Namibia FAQs

Thinking of travelling to Namibia?

Namibia is a vast country of wide-open spaces, striking landscapes and big skies. Those incredible landscapes are matched by endless wildlife and exceptional conservation projects, meaning its lion, elephant, cheetah, giraffe and rhino populations are vast.

Despite not earning the plaudits of safari destinations like Kenya or South Africa, Namibia is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets, and its natural sights and experiences rival or surpass those of other destinations in many instances.

Whether Namibia is a new destination for you or you are a returning visitor, the FAQs below hope to answer the most common queries relating to travelling to Namibia from the UK.

Llama Travel has over half a decade of experience in selling holidays to Africa, and many of our Travel Experts have travelled extensively in Namibia. If you’d like further help to plan your holiday from one of our Namibia experts, contact us here or order a brochure for more details on our Namibia holidays.

Before You Go

Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Namibia from the UK?

A: British citizens require a visa to enter Namibia. You can apply for the visa in the weeks before you fly or upon arrival. The visa is valid for 90 days. Whichever way you choose to apply, there is a fee associated: a flat rate of around £70. Visitors are recommended to apply before arrival to avoid potential delays.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s up-to-date travel advice for Namibia is regularly updated with entry criteria and advice about travelling to specific parts of Namibia.

Q: What vaccinations do I need for Namibia?

A: There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers flying directly from the UK. We always recommend that your routine UK vaccinations are up to date.

Your GP or travel health clinic may suggest certain vaccinations like Hepatitis A/B or Tetanus, depending on your planned holiday activities and itinerary. Visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC)’s TravelHealthPro website for specific advice.

There is no risk of Yellow Fever in Namibia, but you will be required to show a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you have transited through a country with risk of Yellow Fever (such as Brazil or Ethiopia) for more than 12 hours.

Q: What should I pack for a holiday in Namibia?

A: When on safari, lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing is recommended. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers will help to protect you against mosquitoes. Loose-fitting clothes in natural materials like linen or cotton will help you stay cool during the daytime. Depending on when you are travelling, early mornings and late nights can get chilly, so a warm jacket will serve you well for morning game drives or evenings around a fire.

Some safari flights limit luggage beyond the standard 20-23kg allowance and require customers to pack soft luggage exclusively. On Llama Travel tours, transfers around Namibia are exclusively by land and, as such, there are no requirements of this kind in place.

For more safari-specific recommendations, read our full list of 10 must-haves on safari here.

In cities and during drives between destinations, comfort is key. It is unlikely that anywhere you visit on a holiday to Namibia will have a strict dress code in place, but some restaurants may expect smart-casual dress. 

Travel essentials like toiletries and a power adapter are, of course, recommended.

Q: What plug sockets do I need for Namibia?

A: Most sockets in Namibia are type M plugs, with three large round pins. Many travel adapters, including those advertised as ‘universal’, often do not include type M, so make sure to buy one with a type M configuration.

Namibia operates on a 220V-240V power supply, similar to the UK, so you won’t need a voltage converter.

Practical Information

Q: Where is Namibia, and which parts will I be visiting?

A: Namibia is situated on the Atlantic coast of Southwest Africa, bordering Angola to the North, Botswana to the East, and South Africa to the South.

The Namib Desert, the oldest in the world, stretches the entire length of the Atlantic coastline in Namibia. The Kalahari Desert spans much of Namibia’s eastern border with Botswana. The Central Plateau separates the deserts from north to south. A small tropical section in the northeast corner of Namibia is known as the Caprivi Strip, and extends to the Zambezi region.

Llama Travel tours include visits to several places across Namibia to capture the nation’s diversity.

Beginning in the nation’s capital, Windhoek (pronounced ‘vint-hook’) is a small oasis in the middle of the desert, and is a small, quiet city by most standards. The shadow of the city’s German colonial era looms large, but other aspects of its storied history also remain well-preserved.

