Planning to go on Namibia safaris? Namibia is a huge country that offers adventure with its captivating scenery, plethora of wildlife, and astounding variety of natural beauties. The Namib, an ancient desert spanning 1500 km of the country's wind-whipped coastline, is its defining characteristic. Comprising of soaring sand dunes, striking mountains, and gravel plains coated in lichen, the area is home to creatures adapted to the desert. The shoreline is adorned with vibrant colors from flamingos and colonial German buildings.
Although Windhoek, the capital, has a decidedly European vibe, you won't want to stay too long because from here, enticing arterial highways lead to geological wonders in the south and the alluring Kalahari, home to some of Africa's oldest peoples, in the east. To the north lie game-rich reserves and the majority of Namibia’s elusive population, from where the country’s lush panhandle lures you to within touching distance of Victoria Falls. See some of our Namibia safari tours and vacations below or read our detailed Namibia safari travel guide after the itineraries section.
Namibia has long been known for its untamed landscapes, but these days, travelers are increasingly drawn to the nation for its fauna, particularly the growing population of endangered big mammals that are flourishing in the semi-arid regions.
Outside the very game-filled boundaries of Namibia’s top national park, Etosha, the world’s greatest cheetah populations roam the plains, while black rhino and elephant, which have adapted to live in the desert, sag along the northwest African plains’ troughs and riverbeds.
Many times, local communities are collaborating with conservationists to safeguard these creatures; these communities are also starting to welcome tourists to learn more about their customs and way of life.
The Namib is home to an abundance of remarkable succulent plants and rare dune-dwelling animals, particularly lizards, that have adapted to the harsh environment and have been featured in numerous wildlife documentaries.
On the other hand, about three-quarters of the nation’s bird species and other large creatures that are unique to the country can be found in the lush, subtropical Zambezi Region.
The Fish River Canyon, located in Namibia’s extreme south and offering breath-taking vistas across a deep, serpentine fissure in the Earth’s crust, is arguably the country’s most magnificent natural wonder. It is recommended to add it to your Namibia tour package. Meanwhile, the striking Waterberg Plateau, made of sandstone, dominates the neighboring bushveld in the northeast. A completely different scenery can be found in the very north of Namibia in the species-rich wetlands of the Zambezi safari Region, a 450km arm of lush subtropical woodland that sweeps out above Botswana towards Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls.
As with most other countries in Africa, Namibia’s socio-political landscape has been irrevocably influenced by colonialism, notably the regimes of Germany and subsequently South Africa, which resulted in the installation of apartheid and the Namibian War of Independence that lasted over twenty years.
It’s true that Namibia’s cuisine has benefitted from its colonial past, despite the significant negative impacts that still exist. From creamy German cakes, delectable packed brötchen, and excellent coffee to the dry, cured meats that South Africans prefer, Namibian cuisine has benefited from its colonial past.
Namibia was among the last nations in Africa to declare independence in 1990. Just as foreign visitors have been sluggish to recognize Namibia’s eerie landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and rich cultural diversity, it has taken the government some time to recognize the potential of the country for tourism.
Namibia is currently making a name for itself for tourists: excellent, reasonably priced lodges and campgrounds are opening up, frequently in partnership with nearby conservancies; rural communities are welcoming tourists to learn about their customs, cultures, and contemporary issues; and new experiences are being developed all the time, ranging from hot-air ballooning over the desert to skydiving or kayaking with crocs.
Namibia must-do activities and places to visit
Southwest Africa’s Namibia is renowned for its expansive landscapes, varied wildlife, and rich cultural legacy. From the beautiful dunes of the Namib Desert to the plentiful animals in Etosha National Park, Namibia provides a multitude of activities for adventurous tourists.
These are the top 15 things to do and places to see in Namibia if you’re considering a vacation there.
The Namib Desert and Sossusvlei
Begin your journey in Namibia by visiting Sossusvlei, a captivating area of towering red sand dunes. Climb the famous Dune 45 for stunning views of the sun casting brilliant hues across the dunes.
Canyon of the Fish River
Admire the magnificent Fish River Canyon, one of the most striking natural wonders of Africa. Experience the breathtaking depth and majesty of this canyon by hiking along its rim and admiring the expansive vistas.
The Swakopmund
Discover a distinctive fusion of exhilarating adventure activities and German colonial architecture by visiting the beach town of Swakopmund. For a very thrilling experience, try skydiving, sandboarding, or taking a scenic flight over the Skeleton Coast.
