Namibia Travel Guide

Explore Southern Africa with our comprehensive travel guide of Namibia. Discover the best places to visit, food and drink scene, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Namibia

Namibia is an enchanting country located in Southern Africa. It is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers with a thirst for exploration of magnificent landscapes and incredible wildlife. From the flat-topped mountains to the giant dunes of the Namib Desert, Namibia is a destination that won’t disappoint. Unsurprisingly, Namibia has become popular tourist destinations for many travelers worldwide. In this comprehensive tour guide of Namibia, we’ll show you the best places to visit, food and drink scene, local culture, safety and health tips, transportation options, and nearby destinations.

List of Places to Visit in Namibia

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Namibia boasts of rich history and culture that can be traced back to the colonial era. Therefore, many museums and historical places in the country stood the test of time and give us a glimpse of how life was. Examples of such sites include:

  • Namibia National Museum - this museum features important cultural and historical artefacts from the country.
  • Old Location Memorial - it commemorates the forced removal of the Windhoek to make way for apartheid in 1960.
  • Owela Museum - this museum tells the story of the Owambo culture, one of Namibia’s largest ethnic groups.

Natural Attractions of Namibia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Namibia, known for its vast landscapes, is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The country hosts some of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Africa, such as:

  • Etosha National Park - the park is home to numerous mammals, birds and reptiles, and covers a vast area of more than 22,000 square km. -Skeleton Coast - located in the north-west, the Skeleton Coast guarantees dramatic landscapes and untouched natural beauty where the desert meets the Atlantic Ocean. -Sossusvlei - this region is home to the highest sand dunes in the world, some towering almost 400 meters high! -Fish River Canyon - the canyon is almost 160 km long and is regarded as the second-largest canyon in the world.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Namibia

Namibia offers striking landscapes and untamed wilderness, making it the perfect place for both hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some of the popular hiking and biking routes of Namibia include:

  • Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail - this 5-day hiking trail meanders through the Fish River Canyon and follows the Fish River for almost 80 kilometers.
  • Sossusvlei Dune Hike- a 2.6 km trek through the dunes of Sossusvlei will take you to the breathtaking Hiddenvlei oasis.
  • Kaokoveld - this region offers a unique path for mountain bikers to experience remote parts of the country.

Best Things to Do in Namibia: Activities and Tours

Namibia offers a range of activities as diverse as the landscapes that makes up the country. Below are some of the best things to do in Namibia:

  • Hot Air Balloon Safari - float over the vast landscapes of the Namib Desert as the sunsets.
  • Scenic Flights - Namibia’s landscape offers an unparalleled beauty than from the air.
  • Adventure Water Sports - kayaking, rafting along the Orange River or fishing and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean.

Week-Long Itinerary for Namibia

To explore the best of Namibia within a week, we suggest this itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Windhoek to explore the city’s museums and craft markets.

Day 2: Drive to Etosha National Park for an afternoon game drive and spend the night in the park.

Day 3: Continue game driving across Etosha National Park and spend another night in the park.

Day 4: Head down to Damaraland to explore ancient rock art and the Twyfelfontein area.

Day 5: Go to Swakopmund to explore the city’s colonial heritage and take part in adventure water sports.

Day 6: Visit Sossusvlei for an early morning hike in the highest sand dunes in the world.

Day 7: Head back to Windhoek, with stops like Okahandja and the town of Rehoboth, known for their local handicrafts.

Food and Drink Scene of Namibia

Namibian cuisine is influenced by the country’s history and culture of the local ethnic groups. Some of the must-try dishes are:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kapana - grilled meat usually beef or goat served along the streets.
  • Potjiekos - stewed meat, and vegetables cooked in a cast-iron pot dripped over an open fire.
  • Biltong - dried meat that is seasoned and enjoyed as a snack.

Local Beverages

  • Windhoek Lager - an excellent lager beer that is brewed in the capital city and found all over Namibia.
  • Mopane Worm - a local spirit distilled from marula fruit.

