10 Essential Travel Tips Before Visiting Namibia

Namibia is a land of striking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and rich culture. It is one of Africa's most exciting and safe travel destinations, but it's still essential to be well-prepared as the beautiful landscape is remote and can be harsh. In this travel guide, we’ll give you the top 10 tips to help you make the most of your trip to Namibia, including the best places to visit in Namibia, useful travel tips, and answers to frequently asked questions to ensure your experience is unforgettable.

1. Plan for Remote Travel

Driving in the Namib Desert to Sossusvlei, Namibia

Namibia is a vast country with huge distances between major attractions. Renting a 4x4 vehicle is often the best way to explore, especially if you're visiting remote areas like the Namib Desert or the Skeleton Coast. Ensure your vehicle is well-equipped with a GPS, extra fuel, and a spare tire. Your tire needs to be adjusted to the gravel roads.

As you will be traveling for hours between destinations it’s also important to prepare with entertainment. Download music, since internet connection is rare in the remote areas and prepare some games for the long drive. This will make your travel a lot more fun!

2. Pack for Varying Weather Conditions

Namibia's weather can be unpredictable. While days can be hot and sunny, evenings can be chilly, especially in desert regions. Pack layers, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection. Also, bring warm clothing for the evenings, particularly if you're traveling to higher elevations like Sossusvlei or the Damaraland.

The weather by the coast is a lot more chilly, with cold and strong winds due to the cold currents from the Antartica. Windcoat is highly recommended here.

3. Respect Wildlife and Nature

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Namibia is home to some of Africa's most unique and diverse wildlife, including desert-adapted elephants, lions, and rhinos. Whether you're visiting Etosha National Park, the Skeleton Coast, or the Namib Desert, follow all safety guidelines, and never get too close to the animals.

We saw many animals passing by our way and we always kept distance. One night during camping we saw eyes of hyenas watching us at night. It was scary, but nothing happened. You just need to be careful when approaching wildlife.

4. Be Prepared for Cash Transactions

While major cities like Windhoek or Swakopmund have ATMs and credit card facilities, cash is still king in many remote areas. Carry Namibian dollars (NAD) or South African rand (ZAR), which is widely accepted and easier to exchange before or after your trip.

Our guide to coastal cities of Namibia:

5. Don’t Miss the Best Places to Visit in Namibia

From the towering dunes of Sossusvlei to the salt pans of Etosha, there is no shortage of stunning places to explore in Namibia. Our favourite spots are:

• Sossusvlei: World’s tallest sand dunes, with orange sand and Rocky Mountains. Feels like another planet.

• Etosha National Park: A wildlife lover's paradise for game drives, one of the only safaris in Africa where you can go alone and explore the park self-guided.

• Skeleton Coast: A hauntingly beautiful stretch of coastline, with constantly changing landscapes and weather.

• Damaraland: Home to desert-adapted elephants and ancient rock engravings, where you can also meet indenginous people. like the Hibas for a unique experience.

• Swakopmund: A charming coastal town known for adventure activities and German colonial architecture. It feels like Bavaria on holidays. Very different than the other locations.

Link to our favourite places on Google maps

Our article on a full travel guide for Namibia.

6. Consider Local Etiquette

Namibians are warm and friendly people. However, it’s important to be respectful of their culture. In more rural areas, greeting locals before asking for assistance is considered polite. Learn a few words in Afrikaans or the local languages, like Oshiwambo or Nama, to enhance your experience. The local languages are not easy, we tried the clicking language that we failed to speak.

7. Stay Hydrated and Pack Food

Due to the arid conditions, dehydration is a concern in Namibia. Carry plenty of water with you, especially when going on long drives or treks. Always keep some snacks handy as well. We always filled up our water storage when possible in every major town. We were lucky as we did not have issue with our car, but accidents happen and staying for hours in the desert requires extra safety supply of water and food.

Also not every camping have food options available, so it’s good to make sure you have some food supply in advance if you want to cook yourself.

8. Time Your Trip Wisely

The best time to visit Namibia is during the dry season, from May to October, when wildlife is easier to spot, and the weather is cooler. The rainy season (November to April) offers lush landscapes but can make some areas difficult to access.

We did our trip in December in the rainy season and it was still great, but we were prepared for what to expect. There is not wrong time, it’s just important to be aware what you can expect.

9. Learn About the Local Cuisine

Namibian cuisine is a reflection of its diverse cultures, with dishes like biltong (dried meat), kapana (street food-style steak), and potjiekos (a slow-cooked stew). Don’t miss out on trying these local flavors when in cities like Windhoek and Swakopmund.

One of the specialties we tried is the mopane worm, which is considered as local delicacy. It’s worth the try if not for the taste, but for the respect of the locals.

10. Book Accommodations in Advance

Accommodations in Namibia can be limited in certain regions, especially during peak seasons. It’s advisable to book your lodging well in advance, particularly in popular areas like Sossusvlei or Etosha National Park.

Most accommodations offers free cancellations a few days before our travel, so to be flexible we booked a few extra ones. It was very handy when due to weather conditions we missed our first hotel in Damaraland.

Our favourite accommodations:

1. Sossusvlei: Namib Desert Lodge

2. In Damaraland: Grootberg Lodge

3. At Etosha National Park: King Nehale

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the new Namibia visa regulations in 2025?
As of 2025, Namibia has streamlined its visa process for many countries. Citizens from most countries, including the U.S., Canada, and the EU, can stay for up to 90 days without requiring a visa. However, it’s essential to check the latest updates from the Namibian Embassy or Consulate in your country before traveling.

https://visitnamibia.com.na/visa-information/

2. Is it safe to travel to Namibia?
Yes, Namibia is considered one of the safest countries to visit in Africa. Violent crime is rare, particularly in rural and tourist areas. However, like in any destination, exercise caution, especially at night in urban areas like Windhoek or Swakopmound, and don’t leave your valuables visible.

3. How many days do you need in Namibia?
To fully experience Namibia’s highlights, a minimum of 10 to 14 days is recommended. This gives you enough time to visit major destinations like Etosha, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, and Damaraland, as well as explore the capital city, Windhoek.

We did a 10 days tour which was enough to explore the major sites, but felt a bit too packed and intense in terms of driving.

4. What is the best month to visit Namibia?
The best months to visit Namibia are between May and October, during the dry season. This period is ideal for wildlife viewing, with animals congregating around waterholes, and the weather is cooler, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities.

We went in December, and we still loved it. The only disadvantage was that animals are more difficult to spot in Etosha due to the green and bushy vegetation and multiple available water source. On the other hand, the green environment was also beautiful.

So there is no wrong time at the end. It depends on you what you prefer.

5. What should I be careful of in Namibia?
While Namibia is generally safe, be mindful of the harsh desert environment. Always stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and avoid walking in remote areas alone. Additionally, be cautious of wildlife in national parks and reserves, following all safety guidelines.

Namibia is an incredible destination with so much to offer. By following these tips and understanding the essential aspects of the country, you’re sure to have a safe and unforgettable adventure in this unique part of the world.

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