Travel Tips Namibia – Namibia is a vast and mostly unpopulated country filled with otherworldly desert landscapes and wildlife that has adapted to some of the harshest conditions on the planet. Because Namibia is safe and largely malaria-free, it’s a great destination for families and adventurers alike.
On my last visit to Namibia, my husband and I spent two weeks exploring by car and plane from Windhoek to Sossusvlei, and then from Swakopmund, we drove down to Walvis Bay, and met local people eager to share information about their country along the way.
Travel Tips Namibia
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An Epic Namibia Itinerary (plus Map, Tips & Best Places To Visit)
Some of the worst travel stories I heard while there included theft from open taxi windows and credit card fraud. Now I know that hailing a random taxi on the streets of Windhoek isn’t always a great idea, and while you might think that taxi drivers know the way to your destination, that might not always be the case. Once we gave the address of a not-so-touristy local shop and were dropped off at the wrong place, only realizing the mistake after paying and getting out of the taxi.
I also learned about credit card cloning, where thieves make a digital copy of your credit card information using a disguised electronic scanner or some other device. Keep your eyes on your card at all times, ask vendors to bring you the card reader instead of them taking your card and making the transaction out of sight.
Traveling by car in Namibia is safe, although it takes a lot of time if you want to explore large parts of the country. Paved roads, such as the Trans-Caprivi and Trans-Kalahari roads, are well maintained and connect the most visited corners of the country. If you have time, a driving safari is an affordable way to experience Namibia.
Maneuvering on unpaved roads comes with its own set of risks. On gravel roads, flying pebbles while passing other cars can cause windshield damage, and driving on rough terrain requires a sturdy 4×4 vehicle and off-road driving skills. Driving with your headlights on is essential at all times of the day. Avoid driving at night due to roaming animals.
Namibia Travel Tips
In remote corners of the country, gas stations are few and far between, so keep an eye on your gas tank and fuel up every chance you get. Always travel with snacks and plenty of water.
To avoid credit card fraud or cloning, rent your car online through a major rental company such as Avis, Budget, Triple Three Car Hire or Imperial that operate in Namibia and at the international airport.
You do not need a visa to enter Namibia if you are a tourist and are staying for less than 90 days. Check your passport to make sure it is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the country and has enough blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
Malaria is a risk depending on where in the country you visit © Anastasiia Shavshyna / Getty Images
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There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in Namibia, but if you are traveling there from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through an airport in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, travelers must have yellow fever. vaccination certificate.
Other recommended vaccinations for travel to Namibia include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, typhoid and rabies. Confirm that your routine vaccinations and boosters, such as MMR, varicella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, shingles and polio are up to date.
Malaria is a risk when visiting the northern and northeastern regions of Namibia during the wet season (November to June). You may need to start taking anti-malaria medicine several days before your trip, depending on the medicine your doctor prescribes. Check with your doctor about suitable anti-malarial tablets before visiting Namibia. There is little or no risk of contracting malaria in the rest of the country, including the iconic Skeleton Coast.
Wildlife is, well, wild and unpredictable. If you are on a safari, your guide will give you instructions and protocols to follow. If you opt for a self-driving safari, follow the park’s rules, most of which advise you to drive a safe distance from wildlife and stay in your car unless you’re in a designated area and it’s safe to get out and walk.
Weather & Climate Of Namibia
Do not drive between elephants in a herd, especially if you see females with their calves. If an animal seems upset or agitated, back away slowly.
Namibia is a stable country, but to stay safe during your visit, you need to be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on your possessions, especially when exploring Windhoek and other city centers where pickpockets may target foreign tourists. Be wary of scams, such as someone trying to distract you while an accomplice steals your purse or phone.
It is best not to bring expensive jewelry or watches to Namibia. Whenever possible, leave valuables in the hotel safe. Keep cameras, phones and large amounts of cash out of sight when you’re out and about in public. Avoid changing large amounts of money in busy public areas and if paying by credit card, try to keep your card in sight to avoid the risk of cloning. To do this, insist that the card reader is placed in front of you.
If you are renting a car, keep the car doors closed and the windows closed while waiting in traffic. Keep valuables out of sight during the day and never leave anything in your car when you park overnight.
Namibia Solo Travel Tips
If you don’t have a rental car, taxis are a cheap and convenient way to get around cities like Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. To operate legally, taxis must have government registration. But that doesn’t stop anyone with a car from driving a “pirate taxi” in search of a fare. Sometimes these pirate taxis pick up more passengers during the trip. Ask your accommodation or tour operator to call you a taxi or recommend a reputable taxi company.
Before getting into a taxi, know your destination or ask the driver if he knows how to get there, and always negotiate the fare in advance. Taxis don’t accept credit cards, so make sure you have exact change because often drivers can’t pay large bills and will ask you to stop somewhere to get change. While traveling in the cabin, never place your bag or other items on the seat next to an open window; at a traffic light, someone from the street could reach and grab it.
Namibia has an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, with high temperatures regardless of the season. Expect summer temperatures to reach 40°C (104°F), while winter temperatures hover around 25°C (77°F).
The coastal area, where the Namib Desert is located, is the driest region, as is the Kalahari Desert to the south. The air is humid and it can get quite foggy on the coast, especially early in the day. The northeast is the rainiest area of the country, with an average of 50 to 60 cm (20 to 23.5 in) of rain per year. The peak of the rainy season is from January to March.
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Keep your wardrobe for Namibia simple and practical. If you’re going on safari, muted earth colors like beige, khaki and olive green are best because they blend in with the surroundings. During a safari, especially a walking safari, avoid wearing bright or colorful clothes and perfumes. Long sleeves protect you not only from the sun, but also from mosquitoes and other insects. Shorts, t-shirts, comfy pants and long skirts are a good bet for when you’re out on the town.
Pack a light jacket or sweater for morning and evening outings, and a light waterproof jacket in case of rain. Comfortable walking shoes, as well as hats and sunglasses. Don’t forget sunscreen, bathing suit, lip balm and moisturizer.
Travel to the most magnificent places on the planet with this thought-provoking portrait of our world. See it like you’ve never seen it before and renew your relationship with the place we call home. Namibia is one of the most beautiful travel destinations we have ever visited. It is perfect for a driving safari in the best wildlife parks in Africa, but you will also find the most special natural phenomenon. From the largest seal colony in Africa and the endless sand dunes of Sossusvlei to one of the largest canyons in the world. Start your travel preparations for that bucket list trip with these handy Namibia travel tips.
We never felt unsafe while traveling in Namibia. The population is extremely friendly and helpful. Wild animals will not pose any danger and if you decide to go wild camping in Namibia, just make sure you know how to do it safely. The biggest factor to consider for your safety in Namibia is the vastness of the country and having problems with your rental car in the middle of nowhere.
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Read more: We wrote an extensive blog about road trips in Namibia. About road safety, what to do
