Namibia Travel Guide

Namibia may be the quiet cousin of southern African tourism, but it’s home to pockets of excellent hospitality. Though the choice of properties is perhaps more limited than in neighbouring countries, you’ll find five-star hotels and idyllic safari lodges in all of the key tourist areas. Africa by Design has personally handpicked establishments that offer a unique location, excellent service and authentic African hospitality.

he Namibian Dollar (N$) has 1:1 parity with the South African Rand (ZAR), and both currencies are used widely across the country. However, if paying in Rand the change is often given in Namibian dollars. As this currency is not accepted elsewhere in the region, beware of holding too many Namibian Dollars on departure.

ATMs are available in major towns, and operate 24 hours a day. Visa and Mastercard credit cards are widely accepted at most upmarket hotels and lodges. American Express and Diners Club cards may not be accepted and, if so, usually incur a significant surcharge.  

Gratuities in bars and restaurants are entirely voluntary, but expected unless you have received poor service. A gratuity of between 10-15% of the total is acceptable, payable directly in cash or added to the final bill. Some restaurants may automatically add a gratuity to the bill, so check before adding additional amounts.

At safari lodges gratuities for guides, trackers and housekeeping staff are paid separately. Guides and trackers are usually tipped directly, preferably in cash.

Namibia operates on a 230V (50Hz) electrical system. For travellers from Europe, Australia and most of Asia this rarely poses a problem, but it is considerably higher voltage than the 110V used in the United States. Confirm that your appliances are multi-voltage before departure, or consider bringing an adapter/converter. 

Across Namibia you will mostly encounter the type D or M plugs, with three round pins in a triangular pattern. Hotels and lodges will usually also offer two-prong type C plugs, but can provide plug adapters if needed.

There is little need to be worried about crime or personal safety when planning a trip to Namibia. Across the country, crime against tourists is extremely rare, and all but non-existent at remote safari and coastal lodges. 

However, if you plan on spending time in the capital, Windhoek, or the coastal towns of Swakopmund or Walvis Bay, it pays to be aware of your surroundings and apply some traveler’s common sense when in crowded public places. 

Tourist markets and shopping malls are an easy place to fall victim to pick-pocketing and petty theft, so be vigilant with any personal belongings – handbags, cameras etc – and avoid displaying large sums of cash. Ask your guide or concierge for advice on whether it is safe to walk at night, and to arrange an accredited taxi or transfer if needed.

Note too, that as many Namibian itineraries include adventure activities – such as quad-biking, hiking and sandboarding – it is essential to have sufficient travel insurance to arrange for medical evacuation and treatment if required.

Namibia is a vast country – roughly twice the size of California – and the main attractions are spread far and wide.  Even allowing for private air charters, it takes time to travel between Namibia’s most memorable sites and sights. While you can take in a few of the highlights with a whistle-stop four-day itinerary, we recommend a minimum of 5-10 days to appreciate the incredible diversity of this enigmatic destination. 

Citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and most European countries do not require a visa to visit Namibia, and receive a 90-day entry stamp on arrival. 

However, your passport or travel document should be valid for no less than six months after the date of intended departure, and must have at least three blank pages for entry/departure endorsements. Failure to comply may result in entry to the country being denied.

Click here for more information on visa-free access to Namibia.

Namibia offers few health concerns for travellers. No inoculations are required to enter the country, except for travellers arriving from a Yellow Fever region who must produce a certificate of prior vaccination on arrival. 

The far north and north-eastern regions of Namibia are generally a low-risk malaria area, though the risk is heightened in the rainy summer months (November-April). 

The rest of the country – including the popular destinations of Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast – have absolutely no risk of malaria. If concerned, consult your travel doctor at least three weeks before departure. 

Wi-Fi Internet access is available in most hotels and lodges in Namibia, even in far-flung destinations. Mobile connectivity is available in larger towns and along major roads, but limited or non-existent in remote areas.