With its strange landscapes, starry nights, beautiful beaches, large sand dunes, huge deserts, amazing animals, and exciting activities, Namibia is one of the most special and interesting countries you will ever see.
Namibia has everything! I’ve put together this helpful Namibia Travel Guide, full of tools and information, to help you plan your perfect trip to Namibia.
Top Things to do & Places to Visit in Namibia
Here are the must-do activities and places to visit in Namibia:
- Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert Safari Tours: Start your Namibian trip by visiting Sossusvlei, a place with high red sand dunes. Climb the famous Dune 45 for amazing views of the desert and watch the sunlight change the color of the sand.
- Fish River Canyon Tours: Visit the Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa and the second biggest in the world. Walk along the edge of the canyon and enjoy the wide views of this natural wonder.
- Swakopmund Tours: Go to Swakopmund, a coastal town with old German-style buildings and exciting activities. Try skydiving, sandboarding, or take a scenic flight over the Skeleton Coast.
- Etosha National Park Safaris: Take a safari in Etosha National Park, home to animals like rhinos, giraffes, lions, and elephants. You can go on a guided or self-drive tour to see the animals in their natural surroundings.
- Damaraland Safari Tours: Visit Damaraland to see wild animals, ancient cave paintings, and interesting rock formations.
- Skeleton Coast Tours: Explore the Skeleton Coast, known for its high sand dunes, shipwrecks, and sea animals. Take a guided tour or a flight to see this remote and strange place.
- Kolmanskop Tours: Walk through Kolmanskop, an old ghost town that used to be a busy diamond mining town. The desert has slowly taken over the buildings, making it a great spot for photography.
- Caprivi Strip Tours: Travel to the Caprivi Strip in the northeast, a narrow area with four rivers. It’s great for birdwatching and boat safaris because of its many animals, swamps, and green plants.
- Himba Village Tours: Visit traditional Himba villages to learn about local culture. The Himba people are known for their detailed hairstyles and unique way of life. Talk to them and see how they live.
- Namib-Naukluft National Park Tours: Explore Namib-Naukluft National Park, the biggest game park in Africa. It’s home to desert animals. Walk through the dry forests, hike the mountains, and enjoy the views.
- Twyfelfontein Tours: See Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient rock engravings. Learn about the history and join a guided tour to understand the area’s importance.
- Cape Cross Seal Reserve Tours: Watch thousands of Cape fur seals at Cape Cross Seal Reserve. See them play in the water and rest on the beach. It’s a special sight to see.
- Waterberg Plateau Park Safari Tours: Visit Waterberg Plateau Park, where you can find rare animals like rhinos and cheetahs. Take a wildlife drive, go hiking, or just enjoy the views.
- Lüderitz Tours: Visit the coastal town of Lüderitz, known for its colorful houses and German-style buildings. Eat fresh seafood, explore Kolmanskop, and enjoy the ocean views.
- NamibRand Nature Reserve Safari Tours: End your trip with a visit to NamibRand Nature Reserve, a private area that offers quiet nature experiences. Take a hot air balloon ride, go for a guided walk, or drive through the desert to see animals and natural sights.
Things to Know About Namibia
Below are some of the things to know about Namibia.
- Currency: The South African Rand (ZAR) and Namibia Dollar (NAD) are both used and have the same value.
- Languages: Although Oshiwambo is the most common language spoken at home, English is the official language of Namibia. Many people also speak Afrikaans and German.
- Visa: Many nationalities do not need a visa to enter Namibia. However, some travelers must pay N$1000 for a visa on arrival. Tourists can stay for up to three months in one calendar year.
- Main Airports: Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek) and Walvis Bay Airport (Walvis Bay).
- Malaria: Malaria is a serious risk only in the north and northeast of Namibia. All other areas, including the Skeleton Coast, have little to no risk. To stay safe, I suggest talking to a doctor before your trip.
- Yellow Fever: Check here if you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- Internet & Mobile: MTC and TN Mobile are the two main network providers in Namibia.
