Highlights of Namibia

Namibia is an incredibly beautiful country, with its stark, sun-drenched deserts stretching as far as the eye can see, colorful giant dunes, magnificent canyons, rugged coastline, and unique wildlife adapted to this land of extremes.  It also has fascinating cultures and truly wild adventures in remote locations.  With so few people – only about 2 ½ million in the entire country – there is, nearly everywhere, an unnerving and surreal, but wonderful feeling of isolation, far, far, off-the-beaten path.

There are two vast deserts – the enormous Namib – with incredible scenery and wildlife, including desert-adapted elephants and lions, and the picture-perfect towers of sand in Sossusvlei- and  the Kalahari, with its beautiful mix of green acacias, yellow grass and red sand. They are both home to ancient tribes still living traditional lives.  There is also Fish River Canyon, a massive gorge with breathtaking views; Etosha National Park, one of the greatest wildlife parks on the continent; the Skeleton Coast, scattered with shipwrecks and skeletons; and Swakopmund, a lovely coastal town where the desert meets the sea.

Currency
Local currency: Namibian Dollar
Symbol: N$
ISO code: NAD
Subunit: Cent (1/100 of a Dollar)
Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 NAD
Coins: 5, 10, 50 cents, 1, 5, 10 NAD

Banking
Card Transactions: Widely accepted
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: No
Diner’s Club: No

Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 08:30 – 15:30, Saturdays: 08:30 – 12:00
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air:
Main airlines: Airlink, Fly Namibia
International Airports: Hosea Kutako International Airport, Walvis Bay International Airport
Domestic Airports: Eros Airport

Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes

Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes

Rail:
Railway system: No
Subway System: No

Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: Yes

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 
Namibian cuisine features a rich blend of German and South African influences, with a focus on grilled meats and fish. Dishes like Biltong (dried, spiced meat), Kapana (grilled meat from street vendors), and Potjiekos (slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew) are popular. Seafood is also abundant along the coast. 

Drinks: 
Popular local drinks include Windhoek Lager and Tafel Lager, locally brewed beers. 

Tipping: customary, usually around 10-15% in restaurants. 

Annual rainfall: Varies from under 50 mm in the desert to over 700 mm in the Caprivi Strip 
Average temperature: 20°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 20°C 
Average lows: 5°C 

Best time to visit: 
The best time to visit Namibia is during the cooler dry months from May to October when wildlife viewing is at its best in parks like Etosha National Park. The weather is pleasant for exploring the desert landscapes and other outdoor activities. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type D, M, and G 
Voltage (V): 220 V 
Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.