Namibia travel guide: practical information

Getting to Namibia

Most visitors arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), 42 kilometres east of Windhoek. In 2026, direct flights from Europe to Windhoek run from Frankfurt and Munich (Eurowings Discover) and from Zurich (Edelweiss). Travellers from the UK, the USA and elsewhere usually connect through a hub, such as Frankfurt, Johannesburg or Addis Ababa. Schedules change, so check with your airline.

If you tell us your flight details when you request a quote, your driver-guide meets you at the airport. Allow time after you land for passport control and the visa process, which can take a while.

Money

• Currency. Namibia uses the Namibian dollar (NAD, or N$). It is pegged one-to-one to the South African rand, and rand are accepted in Namibia. Namibian dollars are not accepted in South Africa, so spend or exchange them before you fly if you connect through Johannesburg.
• Cards and cash. Lodges and larger shops in towns usually take cards. Carry some cash for tips, small purchases and places in remote areas. ATMs are in towns.
• Card safety. Keep your card in sight when you pay, and check your statements. UK government advice notes that card skimming has happened at some accommodation.
• What our tour covers. The Namibia Unveiled tour includes fuel, park road fees, entry fees listed in the itinerary, airport transfers and the meals listed in the itinerary. Your quote shows what is included. Premium drinks, tips and personal items are extra.

Language, time and electricity

• Language. English is the official language. Many Namibians also speak Afrikaans, German or one of the local languages, such as Oshiwambo or Otjiherero.
• Time. Namibia uses Central Africa Time, UTC+2, all year. The clocks do not change.
• Electricity. The supply is 220 volts at 50 hertz. Sockets are type D and type M. Bring an adapter that fits both.
• Calling code. +264.

Safety

Namibia is a popular destination, and most visits pass without trouble. Still, be sensible.

• Cities. UK government advice warns of muggings in Windhoek, and of vehicle crime at fuel stops and junctions. Keep valuables in the hotel safe, take extra care after dark, and don't hail taxis in the street. Ask your lodge or your driver-guide to arrange one.
• Roads. Accidents are frequent on gravel roads, and wildlife and livestock make night driving outside towns dangerous. On our tours, your driver-guide does the driving and plans the days so that you are at your lodge before dark.
• Wildlife. Animals are wild. Follow your guide's instructions, stay in the vehicle where you are told to and don't approach animals on foot.
• Adventure activities. Check that your travel insurance covers activities such as quad biking and sandboarding.
• Wildlife products. Don't buy ivory, rhino horn or other illegal animal products. Buyers can be prosecuted.
• Photography. Avoid photographing government buildings and military sites.

Health

• Before you go. Talk to your doctor or a travel clinic at least eight weeks before you travel. UK advice points travellers to TravelHealthPro and the NHS for current vaccine recommendations.
• Vaccinations. The US CDC recommends routine vaccines plus hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid for most travellers. Your doctor will advise on what you need.
• Yellow fever. A certificate is needed only if you arrive from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. It is not required for direct travel from the USA or Europe.
• Malaria. The CDC lists malaria transmission in northern regions of Namibia, including Kavango, Kunene, Oshana, Oshikoto, Omusati and Zambezi. It describes malaria as rare in other parts of the country and says there is none in Windhoek. Etosha lies in the north, so ask your doctor whether you need malaria medicine for your dates and route.
• Water. Carry a good supply of drinking water. Namibia is hot and dry, and dehydration is a risk. Our vehicle carries bottled water, and your guide will tell you where tap water is fine to drink.
• Medical care. Windhoek has good medical facilities. Private hospitals may ask for payment before treatment, and some travel insurance policies are not accepted by some Namibian hospitals. Many places on our routes are far from a hospital, which is why insurance with medical evacuation is compulsory on our tours.
• Sun and heat. Use sun cream, a hat and sunglasses. Take a warm layer for cold mornings from May to September.

Phones and internet

Two networks serve most of the country: MTC, which has the widest coverage, and TN Mobile. Cities and towns have at least 3G coverage. Smaller towns may have slower service, and remote areas such as the dunes, Damaraland and parts of Etosha have patchy or no coverage. Wi-Fi at lodges varies, and can be slow or limited. Tell friends and family that you may be out of contact for part of each day.

Tipping

Tips are not included in our tour price, and they are never required. Many guests choose to tip for good service. As a guide, operators suggest around N$100 to N$200 per day for a driver-guide, and around N$50 to N$150 per guest per night for lodge staff, usually put in a staff tip box. Tip in cash, preferably in Namibian dollars or rand. Your driver-guide can advise you on the day.

Respect for people and places

• Ask before photographing people. At community visits, follow your host's guidance.
• Stay on marked paths at rock art sites and don't touch the engravings.
• Keep to marked tracks in the desert and take your rubbish with you.
• Keep a safe distance from animals, and never feed them.

What to pack

See Namibia weather and best time to visit for what to wear in each season. Always bring a warm layer, sun protection, closed shoes, binoculars, a camera, a power adapter and any medicines you need, in your hand luggage.

More questions? See our FAQ.