Your Namibia travel guide

Travel Namibia: good to know

Everything you need to know before your Namibia self-drive: the wildlife, the landscapes, the best places to go, money, weather and what to pack. Got a question that isn't here? Just WhatsApp us.

Fun facts about Namibia

Namibia is the second least densely populated country on earth after Mongolia, with about two people per square kilometre. Space is the real luxury here.

Etosha Pan is one of the largest salt pans in the world and can be seen from space. Namibia also has the world's largest population of free-roaming cheetahs and of free-roaming black rhinos.

The Namib is one of the oldest deserts on the planet, and the dunes around Sossusvlei are among the tallest in the world, some reaching around 300 metres. Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa.

Desert-adapted elephants roam the dry riverbeds of Damaraland and the Kunene region, and the Welwitschia plant, found only in Namibia and Angola, can live for well over 1,000 years. And at night, Namibia has some of the darkest, starriest skies anywhere.

Wildlife

From cheetahs and black rhinos to desert elephants and lions, Namibia's wildlife is a true marvel, and a self-drive safari lets you enjoy it at your own pace.

Etosha National Park is the highlight for most guests: park at a waterhole and watch elephants, zebras, giraffes, lions and rhinos come to drink. The Skeleton Coast is known for its seal colonies and desert-adapted animals such as the brown hyena, while the Namib-Naukluft Park is home to the striking oryx and rare desert birds.

In the far north-east, the Zambezi and Okavango regions are lush and green, with big herds of elephant and buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and more than 400 bird species.

Adventure activities

Sandboarding and quad biking in the dunes near Swakopmund, skydiving over the desert, hiking and rock climbing at Spitzkoppe, a hot-air balloon flight over Sossusvlei at sunrise, or the multi-day Fish River Canyon hike. And of course, the scenic routes and 4x4 tracks themselves.

Popular destinations

Etosha National Park: one of Africa's great parks, perfect for self-drive game viewing at the waterholes.

Sossusvlei and Deadvlei: towering red dunes that change colour through the day. Climb Big Daddy or Dune 45 for the view.

Swakopmund: a relaxed coastal town with adventure activities, German colonial architecture, great cafes and fresh seafood.

Fish River Canyon: breathtaking viewpoints in the deep south and one of Africa's classic hikes.

Damaraland: rugged, remote and beautiful, with desert elephants, black rhinos and the ancient rock engravings of Twyfelfontein.

Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip): rivers, wetlands and national parks such as Bwabwata, Mudumu and Nkasa Rupara, with boat cruises, fishing and superb birdwatching. A green contrast to the desert.

Food to try

Namibian food mixes African and European influences. Try game meat such as kudu, oryx and springbok, fresh seafood on the coast, biltong (dried meat) for the road and syrupy koeksisters for something sweet. Windhoek and Swakopmund have a great coffee culture too.

Culture

Namibia is home to many cultures, including the Himba, Herero, Damara, Nama and San peoples, each with their own traditions. Visiting a community with a respectful local guide is a wonderful way to learn about Namibia's heritage.

Landscapes

From the dunes of Sossusvlei to the mountains of Damaraland, the shipwrecks of the Skeleton Coast and the granite peaks of Spitzkoppe, Namibia's landscapes are endlessly varied. Don't miss the Moon Landscape near Swakopmund or the Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain, home to the famous White Lady rock painting.

Money matters

The Namibian Dollar (NAD) is pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand, and both are accepted in Namibia (only the Rand in South Africa). There is no need to carry large amounts of cash: cards are accepted almost everywhere, including fuel stations, and ATMs are found in every town. We suggest keeping about N$3,000 in cash, roughly one tank of fuel, just in case. Fuel is available in every town; the only exception is inside Etosha National Park, so fill up at the station just outside Andersson Gate and you will have enough for the whole park. Car guards in towns will watch your vehicle for a small tip.

Climate and seasons

Summer runs from October to March, with daytime temperatures from about 20°C up to 40°C. October to December is usually hot and dry; January to March brings most of the rain, green landscapes and dramatic skies.

Winter (June to August) is short, with pleasant days around 20–25°C and cold nights that can drop below 0°C. April and May are a lovely, mild in-between season. The weather can change a lot within a single day, so pack layers.

What to pack

A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. Light, cool clothing for hot days, plus long sleeves against sun and mosquitoes (the far north is a malaria area, so ask your doctor about prevention). Warm layers for the evenings, which can be chilly even in summer. If you're camping in winter, add thermals, warm socks and a beanie. Your bedding, camping gear and kitchen are already in the Hilux.