone at night.
Road Travel
Self-driving is popular but comes with risks:
- Drive on the left side of the road.
- Be cautious on gravel roads, which can be slippery and lead to rollovers.
- Avoid driving at night due to poor lighting and wildlife on the roads.
- Carry spare tires, extra water, and fuel, especially when heading to remote areas like Etosha or the Skeleton Coast.
Wildlife & Nature
- Stay in your vehicle when driving through national parks or wildlife reserves.
- Always follow your guide’s instructions during safaris and hikes.
- Watch for snakes and scorpions in desert areas.
Health & Medical
- Bring basic medications and a first-aid kit, especially if traveling to remote areas.
- Tap water is safe in most cities, but stick to bottled water in rural areas.
- If visiting the Zambezi Region (far northeast), consult a travel clinic about Yellow Fever (if transiting through a risk country) and malaria prevention.
Documents & Communication
- Always keep your passport, visa, and a copy of your travel insurance secure.
- Mobile coverage can be spotty in remote areas. Consider renting a satellite phone or a GPS beacon if exploring the wilderness.
- If you are going on long drives or hikes, inform someone of your route.
Fun Facts!
- Driving a Suzuki Jimny through Namibia is one of the most epic road trips on the planet—and I can personally attest to this. From the Coast to Etosha, we traversed the entire country in our trusty Suzuki Jimny, and each mile was a magical experience.
[Read here] for the full story! - Namibia is one of the best countries in the world for a self-driving adventure. With wide open roads, surreal desert landscapes, and hardly any traffic, it feels like the land was made for road trips.
- Namibia was the first country to include environmental protection in its constitution.
- Wild animals roam freely outside reserves—you might see oryx, zebras, or elephants on the roadside!
- The Himba people in the north still live essentially as their ancestors did centuries ago
- Home to the World’s Oldest Desert. The Namib Desert is over 55 million years old, making it the oldest desert on Earth. Its towering red dunes, especially at Sossusvlei, are among the highest in the world.
- Desert Elephants & Unique Wildlife. Namibia is one of the few places where desert-adapted elephants and lions roam freely. These animals have evolved to survive in harsh, arid climates with limited water.
- Ancient Rock Art at Twyfelfontein. Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains over 2,500 rock engravings made by the San people, some dating back over 6,000 years.
- Stargazer’s Paradise. Namibia is one of the best places on Earth for stargazing, thanks to its clear skies and low light pollution. The NamibRand Nature Reserve is an official International Dark Sky Reserve.
- Rhino Conservation Leader. Namibia was the first African country to include environmental protection in its constitution and has one of the world’s largest free-roaming black rhino populations.
- Two National Anthems Were Once Played. After independence in 1990, both “Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika” and the current anthem, “Namibia, Land of the Brave,” were used, showcasing the country’s blend of heritage and new identity.
- Multilingual Nation. While English is the official language, many Namibians speak Afrikaans, German, Oshiwambo, and other indigenous languages.
Things to Do and See in Namibia
Windhoek—Urban Pulse in the Heart of Namibia
A clean, modern capital with German colonial influence and laid-back vibes
- Visit Christuskirche, the city’s iconic landmark
- Explore the Independence Memorial Museum and the Alte Feste Fort
- Try local beer at Joe’s Beerhouse or sample Namibian-German fusion cuisine
- Shop for handcrafted souvenirs at the Post Street Craft Market
Etosha National Park—Africa’s Premier Self-Drive Safari
A vast salt pan and game reserve teeming with wildlife—ideal for 4×4 adventurers
- Self-drive safari: Perfect for spotting elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, leopards, and springboks
- Watch wildlife at Okaukuejo Waterhole by floodlight at night
- Visit Halali, Namutoni, and Dolomite Camp for different safari experiences
- Look for endangered black rhinos and cheetahs in the western sector
The Suzuki Jimny can navigate Etosha’s gravel roads, but you should always carry a spare tire and plenty of water.
Sossusvlei & Deadvlei—Surreal Desert Landscapes
Located in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, these salt and clay pans are surrounded by the world’s highest red dunes.
