You chose Namibia as your holiday destination. Fantastic choice! Wondering about the ideal time to visit and how to prepare? We give you an overview, covering essential pre-trip considerations and valuable tips for a memorable safari trip in Namibia.
Best Time to Visit Namibia
Travelers can visit Namibia the whole year through, however it is good to keep in mind the pro’s and con’s of the four seasons. During the summer period (November – April) temperature are higher and in general more rainfall can be expected. The rains fall mostly from January onwards. Rainfall makes the country fresh and greener. Landscapes are beautiful. Spotting wild life in a park like Etosha National Park can be more challenging as the vegetation is denser.
Autumn (April – May) and Spring (September – October) are weather wise quite similar. It is dry and temperatures are more moderate. From April onwards the landscape slowly loses its green color. We are heading for the winter (June – August). During this period, wildlife migrates towards rivers and waterholes, which makes it easier to spot animals. Keep in mind that the evenings can be cold, especially in the south.
For Namibia and Botswana, recommended vaccinations are DTP, and vaccination against hepatitis A. Malaria only occurs in northern Namibia and Botswana. Ask your local health services for the most updated advice on vaccinations and preventative care.
Visa
Namibia Visa & Immigration
To travel to Namibia, you need a visa. Namibia has introduced an e-Visa and Visa-on-Arrival system, making the visa application process easier for international visitors. We recommend applying for the visa online in advance. To do so, go to the official Namibian e-Visa portal: https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na. Select Visa on Arrival (not Holiday Visa), complete the application form, and upload the required documents. The visa is a multiple-entry visa, and the fees can be paid online through a secure payment system.
The visa fee is N$ 1,600 for non-African citizens and N$ 1,200 for African Union citizens. If you are travelling with children, their visa application can be submitted via the parent’s account. Please always check your own personal situation and in either case ensure and that you have:
A passport with a validity of at least 6 months (calculated from the date of return)
A proof of owning sufficient financial resources
A proof for the first destination after arrival
A proof of a return ticket or to the next destination after your holiday
An original unabridged birth certificate of minor children (under the age of 18) and a consent letter from the biological parent(s) if they are not travelling with the child
Explore Namibia offers organised self-drive safaris and private guided tours. You can go on an adventure in a fully equipped vehicle of your own choice. We will arrange your accommodations in advance, whether you wish to stay in lodges and guesthouses, on campsites or both.
Self-drive Tours
We offer a wide range of self-drive safari tours, tailored to suit your individual needs and preferences.
Photographic Tours
Our photo tours are designed for photographers of all skill levels.
Safari in Convoy
You’ll drive in convoy with your own rental vehicle, following the leading vehicle.
Safari 'Stretched Landcruiser'
Safaris for max. 7 travelers in the spacious “stretched Landcruiser”.
Finances - Currency
Currency
The currency of Namibia is the Namibian Dollar (N$). Currently, €1 is equal to about N$ 15. The South-African Rand (ZAR) is also accepted in Namibia, but not the other way around. It has the exact same value as the N$. Other currencies you may need are the Pula (BWP) for Botswana (€1 is about 12,30 BWP), and the US Dollar (USD) for Zimbabwe (€1 is about USD 1.1). For your daily expenses it is always important to have a wallet with smaller bills and keep the rest of your cash separated and out of sight.
Especially when you spend several days in more remote areas, like wild parks, ensure you have enough cash on you. Furthermore, it is recommended to take a ‘mix’ of means for payment, including cash, a world card and a credit card (VISA or MasterCard). There are always cases in which you cannot pay with your normal debit card. E.g. you need a credit card to rent your car. Also, we recommend having American Dollars with you for emergencies, which you will also need when crossing the border to Botswana and Zimbabwe.
ATM
There are plenty of ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) in the larger destinations of Namibia. Remember that for every transaction you will be charged additional banking fees. Also do not forget to change the security settings of your bankcards to ‘Worldwide’ if necessary – ask your local bank for instructions.
