Namibia, a large and sparsely populated country on Africa’s south-west coast, has enjoyed stability since gaining independence in 1990 after a long struggle against rule by South Africa.
Germany took control of the area which it called South West Africa in the late 1800s.
The discovery of diamonds in 1908 prompted an influx of Europeans.
South Africa seized it during the First World War and administered it under a League of Nations mandate.
Namibians achieved independence in 1990 after a bush war of almost 25 years. Inter-racial reconciliation encouraged the country’s white people to remain and they still play a major role in farming and other economic sectors.
Namibia is bordered by Angola to the north, Zambia to the northeast, Botswana to the east, South Africa to the southeast and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It ranges from arid in the north to desert on the coast and in the east. The landscape is spectacular, but the desert, mountains, canyons, and savannas are perhaps better to see than to occupy.
Facts about Namibia:
- Population: 2.6 million people (2022)
- Capital: Windhoek, which means ‘windy corner’ in the Afrikaans language, is the country’s largest city with 450,000 inhabitants.
- Nickname: ‘The Land of the Brave’
- Government: Republic
- Literacy Rate: 91.5% of all adults can read and write
- Language: English (official language), and 132 other recognised languages such as Oshivammbo, Nama/Damara, Afrikaans (spoken by most of the population), German (as Namibia was formerly a German colony) and several African languages
- Religion: over 80% are Christians (more than half of the people belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church)
- Unemployment: 34.3% of the people are jobless.
- Independence Day: March 21. Namibia gained independence only in 1990
Blog Posts
Namibia: An 18-Day Itinerary
Namibia: Sossusvlei & Namib Sand Sea
Namibia: The coastal town of Swakopmund
Namibia: Cape Cross & The Skeleton Coast
Namibia: Twyfelfontein Rock Carvings
Namibia: Khowarib and Palmwag
Namibia: Etosha National Park
Namibia: Nkasa Lupala National Park
Namibia: Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch
USEFUL INFORMATION
Currency & banking
$1USD = 18.98 Namibian Dollar
The currency of Namibia is The Namibian Dollar (NAD; symbol N$) is in note denominations of N$200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of N$5, N$1, 50 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents. It is linked to the South African Rand (R) on a 1:1 basis (South African Rand = 100 cents). The South African Rand is also acceptable as currency in Namibia.
The import and export of local currency is limited to N$50,000. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided sums equal to or exceeding NAD5,000 are declared on arrival. Export of foreign currency is unlimited up to the amount imported and declared.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday – Friday 09h00 to 15h30 and Saturday 08h30 to 11h00
Banks are found in most towns, with most being closed on Sundays and public holidays. Most of them offer foreign exchange services – with cash, bank and credit cards as well as travellers cheques.
American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa are accepted. Credit cards are not usually accepted at petrol
stations, so bear this in mind when you visit the ATM.
Setting aside an emergency petrol cash fund is a good idea if you’re planning to drive.
You can also obtain cash from many of the ATMs. Several international banks have branches in main city centres.
Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they have not been informed.
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or South African Rand. In general, you can expect a better exchange rate for traveller’s cheques than for cash.
Getting around
Public transport in Namibia is geared towards the needs of the local people and is confined to main roads between major population centres. Although cheap and reliable, it is of little use to the traveller as most of Namibia’s tourist attractions lie off the beaten track.
It is easy to travel around Namibia by car, and a 2WD vehicle is perfectly adequate for most journeys. However, long distances, poor mobile phone coverage outside of main towns and infrequent petrol stations that only accept cash mean that planning ahead is vital.
There are major airlines that fly into Windhoek and Swakopmund. Other destinations are reachable by car or charter flight.
Namibians drive on the left and all signposts are in English. Seat belts must be worn at all times and talking on a mobile phone while driving is prohibited. The general speed limit is 120km/h on tarred roads outside of towns and 100km/h on gravel roads. In built-up areas, the speed limit is 60km/h.
Food, Drink & Cuisine Advice
Traditional Namibian cuisine is rarely served and so the food at restaurants tends to be European in style and is, generally, of a very high standard.
Namibia is very meat-orientated, and many menu options will feature steaks from various animals. However, there is
usually, a vegetarian and seafood option on offered at most camps and restaurants.
In the supermarkets, you’ll find pre-wrapped fresh fruit and vegetables (though the more remote the areas you visit, the smaller your choice), and plenty of canned foods, pasta, rice, bread, etc. Most of this is imported from South Africa.
The water in Namibia’s main towns is generally safe to drink, though it may taste a little metallic if it has been piped for miles. Natural sources should usually be purified, though water from underground springs and dry riverbeds seldom causes any problems. However, filtered and bottled water is readily available in most towns, camps, lodges and hotels.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Namibians have a somewhat relaxed attitude to dress codes. A jacket and tie are very unusual. In fact, long trousers and a shirt with buttons are often quite adequate for a formal occasion or work wear. A pair of sensible shoes, jeans and a t-shirt is recommended.
During the day it is generally hot, so pack lightweight loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics, such as linen or cotton, that will keep you cool and are easy to wash and dry.
