Namibia - FAQs

When is the best time to travel to Namibia? ✈ 🇳🇦

Primetime to be visiting Namibia is in the dry season from May to October when winter temperatures hang around 20°C and there is little chance of rain. As water sources dry up, wildlife (and tourists) flock to the waterholes making for effortless animal viewing. For a full rundown on where and when to go, check out Viatu’s all-encompassing Namibia blog.

How many days should I spend in Namibia? 📆

We recommend spending 10 – 14 days travelling through Namibia if you want to experience all the best sights and not at breakneck speed. Namibia is mind-blowingly vast with multi-hour driving distances between most must-see destinations. Luckily, the extensive gravel roads will force you to slow down and truly appreciate your remarkable desert-scape surroundings.

Is there malaria in Namibia? 🦟

Namibia is virtually malaria-free. However, if you are travelling through the Kunene region of Namibia between November and June you may be at risk of contracting it. Consult your local physician a month before leaving for Namibia about anti-malarial medications.

Is Namibia safe for tourists? 👤💰

Yes it is. Namibia is often flaunted as the safest country to visit in Africa, however, there are still incidences of crime that travellers should be aware of. Petty theft and muggings do occasionally occur in towns. Follow these safety tips to minimise risks:

• Always keep an eye on your belongings whether one is travelling solo or in a group.

• Don’t parade your valuables such as your cellphone and camera.

• Avoid walking around deserted and quiet areas at night.

• Try not to keep large sums of money on you.

• Namibia’s wilderness is remote, a virtue that means you may not see another person on the road for hours on end. This also means that you may not be able to seek help. Make sure you know what to do if your car breaks down or if you get a flat tyre.

• Namibia’s formidable wildlife should be respected and viewed from a distance – never leave your car while driving through a national park unless you are at a designated picnic area or viewpoint and do not provoke wild animals.

All things considered, Namibia is a peaceful and welcoming country and a dream self-drive destination.

What to expect when travelling to Namibia 🌍

Friendly locals, rich history and culture, a kaleidoscope of sights from the vast orange Namib Desert to the azure blue Atlantic Ocean, moonscapes and green oases dotted with photogenic wildlife. And space. Lots of space. Mother Nature really outdid herself here.

Who is Namibia for? 👪

Namibia is an allrounder: fantastic for families, couples, solo travellers and groups. The activity list is endless and will keep the kids occupied (be mindful of age regulations at your lodge), honeymooners swooning and solo travellers inspired. A self-driving trip allows you to visit a combination of sites and destinations that suit you and your travelling companions’ personal preferences, be it for history, culture, wildlife or adventure.

Why is now a good time to travel to Namibia? 🇳🇦

The face of travel is changing – over-visited destinations are out and lesser-known destinations are in. Remote and uncommercialised countries such as Namibia are becoming the poster child for sustainable, responsible tourism. As the second least densely populated country in the world, you are guaranteed to be escaping crowded hotels, beaches and parks. In visiting Namibia, you are directly supporting wildlife conservation, creating jobs and combating poverty. Your trip will undoubtedly impact you, as well as the locals.

Am I able to make changes to my itinerary? ✍️

Viatu allows you to effortlessly customise your dream trip depending on your ‘must-sees’, budget, time and style. Please do reference our terms and conditions before booking as in some instances you may be charged for cancellations and/or changes.

What if I need to cancel my trip due to Covid-19-related circumstances? 📝

We at Viatu will try our best to accommodate any changes as far as possible. For more information, please refer to our Covid Policy or reach out to us directly.

What should I pack for my trip to Namibia? 🧳

Comfortable, khaki and casual: a quintessentially Namibian trifactor.

