Namibia Travel Advice & Safety: Is it safe to visit Namibia
Before you go to Namibia, make sure you acquire the vital travel advice from kabirasafaris. Nothing beats up-to-date, useful information straight from the professionals.
Namibia Travel Advice & Safety:
- No place is immune to petty crime, even major cities. Among these crimes include car break-ins, bag theft, and pickpocketing. Do not leave anything of value in your vehicle. Even when you’re in motion, make sure the car doors are secured and the windows are up.
- Hostage takings and robberies are examples of violent crimes. Tourists who stopped for hitchhikers or those in need have been victims of robberies. It is not a good idea to wander about big cities alone, especially at night. Never phone an unknown number.
- Travellers have been robbed by taxi drivers. Never get into an unidentified cab on the street. Take cabs that bear the logo of the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association. Make a taxi reservation at the hotel or with a local service.
- Credit card fraud happens. Remember to always have your card on hand. Be wary of any suspicious activity on your statements.
- Between November and April, during the rainy season, flooding is possible. Floods have the potential to obstruct roadways.
Money & Spending
The Namibian Dollar is the official currency of Namibia; however, visitors who have purchased a combination of South African Rand and Namibian Dollar can use either money at any of the country’s businesses, resorts, markets, and restaurants. Be advised that South Africa does not accept the Namibian Dollar.
Credit cards from Visa and Mastercard are usually accepted all around Namibia, however it’s a good idea for anyone using other cards to double-check. Keep in mind that petrol stations do not take credit cards if you plan on driving yourself.
Our banking hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3:30 pm and Saturday from 8 am to 11 am.
Tipping
Tipping is only customary in more upscale tourist spots in Namibia; nevertheless, it is strictly forbidden in parks and reserves. Most restaurant bills already contain a service charge; nonetheless, if the service was good, it is customary to leave a 10% tip.
Climate
- Average summer temperatures: 15°C to 40°C
- Average winter temperatures: 0°C to 23°C
- Rainy season: October/November to April
Refer to “best time to visit Namibia” for climate charts and details on the best wildlife-viewing times.
What To Pack
Layering is key for a Namibia safari because, while temperatures can vary by region and season, you can expect hot days and unexpectedly cool evenings. During the day, wear light, neutral-colored cotton clothes; in the morning and evening, bundle up with a fleece or jacket for game drives. You absolutely need a good pair of walking shoes or sturdy hiking boots.
In our Africa Safari Guide, we go into further detail on what to bring on a safari in the travel advice section.
Flights & Getting Around
Kabira Safaris is a travel agency; did you know that? Check out our Flights section for all the details and answers to your inquiries.
The international gateway to Windhoek is Hosea Kutako International Airport, but charter flights on smaller planes will take you to Eros, the capital’s second airport, if you’re going to far-flung areas within the country.
The second-largest airport in Namibia, Walvis Bay Airport, is situated 15 kilometres east of Walvis Bay. Its convenient location makes it easy to reach Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast.
The open-sided 4×4 vehicles are the norm for transfers and game drives in Namibia.
Due to the country’s well-developed infrastructure, many tourists choose to rent a car and drive across Namibia on their own, enjoying the freedom to explore at their own pace while still sticking to a set schedule. Guests staying at private reserves who prefer to drive themselves can join the rest of the group on guided 4×4 game drives.
Visa & Passport Requirements
Citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, most European countries (including France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Spain, and Switzerland), Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Malaysia, Japan, and Singapore do not need a visa to visit Namibia; however, all visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the initial travel date. In Windhoek, visitors can obtain a 90-day entry visa and further travel authorization.
For inquiries regarding visa requirements, international visitors may contact the Namibian Consulate in their respective countries.
About Namibia
History & Economy
Despite its isolation and the prevalence of parched mountains and bone-dry deserts, the history of Namibia is rich and varied. Europeans didn’t start showing up until the late 1800s, after the San Bushmen and migrant African farmers and herders had already settled the area. Prior to 70 years of South African control, there was a short but significant period of German colonial rule. It wasn’t until 1990 that Namibia finally achieved its independence, a process that unfolded against the background of the Cold War.
Although tourism contributes for 18% of total employment in Namibia, the country’s mining industry is the backbone of its economy, generating 25% of revenue, thanks to its rich quantities of diamonds, uranium, and precious metals. The future holds the extraction of gas from offshore locations.
People & Culture
Namibia is twice the area of Germany yet has the second-lowest population density in the world, with only 2.1 million people calling it home. While the majority of Namibians identify as Ovambo, there are sizable minority groups that include Herero, San Bushmen, Germans, and Afrikaners. The vast majority identify as Christians, while traditional values are more prevalent in more remote places.
Though English is the de jure language of business, tourists and residents alike can easily communicate in German and Afrikaans. There is a lot of modern-day South African influence in Namibia, but the country also has some of the finest rock art in Africa and is home to the Himba people of the Kaokoveld, who are very traditional and still use a blend of natural colours and animal fats to decorate their bodies.
Landscape & Wildlife
The Namib and Kalahari Deserts characterise Namibia, while the majority of its inhabitants reside on the rich central plateau. The red-sand Namib Desert, which contains the world-renown dunes of Sossusvlei, stretches all the way to the cold Atlantic Ocean and is the oldest desert on Earth. Northern Namibia is mostly forested and has grassy savannahs, while the Caprivi Strip, an irregularly formed remnant of Namibia’s colonial past, is home to vast wetlands.
There is a constitutional guarantee of environmental protection, and about 15% of the country is set aside for parks and reserves. Elephants and lions, among other recognisable species, have adapted to the harsh desert conditions in Namibia, but the country’s premier game watching occurs in Etosha National Park. Etosha is a popular destination for desert and savannah animals alike. It is well-known for its illuminated waterholes and for protecting rare and endangered species like black rhinos and cheetahs.
Waterberg is a one-of-a-kind plateau populated by traditional savannah species; the tiny but thriving Caprivi reserves are another wildlife hotspot, offering excellent bird watching and huge herds of elephants and buffalo.
