Nomad Namibia Explorer

Namibia, located in southwest Africa, is known for its striking contrasts and stunning natural beauty. Namibia provides a singular and remarkable experience, from the renowned red dunes of Sossusvlei to the eerily stunning Skeleton Coast. The world's tallest sand dunes, the oldest desert on Earth, and the second-largest canyon—the breathtaking Fish River Canyon—can all be found there. The country's landscapes, which include the central plateau, the lush northern steppes, and the arid Namib and Kalahari Deserts, are as diverse as its history.

Namibia boasts equally impressive wildlife, with Etosha National Park being a popular destination where enormous numbers of animals, including Hartmann's Mountain Zebra, lions, and elephants adapted to the desert, gather at waterholes. The Namib Desert supports adapted plants and fauna, making it a living ecosystem.

The capital, Windhoek, and the charming seaside town of Swakopmund, which highlights Namibia's German colonial past through its architecture, culture, and yearly Oktoberfest celebrations, are both open to tourists. Namibia is a complex mix of histories and identities because of the colonial past and indigenous customs, such as the distinctive cultural practices of the Herero people.

Namibia offers an unforgettable adventure in one of Africa's most pristine wildernesses, whether you're visiting ghost towns in diamond fields, taking in the breathtaking desert scenery, or getting lost in the country's unique culture.

About 87.5% of Namibia’s population are considered black and are of African descent. 6% of the population is considered to be white or of Caucasian descent while 6.5% of the population would describe themselves as mixed race. About 50% of the population belong to the Ovambo Tribe, 9% to the Kavango tribe. Other ethnic minority groups include Herero 7%, Damara 7%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, Bushmen 3%, Baster 2%, Tswana 0.5%

English is the official language. There are 13 tribes and 16 languages and dialects, of which the most important are Afrikaans, German, Oshiwambo, Herero, Damara/Nama, Lozi, Kwangali and Tswana. 

Namibia is a cultural melting pot. There are many different cultural groups, the Nama, descendants of Chief Hendrik Witbooi; the proud Oshivambo; the Oshihimba; the Rehoboth Basters; the Herero cattle farmers; the Damara landowners, the Khoi-San and the descendants of Europeans. They live in harmony with one another in a way seldom seen in other parts of the world. The indigenous tribes have succeeded in to embracing the colonial influence forced upon them. They accepted the elements they liked without losing their own identity. 

Namibia Visa on Arrival process for international travellers

Travelers from a selected list of countries now have the option to apply for their visas either online or upon arrival at Namibia’s designated entry points.

However, even if the visa is pre-approved on the online system, as a traveller, you must still bring the necessary documents with you, as immigration officials at the points of entry may request these for verification. Please have a look at the ‘Namibia Visa on Arrival process’ document in the documents section of this WETU/Travel Key itinerary. You will find all the details there.

Passport: A passport having at least three blank pages that is valid for at least six months after the date of entrance.

Before departing, it is advisable to confirm the most recent entry requirements with the Namibian embassy or consulate.

The local currency, the Namibian Dollar (N$, ISO code: NAD), is divided into 100 cents and is equivalent to the South African Rand, which is also recognized throughout Namibia. Nevertheless, South Africa does not accept Namibian money. Coins vary from 5 cents to 10 NAD, while banknotes have denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 NAD. Although remote safari camps might only accept cash, credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are routinely accepted. The South African Rand, British Pounds, Euros, and US Dollars are also widely used. Keep an eye out for ATM and credit card fraud; never divulge your PIN, and carefully review your receipts.

Typically, banking is open from 8:30 to 15:30 Monday through Friday and from 8:30 to 11:00 on Saturdays. In cities, stores typically open from 9:00 to 17:00 Monday through Friday. On Saturdays and some Sundays, especially in tourist destinations, their hours are shortened.

Visit craft fairs, stores, or roadside stands that sell pottery, baskets, and woodcarvings as souvenirs. In markets, haggling is permitted, but not in retail establishments. Avoid purchasing products made of snakeskin, tortoise shell, or ivory since they may be from protected species and exporting them may be prohibited.