Insurance
Travel and cancellation insurance
Ensure that you are well prepared to have a secure journey. The chance that something happens to you or your family before or during the trip is small, but it is important to get the right insurance. It can save you costs and a lot of trouble! We strongly recommend a travel and cancellation insurance, so that any unexpected costs due to illness or accidents, costs of replacing stolen or lost baggage or necessary repatriation are covered.
We advise you to contact your local insurance agent or bank for information about the possibilities. Also, we recommend that you contact your healthcare provider to inform you about the coverage of possible medical expenses.
Gratuity
Tipping in Namibia
In restaurants it is usual to give a gratuity of about 10% of your bill. Drivers and guides also appreciate a gratuity as this is often not just an extra, but most often forms part of their salary which a family lives from. In guesthouses and hotels, you will mostly find a ‘tip-box’ for gratuity which is then shared amongst everybody, as also the gardener contributes to you having a comfortable stay. Here it is common to contribute N$ 100 (+- EUR 7). People that do you a favor in public, like cleaning your window or watch your car, would normally receive gratuity of e.g. N$5 to N$10.
Food - Drinks
Food
Most of the food that is offered in Europe will also be found in Namibia. However, the emphasis here is on meat, especially game (e.g. Oryx, Kudu and Ostrich), beef and lamb. But vegetarians will find suitable alternatives with sufficient choices in supermarkets. At the coast you will find delicious seafood.
Probably one of the most common words in Namibia is ‘Braai‘ (barbecue), an important social event, which comes with salad, potatoes and a cold beer. ‘Biltong‘ is the most popular snack and is normally found in every car’s glove-box. Biltong is raw dried meat spiced with herbs and salt. Because it stays good for a very long time, it serves as a good snack during your safari. Another main dish is ‘miliepap’, a porridge made from corn flour and eaten with fingers.
Drinks
Avoid drinking tap water. Rather ensure that you carry enough bottled water with you: 5L water bottles are sold in supermarkets and fuel stations. Of course, South-African wine is sold in abundance and is of high quality. Good beers are more commonly brewed in Namibia.
Photography - Books
Photography
Namibia guarantees you the most beautiful pictures. For the real hobbyists a telephoto lens is a must for wildlife-photography. However, keep some rules in mind while taking pictures. If you want to take pictures of people, always ask for their permission first. Especially at places that are popular for tourists, tribes ask money for a picture. Negotiate friendly and do not secretly take a picture.
Books
There are many good guide books about Namibia, such as the Rough Guide, Lonely Planet and Bradt. This is Namibia from Gerald Cubitt is a good introduction to Namibia and its nature and culture. However, also think about flora and fauna guides, which makes your safari experience even better! For those guides that are specifically about Namibia’s nature you can always visit a local book store. To read stories that take place in Namibia, think about The Sheltering Desert or Taming My Elephant.
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Every traveler is unique. Need help planning your self-drive Namibia trip? Our experienced tour consultants in Europe and Africa can create a fully customized itinerary based on your wishes, preferences, and budget. We’re here to answer your questions and make your dream trip come true.
Every traveler is unique. Need help planning your self-drive Namibia trip? Our experienced tour consultants in Europe and Africa can create a fully customized itinerary based on your wishes, preferences, and budget. We’re here to answer your questions and make your dream trip come true.
Our Namibia itineraries are fully customizable to suit your preferences. You can book them as they are, or use them as inspiration to create your own tailor-made safari adventure. Below, you’ll find a selection of sample itineraries we’ve crafted for you. At Explore Namibia, we’re dedicated to ensuring your journey is everything you’ve dreamed of!
Length: from 9 Days (customizable)
Price from: €566,- EUR
Length: from 10 Days
Price from: €5.490,- EUR
Length: Customizable
Price from: €1.089,- EUR
Length: 13 Days
Price from: €3.999,- EUR
Receive exclusive holiday deals, travel inspiration, and the latest tips for exploring Namibia. Straight to your inbox.