Namibia Travel Tips

Drawing from our own experiences, we’ve compiled a set of travel tips for your Namibia adventure.

Weather

Be prepared for 50°F nights and up to 100°F days in summer. During winter, nighttime temperatures may drop to 35°F or even below freezing. With these temperature swings, it can also get very windy. Namibia is extremely dry, even during the wet season, with an insignificant amount of rain most of the time. However, occasional heavy downpours can happen, so it is good to be prepared for that as well.

Pack sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and sunglasses. I would also recommend electrolyte tablets or powder that you can add to your water.

Wildlife

There is lots of wildlife in Namibia, even on private land. Watch out for animals on the road, especially when driving early in the morning or close to sunset. Bring binoculars if you enjoy wildlife viewing.

Etosha is amazing for wildlife and very easy for self-driving. You can see 4 out of the Big 5 there — except buffalo.

Food

Namibia has an amazing meat selection, including game meat and beef. Fresh vegetables and vegetarian food can sometimes be harder to find, which may be challenging for vegetarians. There is also a great wine selection imported from nearby South Africa.

Bigger towns usually have very nice supermarkets, while smaller towns may have limited fresh food options. Lodges generally serve very good meals, but be prepared for less variety, especially in remote areas. Do not expect huge menus everywhere. In many lodges, you will usually have a choice of 2 appetizers, 3 main meals, and 2 desserts — and that is about it.

Medication

Please bring a sufficient amount of medication and prescriptions with you. Namibian customs can be quite strict, so you want to make sure your medication will not become a problem when crossing the border.

A small first-aid kit can also be very helpful since many areas are remote. I would recommend packing digestive medication, sunburn relief, painkillers, and bandages.

Safety

Namibia is mostly safe, but please keep your belongings close to you when in cities, especially Windhoek. It is also good to know that Namibia has a high HIV/AIDS rate, so it is wise to remain aware of it.

Namibia confidently sits at Level 1-2 for travel advisory, making it safer than many European countries and even the USA. Of course, you may feel a little out of your element at first, but locals are usually more curious about you than anything else.

Do not leave valuables visible in your car, and do not lose your head over small inconveniences.

Plastic

Namibia is becoming stricter about minimizing plastic waste. Please avoid packing many plastic bags, as they are banned in National Parks and checks are sometimes conducted. You may be subject to a fine of up to 500 NAD and even jail time for breaking the rules.

I highly recommend bringing reusable bags for packing and shopping.

Eco-Friendly Travel

Try packing bars of soap, such as solid shampoo, body bars, or facial bars, instead of plastic bottles. However, it is totally up to you.

A reusable water bottle is also a great idea, but be careful with glass bottles, as they are generally not allowed in carry-on luggage for Namibia flights.

Tipping

A 10% tip is common in restaurants and on optional excursions. There is also one small thing worth mentioning that relates to everyday life in Namibia.

You will often encounter “parking attendants” who watch parking lots, and every time you leave your car, it is common to tip them a little. We usually gave around 10 NAD. The same goes for gas station attendants and people packing groceries at supermarkets.

Bathrooms at gas stations and malls are also often paid, usually around 2–5 NAD.

For your guide, I would recommend around $10–20 per day, although tipping is strictly voluntary. All tips are appreciated but never required.

Time

Be prepared that many things may take longer than expected, from driving to food service. But honestly, Namibia is not bad in terms of service. It usually will not take forever to receive your meal, collect your rental car, or pass through airport customs.

Still, this is African time, and that should be considered when planning your trip.

When traveling to a different country, it is natural to feel a little uncomfortable in a new environment. My advice is to relax and embrace the change.

Or, if you prefer a more stress-free experience, you can always choose a private guided tour, where your guide will relieve your worries, take care of you, and help make your Namibia trip unforgettable and enjoyable.