The vast Kalahari region is a wildlife highlight; whilst not technically a desert in the purest sense due to its rainfall (above the 175 millimetre annual limit for ‘desert’ classification), the seemingly endless plains are home to over 320 species of birds and mammals. The region’s wonderful game drives and hiking trails have been key in cementing it as a key tourist destination in Namibia.

Sossusvlei (from the Nama word for dead-end, sossus, and the Afrikaans word for marshes), slightly inset from Namibia’s western coast, stands as perhaps the most impressive example of the Namib Desert’s characteristic orange dunes, petrified rock and dried marshes. The famed ‘Big Daddy’ dune stands at 325 metres and is often a challenging must-do for those, if conditions allow. The skeletons of 600-year-old camelthorn trees are a haunting highlight.

Coastal Swakopmund teems with character. As Germany’s only harbour in South West Africa during colonial times, it blends half-timbered German architecture with seaside promenades, the result of its popularity amongst local holiday-makers. A protected lagoon at Walvis Bay often hosts large flocks of flamingo and around 150,000 birds. Namibia’s west coast is known as the Skeleton Coast; ships were famously stranded at various points along the coast due to rough conditions. Many still stand and can be visited near Swakopmund.

Damaraland still carries the name originally given to the north-central part of modern-day Namibia. The scenic landscapes showcase unusual evolution as plants and animals have adapted to endure the harsh desert environment. The Twyfelfontein rock art is the continent’s largest concentration of rock art, with over 2,000 examples still visible today, the oldest of which is around 6,000 years old. Many of the cave paintings portray species which still roam Damaraland, like elephant, giraffe and rhino.

Etosha National Park is home to many species of game, including four of the Big Five (excluding buffalo), and the most typical African safari experience. Game drives will hope to showcase a taste of the incredible wildlife, with guides often stopping at waterholes to catch large gatherings.

As well as the nation’s highlights, Llama Travel tours of Namibia can be combined with extensions visiting Victoria Falls and Cape Town (or both!). You can view the full range of our Namibia tours here.

Q: What is the population of Namibia?

A: The population of Namibia is estimated to be around 3 million, making it one of the sparsely populated countries in the world.  

Q: What is the capital city of Namibia?

A: Windhoek is Namibia’s capital. It is home to half a million people.

Q: What is the time difference?

A: Namibia is one hour ahead of the UK during British Summer Time from late March to late October. Between late October and late March (Daylight-Savings Time/DST), Namibia is two hours ahead.

Most Llama Travel tours of Namibia operate during British Summer Time, so Namibia will likely be one hour ahead of the UK during your holiday with us.

Q: How long does it take to fly from the UK to Namibia?

A: There are no direct flights from the UK to Namibia. The most convenient flight options tend to include a layover in Johannesburg. Including the connecting flight, this can take between 15 and 18 hours.

Q: What language is spoken in Namibia?

A: English is the official language of Namibia, and has been since the country gained independence in 1990. Oshiwambo, an indigenous language, is widely spoken by around half of Namibians, and Khoekhoegowab, famed for its distinctive ‘clicking’ noise, remains common among the Nama and Damara people.

Most airport and accommodation staff, guides and drivers (including all guides on Llama Travel tours of Namibia) are proficient in English.

Q: What is the currency in Namibia?

A: The national currency of Namibia is the Namibian Dollar. 100 Namibian Dollars is around £4.50. You can enquire about up-to-date exchange rates at your local currency exchange shop before your trip.

The South African Rand is widely accepted across Namibia, so if you are including a stay in Johannesburg or an extension to Cape Town, this may be a convenient option. The Rand is a similar exchange rate to the Namibian Dollar: 100 Rand is around £4.50.

Q: What’s the weather like in Namibia?

A: Namibia’s climate is generally very dry and pleasant. The cold Benguela current keeps the coast cool, damp and free of rain for most of the year.

Inland, all the rain falls in summer (November to April). January and February are hot, when daytime temperatures in the interior can exceed 40° C, but nights are usually cool.

