Namibia Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Windhoek.

Geography:

Namibia is a large, mostly arid country in southwest Africa. It borders Angola to the north, Botswana to the east, and South Africa to the south. In the northeast corner, the Caprivi Strip is a narrow panhandle of tropical Namibian territory juts towards Victoria Falls in Zambia. To the west is a 1,572km (977mi) long stretch of coastline, with the northern section shrouded in fog and littered with shipwrecks.

The Namib, believed to be the world's oldest desert, runs along the coast of Namibia. The northern part of it lies the famous Skeleton Coast, an area where ships have run aground in thick fog that hovers below hot, dry air. To the south of the Skeleton Coast sits the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia's largest conservation area, home to desert-adapted wildlife – including chacma baboons that can go for two weeks without drinking water and the Welwitschia plants that live for more than a thousand years in this harsh environment.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

The national carrier is Air Namibia, headquartered in Windhoek, the country's capital. Other airlines that fly to Namibia include British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways and South African Airways.

Windhoek has two airports – the main one is Hosea Kutako International Airport, about 45km (28mi) east of Windhoek and the second (and smaller) one is Eros Airport, about 5km (3mi) south of Windhoek's central business district. Most international flights land at Hosea Kutako, while Eros is commonly used for domestic flights, private charters and fly-in safari trips.

Departure Tax

None.

Flight Times

From London - 13 hours 30 minutes (including stopover); New York - 19 hours (including stopover).

Getting There By Road

There are land crossings between Namibia and its immediate neighbours, namely South Africa, Botswana, Angola and Zambia.

Getting There By Water

Namibia's main port is Walvis Bay and the secondary port is Lüderitz.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Covering 824,292km² (318,261mi²), Namibia is almost twice the size of California. Accordingly, flying is the quickest way to get around the country.

There are domestic flights from Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek to the coastal cities/towns of Walvis Bay, Lüderitz, and Oranjemund.

From Eros Airport in Windhoek, you can fly to Ondangwa, Rundu and Katima Mulilo, among many other towns and safari destinations.

Bike

Bicycle rentals are available in Windhoek, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. Keen cyclists can join multi-day bike tours and discover the vast landscape on two wheels.

Breakdown Services

Call your car hire company in the event of a breakdown.

 

Car Hire

Two-wheel and four-wheel-drive vehicles, with or without camping equipment, can be hired in Windhoek.

Coach

Intercape (www.intercape.co.za) operates limited bus services in Namibia. The main routes are from Windhoek to Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Grootfontein, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Keetmanshoop and Oshikango.

In addition, there are combis (minibuses) that run between towns – drivers only start the journey when all seats are filled.

Documentation

Foreign drivers must have a valid driver's licence, car hire documents and insurance. An International driver's licence is also required if your driving licence is not in English.

Getting Around By Rail

TransNamib (www.transnamib.com.na) runs passenger services to Windhoek from Keetmanshoop, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, as well as connections between Tsumeb and Ondangwa, and between Keetmanshoop and Karasburg.

TransNamib also runs the Desert Express (www.desert.express), a luxury service between Windhoek and Swakopmund, with excursions to the south and the north (including Etosha National Park).

Regulations

Foreign drivers must be at least 23 years old and have held the license for at least one year. Speed limits are 60kph (38mph) in urban areas, 80kph (50mph) on gravel roads and 120kpk (75mph) on tarmac roads. Seatbelts are compulsory.

Getting Around By Road

Namibia has a good network of tarmac and gravel roads connecting cities, towns and attractions, making self-driving a popular option favoured by adventurers. Apart from main highways, all roads are either gravel or sand, so hiring a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended as it has good ground clearance and comes with tyres more suited to 'off-road' driving. Petrol stations are available in all towns and some rural areas, but you're advised to fill up whenever you have the opportunity.

One of the most popular routes is to start from Windhoek to Etosha National Park, a vast salt pan rich in wildlife in north-western Namibia via the Central Highlands, then onwards to Twyfelfontein (for ancient rock art), Skeleton Coast (for seals and shipwrecks), Walvis Bay (for wetlands and water adventures), and Sossusvlei (for spectacular sand dunes), before returning to Windhoek.

