Namibia
Southern Africa · Africa
- Capital
- Windhoek
- Currency
- Namibian Dollar (NAD N$)
- Language
- English (official); Afrikaans, German and local languages
- Timezone
- UTC+2
- Safety rating
- 7.5/10
- Best time to visit
- The dry season from May to October is best for wildlife at Etosha, while the desert is stunning year-round (avoid the hot, wet Jan–March).
Overview
Namibia is a photographer's dream of towering apricot dunes at Sossusvlei, the ghostly Deadvlei, the wildlife-packed waterholes of Etosha and the eerie Skeleton Coast. Vast, empty and dramatically beautiful, it offers excellent infrastructure for self-drive safaris. German colonial heritage and the desert-adapted San and Himba cultures add depth.
Visa requirements
Many nationalities enter visa-free or via an e-visa or visa on arrival for short stays; check the latest rules before travel.
Safety information
Namibia is stable and one of Africa's best self-drive destinations, with petty crime mainly in Windhoek. The biggest risks are long, remote gravel roads and wildlife, so drive carefully and carry water and a spare tyre.
Travel tips
Cards are widely accepted in towns, but carry Namibian dollars (the South African rand is also accepted) for fuel and rural stops. A 4x4 with two spare tyres is ideal for gravel roads, and download offline maps. Buy an MTC SIM and fill up fuel at every opportunity.