The Namibian Pocket Guide
Written by Nina van Schalkwyk
Namibia’s landscapes alone will make your heart skip a beat. The contrasting scenery adds a stunning backdrop to activities such as adrenaline-pumping safaris encountering the Big 5 and climbing the highest dunes in the world. Read on for all you need to know when travelling to Namibia.
A quick overview of Namibia
Population
Namibia’s sparse population of 2,5 million can make you sometimes feel like you have the country entirely to yourself.
History
Namibia was a German colony and then a protectorate of South Africa after World War 1, gaining its independence in 1990. Notable German historic architecture can be found in Windhoek, Lüderitz and Swakopmund. In fact, there are two annual events dedicated to celebrating German culture and traditions. These are the Oktoberfest and the Windhoek Karneval.
Cultures
Over 20 indigenous languages are spoken among the more than 10 ethnic groups. The major ethnic groups are the Ovambo, Herero, Nama, Damara, Khoisan, Caprivian, Kavango, Coloureds, Germans and Afrikaners. The oldest of these, the Khoisan, also known as “Bushmen” were the original inhabitants of Southern Africa before any of the other groups settled in the area. Another interesting group is the Ovahimba, a nomadic group settled in the north-west of Namibia near Epupa Falls and who, to a large extent, still follow the ancient traditions and way of life of their ancestors.
The lay of the land
With some of the best roads in Africa, it is easy to travel across the country, which means that you can take a self-drive to all its top attractions. Here’s a quick look at the country from the bottom to the top.
The southern part of Namibia is known for its abundant space, windy ghost towns, ancient rock formations and a peaceful ambiance that will settle into the energy of your soul. Even though it is the driest part of the country, the deep erosion of the Fish River Canyon as well as the crackled clay pans of Sossusvlei are a magical sight to behold. Destinations may be far apart, but don’t let that stop you. Make a visit to the Quiver Tree Forest 14 km north-east of Keetmanshoop, Namibia’s main southern town, or better yet, go rafting on the Orange River, Namibia’s natural border with South Africa.
Namibia’s central plateau is the location of the capital city, Windhoek, and is known as the Khomas Region. The city is known for being spread out between koppies and small mountains, which turn into lovely shades of green in the summer months. Windhoek is also the starting-off point for most travels around the country. Around the capital are mostly cattle farms and game farms.
To the east is the Kalahari Desert and to the west, along the coast, is the Namib Desert. The famous Skeleton Coast lies some distance north of Henties Bay, the last major settlement before you reach the Skeleton Coast Park gate.
The northern part of Namibia receives a somewhat higher rainfall than the rest of the country and is the second most populated area in the country, especially around the towns of Oshikati, Ondangwa and Ongwediva. The north-western edge near the Epupa Falls is still quite dry, whereas the Zambezi in the far east is wet and wild and reminiscent of central Africa.
Waterfalls
Ruacana falls: It is one of the largest waterfalls in Africa. It is 120m high and located in the Kunene Region.
Epupa Falls: The waterfall is surrounded by fig, baobab, and makalani palm trees. It is 60m high and located in the Kunene Region as well.
Popa Falls: The fall is 4.5m high and it is located in Kavango Region. One of the Big 5, the buffalo, can be spotted in the vicinity of the Popa Falls Game Park.
Deserts
Namib Desert: Known as a living desert, the Namib is home to many creatures, big and small. Among these is the famous Dune Lark, but also keep an eye out for gemsbok, jackals, chameleons and snakes.
Kalahari Desert: Perhaps not as famous as the Namib, nor as seemingly desolate, the Kalahari is nonetheless dramatic, with red dunes and inhabitants like black-maned lions.
Wildlife and Safari
Animals
Namibia is resplendent with wildlife including all of the Big 5. The soft-footed elephant, of which Namibia has plenty, especially in Damaraland and Etosha. The black and white rhino, both under threat by poachers for their horns. Namibia’s black rhino population is the largest in the world and a testament of the country’s successful conservation and anti-poaching programs. Lions are the king of the jungle, or should we say, of the Etosha Pan? Spot them in the Etosha National Park, or if you’re really lucky, roaming freely along the Skeleton Coast.
Another big cat, the leopard, is known as the bane of Namibian farmers for catching their livestock, and many programs trying to mitigate the conflict are in action around the country. The best way to see one of these creatures is to visit a big cat sanctuary like Okonjima or AfriCat.
Lastly, the African buffalo makes its home in Namibia in areas with permanent water sources and higher rainfall, such as the Zambezi Region.
Other than the Big 5, Namibia has many species of wildlife that are worth a look, like kudus, gemsbuck, zebras, giraffes, springbucks, hyenas and jackals.
Plants
Namibia has more than 4.000 plant species. Probably the most notable of these is the ancient Welwitschia, found in the Namib Desert, which can grow between 1.000-15.000 years old.
Birdlife
Namibia is a bird-lover’s paradise, with more than 600 species in Namibia and 380 can be spotted in the Etosha National Park alone. This includes specials like the endemic and near-endemic Dune Lark, Monteiro’s Hornbill, Herero Chat and more.
Climate and when to go
Due to its low rainfall and nearly constant sunshine, Namibia is a great holiday destination year round.
May - October
For visitors from cold northern hemisphere countries, Namibia’s winters may feel like a warm respite. This period is known as the ‘High season’ and is the ideal time to visit Namibia, but also the most expensive. During this period wildlife congregates around rivers and waterholes, making animals easier to spot – it is the best time to visit Etosha. It does get cold at night and in the mornings – it's advisable to pack warm winter clothing during June, July and August for the cold morning game drives.