- Climb “Big Daddy” (325m) or Dune 45 at sunrise for breathtaking views
- Walk into Deadvlei, where petrified camelthorn trees stand stark against cracked white clay
- Stay nearby in Sesriem and explore the Sesriem Canyon
- Enjoy scenic flights over the dunes or go on a guided 4×4 desert tour
Photography Tip: The morning and late afternoon light makes the dunes glow orange, and the contrast between Deadvlei’s white pan and black trees is unforgettable.
Stargazing in Sesriem
If you want to feel utterly insignificant in the most awe-inspiring way, look up at the night sky in Sesriem. Sesriem is one of the best stargazing spots on the planet near the entrance to Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert. With virtually no light pollution, the Milky Way stretches across the sky like a shimmering river of stars. We lay on our backs under that cosmic blanket, completely mesmerized—an unforgettable moment that reminds you how vast and beautiful the universe is.
Swakopmund—Coastal Cool & Desert Thrills
A quirky German colonial beach town where the desert meets the Atlantic
- Try sandboarding, quad biking, or skydiving over the dunes
- Visit the Swakopmund Museum and stroll along the historic Jetty
- Take a catamaran tour in nearby Walvis Bay to see seals, dolphins, and pelicans
- Feast on fresh oysters, seafood, and German pastries at seaside cafés
- For a laid-back stop on your Jimny road trip, Swakopmund is the ideal break between desert treks.
Driving Namibia in a Suzuki Jimny—The Ultimate Off-Grid Road Trip
Why It’s Incredible:
- Namibia’s wide-open gravel roads, mountain passes, and desert plateaus are perfect for compact 4x4s.
- Wild camping is allowed in some areas, and designated campsites offer spectacular stargazing
- Fuel stations are sparse—fill up whenever you can and carry extra fuel in remote areas
- Roads range from well-graded gravel to sandy tracks in places like Skeleton Coast or Kaokoland
- Must-Have Gear: Extra tire, compressor, paper maps (GPS sometimes fails), and lots of water.
- Driving Tips: Drive slowly on gravel; punctures are common. Be vigilant for wildlife and livestock.
Damaraland & Spitzkoppe—Ancient Rocks & Starry Skies
- Visit the Twyfelfontein rock engravings (UNESCO site)
- See Desert-adapted elephants near the Aba-Huab River
- Camp under the stars at Spitzkoppe, Namibia’s “Matterhorn”—perfect for climbers and photographers
Caprivi Strip (Zambezi Region)—Lush Wetlands & River Safaris
Discover a distinct aspect of Namibia, where rivers supplant the dunes.
- Go on a river safari in Bwabwata National Park
- Spot hippos and crocodiles from a Mokoro canoe
- Visit Popa Falls and relax in riverside lodges
- Great for birding (450+ species!) and a stop en route to Victoria Falls or Botswana
Visit the Quiver Tree Forest
Near Keetmanshoop in southern Namibia, the Quiver Tree Forest (or Kokerboomwoud) is a surreal and otherworldly landscape. These striking aloe trees, which can live for up to 300 years, get their name from the San people, who used their hollow branches to make quivers for arrows. The forest resembles a scene from a Dr. Seuss book, particularly at sunset when the golden light transforms the landscape into a luminous dream. It’s also a fantastic spot for photography and spotting nocturnal animals like rock hyraxes or porcupines.
Final Thought: The Magic of Namibia’s Silence
Namibia is not a place you visit—it’s a place that happens to you. Beyond Sossusvlei’s dramatic landscapes and surreal red dunes lies something more challenging to photograph but impossible to forget: silence.
As writer Ben Geisberg so beautifully described during his journey through the Namib Desert, the first encounter with this silence can feel almost unsettling. “Being in the open for the first time and hearing absolute silence is almost scary,” he wrote. But as he stood atop a remote dune, something remarkable unfolded. In the absence of noise, the world seemed to whisper: the rustle of an oryx, the flutter of a bird, the hush of wind brushing ancient sand. You realize that even here—especially here—life thrives in quiet harmony.
Namibia offers a rare space in a world of constant motion and sound. It’s where time slows, senses awaken, and the vastness of nature brings you back to yourself.
If you let it, Namibia will rearrange your understanding of what it means to feel alive.
— Reflections inspired by Ben Geisberg, “Three Weeks in Namibia,” published by The Ubyssey