- Water: Tap water is usually safe to drink in cities, but I recommend buying bottled water or using a filtered water bottle when traveling.
- Safety: Namibia is quite safe because it has a small population. However, petty crime is common in cities and towns. Be careful, especially at night. Avoid walking alone, stay away from crowded areas, and take a taxi if you need to go out after dark.
Best Time to Visit Namibia
The best time to visit Namibia is from May to September. This is the dry season. The weather is nice during the day, with clear skies, making it perfect for safari trips.
Bring a jacket, as it can get cold during these dry “winter” months. April, October, and November are also great months to visit. The weather is still good, and there are fewer tourists.
Namibia is a wonderful place to visit because of its culture, nature, and adventure.
Whether you want exciting activities, to see wild animals, or to enjoy the views, you’ll have a great time.
So pack your bags, start your journey in Namibia, and make memories that will last forever.
Popular Namibia Tour Questions & Answers
Below are some of the most popular Namibia tour questions and safaris that you should know about.
- Where is Namibia located? Namibia is in southern Africa.
- What makes Namibia special? Namibia has deserts, beaches, sand dunes, wild animals, and fun activities.
- Is Namibia good for travel? Yes, it’s a great place for nature, animals, and adventure.
- What is the best time to visit Namibia? From May to September is the best time. April, October, and November are also good.
- What is the weather like in Namibia? It is dry with sunny days. It can get cold in winter months.
- Do I need a visa to visit Namibia? Many people don’t need a visa, but some must pay N$1000 on arrival.
- How long can I stay in Namibia as a tourist? You can stay up to three months in one year.
- What money is used in Namibia? The Namibia Dollar (NAD) and South African Rand (ZAR) are used and have the same value.
- What language is spoken in Namibia? English is the official language. People also speak Oshiwambo, Afrikaans, and German.
- Is Namibia safe to visit? Yes, it’s mostly safe, but be careful in cities and don’t walk alone at night.
- Can I drink the tap water in Namibia? In cities, yes. But it’s better to drink bottled or filtered water when traveling.
- What are the main airports in Namibia? Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek) and Walvis Bay Airport.
- Is there malaria in Namibia? Only in the north and northeast. Talk to a doctor before your trip.
- Do I need a yellow fever shot to enter Namibia? Check if you need a yellow fever certificate based on where you are coming from.
- Is there internet and mobile service in Namibia? Yes. The main providers are MTC and TN Mobile.
- What animals can I see in Namibia? You can see rhinos, giraffes, lions, elephants, cheetahs, and more.
- What is Sossusvlei famous for? It has tall red sand dunes and great desert views. Dune 45 is a popular dune to climb.
- What can I do at Fish River Canyon? Walk along the edge and enjoy views of the largest canyon in Africa.
- What is Swakopmund known for? It has old German buildings and fun activities like skydiving and sand-boarding.
- What can I do in Etosha National Park? Go on a safari to see wild animals in their natural home.
- What can I see in Damaraland? You can see wild animals, old cave paintings, and special rock shapes.
- What is special about the Skeleton Coast? It has shipwrecks, sea animals, and big sand dunes.
- Why visit Kolmanskop? It is an old ghost town covered by desert sand, good for taking photos.
- What is the Caprivi Strip? A green area with rivers, birds, and boat safaris in northeast Namibia.
- Who are the Himba people? They are a traditional group known for their looks and way of life. You can visit their villages.
- What can I do in Namib-Naukluft National Park? You can hike, see animals, and enjoy the dry forests and mountains.
- What is Twyfelfontein known for? It has very old rock carvings and is a UNESCO site.
- What will I see at Cape Cross Seal Reserve? You will see thousands of Cape fur seals on the beach and in the water.
- Why visit Waterberg Plateau Park? It’s a place with rare animals like rhinos and good hiking views.
- What is NamibRand Nature Reserve? It’s a quiet desert place where you can take a balloon ride, walk, or drive to see nature.