Etosha National Park
Embark on a safari adventure in Etosha National Park, home to a vast array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and rhinos. Go on a self-drive or guided game drive to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
The Damaraland
Explore the untamed splendor of Damaraland, which is home to unusual fauna, spectacular rock formations, and prehistoric cave paintings.
The Skeleton Coast
Discover the eerily stunning Skeleton Coast, a section of coastline renowned for its varied marine life, tall sand dunes, and shipwrecks. Take a guided tour or a scenic fly to see this secluded and surreal area.
The Kolmanskop
See Kolmanskop, a deserted diamond mining town that was once a bustling community. The village has gradually been reclaimed by the Namib Desert’s shifting sands, which has created an intriguing and unsettling ambiance ideal for photographers.
Caprivi Strip
Visit the Caprivi Strip, a slender stretch of land bounded by four rivers, in northern Namibia. This area is well-known for its wetlands, rich animals, and beautiful greenery, which makes it an excellent place to do boat safaris and birdwatch.
Villages of Himba
See the traditional Himba communities to get a taste of Namibia’s rich cultural history. The Himba people are renowned for their unique looks, elaborate tribal rituals, and elaborate hairstyles. Talk to the people and discover more about their way of life.
The National Park of Namib-Naukluft
Explore the largest game park in Africa, Namib-Naukluft National Park, which is home to a variety of species that have adapted to the desert. Take a hike across the untamed mountains, investigate the charred forests, and marvel at the breathtaking scenery.
The Tyfelfontein
Discover Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its geological formations and historic rock engravings. Take a guided tour to see the breathtaking natural beauty of the area and discover the cultural significance of the engravings.
Seal Reserve at Cape Cross
Visit the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, home to one of the largest colonies of Cape fur seals in the world. Take in the captivating natural spectacle of thousands of seals playing in the ocean and barking while relaxing on the beach.
Park of the Waterberg Plateau
Explore the Waterberg Plateau Park, a sanctuary for threatened species including cheetahs and rhinos. Take a game drive, hike the trails, or just take in this gorgeous plateau’s amazing surroundings.
The Lüderitz
Experience the colonial charm of Lüderitz, a seaside town famous for its brightly colored homes and German architecture. Savor fresh seafood, take in the breathtaking seaside views, and visit the abandoned village of Kolmanskop.
Nature Reserve of NamibRand
Passing through Namibia’s NamibRand Nature Reserve and taking in the breathtaking scenery following the country’s first rain in eight years!
Visit the NamibRand Nature Reserve, a private reserve providing unique nature experiences, to cap off your trip in Namibia. Take guided walks, leisurely drives, or hot air balloon rides to appreciate the desert’s natural beauty and get a closer look at its indigenous animals.
Namibia is a place whose natural beauty, cultural diversity, and spirit of adventure enthrall visitors. It offers an amazing experience that will leave you in awe of its beauty, whether you’re looking for exhilarating activities, close encounters with wildlife, or just gorgeous vistas. So gather your belongings, set out on an unforgettable journey in Namibia, and make lifelong memories.
Best time to visit Namibia
Namibia is a semi-arid country with a climate that is often characterized by low humidity and limited rainfall.
Although it is a year-round destination, many European travelers avoid traveling during the scorching summer months of October through February since the temperatures can reach as high as 40 degrees Celsius in certain places.
Seasons in Namibia
The best time to visit Namibia is during the winter, from June to September, which is also the dry season. There is almost any rain or cloud cover at this time, so you may see amazing night skies.
During these months, it’s also simpler to detect wildlife because there is less foliage and animals are compelled to gather around established waterholes.
Although the average maximum daytime temperature is more bearable (20–30 degrees, depending on location), the days are sunny.
At night, however, the temperature drops sharply; during the height of winter (June–Aug), it can reach as low as 5 to 10 degrees, and in desert and mountainous regions, it can even fall below zero.
Due to Namibia’s size, only Etosha, Swakopmund, and Sossusvlei experience extreme crowding during the summer months. The drawback of traveling during this time of year is that lodge rates and visitor counts are frequently higher.
Climate in Namibia
The rains typically begin in earnest in late November or early December, turning the countryside into a pale green carpet when enough rain falls, and they normally end in March or April, despite the fact that climate change is making weather patterns less predictable.
Rain is unlikely to ruin your trip because it is very localized and usually falls as strong, thunderous showers in the late afternoon. The wildlife is reproducing, the countryside is more picturesque, and there are plenty of migratory birds to enjoy the best birding.