Q: What should I know about local customs and etiquette in Namibia?

A: Namibia is a relatively relaxed place to visit—its melting pot of Afrikaner, Ovambo, Damara and German influences (among others) means there is no dominant religious or cultural customs to be aware of.

Much like travelling anywhere, courtesy and kindness will serve visitors well.

Littering is unacceptable wherever you are, but especially on safari. Travellers should leave places as they found them, and not disturb flora or fauna.

If you are visiting Namibia on a safari, the guide will inform you of specific safari etiquette.

The UK Foreign Office’s guidance on travel to Namibia is regularly updated with advice on local laws and customs.

Q: Is Namibia an LGBT+-friendly destination?

A: While attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) travellers vary globally, Namibia is relatively welcoming to visitors regardless of gender or sexuality, and is considered more LGBT+-friendly than many of its African neighbours. LGBT+ travellers can share rooms in all accommodations on Llama Travel tours.

We recommend LGBT+ travellers stay up-to-date with the FCDO’s advice here.

Q: Do I need to tip in Namibia?

A: Tipping good service is common practice in Namibia. Wages are low, so tips are even more valuable so that service staff can make up the shortfall in their earnings. Tipping 10-15% of the bill is standard.

Tips are less important for taxi drivers in Namibia, but we still recommend rounding up to the nearest ten or choosing an amount reflective of the distance of the journey and time of day. Hotel staff can be tipped at your discretion.

It is recommended to tip guides on safari in Namibia around US$10 per day.

Overall, you are welcome to tip in Namibian Dollar, South African Rand or US Dollar.

Q: What should I know about safari experiences in Namibia?

A: Namibia offers a very different kind of safari, combining great wildlife viewing opportunities with some of the continent’s most dramatic landscapes. Scenic drives between locations are as much a part of the adventure as the early morning game drives.

In Etosha National Park, due to the limited water, animals frequently gather around waterholes, so expect some of Namibia’s best game viewing across the vast plains here.

The vast plains of the Kalahari are a unique example of a semi-desert (with its annual rainfall slightly above the criteria for a true desert). Wildlife like ostrich, springbok and oryx have all adapted specially to the grassy plains, and the more than 150 bird species make this much more than a standard land safari.

Our blog is a great resource for insights into safari experiences. We have dedicated blogs about a typical day on safari (click here and a packing list (click here).

Click here to explore all of our blog entries about Namibia.

Health & Safety

Q: Is Namibia safe to travel to?

A: Namibia is a peaceful country with a relatively low crime rate, making it incredibly safe to travel to.

In busier areas like Windhoek, there is a slight risk of petty theft. Appropriate behaviour can prevent this: do not walk around with obvious signs of wealth like expensive-looking cameras or jewellery around your neck, and keep all valuables safely stowed away or in your hotel safe.

Following your guide’s safety briefings on safari and wildlife protocol will eliminate risk during your safari in Namibia.

Llama Travel’s booking conditions require all of our guests to have adequate travel insurance to ensure they are protected against the worst-case scenario when overseas.

The UK Foreign Office regularly updates its advice about safety while travelling in Namibia.

Q: What happens if I get ill while in Namibia?

A: Safari guides and staff in hotels will have first aid kits with basic medical supplies like plasters and bandages. If you require greater care, they will be able to arrange professional medical help.

Private hospitals across Namibia, especially those near Windhoek and Swakopmund, offer modern facilities and world-class care, comparable to UK standards. Most staff will speak English. We recommend you take out enough travel insurance to cover both in-destination care as well as emergency repatriation if needs be.

Availability and accessibility of prescription medication will vary across Namibia. It is recommended to bring enough of any prescribed medication to cover you for the full duration of your holiday, and perhaps extra just in case.

Q: Do I need travel insurance for Namibia?

A: Adequate insurance can protect travellers from having to cover the associated costs of illness, accidents, or emergency repatriation when abroad. It is part of Llama Travel’s booking conditions that our guests have adequate travel insurance.