Where to Stay in Namibia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Namibia boasts of excellent accommodation options that suit every traveler’s budget, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some of the options include:

  • Windhoek Hilton Hotel - a luxury hotel located in the city center, featuring an on-site casino and bar.
  • Urban Camp - A budget-friendly camping option located in the heart of Windhoek.
  • Sossusvlei Lodge - Luxury lodgings overlooking the famous sand dunes offer a glorious view.

What to Buy in Namibia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Namibia has a wide range of local products and handicrafts produced by its people. The most popular souvenirs to bring home are:

  • Ostrich eggshell jewelry - a unique and popular souvenir that is made from polished ostrich eggs.
  • Himba dolls - doll toys made by the Himba tribe using leather, reeds, and feathers.
  • Bushman rock art - unique rock art found in the Twyfelfontein area.

Local Culture and Customs of Namibia

Namibia is home to several different ethnic groups, including Ovambo, Herero, Himba, and San. The Himba tribe is one of Namibia’s highlights, renowned for their distinctive red ochre body paint, clothing made mostly from animal hides or leather, and intricate hairstyles. When visiting local communities, it’s essential to respect their customs and traditions by seeking permission before taking any photos or videos.

Best Time to Visit Namibia

The best time to visit Namibia is during the winter months which runs from May to October. The climate is mild, dry, and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Namibia

Do:

  • Be respectful to Namibia’s wildlife and nature reserves
  • Learn some basic phrases in the local language, such as greeting someone.
  • Carry cash when heading to remote areas, as ATMs might not be available.

Don’t:

  • Use tap water for drinking, always go for bottled or filtered water.
  • Wear revealing clothing in public places.
  • Take photographs of locals without asking their permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Namibia

Namibia is generally safe for tourists. However, travelers should be vigilant in remote areas and avoid carrying valuables around. Hire a car or a driver to transport you around the country safely.

Health in Namibia

Before traveling to Namibia, you should consult with your doctor about the vaccinations you need. The most common vaccinations required are Yellow fever and Malaria.

Getting to Namibia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Namibia

Namibia’s main airport is Hosea Kutako International Airport, located about 40 km east of Windhoek.

Bus Stations Near Namibia

Bus stations in South Africa that provide access to Namibia include Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria.

Other Options

The best way to get around Namibia is by renting a car or hiring a driver. Taxis can be found in Windhoek and other major cities.

How to Get Around in Namibia

Navigating through Namibia can be tricky, especially on the main roads. However, hiring a car with GPS is the best option for getting around the country. Taxis and buses also operate throughout the country, although they can be quite expensive.

Where to Go Next from Namibia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Botswana

Botswana is a neighboring country known for its vast wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, home to the Okavango Delta.

Zambia and Zimbabwe

Zambia and Zimbabwe are neighbors to the north of Namibia, offering Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders.

Conclusion

Namibia is a beautiful country with limitless landscapes and incredible wildlife, making it a must-visit destination. With this comprehensive tour guide, you’ll be ready to experience the best that Namibia has to offer, from its natural attractions to its vibrant cultural scene, and everything in between.

A seal colony on the Skeleton Coast A seal colony on the Skeleton Coast German colonial architecture in Swakopmund German colonial architecture in Swakopmund Visa policy of Namibia Visa policy of Namibia Aircraft at Windhoek International Airport Aircraft at Windhoek International Airport Map of Namibia Map of Namibia "Solitaire" petrol station Sossusvlei landscape Sossusvlei landscape The Big Five The Big Five Money Money The Fork'n'Nice food lorry on the beach in Swakopmund. Try its fish and chips. The Fork'n'Nice food lorry on the beach in Swakopmund. Try its fish and chips. A Namibian police car A Namibian police car Post Street Mall in central Windhoek Post Street Mall in central Windhoek Tourists in the mountains. Tourists in the mountains.


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