Namibia

Namibia

Namibia offers breathtaking diverse landscapes, from the towering dunes of Sossusvlei to the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park. It's a land of vast open spaces, dramatic scenery, and unique cultural experiences, perfect for adventure and nature lovers.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay10 days
Budget$60/day
Mid-range$100/day
Luxury$600/day

Known For

South AfricaBotswanaAngolaSkeleton CoastEtosha National ParkNamib Desert

🇳🇦 Country Information: Namibia

CapitalWindhoek
CurrencyNamibian dollar ($)
Language English , Afrikaans, German, Oshiwambo, Herero, RuKwangali, Lozi, Tswana, Damara/Nama
Phone Code+264
Electricity220V (Type D, M)
Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

  • Tipping is customary in Namibia
  • Restaurants: 10
  • 15% of the bill for good service
  • Tour guides and safari drivers: N$50
  • N$100 per person per day, depending on the service
  • Porters: N$10
  • N$20 per bag
  • Petrol attendants: A small tip for service (e
  • g
  • , N$5
  • N$10)

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are available in major towns but less common in rural areas
  • Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in urban areas, but cash is preferred in smaller establishments and rural areas
  • It is advisable to bring some cash for smaller purchases and areas where card machines may not be available
  • There is no official black market for currency, but informal exchanges may exist in some areas

Cultural Norms

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting rural areas or religious sites
  • Always ask for permission before taking photos of people
  • Handshakes are a common greeting
  • Punctuality is appreciated but flexibility is also common

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Homosexuality was decriminalized in Namibia in 2024. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and societal attitudes can vary.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • The legal drinking age is 18
  • Drug laws are strict, and possession or use of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment

Special Laws

  • Do not take photos of government buildings or military installations
  • Respect local customs and traditions, particularly in rural areas
  • It is illegal to pick or possess protected plants or hunt without a permit

Common Phrases

HelloHallo (hah-low)
PleaseAsseblief (ah-see-bleef)
GoodbyeTotsiens (tot-seens)
Excuse meVerskoon my (fer-skoon my)
Thank youDankie (dahn-key)

Climate

General classification for Namibia, which is largely arid to semi-arid.

Climate Zone: Arid Desert Hot

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Braaivleis must_try

Braaivleis, which translates to 'grilled meat,' is unarguably the national dish of Namibia. It involves barbecuing various meats over an open fire, a

Lüderitz Oysters regional_speciality

These world-renowned oysters are harvested in the small coastal town of Lüderitz, though they can often be found on menus in Swakopmund as well. They

Potjiekos must_try

Potjiekos is a stew traditionally cooked outdoors in a small, round, three-legged iron pot (a potjie) over an open fire. The dish typically contains m

Mopane Worms snack

These highly nutritious caterpillars, found on mopane trees, are one of Namibia's most famous snacks. They can be cooked or dried into a crispy delica

Kapana street_food

Kapana is a popular street food consisting of grilled meat, often beef, sold by vendors, typically in informal markets. The meat is usually seasoned a

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Safari Lodge Accommodation (Etosha, Sossusvlei) Accommodation
Book 3–6 months in advance, especially for high-demand locations.

High-quality lodges and unique desert camps (like those near Sossusvlei or inside Etosha National Park) have limited capacity and book up quickly, especially during the dry season (peak game viewing).

Rental Vehicle (4x4) Transport
Book 2–4 months in advance.

Demand for reliable 4x4 vehicles, often necessary for self-drive safaris and navigating gravel roads, often exceeds supply, leading to high prices or unavailability.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Sossusvlei Entry Permits permit_or_pass
Secure access through your lodge or book permits upon arrival, but plan ahead to ensure early entry.

While permits are generally purchased at the gates (Sesriem), staying inside the park/reserve allows earlier access to see the dunes at sunrise, which requires pre-arranged accommodation.

High-Demand Guided Safaris and Tours tour_or_activity
Book 2–3 months in advance.

Specialized tours, such as hot air ballooning over Sossusvlei or multi-day guided expeditions through Damaraland, have limited space and sell out during the peak tourist season.

Fun Facts

Ready to explore Namibia?

Create a personalized day-by-day itinerary with AI

Start Planning Your Trip