Road Classification

Tarmac roads are marked with the prefix "B". Gravel roads are marked "C" or "D" – the difference between the two is the width, with "C" roads being wider than "D" roads.

Road Quality

Roads are generally well maintained but away from the highways, surfaces are gravel, not tarmac.

Side Of Road

l

Taxi

Taxis are common in Windhoek.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of Namibia's current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Namibia set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Namibian High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Namibia, your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 6 months after the date you arrive. It must also have at least one blank page. If you're travelling to South Africa, you will need an additional 2 blank pages. 

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can visit Namibia for up to 90 days without a visa. If you plan to work or volunteer, or if you want to stay longer, you must get a visa.

Applying for a visa

Apply through the Namibian High Commission in the UK. 

Make sure the date on your entry stamp and the amount of time you have been given to stay is correct. Immigration officials will check these details when you leave Namibia.  

The Namibian authorities could detain, arrest or fine you if you overstay or have an incorrect or missing entry stamp in your passport. 

Travelling with children aged 17 and under

If you're a parent travelling with children aged 17 and under, you must carry their:

• valid passport
• full birth certificate with both parents' details (original or certified copy)

Namibian immigration officials will not accept an abridged (short) birth certificate. If your child was born in the UK, you can order a full unabridged birth certificate online.

If you're a legal guardian and your name is not on the birth certificate, you will need to have documentation to prove it.

If you're not a parent or legal guardian of children you're travelling with, you must have an affidavit from their parents or guardians giving consent.

If a child is travelling with one parent or legal guardian, the other parent or legal guardian should give consent for travel in an affidavit.

Unaccompanied children must carry:

• a valid passport
• proof of consent from a parent or legal guardian in an affidavit
• a letter from their host giving the address where they'll be staying

Contact the Namibian High Commission in the UK for more information.

Travelling with children through a South African airport

If you're travelling with children through a South African airport, see South Africa travel advice for information about the documents you must carry.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Namibia, you must have a certificate to prove you've had a yellow fever vaccination if you're coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Namibia guide.   

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Namibia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Namibia

Although there's no recent history of terrorism in Namibia, attacks cannot be ruled out.  

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Muggers often target tourists in Windhoek. Attacks may be violent and can take place at any time of day and in busy city-centre locations. To reduce your personal risk:

• be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark
• keep your valuables and cash out of sight or use a hotel safe
• do not change large sums of money in busy public areas

Vehicle crime

Gangs sometimes try to enter vehicles at busy intersections in Windhoek. Theft from vehicles, particularly at service stations, is common. To reduce the risks:

• do not leave your vehicle unattended at fuel stops
• keep car doors locked and windows shut, especially in heavy traffic
• keep valuables off the seats and out of sight

To reduce the risk of robberies from taxis:

• do not hail taxis from the street, particularly in Windhoek
• ask your hotel, guest house or tour operator to recommend a reputable taxi company
• do not enter townships at night, unless you are with someone with local knowledge

Credit card skimming

There have been cases of credit card skimming at some hotels and lodges. Always keep your card in sight when paying and check your statement.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always carry UK photo ID. You may need to show ID at police checkpoints in Windhoek and other major towns and cities. Keep copies of the photo page of your passport and important documents separately in a safe place.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are not illegal in Namibia. Certain same-sex sexual acts are illegal, but generally not prosecuted. There are no laws against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Conservative attitudes towards LGBT+ individuals remain, especially in rural regions. Showing affection in public may result in unwanted attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Penalties for using or smuggling illegal drugs can be severe. Penalties include large fines and imprisonment.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It's illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. You will be prosecuted and could get a fine or prison sentence for buying or trafficking these goods, including ivory and rhino horn.

Using cameras in secure areas

Police have detained people for taking pictures of the President's official residence. Check before taking photographs of government buildings or in secure areas.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Make sure your travel insurance covers you for any adventure activities you plan to do, like quad biking, dune boarding or hot air ballooning.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Namibia, see information on driving abroad. 

You'll need to have your valid UK photocard driving licence with you in the car.

Take out comprehensive insurance as accidents are common on gravel and dirt roads. If you're planning to hire a car, check what insurance cover is provided. Most policies will not cover accidents that do not involve other vehicles or animals.

