Things to Consider Before Visiting Namibia

Is Namibia Safe?

Namibia is widely regarded as one of Africa’s safest destinations for tourists. Crime exists, as it does everywhere, but it is mostly limited to petty theft in urban areas.

Safety tips:

Keep vehicle doors locked, especially in towns and at traffic lights.

Avoid leaving valuables visible inside your car.

Exercise additional caution in Windhoek and Swakopmund, where most urban incidents occur.

At night, use registered taxis or travel with your guide.

In rural areas and national parks, most visitors feel very safe. Namibians are known for their friendliness and hospitality.

Wildlife Safety

Namibia’s wildlife—including lions, elephants, rhinos, and hyenas—generally avoids humans. Attacks are extremely rare, particularly inside well-managed parks and lodges.

Good to know:

• Most campsites inside wildlife zones are fenced.
• Lodges and camps provide safety briefings.
• Animals usually move away unless provoked or threatened.
• Large predators are mostly found in the far north; southern Namibia is predator-free.

Respecting park rules and keeping a safe distance ensures an incident-free safari.

Entry Requirements (Updated 2026)

Namibia is straightforward to enter.

Visa Policy

Most nationalities—including travellers from the UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, and many African countries—receive a 90-day tourist entry on arrival.
A visa is required only if:

You intend to work or volunteer.

You stay beyond the allowed tourist period.

Passport Requirements

Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

Minimum of two blank pages.

Travel With Children

Families travelling with minors may be asked for unabridged birth certificates or parental consent letters (recommended for smooth immigration).

Currency & Money Tips

Namibia uses the Namibian Dollar (NAD), which is pegged 1:1 with the South African Rand (ZAR). Both currencies are accepted throughout the country.

Useful Tips:

It is easier to obtain South African Rand from international banks than Namibian Dollars.

NAD cannot always be reconverted once you return home.

ATMs are widely available in cities, but carry some cash when travelling into remote areas.

Card payments are accepted in most lodges, supermarkets, and fuel stations.

Health, Vaccinations & Medication (2026 Guidance)

Vaccinations

Travellers should be up to date on routine vaccines such as:

• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Polio
• MMR

Additional recommended vaccines include:

Hepatitis A

Typhoid

Optional based on personal risk and travel style:

Rabies (recommended for remote travel, camping, or wildlife activities)

Hepatitis B

Malaria

Malaria risk exists in northern Namibia, especially:

Etosha region

Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip)

Kavango regions

Areas north of Windhoek

Southern Namibia, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, and Lüderitz are malaria-free.

Advice:

Consult a travel clinic about malaria tablets.

Malarone (and generic equivalents) are widely recommended for minimal side effects.

Use insect repellent and sleep under nets where needed.

Water & Food Safety

Tap water in most towns is safe to drink.

In rural or remote areas, bottled or purified water is best.

Namibia has excellent food hygiene standards; foodborne illnesses are uncommon.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential, especially for a country with long distances and remote landscapes.

A good policy should include:

• Medical cover
• Emergency evacuation
• Lost luggage
• Trip cancellation
• Car rental excess (if self-driving

Choose a trusted insurer that covers adventure activities such as sandboarding, quad biking, hiking, or hot-air ballooning.

Drones and Photography Rules (Important Update)

Flying a drone in Namibia requires a permit issued by the Namibian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Unauthorized drone use can lead to:

• Heavy fines
• Confiscation of equipment
• Restrictions within national parks

Photography for personal use is allowed almost everywhere, but professional filming may require additional permits.

How Long Should You Stay in Namibia?

Namibia is huge, with long distances between highlights. Planning too many destinations in a short period can lead to rushed travel.

Recommended Trip Lengths:

10–14 days: Perfect for a classic loop (Sossusvlei → Swakopmund → Damaraland → Etosha).

3 weeks: Adds Skeleton Coast, Kaokoland, Zambezi Region, or the deep south (Fish River Canyon).

4 weeks: Ideal for travellers wanting to explore every major region without rushing

Namibia is a place to slow down, enjoy vast landscapes, and embrace the journey—not just the destinations.

Why Visit Namibia?

Namibia offers a rare blend of:

Spectacular wildlife

Uncrowded national parks

World-class deserts

Dramatic coastlines

Photogenic landscapes

Friendly people

Safe, peaceful travel conditions

Whether you’re camping beneath star-filled skies, scaling the dunes of Sossusvlei, or watching elephants move across Damaraland’s desert plains, Namibia leaves an imprint that stays with you long after your journey ends.