Namibians drive on the left and all signposts are in English. Seat belts must be worn at all times and using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited. The general speed limit is 120km/h on tarred roads outside of towns, but it is advisable to keep to 100 km/h until familiar with local conditions. In towns the speed limit is 60km/h. Experience shows that a safe speed on gravel is 60km/h.

Long Distances:
A 2WD vehicle is normally adequate for most journeys, however higher clearance is essential. Long distances, poor mobile phone coverage outside of main towns and infrequent petrol stations that only accept cash mean that planning ahead is vital.

Driving in Namibia can be tiring due to long distances, even on tarred roads. Be cautious when driving into the rising or setting sun and take regular breaks to stay alert. Always be prepared for unexpected situations, such as animals on the road. As the roads are fairly deserted you may not encounter oncoming traffic for a long time.

Off-Road Driving:
Sedan vehicles are not suitable for off-road conditions. Stick to designated roads to avoid damage, as you may be held responsible. Gravel roads can be used but check their condition before driving, as some may be impassable and could cause you to get stuck. Experience shows that a safe speed on gravel is 60km/h.

Public transport in Namibia is geared towards the needs of the local populace, and is confined to main roads between major population centres. Although cheap and reliable, it is of little use to the traveller as most of Namibia’s tourist attractions lie off the beaten track.

There are major airlines that fly into Windhoek and Swakopmund. Other destinations are reachable by car or charter flight. 

The medical services in Namibia are good but most limited to the few large cities.  Private emergency rescue services operate air and ground ambulances throughout the country, but care is rendered only after a patient’s ability to pay is established and many landing strips can only be used during daylight hours. You should ensure that your travel insurance will cover emergency evacuation to South Africa where medical services are of a high standard and more widely available than in Namibia.

Please note always carry your credit card and insurance details with you. In case of an emergency most private hospitals will ask you for payment prior to commencing treatment.

We recommend that you contact your local health authority for personalized advice on necessary vaccinations and any malaria pills you might need

Namibia is geared for the individual traveller and has good infrastructure and professional services. But, as with travelling in any other county in the world, it is advisable to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers medical costs and repatriation if needed. It is also advisable to insure your luggage. To avoid theft, visitors are advised not to travel with expensive jewellery and never to carry large amounts of cash. When travelling the visitor must be careful to watch their belongings at all times. Tourists are always attractive to pickpockets and thieves so please stay alert.

Please note: it is always good travel policy to have a photocopy of your passport, kept separate from the passport itself, and to leave a photocopy with friends or family back home.

In restaurants and eateries, meals are often European-style. German dishes such as Wiener schnitzel are particularly popular. The brewing tradition of the Germans is also apparent from the lager beers served. For example, Windhoek is a popular brand.

With its focus on livestock rearing, Namibia is very meat-minded. Steaks from various animals feature heavily on menus. However, fish is also plentiful. Local favourites include kingklip and kabeljou. In rural communities, staple foods are often made from millet and sorghum. These include mealie pap, a stiff kind of porridge and kapana bread. Dried meat and meat with millet (oshifima ne vanda) are common, as are dairy products. Beans and greens are eaten with millet, but the range of vegetables is limited by the amount of rainfall.

In the safari camps and hotels an international menu is standard. Local specialities include Luderitz oysters (available all year round) and Swakopmund asparagus (September to April). Namibian beef, lamb and venison are often cooked outdoors and a ‘braaivleis’ (BBQ) is very popular. Potjiekos is a complete meal prepared in one cast iron pot consisting of meat and vegetables which are cooked on an open fire.

Namibian  Specialities

Biltong               Dried strips of meat cured with salt and spices

Pot bread         Bread baked in a cast iron pot.

Boerewors       Sausage with traditional spices

Namibia is a popular tourist destination year-round due to its sunny and dry climate. However, the country experiences large temperature differences, depending on the season and location.