Avoid blue clothing – the tsetse flies are drawn to the colour blue, and their bite can give you African Sleeping Sickness.
Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers will protect you \against mosquitoes at night.
Internet & Wi-Fi
To save yourself a lot of money when travelling in Eswatini, it is best to buy yourself a Swazi SIM card and take advantage of local packages to keep costs low.
Alternatively, good WiFi access is available at most holiday accommodation venues across the country (free / paid). Mobile data rates are a bit more expensive in Eswatini compared to South African standards (not just South Africa as the country, but South Africa as a region). However, they are still low compared to the world average, so you should definitely take advantage of the local rates.
Health advice
The US Center For Disease Control maintains an updated list of medical advice for those travelling to Namibia
They also suggest being vaccinated for hepatitis A. There is also some advice about protection for hepatitis B and rabies – but this depends to some degree on where you are heading and what you are doing.
Additionally, malaria, yellow fever, zika virus, chikungunya virus and dengue fever are a risk in Eswatini so avoiding being bitten by mosquitos is advised. Also, ticks can carry diseases so when going through forested areas or long grass protect yourself by wearing long trousers and shirts.
Only eat food that is cooked and served hot. Eat fruits and vegetables that you have personally washed in clean water or peeled yourself. Never eat food sold by street vendors. Only drink boiled water that is sealed and has been filtered and disinfected. Prefer carbonated drinks, hot coffee or tea, and pasteurized milk.
Healthcare
Medical services in Namibia are of a very high standard. However, the availability of most services is restricted to the main towns. Emergencies and accidents occurring in remote areas attract an increased cost when transport to the main towns is required. Host establishments should be able to organize these services when requested.
As always when you travel you should take out the necessary travel insurance coverage. We always use World Nomads but there are plenty of other insurance companies that offer travel insurance
Safety
Petty crime is common including pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins. Security risks increase after dark, especially in tourist areas and city centres.
Stay alert to your surroundings. Avoid walking alone or travelling after dark. Keep vehicle doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight, even when moving.
Thieves sometimes follow people after they withdraw money from ATMs. Avoid using ATMs at night and be vigilant of your surroundings as you withdraw money.
- Commercial fraud scams are common in Namibia. Don’t send money to anyone in Namibia until you’ve undertaken proper checks.
Local Laws
- Drug taking and smuggling is an offence. Punishments can be severe.
- Homosexuality is not illegal in Namibia. Some sexual relations between men are criminalised, but generally not enforced. There are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Conservative attitudes towards LGBT individuals persist, especially in rural regions, and many people in Namibia consider LGBT relationships to be taboo. It is advisable to avoid public displays of affection such as kissing and hand-holding and avoid discussing LGBT topics in public.
- It’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. Namibia is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which bans trade in ivory and rhino horn. Anyone caught buying or trafficking these goods will be prosecuted and could receive a prison sentence or fine.
- There are no formal rules limiting photography by tourists in Namibia, but some people have been detained for taking pictures of State House and properties where the President is residing. Parts of Namibia require a permit to enter (eg the Cape Cross Seal Colony) and you should check about photography when applying for permits. If the army or police are protecting a building or place, check before taking any photographs. If in doubt, don’t take pictures.
Useful emergency numbers
Official contact numbers:
- Namibia Polic Emergency|+264 (61) 10111**
- City Police – Crime Prevention Unit (24 hrs) |+264 (61) 290 2239 / 290 2018**
- City Police – Fire Brigade (ambulance, accidents and injuries)|+264 (61) 211 111A
- City Police – Traffic Division|+ 264 (61) 290 2722 / 258 473**
- Crime Stoppers – (anonymous information to police)|+264 (61) 254 299**
- Aeromed|+264 (61)249 777 / 230 505**
- MedRescue|+ 264 (61) 230 505/6/7
Hospitals
- Medi-Clinic Windhoek|+264 (61) 222 687
- Windhoek Central Hospital|+264 (61) 203 9111
- Roman Catholic Hospital|+264 (610 237 237
- Rhino Park Private Hospital (day hospital only-no casualties)|+264 9610 225 434
Vehicle breakdown services
- Northern Breakdown Services|+ 264 (61) 230 823 / 240 733
- Valley Recovery Services|+ 264 (61) 227 164
- Town Tow-in Services|+ 264 (61) 210 779
- Road Guard Emergency|+ 264 (61) 210 780
Climate
|
WIndhoek
Friday
 89°
clear sky
 Clouds0%
 Humidity7%
 Wind6mph
Sat
Min64°
Max90°
Sun
Min64°
Max90°
Mon
Min67°
Max93°
Tue
Min69°
Max90°
|
Swakopmund
Friday
 58°
broken clouds
Clouds57%
Humidity81%
Wind10mph
Sat
Min55°
Max61°
Sun
Min56°
Max62°
Mon
Min55°
Max62°
Tue
Min56°
Max65°
|
KATIMA MULILO
Friday
98°
clear sky
Clouds5%
Humidity9%
Wind6mph
Sat
Min70°
Max104°
Sun
Min72°
Max106°
Mon
Min75°
Max104°
Tue
Min72°
Max101°
|
Partially covered by the Namib Desert, one of the world’s driest deserts, Namibia’s climate is generally very dry and pleasant – it’s fine to visit all year round. Namibia only receives a fraction of the rain experienced by countries further east. Between about December to March some days will be humid and rain may follow, often in localised, afternoon thunderstorms. These are more common in the centre and east of the country, and more unusual in the desert.