• Neutral coloured clothes are optimal for game drives (layered with jackets, beanies and gloves for those crisp mornings and evenings)
• Long-sleeve shirts will protect your arms from the harsh African sun when hiking or sightseeing
• A sports buff or scarf to shield your face and neck from the sun and dust
• Spare masks that cover both your nose and mouth
• A refillable water bottle so you don’t have to buy bottled water (Namibia’s tap water is safe to drink)
• A flask for your hot drinks so that you don’t rely on take-away coffee cups
• A pocket knife for snacking on top of the dunes or at a waterhole
• Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Field guides
• Binoculars & cameras
• A sense of adventure

What travel documentation do I need to travel to Namibia? 🛂

As a citizen of the EU 🇪🇺, USA 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, South Africa 🇿🇦, Australia 🇦🇺 and the UK 🇬🇧, you will need a passport valid for 6 months from your entry date with at least one blank page to enter Namibia. You DO NOT need to arrange a visa before arrival. However, If you plan on travelling for more than 3 months, you will need to apply for a visa.

If you are a citizen of a country not included above, you may need to acquire a visa before arrival in Namibia via your local Namibian Embassy. Citizens from some countries can obtain a single-entry tourist visa upon arrival in Namibia. Check out ivisa.com to find out visa information for all countries.

What travel documentation do I need if I am travelling with a minor? 🧒

If you are travelling with a child under the age of 18, an unabridged birth certificate will have to be presented to customs officials. If only one parent is travelling with the minor, a signed affidavit giving consent is required.

What health certifications do I need to enter Namibia? 💉

At the time of writing, a confirmed negative PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is required for entering Namibia. Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test results will no longer be accepted. It may not be older than 72 hours at the time of arrival in Namibia. If your test is older than this you will be required to quarantine at your hotel and undergo a test at your expense. Regulations change frequently so please consult the Namibian Government’s official website for up-to-date requirements.

All travellers aged 9 months and above that are arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission are required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate proving you have been immunised. To check whether you are originating from a qualifying country please check this website.

Is my drivers license valid in Namibia? 📋

If you are planning on renting or driving a car through Namibia and your driver's license is in English, you’re in luck - you do not need an international drivers license. If you are the designated driver for your trip and your license is not in English, you’ll have to get an international drivers license for your Namibian road trip.

Do I need to tell my bank that I am travelling abroad? 🏦

Let your bank know that you’ll be travelling abroad and drawing or paying in foreign currency (Namibian dollars or South African Rands) to avoid money troubles.

Should I take out travel insurance for my trip to Namibia? 📑

Yes, tourists have to have private medical insurance to be let into Namibia! Make sure your medical aid and travel insurance are both in order.

What should I read, watch or check out online before leaving for my trip to Namibia? 📺 📖

Essentials:

We recommend getting your hands on a copy of Tracks4Africa’s self-drive guide book for Namibia and/or The Rough Guide to Namibia and/or The Bradt Guide to Namibia to use as your trusted travel companion(s) before and during your trip. In areas where there is no cellphone signal, these guide books will be indispensable as they give tips on where to get fuel, where to buy supplies and where to go in case of an emergency.

It is not uncommon for cars to get punctures on Namibia’s gravel roads. Watch a Youtube video on how to change a tyre before you leave for your trip.

For interest sake:

Familiarise yourself with the mammals and birds you’re bound to see on safari and roadside in Namibia before you leave and blow your fellow travellers away with your insider knowledge.

In the weeks leading up to your trip, why not kick back and checkout Viatu’s Netflix & Change blog series for documentary and film recommendations centred around sustainability, Africa, wildlife and the environment.

What is the local etiquette I should follow? 🇳🇦

Responsible tourism and travel etiquette go hand-in-hand in Namibia. Please respect the land and the locals, and leave both as you found them. Please ask locals if you can take a picture of or with them. Some may ask that you pay them a small fee for the photos you take. It is customary to tip 10 - 15% in restaurants, and to tip petrol attendants and car guards N$5. After having gone on game-drives, it is also polite to tip your guide and tracker. For more information, read our complete guide to tipping on an African safari.

What currency do they use in Namibia? 💵

The Namibian Dollar (N$) and South African Rand (ZAR) are both widely used and accepted. The exchange rate between the two is always fixed at 1:1.