Driving standards

During the rainy season from January to April, many gravel roads deteriorate. You should:

• not go faster than 80 km/h
• carry 2 spare tyres for punctures
• carry plenty of water
• check the road conditions before setting off
• avoid driving at night outside towns, as wildlife and livestock are serious hazards

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 211111 (in Windhoek) or 10111 (everywhere else) and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Namibia
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Namibia.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Namibia. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Namibia's hot and dry climate can cause skin problems and dehydration. Make sure you carry a good supply of drinkable water.

Namibia has one of the highest prevalence rates of HIV in the world. In 2021 the UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic estimated that around 210,000 adults aged 15 or over were living with HIV. This was around 11.8% of the adult population, compared to around 0.2% of adults in the UK. Take normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Namibia

There are good medical facilities in Windhoek. Private hospitals may insist on payment before starting treatment even if you have comprehensive travel insurance. They may ask you to pay and reclaim from your insurer later. Some travel insurance policies are not recognised by some Namibian hospitals. Check if your product is accepted in Namibia before you travel and get alternative coverage, if needed.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Namibia where some staff speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Namibia

Telephone: 10111, 999, 112 (ambulance, fire, police)  

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers and funeral directors 
• being arrested or imprisoned in Namibia
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Namibia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Yellow Fever	No**
Typhoid	Yes
Tetanus	Yes
Rabies	Sometimes
Malaria	Yes*
Hepatitis A	Yes
Diphtheria	Yes

Overview:

Namibia has both public and private healthcare facilities, including district hospitals, health centres and outreach points, with the latter spreading out to small villages. Most private facilities are in Windhoek while safari lodges tend to offer basic medical care. Patients requiring urgent care are often transferred to Windhoek or in some cases, South Africa. As a result, travel insurance is essential.

While Namibia isn't plagued by the tropical diseases that afflict its neighbours, its northern section (the Caprivi Strip, Kavango and Kunene river regions) does carry a risk of malaria. Dysentery (most often seen in campers who haven't properly treated their water supply) can also occur. A first-aid kit is recommended for those who plan to drive long distances or stay in a remote area.

HIV/AIDS remains an issue in Namibia, with 8.3% of its population living with the disease in 2020, most of which are young female adults. But efforts from the government are admirable and the country has essentially reduced the HIV incidence rate significantly over the years.

Vaccinations Note:

* A high risk of malaria is present in the Caprivi Strip, Kavango and Kunene river regions throughout the year. The risk is very low in the rest of Namibia, so visitors who plan to visit Windhoek, Walvis Bay, and Sossusvlei do not need to take anti-malarial tablets.

** There is no risk of yellow fever in Namibia. However, travellers (over 9 months of age) arriving in Namibia from countries with the risk of yellow fever must produce a vaccination certificate.

Food Drink:

Tap water in Namibia is chlorinated and safe to drink, especially in cities, but it may cause mild abdominal upsets to travellers with sensitive stomachs. In remote areas where the water sources may be subject to contamination, bottled water is recommended.

Local meat, poultry and seafood are safe to eat, provided that they are cooked and served hot. Fruits should be peeled and vegetables should be washed in clean water.

Other Risks:

Hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid are often recommended to travellers.

Currency Information:

The Namibian Dollar (NAD; symbol N$) is in note denominations of N$200, 100, 50, 30, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of N$5, N$1, 50 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents.

The Namibian Dollar is at par with the South African Rand, meaning they are interchanged at equal value. Both currencies are accepted in Namibia.

Credit Cards:

Credit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are accepted by many hotels and restaurants, but petrol stations throughout the country and shops in remote places accept cash only.

ATMs:

ATMs can be found in most towns. To ensure smooth transactions, notify your bank of your intended travel to Namibia before your trip.

Travellers Cheques:

Travellers' cheques are no longer popular and should be avoided.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 0900-1500, Sat 0900-1230. Note that at the end of the month, when many government employees are paid, queues at the banks can be long.

Currency Restrictions:

The import and export of local currency are limited to N$50,000.

The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided sums are declared on arrival. Export of foreign currency is up to the amount imported and declared.