However, because there is more foliage and food available, it is harder to observe wildlife and animals are not limited to waterholes, making their movements less predictable. Gravel roads can become inaccessible after significant rainfall.
In general, Namibia is wetter in the far north and throughout the Zambezi Region and hotter and dryer in the south.
In fact, the Zambezi Region and the far northeast have a subtropical climate, with an average of about 500mm of rain falling between December and February.
Before the major rains arrive, in September and October, the humidity and temperatures rise to an extremely uncomfortable level. However, even during the rainy season, very little precipitation falls on a large portion of the nation.
Less rainfall occurs the closer you are to the shore; in certain areas, less than 15 mm falls annually. However, the coast itself has unpleasantly chilly weather for much of the year due to a heavy morning fog.
Crime and personal safety
Even when traveling alone, Namibia is a very safe place to visit, while there has been an uptick in small-time criminal activity in Windhoek and some of the bigger cities.
Having said that, being aware of your surroundings can help you avoid trouble. Some examples of this include not wearing pricey jewelry or watches, not opening your wallet or bag in public, and always making sure your car is locked, the windows are closed, and your belongings are hidden when you stop in towns or at gas stations.
It pays to park in front of a store or bank where you can ask a security guard to watch over your car if you have to leave it there for a while and there isn’t a monitored, secure parking lot nearby. Recall that in the event of a robbery, you will want a police report in order to finish filing an insurance claim after returning home.
Culture and etiquette
Like in many regions of Africa, greetings are essential to maintaining positive social relationships in Namibia.
Always remember to greet someone and inquire how they’re doing before you ask them a question or request a favor. Better still, if you can handle that in the appropriate local tongue. The most usual approach to greet someone is with a handshake, always with the right hand, especially from men.
When greeting other guys, men frequently employ the three-part African handshake. While they may shake hands, women are more likely to say “hi” to males and each other. In a more traditional rural situation, the junior could honor seniority with a slight nod, bow, or curtsy.
It’s also crucial to dress modestly, particularly when visiting rural areas where Christian conservatism typically predominates. Although it may be tempting to wear only the bare necessities in the intense heat, short, skimpy clothing is inappropriate for villages and should be avoided despite the possibility of sunburn. Men typically dress in long shirts and pants, while women cover their knees and shoulders.
While we’re talking about village life, you should always accept offers of food or drink. Eating with your hands is common in rural areas. If you eat with your left hand, you should use your right hand instead because the left hand is regarded as dirty.
Photography
This delicate environment has been improperly managed by several tourists over the years, particularly in relation to the Himba, Herero, and San, where snapping pictures often takes up a concerning amount of interaction time.
It has become difficult to maintain good relations between some Namibian communities and tourists as a result of some tourists’ rude behavior, whereby they leave after short interaction and without the permission of the locals in question. Particularly among the Herero and Himba women, some are increasingly requesting payment for having their pictures taken.
If you want to snap a picture, you should always ask permission first and only after you have had some significant conversation with the individual or people in question.
Electricity
Electricity is 220 volts in Namibia, and large three-pin round plugs are used, as in South Africa. You’re advised to bring an adapter with you; for sale in Johannesburg airport and in Windhoek, but hard to come by elsewhere in Namibia.
Insurance
It is strongly advised to get full coverage for travel, medical emergencies, and personal belongings. Make sure it covers any adventure sports you would want to do.
If you want to rent a car, you might also think about purchasing a stand-alone policy for excess insurance on rentals, as this can be less expensive than the extra costs levied by car rental companies to lower the excess that must be paid in the event of an accident.
Internet
Even in very rural areas, finding a place to access the internet is rarely an issue in Namibia; nonetheless, in many regions of the nation, connections are frequently slow and the service is inconsistent.
There are a few internet cafés in Windhoek and Swakopmund, and many hostels and hotels around the nation provide one or two computers that visitors can use.
Nonetheless, WI-fi is a more popular way to access the internet in the majority of lodging options as well as at cafés and retail centers. Wi-fi in lodges is typically limited to the main structure, and as one might expect, the signal strength is typically not very strong.
Money
Since 1993, the official currency of Namibia has been the Namibian dollar (N$), commonly referred to as the “Nam dollar” in everyday speech.
There are coins made for 1, 5, and 10 Namibian dollars in addition to 5, 10, and 50 cent coins. There are notes available in N$10,20,50,100, and 200 denominations. Hendrik Witbooi was the only artist represented on the notes until 2012.