Seasons:

Winter (May to September): During the day, it is pleasantly warm, but in the evening, it can get very cold, especially in the desert, where temperatures can drop below freezing.

Summer (October to April): During the day, it is hot, and in some areas, the temperature can regularly exceed 35°C. At night, it remains warm, especially in the central and northern regions.

Rainfall:

There is little rain, mainly between November and March, during the summer period. The north receives more rain than the south, often in the form of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Note that certain roads may become temporarily impassable due to heavy rainfall.

Wind and Dryness:

Namibia is known for its dry climate and frequent dry winds, particularly in the desert areas. These winds can cause sand and dust storms, reducing visibility while driving.

Advice for Travelers:

Bring light, breathable clothing for the day and warm layers for the evening, especially if traveling in winter.

Always carry plenty of water and sunscreen, as the dry climate can be dehydrating.

Check local weather conditions and road updates, especially during the rainy season.

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable clothing. 

Winter and Autumn 
Days are still warm, but prepare for cold nights!

General 
Umbrella and raincoat
Swimming costume (bathing suit)
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock
Walking shoes

Traditional dress

Namibians wear a variety of fashions that represent the country's rich history and culture. Each ethnic group has its own distinctive materials, patterns, and inspirations that are reflected in their traditional clothing.

Herero: Women from this group are renowned for their vividly coloured, Victorian-style gowns. These outfits are frequently worn with headdresses fashioned like horns, which represent cattle, which are essential to Herero culture.

Himba: Known for their striking appearance, the Himba people live in Namibia's northern areas. To defend themselves from the severe weather, women dress simply in skirts made of goat skins and paint their bodies with otjize paste, which is a concoction of red ochre and butterfat. Additionally, their jewellery and haircuts have cultural connotations that signify their marital status and age.

Nama and Damara: These groups frequently wear vibrant, multicoloured garments that are reminiscent of colonial-era European missionary influences.

You will not always have mobile telephone coverage and internet access in Namibia. Please prepare the use of offline maps for navigation. Your accommodations will have wifi unless stated other wise.  

The voltage is Namibia is 220/240. You will need a 3-round prong plug or an adapter. Adapters can be bought in most supermarkets or might be available at the reception desk of your hotel. Most hotels have 110 Volt outlets for shavers or small appliances.

Namibia is one of Africa’s most forward-thinking countries when it comes to conservation. It was the first African nation to include environmental protection in its constitution. This commitment led to groundbreaking policies that give local communities the authority to manage wildlife and natural resources through communal conservancies.

Today, over 43% of Namibia’s land is under conservation management—this includes national parks, private game reserves, community forests, and commercial conservancies. Since gaining independence in 1990, more than 70 registered conservancies have been established, involving around one in four rural Namibians.

This approach has fostered a strong sense of ownership over natural resources. Wildlife is now embraced as a valuable and sustainable land use, alongside traditional farming and livestock. In 2009 alone, community-based natural resource management generated over $42 million in income for rural Namibians.

As a result of this collaborative conservation model, wildlife numbers have seen a remarkable recovery. Namibia is home to the world’s largest population of free-roaming black rhinos and cheetahs, and it’s the only African country where free-roaming lion populations are increasing. Between 1995 and 2008, Namibia’s elephant population more than doubled—from 7,500 to over 16,000. These conservation achievements have led many to refer to Namibia’s efforts as one of Africa’s greatest wildlife recovery success stories.

Namibia is therefore not only a land of striking landscapes and rich cultures, but also a pioneer in sustainable conservation.

Emergency & Useful Contact Numbers for Tourists

• Police / General Emergencies: 10 111

• African Ample Assistance (24/7 tourist emergency support): 082-777 7800

• Hosea Kutako International Airport Information (Windhoek): +264 (0)61 295 5600

• Ambulance (General Emergency Number): 211 111

• Windhoek Fire Department: +264 (0)61 211 111

• Tourist Information – Namibia Tourism Board: +264 (0)61 290 600

• Namibia Medical Rescue (24/7 emergency line): +264 (0)81 924