Currency Exchange:

Available in banks and at bureaux de change, as well as at Hosea Kutako International Airport.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
NAD	N$

Exchange Rates

14.69

17.49

14.13

Language

English is Namibia's official language but Oshiwambo dialects are the most widely spoken. Afrikaans and German are also spoken among the white population.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

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List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Independence Day	2024-03-21 00:00:00	0
Good Friday	2024-03-29 00:00:00	0
Easter Monday	2024-04-01 00:00:00	0
Workers' Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
Cassinga Day	2024-05-04 00:00:00	0
Ascension Day	2024-05-09 00:00:00	0
Africa Day	2024-05-25 00:00:00	0
Heroes' Day	2024-08-26 00:00:00	0
International Human Rights Day	2024-12-10 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0
Family Day	2024-12-26 00:00:00	0

Note:

Holidays falling on Sunday are observed the following Monday, unless that Monday is also a holiday.

Overview:

The following may be imported into Namibia by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes and 20 cigars and 250g of tobacco.
• 2L of wine and 1L of spirits.
• 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.
• Gifts to the value of N$5,000.

Import regulations apply to residents who have been out of Namibia for more than 48 hours and are subject to once in a calendar month. Namibians who have been out of the country for less than six months must declare all watches and fur garments purchased abroad or in a duty-free shop in Namibia.

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Banned Imports:

Prohibited imports include narcotics, firearms and ammunition (other than for hunting purposes) and explosives. Imports of live animals, meat, honey, cereal (wheat, maize), raw hide and skins, diamonds, gold, and used pneumatic tires are also restricted.

Passengers carrying firearms and ammunition for only hunting purposes must apply for a permit before entering the country. Wild fauna and flora also require an import permit.

Telephone:

Namibia has an excellent fixed-line telephone network run by Telecom Namibia.

Mobile Telephone:

Namibia has excellent mobile coverage in cities and towns, but coverage can be sporadic outside urban areas. Buying a local sim card is the best way to avoid paying roaming charges. MTC (www.mtc.com.na), the country's leading mobile provider, is recommended.

Internet:

Most hotels provide Wi-Fi.

Post

Posts to Europe take four days to two weeks.

National parks and reserves

Namibia's national parks and game reserves cover 18% of the country's area. Namib-Naukluft is the country's largest conservation area and is characterised by rolling red dunes and rocky escarpments where desert animals roam. Etosha National Park is probably the most popular and is home to 114 mammal species and over 400 bird species. On the other side of the scale, Khaudum National Park in the remote Kalahari Desert welcomes more elephants than visitors to the park.

Lüderitz

Founded by Franz Lüderitz, a Hamburg merchant, the town became a German protectorate in 1883 and thrived when diamonds were found in nearby Kolmanskop. Today, its surreal German art nouveau architecture, built in the late 1880s to early 1900s in a seemingly unforgiving landscape, is the main tourist attraction. Kolmanskop, now a ghost town, is also worth a visit.

Damaraland

Damaraland refers to the vast swathes of land covering the north-central region. Highlights include Twyfelfontein and Brandberg Mountain for prehistoric rock engravings – of which the White Lady of the Brandberg is best known, and Spitzkoppe, Burnt Mountain and Organ Pipes for geological wonders. The north side of Damaraland also has a large number of wildlife, including gemsbok, zebra, hyena, elephant and the endangered black rhinos.

The Caprivi Strip

The Caprivi is a narrow strip of land protruding from the north-eastern corner of Namibia and stretching eastward towards Zambia. This is the rainiest area in Namibia and naturally, you can expect lush vegetation and rich wildlife, including more than 450 species of bird. The best time for bird watching is from November to April – the nesting period for native species while many migrating birds are also present.

Skeleton Coast

Despite the ominous name, the Skeleton Coast is strikingly beautiful. Stretching 500km (310mi) across northern Namibia, the otherworldly landscapes of shifting dunes, gravel plains and wide expanses of sand, punctuated by ghastly sand-covered shipwrecks, are wild yet captivating. The sand here sings, too – moving sand creates a noise that resembles rumbling thunder, which the locals call 'the lion's roar'.

Swakopmund

Swakopmund is another colonial town that has retained a decidedly European feel, with attractive old German houses dotted around and many restaurants serving German classics. Swakopmund is also a thriving seaside resort – you can swim in the ocean, kayak to see the seal colony at Pelican Point, venture into the Namib-Naukluft National Park or explore the Skeleton Coast.

