During your DEFENDER Experience journey, you’ll be behind the wheel—this is a self-drive adventure. A professional DEFENDER Experience instructor will accompany the tour and is always available to offer guidance and support.
You’ll drive the latest Defender with automatic transmission—modern, comfortable, and built for any terrain. Vehicles are designed for two guests as standard. Upon request, a third or fourth guest can also be booked into the vehicle.
Participation with your own vehicle is unfortunately not possible due to insurance reasons.
If you’re traveling alone, you will be paired with another guest for safety reasons. If there is an odd number of participants, one of our instructors will accompany you in the vehicle.
Travel is typically done in a convoy, with communication between vehicles via radio. This ensures that you stay connected with the group and receive useful tips and instructions from the guide throughout the journey.
Located in southwestern Africa, Namibia boasts a well-developed infrastructure, some of the best tourist facilities in Africa, and an impressive list of breathtaking natural wonders. Visitors can explore the capital of Windhoek and discover the lovely coastal town of Swakopmund boasting remnants of the country’s German influence, reflected in the architecture, culture, cuisine and the annual Oktoberfest celebrations. To properly appreciate this extraordinary country, you will have to venture out of the cities to explore the remarkable natural landscapes Namibia has to offer. These include: the impressive Fish River Canyon; the vast Etosha National Park teeming with abundant wildlife, such as lions, desert-adapted elephants and the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra; the hauntingly beautiful Kalahari Desert; and of course the Namib Desert stretching for over 2000 km along the magnificent Atlantic Coast. Namibia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African experience in a uniquely beautiful untamed wilderness.
Entry Requirements
VISA / Entry requirements Namibia
As of April 1, 2025, Namibia has implemented a new visa-on-arrival travelers from select countries. For further information, please consult the attached document
"Namibia_Visa_On_Arrival_Guide..." and visit the official website of the Ministry of Home Affairs: www.eservices.mhaiss.gov.na.
Disclaimer Regarding Visa Requirements:
Please be advised that it is the sole responsibility of each traveler to ensure they meet the visa requirements for entry into Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for visa applications, approvals, or any issues arising from failure to obtain the necessary travel documentation. All travelers must ensure they have valid passports, visas, and any other required documents before traveling. We strongly recommend that you verify the specific entry requirements with the respective embassies or consular services well in advance of your trip.
Banking and Currency
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: Yes
Diner’s Club: Yes
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 08:30 – 15:30, Saturdays: 08:30 – 11:00
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Please apply for an international driver license (if your license is not issued in English) and carry your national and international driver license with you while you are travelling.
It is easy to travel around Namibia by car, and a 2WD vehicle is perfectly adequate for most journeys. However, long distances, poor mobile phone coverage outside of main towns and infrequent petrol stations that only accept cash mean that planning ahead is vital.
There are major airlines that fly into Windhoek (WDH) and Walvis Bay (WVB) which are both international airports. Other destinations are reachable by car or charter flight.
In Namibia, driving is on the left-hand side, and all road signs are in English. Seat belts are mandatory at all times, and the use of mobile phones while driving is strictly prohibited.
The general speed limits are as follows:
120 km/h on tarred roads outside urban areas
100 km/h on gravel roads
60 km/h in built-up areas
Health and Medical Information
VACCINATIONS
Information on recommended or prescribed vaccinations for the respective target areas can be found here:
www.visitnamibia.com.na/health
MEDICATION
Please ensure you bring any general medications you may need for the trip.
Kindly be aware that our local team is unable to provide these medications, as only licensed doctors are authorized to administer them.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
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.
Climate and Weather
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.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Namibia’s climate is generally dry and sunny, but temperatures can vary greatly between day and night, and across seasons. To help you pack smartly for your DEFENDER Experience, here’s a practical recommendation to what clothing you’ll need depending on the time of year:
SUMMER
Namibia's summer is hot and can be humid in some areas. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoons.
Lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton or linen)
Light-colored long-sleeved shirts (sun protection)
Shorts or loose trousers
Sun protection
Light rain jacket or poncho (for sudden showers)
Swimwear (for lodges or camps with pools)
Jersey for the evenings (depending on the area)
AUTUMN (April – May)
This is a transitional season with pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler evenings.
Layers! (T-shirts during the day, light fleece or sweater for evenings)
Long pants for cooler mornings and nights
Windbreaker or light jacket
Comfortable closed shoes or boots
WINTER (June – August)
Winter days are mild, but mornings and nights can be very cold, especially in the desert.
Warm jacket
Hat, and scarf (for early morning game drives)
Long-sleeved shirts, jersey
Warm sleepwear
Shoes or boots
SPRING (September – October)
Temperatures rise again, and the landscape starts to dry out. Dust levels increase, especially in remote areas.
Lightweight layers for warm days and cooler mornings
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (protection from sun and dust)
Scarf or buff (for dust in open vehicles)
Sun protection
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodations: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Airport: YES
Electricity and Plug Standards
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.
General Guidance
LANGUAGE
Please note that English is the primary language used during the tour and must be understood and spoken to follow guide instructions.
German is offered as an alternative language by most of our guides but cannot be guaranteed at all times.
ACCOMMODATIONS
We reserve the right to change the accommodation to an equivalent alternative at any time, as it is subject to availability.