Namibia borders South Africa, Botswana, Angola, Zambia and the Atlantic Ocean. The country was administered by South Africa until it gained independence until 1990.
The country boasts remarkable natural attractions such as the Namib desert, the Fish River Canyon Park, Etosha National Park and the Kalahari Desert. Nine different languages are used in the country, including Khoisan languages with its unique ‘click’ sounds.
Namibia is a peaceful country and not involved in any wars. Since the end of the Angolan civil war in 2002, the violence that spilled over into the northeastern regions of Namibia, is no longer an issue.
The security situation along the Namibia–Angola border has also improved with peace in Angola. A risk of banditry, however, still exist, therefore visitors should exercise caution when travelling to this area, including the Kavango Region in the northeast and the western half of Zambezi Region (formerly known as Caprivi). Only the official border crossing areas should be used to enter neighbouring countries.
Political unrest or demonstrations are rare and usually only concentrated in Windhoek.
Travellers that wish to visit the townships, should not do it alone unless they are familiar with the area.
There are still landmines in the border area from Katwitwi on the Okavango River in Kavango West Region to Kongola in the Zambezi Region. Visitors should never leave the roads and take extreme care when a roadside stop becomes necessary.
Namibia does, however, suffers from a relatively high crime rate. Visitors should be careful around ATMs and banks. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching may happen, while vehicle theft and break-ins also occur quite frequently.
Pickpockets may be a problem and even armed robberies have been reported lately. Tourists often get robbed of belongings carried with them in a bag. Most home are secured by electric fences and sophisticated burglar alarms.
Violent crime, such as muggings and robberies targeting foreigners occurs, particularly in Windhoek.
Most robberies take place just outside of the city centre and it seems that taxi drivers are often involved. They spot vulnerable tourists and are in cahoots with robbers. Visitors should just stay alert and take some commonsense precautions, then they should have no problems.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious problem in Namibia, sometimes aggravated because most people consider it no problem. Be extra alert when driving or walking on weekend evenings.
Tourist robberies have also been reported in the Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Henties Bay areas.
Foreigners have been robbed by taxi drivers. The Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (NABTA) regulates taxi drivers by allocating registration numbers (one letter followed by a two-digit number). Visitors should only use registered taxis that displays the NABTA logo, but rather arrange for a taxi through a reputable hotel.
Credit card copying has occurred in some hotels and lodges occurs and visitors should be extra vigilant at ATMs, in case criminals attempt to distract them by pretending to help, while stealing their money.
Despite the vast distances and due to the unique scenery of Namibia, most visitors prefer to drive around themselves. If renting a car, have enough cash on hand to fill the tank with petrol since many petrol stations do not accept credit or debit cards. When taking back roads on your Namibia safari, it’s wise to fill the tank whenever you pass a service station since fuel shortages are common. Be prepared for not being able to buy as much petrol as you may like or not finding any at rural filling stations.
Namibia’s roads are usually very good, with primary routes tarred and secondary routes well-graded gravel. A 4×4 vehicle is not necessary except on tertiary roads and along the Skeleton Coast. Driving at night is not advised at all. A lot of wildlife on the roads makes it very dangerous. Traffic drives on the left.
Keep your spare in excellent condition and inspect your tyres often, since Namibian roads “eat” tyres. If you rent a vehicle, rather purchase the tyre insurance that the company might offer. Roads can get extremely corrugated in between gradings.
Except for car hire companies, there is a Dial A Cab taxi service in Windhoek and nationally it is easy to get around by means of shared or long-distance taxis. Drivers do not usually overcharge foreigners.
Air-conditioned buses are operated by TransNamib to destinations all over Namibia as well as trains to certain main destinations. While these options are not very popular, the Desert Express, a luxury tourist train, takes tourists to Walvis Bay and Swakopmund from Windhoek.
Regional flights are offered by cash-strapped Air Namibia and a few private airlines.
Experienced off road drivers love to tour the country on motorbike. You need however extensive gravel and sand long distance experience.
The indigenous languages used are mainly Oshiwambo, Otjiherero, Nama, Damara, Rukwangali, various San languages and Silozi, but English is the official language and Afrikaans is widely spoken. Since most Namibians speak English only as a third language, the standard is poor. German is also commonly heard, and Portuguese is spoken by immigrants from Angola.
Namibia is a well-developed country (albeit still developing) with most modern amenities. Namibians love their meat and consume a great amount of it. It is possible, though difficult to be a vegetarian in the country, since fruits and vegetables are mostly imported and relatively expensive.