Fish River Canyon

The Fish River Canyon is Africa's largest canyon and the highlight here is a five-day 90km (56mi) hiking trail along the canyon floor to the Ai-Ais Hot Springs. As there are no shelters and no provisions along the way, all hikers may supply a medical certificate as proof of good health and apply for a hiking permit in advance. The trail is open from mid-April to mid-September.

Windhoek

The attractive Namibian capital features German colonial architecture including the iconic Christuskirche (Christ Church), which resembles a gingerbread house. A tour of the National Museum and National Botanic Garden is also recommended. In the centre of Post Street Mall, Windhoek's shopping hot spot, there's a quirky display of the meteorites that hit southern Namibia in prehistoric times.

Walvis Bay

This coastal city is a magnet for adventure seekers keen to explore the dunes, ride the waves, kayak to see a massive colony of seals in Pelican Point, or join a cruise in search of dolphins. The spectacular views of flamingos and pelicans on the tidal lagoon shouldn't be missed too.

Overview

Namibia may not have much of a reputation for retail therapy, but there's plenty on offer if you know where to look. Windhoek is where you'll find international brands and independent craft shops – the best of which are in Post Street Mall, Namibia Crafts Centre and Windhoek Street Market; the latter is held every second Saturday.

Popular souvenirs include local crafts such as leatherwork, jewellery, wood carvings, and hand-painted fabrics. Precious gems are another big draw for Namibian shoppers and the best are to be found at the House of Gems in Windhoek.

In Rundu and other areas in the northeast, you'll find traditional San handicrafts including arrowheads and beads made from ostrich eggshells.

Visitors may reclaim VAT on goods of a minimum value of N$250.00 at Hosea Kutako International Airport, Eros Airport and Walvis Bay Airport.

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1700; Sat 0900-1300. Some shops also open on Sundays.

Overview

What you eat in Namibia depends largely on where you are and who you're with. Dining with Namibia's ethnic groups will usually involve a type of game meat (kudu, springbok, ostrich and sometimes crocodile) served with oshifima (thick porridge made with mahangu flour and cornmeal). Animal offal is also popular.

Among Afrikaans, braais (barbecues), potjiekos (spicy meat stew cooked over open fires), and bobotie (a South African curry dish similar to moussaka) are common.

On the other hand, meals in Windhoek, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund tend to feature fresh seafood and German-inspired dishes – schnitzel and frikadelle (meatballs) are two common examples. In general, menus tend to feature meat as a large part of Namibia is arid, making growing fruit and vegetables challenging. Having said that, more restaurants than ever before are offering vegetarian dishes.

The German influence is also extended to the sweet course with classics like apple strudel and sachertorte (chocolate cake) available in some konditoreien (cake shops). Afrikaaners also know their way around the dessert trolley, with vetkoek (fried dough), koeksesters (fried dough doused in honey), and melktart (milk tart) among the nicest.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

10% is customary.

Drinking Age

18.

Hotels

Namibia has a thriving tourist industry and accordingly, its hotels range from basic to luxury to hypermodern – some even feature private pools in the middle of a desert and provide personal butler service for the guests. Many of the big international chains are represented in the capital but the majority of hotels are locally run affairs.

Camping Caravaning

There are campsites throughout Namibia and almost all of them have a braai (barbecue) area, while some also run game drives and horse-riding trips. Booking in advance is recommended.

History

From the rock paintings in the Twyfelfontein, anthropologists can tell us that Namibia's prehistory dates back more than 25,000 years when the first settlers moved to the area. Subsequently, a long and resilient lineage of various ethnic groups, from the San (Bushmen), Nama, Damara, Bantu, to the more recent Herero and Oorlams have been making this mostly barren land home.

Although Europeans had known about Namibia since 1486 when Portuguese Captain Diago Cão sailed along the South Atlantic coast, it wasn't until 1793 that Dutch settlers from Cape Colony (now South Africa) began to take an interest in Walvis Bay due to its natural deep-water harbour. Then came German settlers and they proclaimed Namibia, then known as South West Africa, as a German protectorate in 1884.