November - April
These are Namibia’s warmer months and its ‘Low Season’ with fewer visitors. Namibia’s rainy season takes place between March and April. Rains are mostly short showers in the afternoon and rarely have a negative impact on your trip. This time of year is best for migratory bird viewing. Animal viewing in Etosha becomes more difficult as animals have more waterholes to choose from. December and January can be extremely hot, especially in the desert areas. As such, prices are much lower with many specials to entice travellers to visit.
Top attractions
Sossusvlei
Visiting Sossusvlei is a memory that will never fade. A memory to be vividly contemplated when telling your story of Namibia, that time when you climbed Dune 45, when you saw skeletons of dead camelthorn trees held in the depth of Deadvlei, when you saw the deep Sesriem Canyon carved by the Tsauchab River long ago, now reduced to little more than a stream. Read more here.
Etosha National Park
Most of Namibia’s wildlife species can be seen roaming in this park so get excited to spot 4 of the Big 5 (the African buffalo is not found in Etosha), not to mention cheetahs, antelopes, hyenas and more. A day spent at a waterhole and you’ll lose count of all the animals you’ve seen.
Tip: Fill your tank before entering the park, as the fuel stations inside are unreliable.
Swakopmund
Visiting Swakopmund will pull the rhythmic strings of your heart with the buzz of live music chill sessions and sundowners toasting the sun as it dips into the ocean. Be sure to tap into the town’s German influence with local beers at the sea-facing Brewer and Butcher, and mouthwatering eisbein (pork knuckle) at the ever-popular Brauhaus.
Skeleton Coast National Park
If you have a little more time on your hands, travel up north from Swakopmund to the Skeleton Coast National Park, which is famous for the scattered shipwrecks that found their fate along its beaches and the seal colony.
Kolmanskop Ghost Town
Travel back in time to an era when diamond hunting was as easy as a walk on the beach. During the boom of the Diamond rush in Namibia’s south, a small but wealthy settlement called Kolmanskop sprang up almost overnight a short distance inland from Lüderitz. And as the rush came to an end, the settlement became abandoned, eventually reclaimed by the desert. Take a walk through the picturesque houses halfway engulfed in sand and snap some truly Insta-worthy shots.
Damaraland
Damaraland is a truly unique area in Namibia and home to Namibia’s free-roaming black rhino population, as well as desert-adapted elephants. The area is quite desolate, with settlements quite scattered. We recommend visiting with a reputable tour company instead of doing a self-drive to this area. Cell phone signal in the area can be haphazard, plus there are very few settlements or towns and it’s easy to get lost. You do not want to be stuck in Damaraland without fuel and water, waiting for someone to find you.
Waterberg
The Waterberg Plateau Nature Reserve is centrally located and only a few hours’ drive north of Windhoek. The 50 km long Waterberg mountain stands with a height of 200 m and has a nearly flat top, which makes it the perfect reserve for endangered and threatened animal species. The mountain itself is lush by Namibian standards and a visit is not complete without a hike around it.
Accommodation
Namibia is a popular tourist destination which means it has a wide variety of accommodation options throughout the country and suited to almost any budget. From the simple and slightly rustic to the utterly luxurious and indulgent, you can be sure that you will find what you’re looking for to make your stay in Namibia absolutely unforgettable. And to get you started, we’ve put together a list of 3 noteworthy accommodation spots in Namibia.
A few of our favourite hotels and lodges
Onguma The Fort
Nestled in a private game reserve bordering the Etosha National Park, Onguma The Fort, with its raw walls, stone-clad features and tall tower, boasts the best sunset views in Namibia.
Mowani Mountain Camp
Hidden in Damaraland, Mowani Mountain Camp makes its home between massive boulders, with nature-inspired rooms that fit in perfectly with the surroundings.
Nambwa Tented Lodge
Hidden in the wild Zambezi region, amongst indigenous trees, this luxurious tented camp is a unique safari destination boasting tremendous biodiversity.
Need to know
Visa
Most Europeans don’t need a visa to enter Namibia, but before you hop on a plane, better double-check it here.
Ease of travel
Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Even though Namibia is a safe country, incidences of muggings can occur. With that in mind, follow the following safety tips:
Keep valuables such as your camera out of sight.
Never leave valuables on the seats in your car.
Avoid deserted areas, especially at night.
Don’t carry large sums of money on you.
If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, listen to your gut and get out of there.
Cellular and telecommunication
The common telecommunication mobile service is MTC. There is a MTC mobile home store at the Hosea Kutako International Airport but you can locate others across the country. A sim card costs €0,4 (N$7). The best way to ensure that you have enough data is to buy one or more weekly packages. For €3 (N$50) you can get 1GB plus 100 minutes.
Vaccinations
Yellow Fever vaccination is a requirement when travelling to Namibia only if you have been to areas of Africa where the disease is common. Malaria is common in the northern and eastern parts of Namibia especially during the rainy season. Use mosquito-repellant and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to avoid bites.
Currency
The currency used is the Namibian Dollar. The South African Rand is also accepted and has the same value.
Exchange
A ‘Bureau De Change’ is located at Hosea Kutako International Airport, with other outlets in Windhoek and Swakopmund. You can also exchange your currency at Namibian banks.
Cash and Card
We recommend carrying cash on you if you plan on exploring Namibia’s far-flung destinations. Most shops and lodges accept card payments, but you’d be surprised by how many establishments and businesses don’t. Always ask whether cards are accepted at service stations before filling up, especially in small towns, as some do not.
Plugs
The most common electrical plugs are type D and C.
Language
The official language in Namibia is English. Other languages commonly spoken are Afrikaans and German.
With so many stunning places to visit, Namibia offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with its contrasting vistas and magnificent wildlife, exhilarating activities and space for silence. Can’t wait for your Namibia adventure? Check out our superb tours or customise your own!