Namibian law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, hence LGBTQ2 travellers should consider the risks of travelling to the country before entering.
Always be alert to your surroundings and ensure that all personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are securely stored away. Townships and remote areas should be avoided after dark. Thefts from vehicles often occur at service stations, so visitors are advised to keep vehicle doors locked and windows shut, to deter carjacking and theft. Valuables should never be kept in the care, leave alone where it is visible from outside.
Visitors should be extremely cautious of persons ostensibly looking for assistance by the side of the road. Several unsuspecting tourists have been victims of armed attacks along country roads recently.
Avoid night-time driving outside urban centres and take extra care when driving on gravel roads with its sloping sand shoulders, even though it may be in splendid condition.
Much of the country is desert but sand, salt and gravel roads become very slippery and treacherous when wet, leading to many single-vehicle accidents. Never exceed 80 km/h on gravel roads.
Take note that emergency and roadside assistance is unreliable outside Windhoek.
Never travel to desert areas without enough water and fuel supplies and two spare tyres, of possible. Rather travel by convoy into the desert areas.
The northern part of Namibia is a malaria-risk zone, so visitors should come prepared with appropriate malaria precautions when travelling in these areas.
The country’s water supply is usually safe to drink, except when otherwise indicated. Campsites next to rivers may get water directly from the rivers, so avoid drinking it.
Heat exhaustion or heatstroke may occur during the hot summer months, therefore the necessary precautions, like wearing hats, staying in the shade over midday and drinking enough water, should be adhered to.
Due to the ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus disease in neighboring countries visitors may be subject to a quick thermal scanner screening or a health questionnaire at the airports upon boarding or disembarking a plane.
On average, it is safe to consume food and drink offered at restaurants and hotels, even some traditional street markets. Travellers’ diarrhea can occur any time, and the most important treatment for it is rehydration, namely drinking lots of fluids – something not too difficult in a country known for its beer. Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against insect bites. Protect yourself from mosquito bites by covering up, using insect repellent and staying in enclosed air-conditioned accommodations. One can consider pre-treating clothing and travel gear with insecticides and sleeping under an insecticide-treated bednet.
Antimalarial medication should be discussed with your health care professional preferably six weeks before you travel to discuss your options.
For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.
Medical facilities in Namibia are relatively modern, particularly in the capital Windhoek and in the coastal towns. Well-equipped facilities are rarely available in smaller towns. Upfront payment is usual required from visitors, even if they have medical insurance.
A visitor should take out an insurance policy that covers all the activities planned to undertake, particularly in the case of extreme sports and travel insurance should include coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
The HIV infection rate in Namibia is about 25%. The country’s medical system can attend to most needs that may arise with visitors. Staff are trained well, hence HIV transmission in hospitals is not an issue.
Ensure that regular vaccinations are up to date, including those against measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Talk to your travel health professional about the right vaccinations for your trip, like that against Hepatitis A and B, influenza, measles, rabies, etc.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Namibia, but proof of vaccination is required if you come from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.
Even men should refrain from walking or riding taxis alone in Windhoek or Oshakati after midnight and women should not do it after 21:00.
It is safe to travel in Namibia with children, parents should just make sure that all their vaccinations are up to date. Care should be taken to avoid mosquitos, scorpions and snakes when children play outside.
Diamonds and other protected resources should only be purchased from licensed shops. Persons convicted of illegally dealing in diamonds face heavy fines and imprisonment. Penalties for drug offences are severe, with lengthy prison sentences.
Never photograph military sites or government buildings before asking permission.
The use of a cellular telephone while driving or to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and the use of a seatbelt is compulsory for the driver and all passengers.
Main lights of vehicles should be switched on when driving on national roads and a charge of culpable homicide can be made against a driver involved in an accident that results in death.
Travellers should avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Infections like rabies can be shared between humans and animals.
The dry season extends from April to October, and the rainy season from November to March. Gravel roads easily become impassable during the rainy season and dry riverbeds transform into raging rivers within minutes. Visitors should follow regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly and totally refrain from camping in dry riverbeds or in conservancy areas.
Since the beginning of 2020 visitors to any country should be aware of and help to avoid the spreading of the coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses found in both animals and humans. Some infect people and are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Enjoy a safe holiday in Namibia with a reputable tour operator.
MoAfrika Tours is a leading tour operator in South Africa that offers an outstanding selection of tours to Namibia. We have a close association with the most reputable tour operators in Namibia that make safety a priority.