Financially, your booking will be protected if it’s a package or ‘Flight-Plus’ holiday (meaning you booked a flight and one other component, like car hire) by ATOL package protections. Those cover holidaymakers if their airline, tour operator or travel agent goes bust. Travel insurance can further protect against trip cancellations for other reasons and other potential risks or incidents.

All Llama Travel holidays with flights are ATOL-protected, and holidays without flights are insured by IPP Ltd and its Panel of Insurers.

Connectivity and Communication

Q: How do I phone the UK from Namibia?

A: To phone the UK from Namibia, dial the international dialling code (0044) and then the UK telephone number, leaving out the ‘0’ in the area code.

Q: How do I phone Namibia from the UK?

A: To phone Namibia from the UK, dial the international dialling code for Namibia (0054) and then the Namibian telephone number, leaving out the ‘0’ in the area code.

Q: Will I get a phone signal while travelling in Namibia?

A: Namibian cities like Windhoek and Swakopmund are well connected, with a consistent 4G signal in most areas.

On the road and in national parks, signal will be less reliable, with vast ‘dead zones’ where no mobile connection will be available.  

In safari areas like the Kalahari Desert or Etosha National Park, there will likely be no mobile reception due to the remote setting. Select accommodation may have WiFi for guests.

Q: What are the options for mobile data and SIM cards in Namibia?

A: For your time in the connected cities, a local SIM card is a good option. The two main options in Namibia are MTC and TN Mobile. MTC offers the widest coverage, potentially extending further into rural areas and certain parts of Etosha National Park. TN Mobile is more cost-effective, but coverage is limited to major towns, cities and roads.

If you are spending less time in the connected areas and just need a short-term mobile plan solution, or you want to be connected as soon as you arrive, eSIM providers Firsty, Airalo and Saily offer limited-time options, including 24-hour and 3-day eSIMs, covering calls, texts and international roaming for a certain period. While these options don’t require a physical SIM card, it is important to check that your phone is eSIM-compatible before purchasing one.

Getting Around

Q: How do I get around in Namibia?

A: Namibia is vast and sparsely populated. That makes getting around a real highlight of the trip—car journeys, for example, often showcase the beauty of the nation’s vast landscapes and plains. A 4x4 is recommended, as most of Namibia’s road network is gravel rather than tarmac.

On Llama Travel holidays to Namibia, transfers to and from the airport and excursions are included. These will likely take place on a standard minibus.

If you choose not to drive, getting around Namibia can be tricky. The Go2 Tourism Shuttle is one option. It is a hop-on, hop-off style shuttle connecting Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Etosha and the Kalahari. The shuttle is comfortable, but with multiple stops, the route may not be the most efficient, and a communal vehicle often detracts from the unique immersion of a road trip.

The Desert Express from Windhoek to Swakopmund or Rovos Rail from Pretoria or Cape Town to Walvis Bay are more experiences than connections; the 11- or 12-night journeys are designed more as a safari-by-train than a journey from point A to point B.

Q: Is there public transport in Namibia?

A: Public transport in and around Namibia is incredibly limited due to the sparse population and vast distances between cities and towns.

Swakopmund is easily walkable due to its compact size and small-town feel. There are no buses around the city—select shared taxi services operate, but these are often outside of the official taxi network and routes and fares are unpredictable, so we don’t recommend these.

There is a city bus service in Windhoek, but the schedules often aren’t consistent or intuitive for tourists. Luckily, most tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other.

In all cities in Namibia, taxis are the easiest option to access local attractions which aren’t within walking distance. Hotel staff or Llama Travel reps can call a taxi for you and advise on approximate fees.

The Go2 Tourism Shuttle is one option for travelling between cities. The inter-city buses operate on a hop-on, hop-off style and a fixed route.

Food and Drink

Q: What’s the food like in Namibia?

A: Namibia is a very meat-oriented society, although there is a small vegetarian selection in most restaurants, and often a seafood option. Restaurants tend to be European in style, with a bias towards German dishes and seafood.

