NAMIBIA
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
ABOUT
NAMIBIA
The vastness here is hard to describe, and even harder to forget.
Namibia is stripped of pretense, built on quiet moments and impossible beauty. You’ll travel hours between stops and find each one more profound than the last.
This isn’t a destination of lists or checkmarks—it’s a place that teaches you to pause.
To listen to sand shifting in the breeze. To watch light stretch across the salt flats. To feel dwarfed by a dune and somehow more human because of it. It’s not about what you do here, but how it makes you feel—small, present, connected.
There are stories in the stones, and hospitality in the most remote corners. You’ll see wildlife on your own terms, guided by silence and instinct.
Namibia doesn’t try to impress. It just is. And in being so unapologetically itself, it invites you to do the same. You leave with more than photos—you leave with a shift in how you see the world.
Namibia draws travelers who are willing to embrace silence and space. It’s for those who don’t rush through a landscape but sit with it—watching shadows shift on the dunes or listening to stories shared around a fire.
The luxury here isn’t polished—it’s profound. If you want to unplug, to feel the vastness of nature and your place within it, Namibia doesn’t just deliver awe—it leaves you changed.
This is a place that slows you down and shows you why that matters. You’ll find beauty in the stillness and wisdom in the wind.
Whether you’re tracking wildlife with a guide, feeling the crunch of salt pans underfoot, or staring up at a sky ablaze with stars, Namibia asks you to let go of the noise and step into the quiet.
You don’t just visit—you absorb, reflect, and return home seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.
POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN
NAMIBIA
Sossusvlei Home to Dune 45 and surreal salt pans surrounded by towering red dunes.
Deadvlei An eerie, beautiful landscape of fossilized trees and white clay.
Etosha National Park Prime wildlife viewing at floodlit waterholes.
Skeleton Coast Haunting shipwrecks and windswept Atlantic beauty.
Swakopmund German charm meets adrenaline sports.
Twyfelfontein Thousands of ancient rock engravings in a desert setting.
Damaraland Elephant safaris, tribal culture, and stunning geology.
Himba Villages Visit Namibia’s semi-nomadic pastoralists.
Kolmanskop Sand-filled ghost town frozen in time.
Windhoek Namibia’s capital, with markets, museums, and craft shops.
Moon Landscape Barren but breathtaking vistas near Swakopmund.
Caprivi Strip Green, river-rich region perfect for birding and boat safaris.
QUICK FACTS
TRANSPORT
Between Cities
Namibia is best seen by road. Rent a 4x4 for independence and access to remote areas. Some routes are paved; many are gravel. Charter flights are available to lodges.
Around Cities
In Windhoek and Swakopmund, taxis and private transfers are common. In the countryside, travel is either self-drive or guided.
HOTELS/RESORTS/CRUISES
Hotels & Lodges
From sleek safari lodges perched on cliffs to tented camps that open to watering holes, Namibia’s stays are all about place and perspective. Eco-luxury is the norm, often with solar power, open-air showers, and unforgettable views.
Cruises
While Namibia isn’t a cruising destination inland, ocean cruises often stop in Walvis Bay or Lüderitz. Excursions include dune boarding, desert tours, and seafood feasts on the coast.
SHOPPING
Shop for
Hand-carved wooden animals, Himba jewelry, woven baskets, and locally dyed fabrics. Support women’s cooperatives and craft centers.
Eat
Sample game meats like oryx and springbok, savor kapana (grilled street meat), and try traditional stews with maize porridge.
Drink
Enjoy local lagers brewed to German standards, or try homemade ginger beer and Amarula cream liqueur after sunset.
Time Zone
Namibia observes Central Africa Time (CAT), which is GMT+2.
Vaccines
Namibia generally recommends vaccination for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Polio, and Rabies. Yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Electricity and Plugs
Namibia generally recommends vaccination for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Polio, and Rabies. Yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Climate
Namibia has a desert climate—hot days, cool nights. May to October is dry season and best for wildlife viewing. November to April sees some rain, especially in the north, but also brings dramatic skies and lush landscapes.
Safety
Namibia is one of Africa’s safest destinations, especially for self-drivers and safari travelers. Roads are good, but long distances require preparation. Always follow wildlife protocols and be cautious in remote desert regions. Cities are generally low-risk with standard precautions.
Useful Telephone Numbers
Emergency Services: 10111
Private Medical Rescue (E-Med): +264 61 411 600
Tourism Board: +264 61 290 6000
Country Code: +264
YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING ABOUT
NAMIBIA
FAQ's
Is Namibia safe for tourists?
Yes—Namibia is one of Africa’s safest safari destinations. Roads are well-maintained, and crime is low in rural areas. Just be prepared for remote travel conditions.
How many days do I need in Namibia?
10–14 days is ideal for a loop that includes Sossusvlei, Etosha, and the Skeleton Coast. Distances are long, so don’t rush.
When is the best time to visit Namibia?
May–October is dry season and best for wildlife. November–April is hotter with occasional rain and dramatic skies.
POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN
NAMIBIA
Deadvlei at sunrise
Dune 45’s red ridge
Etosha waterholes
Skeleton Coast from the air
Himba village portraits
Swakopmund pier
Namib Desert quad biking
Twyfelfontein rock art
Windhoek street murals
Moon Landscape panoramas
Flamingos at Walvis Bay
Milky Way over camp
LEARN MORE ABOUT
TRAVELING IN
NAMIBIA
Top 10 Unique Experiences to Have in Namibia
From climbing the world’s tallest dunes to tracking desert elephants and kayaking with seals, Namibia offers once-in-a-lifetime adventures. This guide reveals the top 10 unique experiences you won’t want to miss—each one packed with natural wonder, cultural depth, and cinematic landscapes. Whether you’re road-tripping or flying in, these activities will make your Namibia itinerary unforgettable.
10-Day Namibia Cultural Itinerary for Groups and Families
This 10-day Namibia itinerary is designed for families and small groups who want to go beyond the safari and into the heart of culture. With visits to desert dunes, historic sites, local villages, and game reserves, you'll experience Namibia at a pace that works for all ages. Discover how to plan a smooth, immersive trip with expert tips on driving, lodging, and cultural encounters—perfect for multigenerational travelers.
Travel itinerary planner through Namibia’s Regions and Plan Your Itinerary: A friendly guide
This 10-day Namibia itinerary is designed for families and small groups who want to go beyond the safari and into the heart of culture. With visits to desert dunes, historic sites, local villages, and game reserves, you'll experience Namibia at a pace that works for all ages. Discover how to plan a smooth, immersive trip with expert tips on driving, lodging, and cultural encounters—perfect for multigenerational travelers.
Namibia shocked us
I've been to over 90 countries and our trip to Namibia is in our top 3 vacations - EVER! From our luxury lodge stay to our epic road trip, and our visit to the San Bushmen. It was oustanding!
Sandra McLemore