Then, in 2012, a series of more fraud-proof notes were unveiled, with the ten- and twenty-dollar banknotes picturing Sam Nujoma, the president of the country after independence.
Credit and debit cards are frequently used, particularly Visa and MasterCard, to pay for products and services in Windhoek and the surrounding large towns.
American Express is less often accepted. Additionally, most mid- and high-end lodging establishments accept credit cards for payment.
However, most gas stations exclusively take cash, however this is starting to change. Fortunately, gas stations frequently have an ATM available.
ATMs, are common in more rural regions as well, however they can occasionally become inoperable or cash-strapped, particularly near the end of the month or before vacations.
The typical daily withdrawal cap is between N$1500 and N$2000. If you show your passport at a bank, you can withdraw cash using a credit card for higher amounts.
You will need currency in the more remote locations, so be sure to have some lower amounts on hand. Travellers’ cheques are gradually being phased away, but can still be exchanged for cash at a bank.
Shopping
The majority of tourists to Namibia shop primarily for crafts and trinkets. Because the majority of the production occurs in the north, you may want to wait to buy if you are visiting the Kunene, Kavango, and Zambezi regions.
This is because the artisan is likely to receive a larger portion of your purchase price. Several stores sell imported crafts from South Africa and other countries.
One well-known store, Namcrafts, has multiple locations in the capital and identifies all of its products as “Namcraft,” even though they aren’t necessarily from Namibia. Therefore, before making a purchase, make sure you do extensive research if the provenance is essential to you.
Time in Namibia
Namibia is normally GMT+2hr, but from the first Sunday in April to the first Sunday in September Namibia is GMT+1, known as Daylight Saving Time (DST).
Tipping
Tipping is usually a difficult topic, so it’s better to inquire locally. Although 10% of the entire bill is customary in formal venues if the service is satisfactory, there is no culture of automatic tipping in eateries. Expect to pay N$5 per bag for porters at hotels or airports.
Similarly, N$5–10 will do for the attendant at the gas pump if they fill your car and clean your windows, check the oil, check your tires, etc., as well as for anyone you ask to keep an eye on your car while you park in town for a few hours.
If you’re staying at a lodge for a few days, don’t tip until the very end. Ask for guidance about what a reasonable tip is once you’re there; it will largely depend on how many people are sharing a guide and if the camp or lodge is luxurious or affordable. In a small party, it should generally not exceed US$10 per person each day.
Ask if there are any communal tip receptacles available for the unseen employees, a significant number of whom receive significantly lower wages than the more renowned guide. Many lodges assume that tips will cover the deficit in wages, which are typically very modest.
The only ways to put pressure on the management and/or alter this kind of behavior are to file online reviews and/or lodge complaints. That said, many tourists want to tip their guide if they have been particularly helpful and informative.
Traveling with children
If your children can tolerate spending several hours traveling between attractions, traveling with them in Namibia should be relatively easy.
Children under the age of twelve typically receive a 50% concession from many accommodation establishments, with children under the age of six staying free. Children under the age of twelve are not permitted in some of the more upscale, smaller lodges that have built their reputations on providing peace and quiet.
Children’s menus are common at restaurants. Kids can be kept busy with a variety of activities, particularly around the seaside, such as sand boarding and kayaking. Specific hobbies restrict children under a specific age (or height, in the case of ballooning), though this can be waived with parental permission and supervision.
Given the dearth of sidewalks or even paved roads outside the main streets of the major towns, let alone the countryside, it makes sense to carry a baby around in a papoose rather than a pushchair when traveling.
The major towns sell baby care items like bottled formula and disposable diapers, but keep in mind that if you’re camping in the wilderness, you’ll need to carry the used ones with you until you get to a location where they can be disposed of properly.
Although there is social acceptance for breastfeeding in Namibia, the number of nursing infants has declined recently due to concerns about HIV transmission from mother to child.
Best accommodation in Namibia
Even though lodging can seem pricey in comparison to many other parts of Africa, standards are typically high and the value for the money is frequently outstanding, particularly if you’re traveling from a nation with favorable exchange rates.
Additionally, a wide selection of accommodations are available to accommodate different budgets, ranging from affordable B&Bs and guest farms on private reserves to luxurious all-inclusive resorts and tented camps, as well as basic campgrounds.
There aren’t many backpacker hostels outside of Windhoek, but camping in a public campsite is an inexpensive option that brings in much-needed revenue for the area. There are also lots of possibilities for self-catering.
Keep in mind that most lodges and guesthouses demand that you check in after 3pm and check out by 10am.