The German conquest wasn't plain sailing, however. From 1904 to 1907, the Herero people fought against German colonial troops but they lost dearly – historians believed that the war resulted in the death of 75% of the Herero population and 50% of the Nama population, making this genocide one of the darkest periods in Namibia's history.

In 1915, South Africa launched an attack and eventually captured South West Africa. Although South Africa became a sovereign independent state in 1934 and gained its full independence in 1961, Namibia did not as South Africa continued to tighten its grip on Namibia, leading to uprisings and the eventual formation of SWAPO (South West African Peoples Organisation). During this period, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution that South West Africa be renamed Namibia in June 1968, following the wishes of its people.

SWAPO spent the next few decades battling to rid Namibia of the South African occupiers. In 1988, South Africa finally agreed to hand control of Namibia to the United Nations. A year later, the UN Transitional Assistance Group (UNTAG) supervised an election that resulted in SWAPO coming to power, after 106 years of colonialism and a protracted struggle for national liberation.

On 21 March 1990, Namibia attained its hard-won independence.

Did you know?
• The literacy rate in Namibia is about 92%, one of the highest in Africa.
• Namibia is one of the least populated countries in the world.
• The Namib Desert is believed to be 80 million years old, making it the oldest desert in the world.

Religion

Christians make up 91% of the Namibian population, of which 78% are Protestants. Sunni Muslims and Bahai followers make up 1% altogether, while the rest hold indigenous beliefs.

Social Conventions

Namibians are friendly, polite people. Some Christians in rural places can be conservative, like they may refrain from public displays of affection and consider homosexuality taboo. Interestingly though, homosexuality is legal in Namibia.

Usual courtesies like handshakes and greetings should be practised when meeting new people or visiting someone's home. When food and drink are offered, it is polite to accept.

When visiting indigenous communities (like San, Nama, Ovahimba, Ovazemba, Ovatjimba and Ovatwa), visitors should follow the advice of a local guide.

Best Time To Visit:

Namibia has a sub-tropical climate with most of the country enjoying a staggering 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a year-round destination.

Along the coast, the cold Benguela Current keeps the area cool and rain-free year-round, but the air can be humid and when the water vapour condenses, dense fogs are formed, especially in early mornings, lending a mysterious edge to the area. In winter (July to September), temperatures along the coast can increase a few degrees when a hot dry wind (known as Berg Wind or Oosweer) blows from the inland to the coast. In the coastal town of Swakopmund, average highs range from 20°C (68°F) in July to 28°C (82°F) in February.

Windhoek, Namibia's capital, perches at 1,700m (5,600ft) above sea level in the Khomas Highland plateau, almost exactly at the country's geographical centre. The official climate classification of Windhoek is semi-arid, meaning rainfall is infrequent, although the period between January to March sees an average of 80mm (3in) of rain each month. July is the coolest month with an average high of 21°C (70°F) and an average low of 7°C (45°F). On the other hand, January is the hottest month with an average high of 31°C (88°F) and an average low of 18°C (64°F).

The Caprivi Strip has a unique tropical climate, with heavy rainfall that often leads to flooding between November and April. The wet season is a prime time for birdwatching as many migrating birds are present. On the contrary, June to September is dry, so animals tend to gather around waterholes and rivers to quench their thirst, making it an excellent time for game spotting.

The Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa, lies in the south of Namibia. The highlight here is a five-day 90km (56mi) hiking trail along the canyon floor to the Ai-Ais Hot Springs, which you can only hike from mid-April to mid-September.

The best time to visit Namibia depends on your activities. For travellers who prefer to avoid the intense heat of high summer (December to March), travelling during the winter months (May to August) is a good option. Birdwatchers may prefer to visit the Caprivi Strip between November to April, while the best time for safari-goers is from June to September.

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Required Clothing

Light cottons and linens are best, with a jacket for cooler evenings. Sun hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. Neutral colours are recommended for safaris and game viewing, while ankle-height boots are recommended for hikers as there are poisonous snakes in the desert.

Insect repellent is also useful during the rainy season or if you are visiting the Caprivi Strip.

Dialing Code:

+264

Area(sq km):

824,292

Population:

2,494,530

Population Density(per sq km):

3 per km sq

Population Year:

2021

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

10111