Swakopmund bustles with activity, and there are a range of places to eat and drink. Thanks to its coastal position, Swakopmund has excellent seafood restaurants serving fresh crayfish and mussels from the Skeleton Coast. The beachfront has many restaurants with scenic views.

On safari, due to the remote location, you will need to eat in your hotel, which will likely have a restaurant. For lunch, you can either buy some snacks to eat on route to your lodge or have lunch in the lodge restaurant upon return, although this can be quite late.

Q: Can I drink tap water in Nairobi?

A: Tap water is not safe to drink in Nairobi. Bottled water will be available in most shops and hotels, and on safari, your guide will likely supply bottled water.  

Q: Is alcohol available in Namibia?

A: Alcohol is available in Namibia. Most hotels and restaurants are fully licensed, and liquor stores (like off-licenses in the UK) sell a variety of alcoholic beverages.

Q: What drinks are available in Namibia?

A: Thanks to its strong German heritage, beer is by far the most popular alcoholic drink in Namibia. The flagship beer, and perhaps Namibia’s finest export, is the Windhoek lager, which is the only brewery in sub-Saharan Africa still adhering to ‘Reinheitsgebot’, a German purity law which dictates that beer can only be made with malted barley, hops, water and yeast. Other widely available local lagers include Tafel, Hansa and Urbock.

Given Namibia’s proximity to South Africa, wine is also a popular option in most bars and restaurants. The nation even has a few boutique vineyards of its own.

Traditional beverages include Omagongo, a seasonal, wine-like delicacy made from the Marula fruit, and Oshkundu, a thick fermented drink made from pearl millet and sorghum.

What to See

Q: What are the highlights of Namibia?

A: As the name of our flagship tour, ‘Wildlife & Wilderness of Namibia’, suggests, wildlife and wilderness are the two major highlights of a holiday to Namibia.

The sheer abundance of wildlife in Etosha National Park and the Kalahari Desert, especially the herds that gather around the waterholes, serves as an incredible contrast to the vast plains.

Along the Skeleton Coast in Namibia’s north, many find the haunting shipwrecks and scattered whale bones a moving spectacle.

The scale of the highest dunes on Earth, found in Sossusvlei, must be seen to be believed. Scaling ‘Big Daddy’, the tallest of all the dunes, standing at over 300 metres tall, is considered a triumph by many.

Windhoek’s colonial charm and fantastic food scene set it apart from other African capital cities, and mean it warrants much more than a brief pit stop before heading out on safari.

Q: Will I see the Big Five in Namibia?

A: Etosha National Park is one of the great wildlife viewing locations in Africa, but it is not home to the traditional ‘Big Five’. Etosha’s ‘Big Four’: elephant, lion, rhino and leopard all inhabit the park and can often be sighted on game drives, but sadly, there are no buffalo in the park. Leopard are the most elusive of the park’s ‘Big Four’, but the population in Etosha remains stable and healthy.

Etosha is also home to antelope, zebra, giraffe, cheetah and over 340 different of species, more than making up for the lack of buffalo.

Q: How many days do I need to explore Namibia?

A: Two weeks in Namibia is required to cover the essential destinations across Namibia: Windhoek, the Kalahari, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland and Etosha National Park. Plenty of time is required to soak in the incredible wildlife and landscapes across Namibia; exploring at too quick a pace often means visitors miss out on those special, spontaneous moments that make it such a fantastic destination.

Our flagship Namibia tour spans 15 days to allow adequate time in each destination. Given Namibia’s proximity to Zimbabwe, many visitors choose to extend to include the incredible Victoria Falls. Our three-day extension to ‘Wildlife & Wilderness of Namibia’, which includes a trip to the Falls, strikes a perfect balance between exploration and relaxation.

Still have questions about travelling to Namibia?
Our team is happy to help. Call us on 020 7263 3000 or explore our Namibia holidays to start planning your trip.