National Parks in Namibia
Namibia's top safari and wildlife destinations
Bwabwata National Park
Bwabwata National Park occupies the heart of the Caprivi Strip (now Zambezi Region), Namibia's lush panhandle that stret...
Etosha National Park
Etosha is Namibia's flagship safari destination and one of southern Africa's finest wildlife parks. The park is centered...
Fish River Canyon
Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon and the largest in Africa. Stretching...
Namib-Naukluft National Park
Namib-Naukluft is one of the largest national parks in Africa and home to the Namib Desert, the oldest desert on Earth. ...
Skeleton Coast National Park
The Skeleton Coast is one of the most remote and hauntingly beautiful places on Earth. This fog-shrouded strip of Atlant...
Waterberg Plateau Park
The Waterberg Plateau is a dramatic flat-topped sandstone mesa rising 200 meters above the Kalahari bushveld of central ...
Cities in Namibia
Explore Namibia's urban destinations
Luderitz
Luderitz is one of Africa's most unlikely towns: a colorful German colonial settlement clinging to the windswept Atlanti...
Swakopmund
Swakopmund is Namibia's adventure capital, a quirky coastal town where the Namib Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean. The to...
Walvis Bay
Walvis Bay is Namibia's main port city and the country's most important harbor, but for tourists it's all about the flam...
Windhoek
Windhoek is Namibia's compact, clean, and surprisingly cosmopolitan capital, nestled in a valley surrounded by the Khoma...
Best Time to Visit Namibia
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
For Safari
Peak: July, August, September, October
Dry season concentrates wildlife around waterholes, especially in Etosha
Seasons
May, June, July, August
Cool and dry, best for wildlife. Cold nights in the desert. Peak tourist season.
September, October, November
Hot and dry, excellent wildlife as animals crowd waterholes. Very hot in desert areas.
December, January, February, March
Rainy season, especially in the north. Green landscapes, migratory birds, lower prices.
April
Rains ending, landscapes still green, fewer tourists
Namibia Visa Requirements
As of April 1, 2025, Namibia requires most foreign nationals to obtain a visa for entry. Visas are available on arrival at designated airports and land borders, or in advance through the online e-Visa system. The standard fee is N$1,600 (approximately $90 USD) for non-African Union travelers. Children under 6 are exempt.
e-Visa Available
Yes
Cost
$90 USD
Validity
90 days
Visa on Arrival
Yes
Requirements
- • Passport valid 6+ months beyond entry with at least 2 blank pages
- • Return or onward ticket
- • Proof of accommodation
- • Proof of sufficient funds (may be requested)
- • Visa fee payment (card or cash)
Is Namibia Safe?
Namibia is one of Africa's safest countries for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is rare. Petty theft occurs in Windhoek and tourist areas but is easily avoided with basic precautions. The biggest risks are road-related: long distances, gravel roads, and wildlife crossings.
Safe Areas
- ✓ All national parks and reserves
- ✓ Tourist areas in Windhoek
- ✓ Swakopmund and Walvis Bay
- ✓ Safari lodges and campsites
Areas to Avoid
- ✗ Windhoek's Katutura township at night (without a guide)
- ✗ Isolated areas after dark
- ✗ Walking alone in city centers at night
Safety Tips
- • Lock valuables in your vehicle's trunk, out of sight
- • Don't drive after dark due to wildlife and unmarked roads
- • Carry a spare tire and basic tools for gravel roads
- • Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers
- • Keep copies of passport separate from original
Namibia Travel Costs
| Budget Level | Daily Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| budget | $40-$80/day | Camping, self-catering, own vehicle |
| mid range | $100-$250/day | Guesthouses, restaurants, rental car |
| luxury | $400-$1500/day | Luxury lodges, fly-in safaris |
Health & Vaccinations
Required Vaccinations
- •Yellow Fever (Required only if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country)
Recommended Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies (if visiting remote areas)
Malaria Risk
Prophylaxis recommended for: Caprivi Strip (Zambezi Region), Kavango East and West, Northern border areas
Healthcare
Good private healthcare in Windhoek. Limited facilities in rural areas. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential.
Tap Water: Safe to drink
Getting to Namibia
International Airports
Hosea Kutako International Airport
Windhoek (WDH)
Main HubWalvis Bay Airport
Walvis Bay (WVB)
Major Airlines
Air Namibia, Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, Eurowings Discover, Qatar Airways
Namibia Highlights
Must See
- • Sossusvlei and Deadvlei dunes
- • Etosha National Park waterholes
- • Skeleton Coast
- • Fish River Canyon
- • Himba villages in Kaokoland
Unique Experiences
- • Climb Dune 45 at sunrise in the Namib
- • Self-drive safari around Etosha's waterholes
- • Sandboarding in Swakopmund
- • Stargazing in the NamibRand Dark Sky Reserve
- • Kayaking with seals at Walvis Bay
Off the Beaten Path
- • Spitzkoppe granite peaks
- • Damaraland desert-adapted elephants
- • Kolmanskop ghost town near Luderitz
- • Caprivi Strip wetlands
- • Brandberg Mountain rock art
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Namibia safe for tourists?
Namibia is one of Africa's safest countries for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is very rare. Petty theft can occur in Windhoek but is easily avoided with basic precautions. The biggest risk is road-related: long distances on gravel roads, wildlife crossings, and driving fatigue. Avoid driving after dark.
What is the best time to visit Namibia?
The dry season from May to October is best for wildlife viewing, as animals gather at waterholes in Etosha. July to September is peak season with cool, dry weather. The wet season (December to March) brings green landscapes and migratory birds, plus lower prices. Sossusvlei is spectacular year-round.
Do I need a visa to visit Namibia?
As of April 2025, most visitors need a visa to enter Namibia. Citizens of the US, UK, EU, Australia, and Canada can get a visa on arrival at airports and borders for N$1,600 (~$90 USD). You can also apply online in advance at eservices.mhaiss.gov.na. Some nationalities (India, China) must apply at an embassy before travel. Children under 6 are exempt from fees.
Is self-driving in Namibia easy?
Namibia is one of Africa's best self-drive destinations. Roads are well-signposted, traffic is minimal, and the main tourist routes are manageable in a 2WD vehicle (though 4x4 is recommended for Sossusvlei and remote areas). Book a rental car with two spare tires and a basic emergency kit.
What currency does Namibia use?
Namibia uses the Namibian Dollar (NAD), which is pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand (ZAR). Both currencies are accepted everywhere in Namibia. Credit cards are widely accepted in towns and lodges. Carry cash for fuel stations and rural areas.