April and especially May are often lovely months in Namibia. Increasingly dry, with a real freshness in the air, and much greenery in the landscape; at this time the air is clear and largely free from dust.
From June to August Namibia cools down and dries out more; nights can become cold, dropping below freezing in some desert areas. As the landscape dries so the game in the north of the country gravitates more to waterholes, and is more easily seen by visitors.
By September and October it warms up again; game-viewing in most areas is at its best, although there’s often a lot of dust around and the vegetation has lost its vibrancy.
November is a highly variable month. Sometimes the hot, dry weather will continue, at other times the sky will fill with clouds and threaten to rain – but if you’re lucky enough to witness the first rains of the season, you’ll never forget the drama.
Namibia – Month-by-Month
This is mid-summer in Namibia. It tends to be hot and humid, with maximum temperatures hitting around 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F); reaching up to 40°C (104°F) in the desert. There may be torrential downpours in the afternoon, but not every day. Mornings are usually clear, with the rain falling in the late afternoon.
Events & Festivals
- Birdwatching in the Caprivi Strip (November to February): The Caprivi Strip is at its best during the summer months, when there are fantastic birdwatching opportunities, with more than 450 species
- Flamingos gather (November to February): The summer months are the best time to see a flamboyance of flamingos, where they gather on lagoons in their thousands in Swakopmund.
- Birdwatching in the Caprivi Strip (November to February): The Caprivi Strip is at its best during the summer months, when there are fantastic birdwatching opportunities, with more than 450 species
- Flamingos gather (November to February): The summer months are the best time to see a flamboyance of flamingos, where they gather on lagoons in their thousands in Swakopmund.
- Birdwatching in the Caprivi Strip (November to February): The Caprivi Strip is at its best during the summer months, when there are fantastic birdwatching opportunities, with more than 450 species recorded in the area..
- Flamingos gather (November to February): The summer months are the best time to see a flamboyance of flamingos, where they gather on lagoons in their thousands in Swakopmund.
- Birdwatching in the Caprivi Strip (November to February): The Caprivi Strip is at its best during the summer months, when there are fantastic birdwatching opportunities, with more than 450 species recorded in the area..
- Flamingos gather (November to February): The summer months are the best time to see a flamboyance of flamingos, where they gather on lagoons in their thousands in Swakopmund.
Very similar to January, with hot, humid days and the chance of the occasional downpour in the afternoons..
Events & Festivals
Rainfall starts to decrease and temperatures lower after the rains. The nights start to get cooler again, with temperatures falling to around 15°C (59°F), although during the day this rises to around 30°C (86°F), making for pleasant conditions.
The rain should have stopped by April and daytime temperatures should drop to around 25°C (77°F). Expect lows of around 13°C (55°F) at night, although it can be cooler in the desert.
May is the beginning of Namibia’s winter. There is little to no rainfall during the winter and humidity is low. Wildlife will start to gather around the waterholes when rivers and other water sources dry up.
The nights are getting cold and temperatures can drop to below 10°C (50°F), while in the desert areas it can get to freezing. Daytime temperatures are pleasant however, with blue skies and temperatures in the mid-20°Cs (70°Fs).
July and August are the main winter months. Be sure to pack warm clothing because game drives in open vehicles can be chilly. The maximum temperature is around 21-25°C (70-77°F). At night it will be around 7°C (45°F), but it can drop to below freezing in the desert.
September is a lovely month and considered the best time to travel to Namibia. It isn’t yet too hot, but the humidity is still low, keeping it very pleasant. It is dry and the skies are clear.
During October the green vegetation is fading and the heat gradually builds up. This is a very good time for game viewing because the country is so dry. Temperatures during the day can reach 29°C (84°F) and it gets even hotter in the desert.
The heat continues to rise by November and it will be very hot; although humidity is still low. On average, daytime temperatures are above 30°C (86°F). Clouds start to build in the afternoon, bringing a chance of rain.
Events & Festivals
The first rains usually arrive in December, and with it the temperature drops. The landscape changes after the first rains as everything comes to life, and the animals start to disperse as more water sources become available.
Events & Festivals
Visa information
All visitors to Namibia must have a valid passport for at least six months after the date of entry, and have sufficient pages for entry and exit stamps (at least three blank pages for the entry and exit stamps). All visitors must also have a valid return ticket. In addition, all visitors must have a visa, except those nationalities with which Namibia has the necessary visa exemption agreement.
Visitors from the following countries do not require visas:
Angola, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macau SAR, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Moldova, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Electrical
The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Which power plugs and sockets are used in Namibia?
In Namibia, the power plug sockets are of type D and M.
- Type D: mainly used in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and some African countries. This socket only works with plug D.
- Type M: looks like plug D, but with larger pins. This socket only works with plug M.
 |  |
| Type M: This socket has no alternative plugs | Type D: This socket has no alternative plugs |