What condition are the roads in? 🛣️

Expect tar roads in towns and cities and long meandering gravel and sand roads into the backcountry. Both tar and gravel roads vary but are generally in great condition. Just make sure to drive slowly and keep an eye out for potholes, mud and quicksand (just kidding, kind of). When driving on sandy roads it helps to let some air out of your tyres so that you don’t dig into the sand and get stuck (see, quicksand). You will not need Dakar Rally-Esque off-roading skills to get around Namibia, although it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with 4X4 basics. Ask the car rental company for a demonstration before whizzing off. And make sure you can drive a manual transmission before renting one.

What side of the road should I drive on?
Keep left!

What happens if I get a flat tyre? 🚨

It is recommended that you learn how to change a tyre before you begin your adventure. This includes checking that your car has a spare tyre, manual and jack before you leave the rental company in Windhoek. Ask your car rental company for a demonstration. If you are unsure or worried about changing the tyre then we suggest that you call roadside assistance (check which is available to you before your trip).

What other important information should I know about driving a 4X4 in Namibia? 🚙

Watch your petrol gauge! You do not want to be running on reserves with 200 km still to go. If you run out of petrol, you will need to call a nearby petrol station and hope they are kind enough to assist or call prearranged roadside assistance who will come to your rescue. And keep in mind that distances in Namibia take much longer than they do elsewhere.

Can I drink the tap water in Namibia? 🚰

Yes you can! Tap water in hotels, lodges, restaurants and public places is purified and safe to drink. There is no need to buy armloads of bottled water and you can instead refill a reusable one. However, if you have a sensitive constitution or are concerned about the water quality somewhere, stock up on some bottled water from a supply store for your self-drive stretches.

What is the food in Namibia like? 🍔

All food items in supermarkets and restaurants are safe to eat. You are more likely to find European-style dishes on restaurant menus than local food, especially in towns. Restaurants serve anything from pizza to German pastries and there are normally vegetarian options. Use the Happy Cow App to find vegetarian and vegan restaurants if you can’t come right.

When the opportunity presents itself, try some traditional oshifima, oshiwambo or mielie pap dishes. Local Afrikaans delicacies like koeksisters (doughnuts covered in syrup), melktert (milky cinnamon tart) and game biltong (salted and dried kudu or ostrich meat) are also drool-worthy. While you’re visiting a coastal town try the catch of the day, likely kabeljou or kingklip.

What is accommodation in Namibia like? 🏨

Namibia caters to backpackers and celebrities alike with a full spectrum of accommodation options. Whether you are keen on camping or sitting poolside at a 5-star luxury lodge, there are ample accommodation options available to Viatu travellers. To avoid any disappointments you better book in advance, especially during the peak season (between June and October).

What languages are spoken in Namibia? 🗣️

Many languages are spoken in Namibia despite its small population. English is Namibia’s official language - even though it is the native tongue of only 3% of the population. You’ll likely hear Afrikaans, German and Oshiwambo dialects while traversing through.

Can I make changes to my itinerary while travelling? 📝

We love spontaneity however some lodges and hotels may not. We try to be as accommodating as possible and will try our best to make the requested changes, but depending on the T&Cs of the affected accommodation provider, cancellation or administrative charges may apply. We will always endeavour to find the next best option.

How can I contact someone at Viatu? 📱

If you need to get in touch with anyone at Viatu, please reference your travel docs. Otherwise, you can email helpme@viatu.com.

How can I stay safe? 😃

Namibia is a peaceful country posing an overall low risk to travellers. This being said, pickpockets and muggers are known to operate in cities and towns in most countries in the world. Be vigilant when walking the streets, and always keep an eye on your belongings. Do not leave anything of value in your car, do not offer hitchhikers lifts and do not entertain strange requests at ATMs or the airport. Namibia is safe for solo female travellers although you should not be out alone after dark. Keep this number for Windhoek’s police on your phone: +264 (61) 1-0111.

Make sure you are only driving during the day as it is common for drunk drivers to be making the long trip home after a night out.

In terms of COVID-19, it is mandatory to wear a mask in public and to practice social distancing (Namibia is quite possibly the easiest place to do this in!).

Will I ever come face to face with wild animals? 🦁

When travelling outside of towns and into Namibia’s wilderness, your greatest threats become less human-like and more of the animal kind. Wildlife in Namibia is well.. wild, and you should respect all its creatures, great and small, at all times. Never ever get out of your car when you are in a national park (you could also be prosecuted for this) unless you are at a designated picnic spot, and never try to touch or interact with any wild animal you find. If you follow the rules, you shouldn’t ever come face to face with a wild animal by surprise. While on a game-drive, your safety is the number one priority of your knowledgeable guide and you can trust them to make the right calls when out in the bush.

Is there cell phone reception in Namibia? 📶

There is widespread cellular reception throughout Namibia, BUT, it is notoriously slow or absent in some of the more remote areas. So If you are looking for a digital detox, you are in luck, and if you are looking to do some photo uploading, you are also in luck. Most hotels and lodges also offer free Wi-Fi for guests (although don’t expect 5G).

Do I need to draw cash or is a credit card enough? 💳

In southern Africa, cash is king! In Namibia, restaurants, large shops and hotels will accept your credit or debit card (Mastercard or Visa), however, in the more remote areas, cash is sometimes the only form of payment that is recognised. Some petrol stations, national parks and small shops also do not accept cards and If you are thinking of buying curios or tipping locals you will also need some $$$ on hand. South African Rands (ZAR) 🇿🇦 and Namibian dollars (N$) 🇳🇦 are fixed at a rate of 1:1 and are both accepted nationwide. Try to spend all your Namibian dollars by the time you leave as these are harder to exchange and are not accepted anywhere else.

Do I need a power plug travel adapter? 🔌

In Namibia the power plugs and sockets are of type D, C and M (the same ones that you would find in South Africa). What the heck does this mean?! We’ve included pictures to help you out, alternatively you can enter your country of origin into this website and it will tell you what adapter you should bring along to Namibia. Type C (the round two point adapter) is commonly used in Europe.

Do I need to present a COVID-19 negative test result at customs? ⚕️

Yes! Here’s what you’ll have to do on arrival:

Provide printed confirmation of your negative PCR test result for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) (it may not be older than 72 hours at the time of arrival in Namibia and must be in English). Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test results will no longer be accepted. Outdated/positive tests: you will have to enter quarantine at your own expense Proof of private travel insurance A copy of your trip itinerary Submit a completed health questionnaire .

On departure:

A negative COVID-19 test conducted within the last 48 hours If the country you are travelling to requires it Submit a completed health questionnaire .

Regulations change frequently so please consult a Namibian tourism website for up-to-date requirements.

What precautions are taken by the hotels and lodges I will be staying in?

Your safety is of the utmost importance to Viatu and your hosts in Namibia. Rest assured that all accommodation options are COVID-ready, and have implemented rigorous sanitary protocols that uphold the required government standards.

Will I have access to COVID-19 testing facilities in Namibia? 😷

There are designated testing facilities in Namibia for tourists, BUT testing is limited to a certain number of tests per day (effective 21 December 2020). All testing arrangements need to be pre-booked and appointments must be made in advance. Official tourist testing facilities are: the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP), Pathcare, UNAM Lab (+264612065062), Namib Poultry Lab (+264612901378/9) and the NAMDEB Lab (+26463238024). You can expect to pay around N$1000 (or ZAR1000) for a test (even with private insurance).

What happens if I get Covid whilst on my trip? 🚨

If you suspect that you might have Covid, don’t panic. Isolate yourself and seek medical attention if you are unwell. Check what the COVID-19 procedure is at your hotel/lodge and follow their guidelines.

Will I be able to find a doctor and hospital? ⚕️

Access to healthcare in Namibia is considered good. There are both private and public hospitals, with larger hospitals equipped to handle emergencies primarily found in cities. Keep the emergency numbers provided by your travel insurer ready at all times. Alternatively, E-Med is a Namibian emergency rescue company that services the whole country ([+264] 61 411 600).

Is healthcare in Namibia good? 🏥

Good quality private hospitals are found in all Namibian cities and all are on par with international standards. You will have access to great support and levels of care at these facilities.

Who covers the cost of a medical emergency? 💵

If you have taken out comprehensive travel insurance your insurer will cover the costs for usual medical treatment. Check the details of your insurance before you leave and if faced with an emergency situation while travelling.